Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fire! Blazing flames illuminated the night. The sound of a drum disturbing the evening tranquility of the woods. A lonly figure moved gracefully, following the rhythm with the beat of the drum. Its bare feet elegantly grazed the snow with each step. It was a facinating sight for the eyes to witness. Tanjiro could watch his father for hours wishing he could dance like that. At the time he was oblivious of the real meaning behind the dance. All he sees is something magical and mistical.
Sometimes thou he actually catches glimps of something moving in the shadows of the trees, where the moon light can't reach. Once his curiosity took the better of him and he left his sitting spot on an old tree log to check if he imagined it or not. When he was only a step from the edge of the wood a strong hand grabbed firmly his shoulder, stopping him.
"Tanjiro, you should keep your distance from the trees. It's too dangerous to go anywhere near the woods." His father worned him. The look in his eyes startled Tanjiro. He never have seen his father so serious before. He just looked at his feet, tears pricking the corners of his eyes. Noticing taht his son is upset, Tanjuro's expresion softned and he wraps his arms around him in a gentle embrace. Tanjiro instantly wrapped his small hands around his father's legs, slowly calming down. He knew his father would never be mad wit him without a reason.
Suddenly his nose picked the sent of water lilies. He turns his head in the direction it came from. He caught the glims of a creature moving between the trees. It haults, like it felt that someone is watching it. What Tanjiro saw next will forever remain imprinted in his memories. Their eyes met and Tanjiro's breath caught in his throat. The creature's eyes were the most beautiful shade of blue he have ever seen. The reminded him of a deep dark water pools, soo deep you can drown in them. The creature didn't hold his gaze fir too long, turning away to continue its journey. Tanjiro reaches his hand, opening his mouth to call after it, but no sound came out. As sudden as it appeared it was gone. However Tanjiro never forgot those mesmerising eyes.
The older he got the more the way he saw them changed. They even invaded his dreams and he found himself more often than not awaking in the middle of the night, covered in cold sweat. He could not remember what he was dreaming exactly, except the deep blue eyes watching him from the darkness. It felt like they were staring deep in his soul and the worst part is the image is chasing him even when he is awake. The thought about them pulled him more and more to the woods, to that same spot he saw them for the first time. The desire to find out what was that creature and where it was going?
***

"Tanjiro?" A hand waved in front of his face, however he did not register the motion. He is too deep in his thoughts he is deaf for the sounds around him.
"Ouch!" He winced when his cheek is roughly pinched by the person, who tried to talk to him. "That hurts Sabito!" He rubbed his abused cheek pouting at the older boy. Sabito rolled his eyes, hands on his hips, looking like an angry mother, about to scold her child.
"You were daydreaming like usual, I got no choice, but to take drastic measures." He said half serious, half jokingly. Tanjiro blushes in emberassment. This is not the first time he spaced out like that, however today is the worst time to lose himself in his own mind and is because...
"TODAY IS THE CEREMONY!" The younger of the two shouted, slapping his forehead. Today is his entry as an official Hinokami Kagura dancer. The number of Hinokami Kagura dance is passed from generation to the next in his family. When the eldest child turns 19, a ceremony is performed, so the tytle Hinokami Kagura could be passed from father to son. Unfortunately his father passed away years ago and up until now his grandfather- Yoriichi Kamado, hold onto the position of the village guardian until Tanjiro is old enough to take on that responsability.
"That is what I was talking about for the last five minutes." Sabito groaned exasperated. the door of the room slids open and Tanjiro's little sister pokes her head in with a bright smile.
"Are you ready, big brother?" Her cheerful voice rings like amillion tiny bells.
"Help me here, Nezuko! Your brother's head is in the clouds again." The older boy gave her a pleading look.
"He is probably in love with someone, but keeps it a secret." Nezuko suggested, giggling. Tanjoro's face flushed red at the suggestion.
"That is not it at all, Nezuko!" He shouted defencifly. That was far from the truth. Actually he doesn't know what is the truth .
"Sure it is not!" Nezuko smirks, approaching her brother. "Let's prepare you for the ceremony." She beams, grabbing the ceremonial kimono, folded neatly on the floor, next to her brother. Tanjiro does not like the idea of someone else helpping him getting dressed. Nevertheless, the ceremonial kimono is heavy and dificult to put on. The actual Hinokami Kagura outfit is given after the ceremony by the former Hinokami Kagura dancer. He let his sister and Sabito help him to get ready faster, than he could manage on his own.
The sweet aroma of sakura blossoms, blown in the room by the spring breeze, suddenly is replaced by a horrible stench. He sniffed the air, trying to identify the sorse, however as suddenly as it apeared it was gone. The unplesant feeling it left, made Tanjiro sick. Could it be that a yokai made it through the barrier. What if something happened to his grandfather?
Both Nezuko and Sabito noticed her brother's distress. Nezuko cups her brother's cheeks and gently turns his head to face her.
"Tanjiro, what's wrong?" She asked him worried. He was hesitant to tell her. However, the look sabito gave him, clearly says "you better spill the beans". He took adeep breath before he speaks.
"I sensed something. Probably you didn't because it was faint, but it was there. The smell...of blood." He says the last sentance with dread in his voice. Nezuko's eyes widened in horro, her hands dropping at her sides. Her brother just like their father and grandfather is born with an extraordinary sense of smell. That is what made them perfect to be Hinokami Kagura. Nevertheless, thair natural birth give has its own dawnfalls. It is both a curse and a blessing at the same time.
Sabito furrowed his brows. What are the chances a yakai attack to occur in the day of the ceremony? The samurai draws out his katana, stepping out in the garden. Аt first glance, nothing stands out of the ordinary. However the air felt heavy, making it dificult to breath. There is no sound coming from street, on the other side of the stone walls. Which was odd, concidering the Hinokami Kagura ceremony is celebrated by the entire village.
Sabito tightned his grip on his weapon, slowly backing up inside the house and closing the door.
"Nezuko, find your mother and siblings and make sure no one leaves the house." He instructed her, his eyes still focused on the door. The second oldest Kamado didn't waste time, rushing down the hallway. "Tanjiro, you must not leave my side. If everything goes to hell, make a run for it for the temple. And most importantly don't look back, that will only slow you down." Sabito says firmly, leaving no room for arguing. Does this means his family have very little to no chances to survive? Moreover leaving the house is not an option. If a yokai is roaming outside, it will attack them the moment step a foot on the threshold.
They heard Nezuko's scream, Tanjiro running in the direction the scream came from. It was coming from the dinning room. When he turn around the corner, the smell of blood filled his nostrils. His mind refused to accept what his eyes saw. Nezuko is sitting on the floor, shacking, eyes wide open. Across the room laying on the floor were the dismembered bodies of his mother and younger siblings. Tanjiro falls on his knees, next to Nezuko. When? How? These questions were crashing in his head as he refused to accept what he sees as more than just a bad dream.
He was instantly pulled out of his shock as another sent filled the room-the smell of wet fur. He slowly shifted his gaze sideways, spotting the silhouette of something big. Tanjiro holds his breath, grabbing Nezuko's hand. She snapped out of her own shock, looking at her brother.
"Tan..." Her words were muffled by Tanjiro's hand, covering her mouth. He pressed a finger to his lips and points to the giant beast sniffing the engawa close to the open door. Nezuko almost screamed when she saw the yokai. It was a big okami yokai, with pail golden fur, covered with splashes of still fresh blood. One in particular stand out- a big circular stain on top of its head.
The yokai stops at the door, lifting its head. Its eyes scanned the room, pausing on the twins. It bared its fangs growling. They both were frozen in place by fear. The yokai lunge at them, jaws open, ready to tear into flesh. Nezuko burried her face in her brother's arm, too scared to watch the death in the eyes. Tanjiro on the other hand kept his eyes on the yokai. It all happens in a matter of seconds. Sabito came in between them and the okami, holding up his sword. The yokai bite the blade growling. .
"Hurry up and run!" He shouted aththe Kamado twins, barely holding the okami back. Tanjiro came to his sense, however he did not move from his spot.
"No, I refuse to leave you behind." The younger boy raised his voice. He knew he won't be of much help, since he has no basic training in swordsmanship. Yet he refused to run like a coward and leave his best friend behind.
"Damn it, Tanjiro, do not argue with me on that! " With each word Sabito deflected the yokai's attacks. "I swore to protect you with my life. And if it means I have to die, so you could live, this is a prize I am willing to pay."
"Sabito!" Tanjiro reaches for him, but Zezuko grabbed the nack of his kimono, holding him back. He glances over his shoulder, noticing the tears in her eyes. He averted his gaze, looking down ot his feet. First his father, then the rest of his family and now he will lose Sabito too. He grip his hair, squeezing his eyes shut. Why? Why he has to be so weak and useless? Why everyone around him die and he could not do anything to prevent all of this?
A pair of arms wrapped around him and he realized, it is Nezuko hugging him. He just stood there, letting her embrace comfort him. When she let go of him, he throw one last glance at Sabito before he wraps his hand around Nezuko's and made a run for it. His vision is clouded with tears, making it hard to see. He hated to cry, especially in front of his younger siblings. As the eldest son it is his responsability to stay strong. However, right now he is not able to be strong. After all, he is just a human.
The streets were floading with blood. Bodies laying everywhere. It was a massacre. This could not be work of only one yokai. the smell of blood we getting unberableit made him feel sick. He glanced back at Nezuko, noticing how pale her face it. By her expression it was obvious the smell makes her feel sick too. His sharp sense of smell, however made it worse for him. He suddenly trips over a body, Nezuko's hand slipping out of his grasp. He falls in the dust, the grit scrapping his cheek.
"Tanjiro, are you alright?" Nezuko asked worried, kneeling beside him. He sits up with her help rubbing his cheek. It was bleeding, but not too bad fortunately.
"You don't have to worry about me, Nezuko." He smiles at his sister, patting her head. She hugged him again, this time he could hear her sobs close to his ear. He gently hugged her back tightly. She is all he have left. He will do anything to hold on to her and protect her, no matter what.
They both tensed at the sound of approaching steps. Tanjiro hold on Nezuko tightned as he lifts his head. He sees a tall figure aproaching them. When it came closer, Tanjiro notices the same splash of red on the man's hair. His eyes were glowing with hunger. In his right hand he was holding a severed arm. Tanjiro knew who it belonged to. The red braclet on the wrist-it is the same one Nezuko made for him. She made one for Tanjiro and herself too-his a sea-foam-green and hers sakura pink.
"Just look at that! It must be my lucky day." He stopped a few steps from where they are standing. " Your friend was a tough nut, I give him that." He tosses the arm over Tanjiro's head, towards something behind him. His blood runs cold when he heard a low grow, restraining himself from looking back at the source of the sound.
"How many times I need to repeat myself, Douma?" Tanjiro blood runs cold when he recognized the voice.He hesitantly turns his head, his eyes widened in horror at the figure, which steps out in the bright sunlight. "Never play with your food!"
It was Akaza! Tanjiro had encontered him before. The Kamado twins were out playing tag with their other siblings. The oni attracted Tanjiro attention by tossing a temari ball at him. He had taken the form of a boy his age, tricking Tanjiro to approach the barrier with the predicament he is too shy to introduce himself openly. Back then Tanjiro was only 10 and he did not knew better. It never occur to him that a little child wondering outside a barrier is suspicious. Fortunetly his sister witnessed everything and rushed back to their house to call for their father. Unlike her brother she is not so trusting and naive. She saved her brother so many times he lost count. Without her he probably would end up as a yokai meal a long time ago.
Akaza's eyes land on Tanjiro and his mouth streaches into a smirk. "Little Tanjiro, I am surprised you are still alive." He closed the distance between him and the twins, grabbing the boy's chin, bending down to be on the same eye level with him. "I will take so much joy in devouring you." Tanjiro gulpped while those piercing yellow eyes bore holes in his sole. This must be it, the yokai will rip his body to pieces and devour him. And when they are done with him, Nezuko is next.
What happens next is like some force of fate attempting to preserve his life. Akaza let go of his face and jumps back to dodge a powerful fire blast.
"Shoot, I missed!" A kitsune yokai, apparently the one who send the attack, pouted when he missed his target.
"You have to work on your aim, big brother." A younger kinsune, looking similar to the other one giggled.
"I still can beat you in hand to hand combat, just with one hand, Senjuro." The older of the two gave his younger sibling an annoyed look.
"Bloody Hell, the blasted kitsunes are here. Which could only mean he is here too" Akaza cursed under his breath. As on cue an enormose figure breaks through the nearest wall, swinging its fits at Akaza. Douma pushes the oni out the way, taking the hit. The shier force sends him across the street into another wall. It was more than obvious they are at disadvantage, against the infamous dōjō-hōshi - the priest alone is a power house, with inhuman straight. Akaza dodges his fists retreating to where Douma was sprawled against the wall. The oni hoisted him over his back and made a run for it.
Tanjiro blinked confused while all of this happened in front of his eyes. Nezuko had to pinch his cheek to make him to snap out of his shock.
"Are you okay?" Is the first thing he asks her and she nods to confirm. The kitsune brothers apprached them and Tanjiro instinctivery wrapping his arms around Nezuko, protectively.
"Relax little human, we are not maneaters." The older kintsune laughed, holding out his hand to him. Tanjiro hesitated to take it at first. "If I wanted to have a lunch with you and wouldn't bother to talk to you." He smiled gently, patiently waiting for Tanjiro's decision. The boy looks in his eyes to confirm if he should trust him or not. Ther radiated with honesty and kindness. His entire life he was told yokai are melicious bloodtursthirsty creatures, however this kitsune proves that not all of them are monsters. The older Kamado twin finally accepted his help to stand up.
"You are lucky we managed to track down Akaza and Douma. Otherwise you would be dead." The priest, who accompanied the kitsune spoke up. He looked scary at first sight, given his size.
"This is Gyoumei, he is what you humans refer to as superhuman with godly straight. his punch can creat an eartquake." The kitsune grins wide as he introduced his comrade. Then he returns his attentin back to the twins. "And you can call me Kyojuro Rengoku. The little runt over there is my little brother Senjuro." He points to the smaller kitsune, receeving a kick in the shin.
"I am not a runt, you are just tall." He growled annoyed. Tanjiro and Nezuko exchenged glances.
"What are we going to do about them?" Gyoumei asks, gesturing to the twins. Tanjiro gulped. If they decide to leve without them, Akaza and Doma will eventually return and then no one will be there to stop the oni and the okami from feeding with their flesh and blood.
"Why don't we take them with us? They are so adorable." Kyojura exclaimed, pinching their cheeks.
"You know better than me we are not allowed to interact with humans." Gyoumei worned.
"But you are are human, too." Senjuro pointed out. "And besides, they must be valuable for Muzan minions to go through all the trouble to massacre the entire village."
"I think, I know why they did it." Kyojuro pointed to the temple, which is located on top of the hill at the far end of the street, where they are currently standing. "The wisteria threes grow only on one place, which could mean only one thing-we are at the legendary village of the Hinokami Kagura dancers."

Chapter Text

Tanjiro glances around nervously at every corner, expecting at any moment another oni or some other kind of maneating yokai, to attack at them. Not likely to happen with Gyomei and the Rengoku brothers goarding them from both the front and the rear as they walk. He noticed how his sister is staring at Kyojuro's fluffy nine tail, which Tanjiro just now noticed are the same golden color with red tips. Even his fox ears looked just as fluffy as his tails.
Tanjiro could not help, but to let go of Nezuko's hand and reach his hands to touch them. Rengoku jumped in surprise when the boy ruffled his ears and unvolunterily let out a purr. Senjuro burst out laughing, while Gyomei shakes his head.
"They are so fluffy!" Tanjiro exclaimed. Nezuko followed her brother's example and hugs one of Kyojuro's tails. The kitsune allowed them to pet him, ignoring his brother's sneakering.
"we don't have time for this." Gyomei serious tone startled them, breaking their happy moment. Tanjiro frowned a little disapointed. Kyojuro's ears surprisingly helped him to calm his nerves. he could say the kitsune's tails have the same effect for Nezuko. Kyojiro noticed how the joy faded from their eyes, his own lips forming a frown. His kind and gentle nature screamed at him to do something to cheer them up. He turns with his back facing them and kneels down. The Kamado twins watched him confused as he pats his shoulders.
"Hop on!" They exchanged glanced uncertain of what they should do. He patted his shoulders again and it is Tanjiro, who took a bold step forwar, sitting on his right shoulder. Nezuko hesitated at first, however the encoraging glance Tanjiro gave her is all she needs to follow her brother example. Once they are both securely hoisted over his soulders, Kyojuro wraps his arms around their legs to keep them steady and stood up on his feet. Nezuko giggled like little child, while Tanjiro laughed and cheered. Despite being almost adults , the twins still carry a childish spark with them. Especially Tanjiro! The boy reminded him a little bit of himself when he had 500 years less on his shoulders.
When they neared the foot of the hill, both Kyojuro and Senjuro simultaneously halts in their tracks, sniffing the air. Tanjiro sniffed it too. The aroma of the wisteria trees or the lack of one sorried him. He recalled all the times he accompanied his father to the temple, he always catches their sent before they even climbed the stairs. The fact he could not smell them now, is a huge red flag for him.
"Something is not right." Senjuro pointed out, exchanging glances with his brother. They both have came to the same conclusion-Akaza and Doma were not the only yokai who attacked the village. There most likely is a thierd one.
"Senjuro, take the humans with you and run for the woods. It is too dangerous for them to go forward." Kyojuro says, taking the twins off his shoulders with Gyomei's help. "Are you going to be alright up there?" Senjuro asks him worried. He was reluctant to leave his brother behind.
"Of corse I will, little runt." He grins, ruffling the younger's hair. Usually Senjuro will lose his temper at that, but he let is slid just this once. He watches how his brother took of with Gyomei up the steps.
"He wil be alright! Just have faight in him. As long as you do that wil give him straight." Tanjiro assured him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. Senjuro nodded, trying to smile.
" You are right. We better hurry up. The village is no longer a safe place. Follow me!" He took off down the street perpendicular to the one they came from. He had a feeling Akaza and Doma will still lurk in that area. They most likely already know that the humans are no longer in Koyojiro and Gyomei protective presance.
"Where is the hurry, Senjuro?" Akaza appeared out of thin air, blocking their way. Of course, Senjura has to always be right.
"Don't you want to play with us?" Doma jumps down from the nearest rooftop, cutting their escape route. "My ribs still hurst, because of that blasted priest. I think two or three are broken."
"Well next time, you will think before taking action." Akaza scolded him. His eyes focused on Senjuro. "I usually don't feed on other yokai, however I will enjoy the look of despair on Kyojiro's face when I deliver your bones to him." The one reaches his hand to grab a hold on Senjuro's haori. Unfortunatelly for him the kitsune is thinking a few steps ahead of him.
He grabs Akaza's wrist, setting his arm on fire. The oni backed up with a pained hiss. He shakes his hand until the flames died, replaced by a thick layer of ice. Akaza had used his magic as it seems, which is a rare rare occurance.
"Could you repeat that, because I was too distracted by your ugly face, I did not hear a single word." Senjiru stuck his tongue out at him. He knew better than to taunt an oni, yet seeing Akaza pissed is worth it. Or something to regret.
The screams of the twins startled him amd he quickly whipped around, his eyes wide in panic when he sees the Kamado sibligs locked in Doma's iron grasp. The kitsune throws himself at the okami, intending to fight him fang and claw to protect them. However, Akaza grabbed him by the hair, pulling him back towards him.
"I am going to kill you in the most slow and painful way you will wish for a quick death."He hissed, slamming Senjuro's head in the ground, using his full force. Tanjiro struggled in Doma's grasp, while watching how Akaza repeatedly slams Senjuro's head, splashes of blood decorating the pavement. Regardless of being an yokai, Senjuro is not invinsible. The kitsune stood up to to yokai much stronger than him for his and Nezuko sake. There must be something he could do.
Suddenly he heard a voice in his head. It is his father's voice. At first it sounded distant at first, making it hard for Tanjiro to understand what he is saying. Then a distant memory of his childhood he had forgotten resurfaced as a flashback. He had failed to cast yet another spell his father taught him. Tanjiro remembers how upset he was to the point he starts crying. It was when Tanjuro gently ruffled his hair, tanjiro calmed down.
"The summoning spells are hard. They could not be mastered over a day. You do have a potential andb if you practice often and hard you could summon very powerful familiar, who will protect you when you face danger.
"What is a familiar?" Tanjiro asks curiously.
"It is a yokai, whose bound to you the moment you are born. Only Hinokami Kagura is born with that type of bound to a yokai." His father explained with a smile.
"Grandfather says all yokai are dangerous. Aren't they?" Tanjiro was confused and conflicted by the new information.
"They are that much is true, however once you are bound to a yokai they are loyal only to you. Bot your grandfather and I had familiars of our own. Unfortunately they perished long before you were born." A nostalgy and saddnes filled Tanjuro's eyes when he said that.

Tanjiro could not believe he forgot about this last memory he shared with his father, before he passed away. Most importantly, if it actually works this time, he can turn the tables in their favour. he closed his eyes and concentrated. Breath! Concentrating on his breathing is the key. He could feel it. It felt like he is surrounded by water. In the darkness of his mind he saw a faint aqua blue glow. And Tanjiro almost lost cocentration when he saw them-those mystical deep blue eyes, haunting his dreams.
Akaza and doma froze when the silance is cut by a loud roar. They both reconized it and it is Akaza who noticed first the glowing marks on Tanjiro's body. Before either of the yokai could do anything a pillar of water erupted from the ground, separating them. A low grow came from the center of the gazer , a figure stepping out on Akaza side. The oni greeted his teeth putting all parts of the puzzle together. The boy is Hinokami Kagura and by some luck of fate his familiar is none other than the Mizuchi yokai, most commonly know among the yokai by the name Giyuu Tomioka.
"I had a feeling that boy was special. However I miss to concider how special indeed." Akaza covered his annoyance with a smile. Giyuu however looked pissed. He noticed the unconscious body of Senjuro, recognizing the signature flame patern haori of the Rengoku clan. His eyes then shifted back on Akaza.
"You always take a bite bigger than you could swallow, Akaza. Wiping out an entire village. That is a record." The mizuchi bared his fangs. Akaza burst out laughing.
"you never cared about things like that, before. Why start now?" He smirked. However he knew the answer. Giyuu did not even has to tell him, yet he did.
"Because now I have someone to protect." With that said he swings his arm, redirecting the water towards Akaza. The oni is fast thinker though, freezing it, before it could reach him. Giyuu knew fighting him will take long, that is why he attacked Doma, who was too stunned to think properly. Unlike Akaza he was not able to dodge. The water blast sends him flying into one of the buildings. Talking about deja-vu.
Akaza used his distraction to attack, however Giyuu sharp sense of smell alerted him and he blocked the attack. Akaza continued to throw attacks on him, managing to freeze one of his arms. it hurts, of corse, yet Giyuu ignored the pain, concentrating on his oponent. His attacks back at Akaza were slowed down by the frost bites on his right arm.
"What's the matter, Giyuu? I thought you are stronger than that." Akaza taunted.
"He is!" rengoku's voice startled Akaza and he turns too late as the fire blast Kyojuro fired strikes him head on. He jumps off the roof of the building he stands on and approaches Giyuu, who looked displeased to see him. Kyojuro picked up his brother, sighing in relieve when he saw, that the wound on his forehead is not too serious. His attention then shifts to Giyuu
"Giyuu old friend, it's been a while" Kyojuro smiles at him, thought the smile did not reach his eyes. Giyuu knew by instinct it is because he is worried about his little brother well being, even after confirming his life is not in danger.
"Not really!" Giyuu reply flatly. "However as much as I can't stand you, I need your help with this." He held out his frozen arm. Kyojuro did not even think twice, cradling Senjuro in one arm, placing his other hand on the frozen scales. Giyuu sighed in relief when the ice melts. Kyojuro was not a complite pain the neck all the time.
"TANJIRO! TANJIRO, WAKE UP, PLEASE!" Nezuko distressed calls for her brother got their attention. Tanjiro is laying unconscious on the ground, while his twing shocks him desperatly. Giyuu imediatly remembered, he did met the boy before. He aproached him, kneeling down next to Nezuko. He holds his hand over the boy's mouth. He is breathing, thankfully. Gently the mizuchi craddled him in his arms with so much care, Kyojiro is honestly surprised.
"We must take them somewhere safer. And before Akaza and Doma regain their consciousnest." Giyuu stated a metter of factly. Kyojuro already had something in mind.
"Then follow me!"

Chapter Text

"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND?" A very furious kitsune with snow white fur and scars decorating his exposed skin, yelled at Kyojuro. Giyuu expected hostility, given the looks they received when they enter Kyojuro's village, which was abandoned before his tribe settel down here.
The angry kitsune, pointed at Giyuu, eyes flashing dangerously. "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING TO BRING THE MIZUCHI AND EVEN WORSE - HUMANS TO OUR VILLAGE?" Giyuu face twists into a frown, however he remain silent. It was not his place to interfear.
"Sanemi, like it or not they are my friends, so you better deal with it."Kyojuro says this with his signature trade mark smile. Sanemi knew well not every smile of Rengoku is a friendly one. However, he is too pissed with his best friend, he could care less.
"You must have gone insane then! At this point you may end up best buddies with Akaza." Sanami snapped, bearing his fangs. Rengoku cringe at the idea. He could not stand Akaza and vise versa. "If you are not going to take action, then I will."
Sanemi pushed Kyojuro out the way, attacking Giyuu directly with wind blades. The dragon yukai contered them in the last second with his water blades-the first one deflects Sanemi's attack, while the second nearly left the kitsune with one tail less. They lunge at each other, but Kyojuro steps in between to prevent them from killing each other.
"Enough, you both!" He gave each of them a stern look. "Giyuu you should go check on Tanjiro." At the mention of the human, the mizuchi's expression softned and his posture visibly relaxed.
"You are right! My master well being should be my first priority." He agrees, turning on his heels, ignoring Sanemi angry shauting behind his back. His mind is entirely concentrated on the young adult, who is supposed to be his master. To be honest, Giyuu never in his entire life concidered the possibility of being someone's familiar, given his dark past.
He did not realize when he reached the infirmary, until his master's twin's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.
"If you are here to see my brother, he just woke up." She informed him with a smile. For a nineteen years old human girl, she radiated with so much childish cheerfulness it is blinding.
Giyuu simply noods , before he slids the door open.
****
First thing Tanjiro saw when he opens his eyes is his sister's relived face. She wrapped her arms around him in a bone crushing hug. Tanjiro cares her hair and he could feel her smile against his shoulder. She did not said anything, just hugged him. She does not have too, he knows she was worried, he can feel it through their twin bound.
Suddenly the smell of spring water filled his nostrils, followed by the sound of creaking wood boards. Nezuko let go of him and rushes for the door to see who it is. When he heard her talking to someone , he expected to be Kyojuro. What he did not expect is to see those deep blue eyes again outside his dreams. And on top of all they belong to very handsome male yokai.
A light pink dusted his cheeks when he realized what words he used in his head to describe the yokai. He never before found a male attractive. In fact he only once have been attracted to someone and that was Sabito adoptive sister. For his disapointment it turns out she was already engaged by the time he build enough courage to confess his feelings.
"How are you feeling, master?" Even his voice made his heart skip a beat. Tanjiro face turned 50 different shades of red in the span of a couple of seconds. He quickly pulled himself together and smiled at the yokai.
"Just call me Tanjiro." His smile grew and he patted the spot beside him for Giyuu to sit. "Wil you tell me your name?"
"Giyuu!" He reply simply, pressing a hand on the human's forehead. "You seem to have a temperature and your face is burning." He pointed out. Tanjiro blushes again. He maybe burning, but is not because his health suddenly dropped. Oh no, he is in good health, he just is beyond emberassed.
"I am fine, Giyuu-san, you don't have to be worried."He assured the mizuchi, but for his dismay Giyuu is not convinced. He hops off the bed and grabs un extra blanket from the neigbourin bed, pulling it over Tanjiro. The young male, did not protest, because he was scared he will offend the yokai. He seems too invested in taking care of him.
Giyuu called for Nezuko and asked her to call Kyojuro. For a fact, Giyuu unintentionaly learned that the kitsune is not only a skillful warrior, but also the beast medic in his tribe.

In no time the cheerful yokai appeared on the door, with that bright smile of his.He run a quick check up on Tanjiro and barely held back his amusment.
"Is there something funny you like to share?" Giyuu asks annoyed and how hard the kitsune tried not to burst out laughing.
"He is in good health, Giyuu. He just..."Kyojuro searched for the right words. "Humans overheat when they spot someone they want to mate with."
Giyuu blinked in confusion, while Tanjiro pulled the covers over his head, even more emberassed. It was true he developped a crush on Giyuu the moment he saw him. But the way Kyojuro explained it made it sound way worse than it really is. And to use the word "mating" of all possible other words he replace it with.
"Not so fast! As a respectful Kamado, you should safe yourself for after the wedding." Nezuko teased him. She had walked in with a tray of food and a cup of herbal tea. All three male stared at her speachless. She placed the food on the nightstand, sitting down and scooting closer to her brother. "Aww, little Tan-tan is shy."
"Do not worry, Tanjiro, my boy! I will give you some tips, so you should be prapared for the main act." Kyojuro joined in, glancing sideways at Giyuu, mischievously. Giyuu is already used to Kyojuro antics, however, Tanjiro is yet to adapt to his jokes.
"Since when are you an expert about bounding? Last time I checked you don't have a mate?" Giyuu turned the tables, watching with satisfaction the blush spreading across the kitsune's face.
"Like you are one to speak." Sanemi's voice startled Giyuu and he abruptly turn, glaring at the scared kitsuune. "But then again, who would want to waste their time with losers like you."
"This loser here is your only friend, so the joke is on you." Rengoku pointed out. Sanemi opens his mout to argue, but no words came out. He clicked his tongue, turning his head the other way. Kyojuro grined triumfantly, looking more goofy than usual.
"You guys are too lous." A groan from across the room attracted their attention. Kyojuro imediatly springs on his feet, sweaping his little brother in his arms.
"I was so worried about you." He cried, receevin a gentle pat on his head from Senjuro.
"You big baby!" He teased, letting his brother cuddle him. Nezuko copied the gesture, hugging her Twin through the blankets. Tanjiro passed out again from being squeezed to hard. Everyone panicked, Nezuko slapping his cheeks desparate to wake him up. In the end it took at least five minutes for Tanjiro to come back to his senses.
****
"You asked for my presance father?" Kyojuro voice shakes a little as he speaks. He bowed waiting for further instuctions. The kyuubi no kitsune watched his son with his sharp eyes, Kyojuro felt intimidated.
"I heard what happend in the village up north. Sanemi reported to me earlier, something you should have done yourself." His voice boomed as he spoke. Kyojuro looked at his feet. He couldn't hold his father's gaze, he probably never will be able to. "You let your brother face Akaza alone, what were you thinking? He could have died. Didn't you consider that possibility.
"But father, Kokushibo was there too. Akaza and Doma were only a decoy. There is something bigger happening here. The village they attacked happens to be the Hinokami Kagura village. Did Samemi concidered telling you that?" Kyojuro raised his voice, his fists clenching. His father is silent for a moment, which felt like enernity. It seems like he is thinking over the new information, given to him.
"Do you have proof, backing up that statment?" He finally asks. Kyojuro thinks for a moment, then he remembers what Giyuu told him, about being summoned by Tanjiro. For a fact, Kyojuro knew only Hinokami Kagura can summon yokai as their familiars. From their he quickly made the connection.
"The young man I brought here is related to the current Hinokami Kagura. I don't know how, but he summoned the mizuchi dragon to protect Senjuro." Rengoku finally replied, lifting his eyes to look at his father.
"You seem found of him and his sister. " His father pointed out. Kyojuro nodded, this time struggling to keep his eyes up. "I do not approve of your choice of friends, however, for your mother's sake I will grant you permission to join the humans on their mission. As long as Sanemi comes with you." Kyojiro did not expect that. But what he did not understand is what his mother has to do with all of this. He refrained from asking, aware of how upset his father gets when they talk about Ruka. He bowed and hurry to the door.
"Kyojuro!" His father's voice made him freeze at the door. "I am getting old and I expect you to take my place soon. And when you do that you must choose a mate to bound with. You can't pospond forever."
This speach again. Kyojuro is tired of listening to it. He already made it clear he is not interested in anyone of the kitsune from his tribe. If it come to it, he plans to pick up Sanemi as a last resort. His father liked him already, so he probably will approve. The question is if Sanemi will agree to it. He shock the thought from his head and simply answers with "I know!", before he exits the room.
***
"I CAN'T BELIEVE I AM STUCK WITH YOU!" Sanemi groaned it frustration, pulling on his hair. "GENYA, STAY AWAY FROM THE HUMANS!" He shouted at his younger brother, who chatted animatedly with Nezuko and Tanjiro. He becomes tense when his brother yelled at him. His brother rarely yelled at him, in fact he is the only one Sanemi shows his gentle side to.
"Just allow your brother to make friends. He does not need to be a stuck-up short tempered jerk like you." Kyojuro scolded his best friend. He is almost done packing Sanemi stuff for him.
"Well he does not need to be a human lover like you, either." The white kitsune contered. Kyojuro ignored his words, handing him his backpack.
"If we leave now, we will reach the next village before sunset." He smiled wide, walking pass Sanemi, pushing Tanjiro and Nazuko out the room. Giyuu was waiting outside, because Sanemi forbids him to enter his house. He smiled when he saw Tanjiro, who returned the smile. It was clear they hold facination for each other. Kyojuro own smile dropped as he remembered his father's words. He took a deep breath and chased the thought away. He will have time to figure it out when the time comes.
"Everyone, ready to go?" He asks with his usual cheerfulness. Sanemi smacked the back of his head annoyed. Kyojiro gave him a quick sideways look, saying "Do that again and I will bite your hand off." Sanemi just rolloed his eyes, not fased at all.
Nezuko and Tanjiro swear dropped, while observing them. A very intense journey appers to be awaiting for them.

Chapter Text

The morning spring air is filled with joyful singing from an overjoyful Kyojuro. He sang so loud it scared the birds. Tanjiro and Nezuko at some point joined him, doubling Sanemi's torture. It becomes unberable when Kyojuro hits a high note, nearly causing Sanemi's eardrums to expload. Even the stoic, emotion deprived Giyuu is humming with a small smile, grazing his lips. Sanemi could not stand that irritating "happy go go" mood, grabbing on the nearest tree trunk and smashes his head in it with full force.
"MAKE IT STOP!" He growls as he keeps hitting his head in the hard surface. The annoying melody is driving him insane.
"If you keep that up, you will break the tree in half." Giyuu taunted him, amused. Sanemi glares at him over his shoulder, a stream of blood gushing from his forehead.
"FUCK YOU, YOU BLASTED AQUA BREATHER!" He snaps at the dragon, his eyes flashing dengerously.
"No, thank you! You are not my type!" Giyuu said dismisivly, speeding up his pace to catch up with Kyojuro and the Kamado siblings. Sanemi just stood there stuned. Did the Mizuchi made a joke just now? Now that is something you don't witness everyday. Guess even someone as stuck up as Giyuu has a sense of humor.
***
When they neared their destination, the sun has begun to set, illuminating everything with bright orange light. The small group had stopped on a small hill at the outskirts of the village, using the foliage as a cover.
"We need to do something about out appearance. Humans will freak out if we march through the streets looking like this." Giyuu pointed out gesturing between himself, Kyojuro and Sanemi.
"That won't be an issue." Kyojuro flicks his fingers and his tails and fox ears disappeared, the fure on his hands and legs replaced with smooth skin, his eyes switch from stricking golden to soft amber. Tanjiro and Nazuko watched him in amazment. He is quite handsome in his human disguise.
Giyuu followed his example. He transforms into breath taking young man, the silver highlights in his hair slowly fading away and his eyes changing to a lighter shade of blue. He noticed Tanjiro is staring at him. The red haired male upon realizing he is being caught quickly averted his eyes.
Sanemi looked hesitant, however, the smell of approaching storm, despite clear skies, left him no choice. Both Kyojuro and Giyu watched him change, with wide eyes.
"You look intimidating, even as a human." Kyojuro commented, receeving a middle finger his direction. "That is tipical Sanemi for you."
A distant howl startled them, Tanjiro instingtively pulling Nezuko close to him with his left arm, while his right hand gripped on Giyuu's. That was their cue to move on and find a place to stay, before nightfall. It was not that three powerful yokai as them can't handle a raging raiju, but they can't risk to involve the human siblings in a fight between feral beasts. At least Kyojuro and Giyuu were on that same thought, Sanemi could careless. He only go along, because it is his word alone against the majority of the group.
***
They did expected to be stared at, but not the way the local women observed them with interest. Kyojuro winks at one or two of them, making them giggle. Sanemi would roll his eyes, but the way Kyojiro overexaggerate with the cheerfulness is worrying him. After all Kyojuro is his best friend. He made a mental note to interogate him later.
The village is small, so naturally they have only one inn the travelers could stay at. Kyojuro did all the talking, because, let's face it, he is an expert in human interactions. He is either oblivious or he is just uninterested in the woman, who holds the inn, attempting to flirt with him. Sanemi clicked his tongue, redirecting his attention to his companions. Tanjiro and Nezuko were wondering around, apperantly never been to an inn before. Giyuu stood at the entrance, staring at something outside. Sanemi approached him, following his gaze to the woods south-east from the village. Sparks of electricity flashed over the tree tops, lightnings coming from the ground.
"It is coming this way." Giyuu narrowed his eyes, body tense. Sanemi felt the same tension, intching to rush out there and fight the thunder beast. However, that would be recless.
"We are all settled for the night." Kyojuro annonced cheerfuly, startling the other two yokai.
"DON'T DO THAT YOU BASTARD!" Sanemi barked at him, bearing his teet. Kyojuro hold up his hands in defence.
"No need to fluff your fur, Sanemi-san. Anyway, if you are done enjoying the view, the inn holder is waiting to show us our rooms." The younger yokai grins wide, spining with grace on his toes. Sanemi snorted, letting him go up ahead first. Giyuu called for Tanjiro and Nezuko, who were not too far, petting a stray cat. When they heard Giyuu's voice they hurry to catch up with the others.
***
The inn holder had given them two separate rooms. One for the three yokai and one for the siblings. Nezuko looked nervous to go out in just the yukata they were given. She felt expossed as her cleavage is on display. Tanjiro like the good brother he is , gave her his haori to cover herself. She hugged him tight to show her gratitude. She is way too sweet for her own good, but not as sweet as Tanjiro. Let's be honest the young man is way too pure for this world.
When they arrived at the dinning room, Kyojuro is playing a fetch with Giyuu-he throws rise balls and Giyyu have to catch them with his mouth. Sanemi simply ignored them, eating his share of the food. Tanjiro sits on Giyuu right and Nezuko on his left. They thanked for the food and dig in. Tanjiro eats so fast it worried Kyojuro and Giyuu he will feel sick. Sanami on the other hand watched him amused.
The white kitsune suddenly remembered Kyojiro unusual behaviour since they left their home village. It all started after his private talk with his father. Something must have happened during that time for Kyojiro to try so desperatly to hide how affected he really is. Sanemi grabs his best friend's arm, dragging him out the room, under Giyuu and the Kamado sibligs' confused stares.
"What are you doing, Sanemi?" Kyojuro whine displeased that his meal has been interupted.
"We need to talk!" Sanemi stated firmly, crossing his arms. "You have been acting strange since early this morning. Is there something you want to share with me?"
Kyojiro face paled and he instantly averted his gaze. He grips on his hakama to still his nerves. Sanemi knew painfully well he only got that nervous when Shinjuro presured his to settle down and start a family. The white kitsune let out an exasperated sigh.
"It was the "you should find a mate as soon as possible" talk again, am I right?" He asks when he receeves no answer. Kyojuro nods, his eyes still casted downwords. Neither of them said anything more, just stood their in awkward silance. Suddenly a loud thunder crack from outside split the silence. A moment later they heard a comotion from the room down the corror, causing the entire building to shock violently. Kyojuro grabs on Sanemi for support, who had a firm hold on the wall behind him. Once the shacking died down, the door of the dinning room slids open, Giyuu stepping out the room and slid the door closed behind his back.
"You two still alive?" He asks and Sanemi flips him off. They heard growling and a huge shadow moved pass the sliding door of the room. The tree of them exchaged glances. Kyojuro is the first to approach the room, slidding the door open. It was empty. He steps in, taking a closer look at the distruction. Broken furniture and torn futons layed scatered around the room. A huge hole is gapping on the roof, Kyojuro could see the night sky through it. Just then he heard a heavy breathing from the dresser across the room. He cautiously approached it , reaching his hand to open the door. What is hidding inside must have felt threatened, because the next moment the doors flung open and he is on his back, pinned to the floor. A pair of magenta eyes stared down at him, a low, but less threatening growl warned him to stay still.
"KYOJURO!" Sanemi shouted, attacking the raiju. It dodges the attack breaking through the paperwall, into the next room startling its occupants. Apperantly they were too scared to leave the room earlier when the raiju broke through the ceiling and trashed the room. Kyojuro rushed after the raiju, ignoring Sanemi's shouting after him. For some unknow reason he is drawn to the thunder wolf. Like an invisble string connecting them. He caught up with it at the village's square. The kitsune leaps forward, tackling the raiju to the ground. For someone his size he has a spectacular straight. They rolled in the dust and Kyojiro struggled to to hold the beast down. He accidentaly noticed the blood staining its silver fur. It back leg isseriously injured. At closer inspection it looks like a blade pierced its skin. Complitely forgetting he is out in public, Kojuro pressed his hand to the wound, applying his healing magic. The cut slowly closed itself and the raiju struggle quited down. Now that he is that close to the thunfder beast, by the sent he could tell it is a male.
He gasps when he is tossed off of the raiju, falling on his back. He winced by the impact, squeezing his eyes shut. He felt a hot breat over his face, cracking one eye open. The pair of magenta eyes were staring at him again, low rumble coming from the raiju's chest. He expected his face to be biten off. What he did not expected is him to lick his face. It looks like he is thanking him.
The raiju snapped its head up when nearby woman screamed, pointing at the thunder wolf. Kyojuro sat up, when he heard Sanemi's voice in the distant. The sent of Sanemi's magic filling his nostrils, made him spring up on his feet,. He contered the wind blade with fire barier, panting and gasping for air.
"Step out the way, Kyojuro!" Sanemi insisted, but the other kitsune did not budge. He was not going to let him, harm the raiju without a reason.
"Kyojuro, this creature is dangerous." Giyuu shouted.
"No, he is not. He is just scared!" Kyojuro shouted back. As sensing his intentions to protect him, the raiju licks his head and nuzzled his hair. That only terrified the passers-by even further. Seeing as they attract too much attention, Sanemi takes off his necklace, which has a flute attached tto he chain. He plays a few notes, the melody lulled everyone on the square to fall asleep. When he is done he slips the necklace back on.
"You are so recklace" He muttered, glaring at Kyojuro. "Get rid of that thing, so we can go back to the inn."
Kyojuro was reluctant, but he knew Sanemi is right and they have to chase it away. He turns to face the raiju, who wags his tail, looking almost happy at him. It broke Kyojuro's heart to do it.
"I am sorry, but you can't stay." His voice is trembling as he says that. The raiju stopped wagging his tail, however he did not budge from his his place. "What are you waiting for? Go already!" He raised his voice, gesturing for the raiju to leave.
"Do you really want me to leave, dear kitsune?" The thunder wolf suddenly spoke, startling the three yokai. In a blink of an eye he transforms into a tall, silver haired man, his attention focused entirely on Kyojuro. "Because I can sense hesitation in your voice." He steps closer, until their is barely any space between them. Sanemi quickly rushed by Kyojiro's side, pushing the raiju back. He stood in front of his best friend protectively.
"Keep your distance, you bastard!" He snarls at the wolf. The raiju snorts, obviously amused.
"Is he your mate or something? Because if he was he would have your smell on him. However, that is not the case." He chuckled at the angry flush on Sanemi's face.
"Who do you think you are, you deepshit?" Sanemi would have jumped him, if Kyojuro was not holding him back.
"My name is Temgen Uzui. And may I have your gorgeous friend's name?" Tengen winks at Kyojuro, whose face lit like a papper lantern.
"Kyojuro Rengoku!" Kyojuro blurted out, suddenly feeling too shy. What was wrong with him.
"A beautiful name for a beautiful kitsune." Tengen chuckled, ignoring Sanemi's glares.
Seeing that Kyojuro's brain is not functional at the moment and Sanemi is one step close to start a fight, Giyuu stepped in.
"It will be best if you leave now." The mizuchi says as politely as he could with his monotone voice. Realizing he is not wanted, Uzui smile drops and he shifts back to his wolf form. He throws one last glance at Kyojiro, who looked disapointed, before he was gone in a flash of light.
****
The rest of the night is uneventful, aside from Tanjiro endless stream of questions about the comotion earlier. Sanemi barket at him to watch his own business. Kyojuro is too deep in his thoughts to acknowledge him, leaving Giyuu to explain everything. Kyojuro is the first to return to their shared room, to find someone is already there. The door to the garden, opened wide.
"You did not think you got rid of me that easy, did you? Tengen ask, smirking. Kyojuro eyes widen in surprise, his heart hammered against his ribcage. His body moved on its own and he closed the distance between them and shocked tengen when he wrapped his arms around him.
"I am glad you did not leave." He whispers, burying his face in his chest. Tengen's lips streched upwords into a smile, his arms wrapping around Kyojuro smaller frame. Kyojiro could not explain why he felt that sudden connection to the raiju. From what his mother told him when he was younger, a kitsune feels an instant to their soulmate when they meet them. They don't waste time debating their feeling like humans, they know right there and then they met their life mate. Kyojuro without a doubt knows Tengen is the mate he looked for for the past 400 years. He do not care if he is a differen species. All that matters is that he knows that he wants to spend the rest of his life with him.

Chapter Text

"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" Shinazugawa shouted, when he slid the door open to find out Kyojuro and Tengen pressed against each other, kissing each other passionantely. Kyojuro quickly pulled away from Tengen, his face flushing red like a spider lily. Tengen frowned, a little displeased by the interuption, glaring sideways at Sanemi. "YOU HAVE SOME NERVE TO GOME BACK HERE AND FORCE YOURSELF ON KYOJURO!" Sanemi hisses, pointing an accusing finger at the raiju.
"To me it looked like Kyojiro was willingly kissing him back." Giyuu pointed out, receeving a dead glare from the older yokai.
"Which side are you on?" Sanemi's tails fluffed as he beared his fangs. Giyuu rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "Your tails are out." Sanemi glanced over his shoulder, spotting the snow white fluffs swaying behind him. He quickly looked around him to make sure the hallways are empty and willed his seven tails to vanish. He could not believe he let his emotions break his concentration that easy.
"Sanemi-san, why are yelling?" Tanjiro peeks out of the room he shares with his sister.
"Go back to sleep, before I rip your limbs." He growled, startling the poor boy. Sanrmi felt Giyuu's eye burning holes at the back of his head, slowly turning his head to face the dragon, whose face is twisted into a snarl.
"Don't get your jelousy out on Tanjiro or I will make sure you regret it! The Mizuchi warned him in a low threatening voice, before he retreated to Tanjiro and Nezuko's room.
"Is he seriously intending to sleep there?" Kyojuro exclaimed slightly shocked. He knew the dragon is straight forward when it comes to expressing his thoughts and feelings. However, claiming the boy in the presance of his sister is scandalizing. At least from Kyojuro point of view.
"You have quite a dirty imagination, to assume he will do something." Tengen chucles, sneaking his hand from Kyojuro's waist to his ass. The kitsune's blush darkned and he slaps the raiju's hand off.
"Not in front of Sanemi. It's emberacing." he covered his red face, unable to look his friend in the eyes. Sanemi by this point realized Tengen is trying to piss him off. He would have jump the guy, yet a fight will attrack too much attention. And after earlier the owner will probably throw them out on the street if they cause more unnecessery destruction. He just spins on his heels and slams the door behind him. The sounds coming from insidemade his heart sunk. The cute squalls which Kyojuro is making are not because of him, the adorable way he blushes is not caused because of him. And worst of all is not him, who steals kisses from his best friens. It was Tengen, that blasted perverted raiju. sanemi punched a nearby ceramic vase, shatering it into pieces. He winced when one of the shards cut his hand. He glares at the cut and the crimson string of blood seeping between his fingers.
"Sanemi?" Kyojuro's voice startled him. He did not not heard the door of the room sliding open. It must be because he is too caught up in his own thoughts to notice the world around him.
"Are you alright?" A too familiar hand squeezed his shoulder, but he did not acknowlege the flame kitsune. He groaned when his injured hand was abrubtly grabed by Kyojuro. The wind kitsune expected to be showered with questions, instead Kyojuro brought his hand to his lips and licks the blood of. The feeling of his rough tongue sends tingles all over Sanemi's body.
"What are you doing?" He snaches his hand back, hissing at him.
"What do you mean. That is not the first time I clean your cuts like that." Kyojuro blinks confused. over his shoulder Sanemi could see Tengen's smug grin. It clearly spells "victory" without the yokai saying it out loud. Sanemi hesitated for a moment, however this was his last chance to turn the tables in his favour. He grabs Kyojuro's face in his hands and kisses him, shocking both Uzui and Rengoku with his action. The flame kitsune steps back, covering his mouth while his face flared like flames itself. Senemi noticed the sparks of electricity jumps across Tengen's body. He definitely pissed him. Kyojuro noticed the tension between them, turning to face Uzui.
"Tengen, please wait for me inside." He asks the raiju with pleading eyes. Tengen sighs and steps inside the room, sliding the door closed, but not before giving Sanemi a murderous glare. sanemi glares back, however he knew if he has to face him in one on one he barely has a chance to win. Raijus are much bigger than kitsunes and have much thicker skin under their fur coat.
"You like him, don't you?" Sanemi blurted out, without looking at his friend.
"Sanemi, please don't make this harder than it already is." Kyojuro pleaded. Sanemi averts his eyes from him, noticing the door on his right is open to a slit and the kamado twins are peeking through the gap. They must have witnessed everyting, judging by how red Tanjiro's face is and how Nezuko stared at them.
"What are you two looking at?" Sanemi snapped at them and they hurry to close the door.
"Sanemi..." Kyojuro begins, but Sanemi holds his hand up and shock his head.
"You don't have to explain yourself." With that he turns around and makes his way down the hallway. Once he is out of sight, Kyojuro broak in tears. He felt horrible for rejecting his friend like this. he felt like a traitor. A pair of arms wrapped around him and tengen's hot breath ghoasts over his ear. "Let him have some time on his own. Now is not a good time to try to talk to him." He whispered, placing a light butterfly kisses over the kitsune's neck.
Kyojuro's mind is instantly a mush and he melts in Uzui's arms. The raiju picks him bridal style, carrying him back inside the room they are now sharing.
***
It is suddenly too quiet outside, no more sounds indicated someone's presance on the other side of the door. Tanjiro was genuinly worried about Sanemi. No matter how much of an asshole he is, he is Kyojuro's friend and there should be a reason for that, right? The flame kitsune would not befriend someone if they are wicked people.
The hanagami kagura slips quietly from the futon he shares with nezuko and crawls over to the door. He paused , glancing back at the futon where Giyuu is asleep or reather pretend to.
Either way he did not attempt to stop him. Tanjiro pushed the door open and crawled outside. Sniffing the air he caught the trail of the white fox and follows it outside on the engawa, sitting with his legs crossed. His ears perked at the sound of approaching foot steps and he turns half way to see who dared to interrupt his isolation.
"What do you want?" he snarls at Tanjiro, who pause for a moment, uncertain how to respond.
"I thought you may need company." He finally answer, sitting next to the kitsune. Sanemi scoffs, turning his gaze up to the stars again.
"Do you, umm like Kyojiro?And I don't mean just as a friend?" Tanjiro asks, tensing when Sanemi glared at him sideways. He felt like he is crossing a line he shouldn't, but he had to know, so he could know how to help.
"It doesn't matter how I feel. It is obvious he is head over heels in love with that damn raiju." Sanemi's voice was far from his usual rudness. In fact he sounds heartbroken. Tanjiro felt sympathy towards the yokai. He placed his hand on his shoulder, startling him abit with his gesture.
"Maybe it is not too late to give up yet." He asured him, offering a gentle smile. Sanemi looks lost for amoment, which did not last long as he snorts, pushing the younger male's hand off.
"Whatever, let's just go get some sleep." With that said he rised to his feet. "By the way, do you have one more spare futon in your room?"
"I believe we do."Tanjiro smile streched into a grin as he jumps to his feet and grabs Sanemi's wrist, pulling him back to the sleeping area, while tuning out his protest. sanemi gave up complaining when they reached the room. Neither Nezuku nor Giyuu woke up when he opens the door and tiptoed to the small pile of futons in the far corner of the room, picking one for Sanemi. He lays it next to Giyuu's, before he slips back next to Nezuko under their shared futon. Sanemi did not move from his spot for a couple more seconds. Then as quiet as he could he slips under his own futon , facing the ceiling. He did not know how long he was awake, until sleep suddenly claims him and he drifts into a dreamles slumber.
***
The next morning did not promise to be better. However sanemiis determined to win Kyojuro over. He is nor one to give up easy. Displeased he found out his best friend and the cursed thunder beast already in the dining room, tengen feeding Kyojuro his breakfast. Sanemi's face turns red, however he kept himself composed and unceremoniously ploped himself on Kyojuro's occupied side. "Good morning, Nemi!" The younger kitsune greeted him with huge smile. However, Shinazugawa picked up the hint of awkwardness in his voice. He was not feeling comfortable around him after the kiss last night. By the glint in Tengen's eyes he assumed the raiju believed his competition gave up already. Well he was up for a surprise.
Sanemi wrapped his arm around Kyojuro's shoulder, causing a deep blush to spread across the other kitsu's cheeks. That action irriteted Tengen and pulled kyojuro towards him. however, Sanemi did the same. They grabbed on Rengoku's each arm puling as hard as they can, ignoring Rengoku cries of pain. Finally he could not take it anymore and screeched so loud it hurts everyone's ears. Giyuu could swear his were clouse to bleeding.
"THAT'S ENOUGH! I CAN'T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!" He pulled his arms free from their grip, jumps on his feet and stormed out the room. Sanemi rushed after him, while Tengen is too stunned to move.
The following silance streachws for way too long, until Giyuu decided to break it.
"Well, I hope you are happy, Tanjiro!" He said sarcastically, making Tanjiro feel even more guilty. He looks at Nezuko for support, but she just shock her head. He looks up at Tengen appologetically.
"I am sorry, I was just trying to help." He blurted out, feeling like crying. Uzui finally breaks out of his shock, letting out a sigh.
"Maybe it is better this way. After all they are the same species and it won't be as wierd when they bound." Tanjiro could smell sent of sadness radiating from him. It seems the raiju is developing deeper feelings for Kyojuro. Tanjiro wanted to offer him comforting words, but Giyuu's firm grip on his shoulder stopped him. Maybe he should leave everything to the odds of faith now.
***
"Kyojuro, wait!" Sanemi called after him, trying to catch up with him. He finally closed the distance, grabbing his friend's arm "Just stop, damn it"
"Why should I? This is the second time you try to step between me and Tengen. Can't you see I am happy with him?" Kyojuro raised his voice. He is uncharacteristically snappy and the flare in his eyes scared Sanemi. But his name would not be Sanemi Shinazigawa if he let himself be intimidated that easy.
"Well, what if I am the one who trully loves you and not him?" That question makes Rengoku's face softening. He takes Sanemi's hands in his own, looking him in the eyes.
"You will always have an inportant part in my heart and I will always love you." He says with a sad smile, squeezing his hands gently.
"Just not in the way I love you." Sanemi asks. Kyojuro hugged him instead of saying anything more. Sanemi returned the hug. It felt so nice and warm, he did not wish to let go. "Then you should find that blasted raiju and pour your heart to him." The white kitsune said, still reluctant to let him go, but he did, stepping back. Kyojuro gave him a quick peck on the cheek, before he runs off to find Tengen.
***
The yokai in question is in the garden outside, staring at the pound, where koi fish swam under the water lilies.
"Uzui?" Kyojuro approached him, sitting beside him. His eyes however are on the other yokai's face.
"If you choose to be with him, I will let you go." He sighs, his eyes following one particularly small koi fish. Kyojuro reaches for one of the lilies, pickiing the blossom and tucking it behind Tengen's ear. The biger yokai finally faced him and for a first time since they met, Kyojuro saw him blushing.
"When we choose a mate we usually twine a wreath of flowers for our choosen one, but I doubt water lilies are suitable for twining." Kyojuro blushes while he explain, never looking away from the other. Tengen suddenly pulled him closer, kissing him deeply and passionantly. When they finally broke the kiss he whispered, so only Kyojuro could hear.
"Does that mean you choose me as your mate?" He smiles, rubbing their noses together.
"You don't have to ask me, to know I do." They smiled at each other and shared another, longer and much sweeter kiss.

Chapter Text

"Sniff! Sniff! I sence the stench of a yokai!" a young adult, wearing a mask of a boar, crawled on all four, sniffing the ground.
"Is it necessery to act like an animal, Inosuke?" A tall blonde samurai scolded him. However, his companion payed him no mind, following te trail of blood Tengen has left beind him.
"I will chop that yokai's head for making a fool out of me." He growls like a beast, digging his nails in the dirt.
"You make a fool of yourself, without anyone's help." The blonde rolled his eyes, wincing when he was hit with a pebble in the middle of the forehead.
"You dare insult the all mighty Inosoke Hashibira?" Inoske yelled at him, his eyes flashing with rage under the mask. "If you are asking for a fight, I will gladly whipe the ground with you, Agatsuma!"
"We don't have time for this, you moron. We have an important mission to carry out. And I don't want to disapoint Lady Kocho." His expression suddenly bacame distant and dreamy, a drow tricking the side of his mouth, while he laugh like an idiot at something happening in his head. "Lady Kocho!"
Realizing his comrade complitely shut himself in his inner imaginary reality, Inoske does the only logical thing to snap him out of it - punched him square in the face.
"Ouch, what gives Inosuke?" The samurai cried in pain, holding his bleeding nose.
"Like you said Zenitsu, we don't have time to waste." The black boar taunted him with his own words, before he resumed his task to track down the raiju. Zenitsu greet his teeth following behind. They were very close to the village where currently Tengen and his new found mate enjoyed the spring festival. The group decided to spend one more night at the village so they can enjoy the festival.
Tanjiro is struggling to knit a wreath of white flowers, he doesn't know the name of. His cheeks dusted with light pink when Giyuu took his hands in his own to help him with the task. The young male's heart fluttered in his chest, feeling the mizuchi so close. Apperantly Giyuu felt his nervousnes, because he smiled against his ear, pressing even closer against .
Only Sanemi and Nezuko had no one to share the moment with. The kitsune noticed the look on the girl's face. She seems a little jelouse. Out of kind heart he bout dango for her and himself. When he handed it to her she beams with happiness, eagerly taking the sweat treat.
"Thank you, Sanemi oni-chan!" She smiled so bright at him, he swears it nearly left him blind.
"Tsk, whatever!"He plopped next to her on a set of stairs, observing the happy couples. "For Budha's sake, if they get any sweeter than that, I swear I will get a tooth decay"
Nezuko giggled at his comment, taking a bite from her dango. "You are right, too much sugar"She joked, causing the kitsune to laugh out loud. "I like you kid." He ruffled her hair playfully.
Suddenly his ears perked , catching the sound of something moving on the roff of the building, which steps they are using as a bench. It seems the other yokai heard it too, becouse their posture became more stiff. Giyuu is the first one to turn, grabbing with his bare hand something in midair. As Sanemi looks more carefully it turns out to be a dagger.
"It looks like this would be alot more interesrting than I expected. I like it when my targets are hard to kill." His attacker laughs from the rooftop.
"What part of sneak attack, don't you understand, you imbecil?" Another man with long golden hair, tied in a ponytail shouted at him.
"So, you bastards finally caught up with me, huh?" Tengen grins at his pursuers, electricity current running all over his body. "You almost killed me back there and I think I should return the favour." He took a deep breath and let out a bloodcurdling roar, lightning zap through his mouth, striking the roof of the building.
"Haha, is that the best you got, yokai?" Inosuke shouted, jumping through the smoke, while drawing out his twin blades. Tengen jumps out the way firing another lightning through his mouth. Inosuke blocks it with his blades, however, the force of the attack throws him back a few feet. He heard the whistling of wind behind his back and bends effortlessly backwards to avoid Sanemi's wind blades. Kyojuro tried to step in to prevent the battle from getting more violent, but his way is blocked by the samurai. He swings his katana at the kitsune, who caugh it between his long nails, discarding the illusion he used to blend with the humans.
Giyuu picks up Tanjiro over his shoulder, ignoring the young man's protests. He tried to reach Nezuko, dodging Inosuke daggers. The yokai hunter was mindlessly attacking whoever is in his range, swinging his blade at Sanemi, who somehow managed to close the distance between them. The kitsune was quite skillful into a hand to hand combat, so he did not need to use his magicin battle. He distracted the hunter, buying enough time to Giyuu to get to Nexuko. He picks her up in his free arm and retreated towards the inn. Zaitsu noticed his escape attempt using some kind of dark spell to blind Rengoku and chased after the mizuchi. Giyuu noticed him and took a sharp turn between two buildings. He came into a more secluded area. His pace suddenly slowed down, until he came to a halt. He tried to move, however, his body refusing to move any further.
"Giyu-san, what's wrong?" Tanjiro asks worried when the mizuchi suddenly stopped. "I can't move." He groaned, realizing his body is somehow pyralized by what he assumed one of those forbbiden spells only a handfull of humans can use. Since he could not sense another yokai nearby, beside his companions, it is only logical is either the samurai or the assassin who did this.
"You did not think you will get away that easy, did you?" He heard a voice somewhere behind him, however, he could not turn around to face the owner of the voice. The sound of a katana being drawn out, rings in his ears. "I will not let you devour these unfortunate humans."
"You got it all wrong!" Tanjiro spoke up, hoppinng he could reason with the samurai.
"So he brainwashed you too?" The blonde greeted his teeth. "Then I have no other choice, but to obliterate you." He begins to chant some kind of spell, causing Giyuu alot of umberable burning pain. At the same time the katana's blade begins to glow, charging with the magical energy from the spell. The brighter the blade glow, the more cuts appeared on Giyuu's scales. "Stop it!" Nezuko cried, hugging the yokai. When the samurai ignores her, Tanjiro's desparation suddenly gave way to a blinding fury. He may not be the best of spellcasting, but he have some basic skills to defend Giyuu. And one of those spells is water wheele.
He aims at the samurai, shouting out the spell. Wheels of water appeared from thin air, rolling towards the samurai. He cut short his chanting, slicing through the water wheels with one swift swing of his katana. Two more appeared bahind him, but he managed to slice them too. More and more keep coming, keeping him distracted. Tanjiro exchanged glanced with Nezuko and she instantly understood what he wants from her, without him sayinmg it. She timed out with the next water wheele, using it as a cover to approach the samurai. The moment he sliced the water wheele she grabs on his arm, taking him by surprise and threw him on the ground.
Now you see, woman are not supposed to posses combat skills. However, since she is the second eldest and her brother is already trained to be a spellcaster, she was trained in the art of sword and combat fighting. You could say Zenitsu was impressed and he could not take his eyes off Nezuko beautiful face.
"You are a goddess in human form." His voice came out as almost a whisper, yet she still heard it. She narrowed her eyes at him, more annoyed than anything.
"You have the nerve to sweet talk me, after attempting to take my brother's mate's life." She hissed. In the back ground Tanjiro shouted emberaced for her to refrain from giving titels.Zenitsu is too enchanted by her to even register her words. Realizing, he is most likely not listening, she bends down to pick up his katana and pressed it to his neck. That makes him snaps out of his trance. Nezuko mout pulled in a satisfied smile, seeing the instant switch in his expression.
"I see you are finally listening." She puts a little more pressure with the blade on the skin, drawing out a little blood.
"Nezuko, that's enought! Don't kill him!" Tanjiro firm voice left now place for arguing. Nezuko retreated back to her brother and Giyuu's side, still pointing the weapon at Zenitsu. The samurai quickly sat up, but he remains in kneeling possition, cautious of the trio. "Sleep!" Tanjiro voice sounded more distant and more like a distant echo. Zenitsu suddenly felt tired, not even putting a fight to resist the drowsinest - the spell Tanjiro used made all kind of resistance futile. Zenitsu passed out, in a matter of seconds.
"We can't stay in this villagre anymore. We have to find the others and leave as soon as possible. Giyyu groaned, laying on Tanjiro for support. The made their way back to the town's square with a little bit of dificulty. For their relief Zenitsu's partner was knocked unconscious on the pavement.
"Giyuu!" Kyojuro shouted his friend's name when he saw what condition he is in. He runs over to Tanjiro and Giyuu examining the mizuchi visible injuries. "I think I can heal them, but it will take a while."
"I will manage for now. We musn't waste time. We have to leave while those two are out cold." Giyuu pointed out. As much as Kyojuro wanted to insiste to al least ease his pain, he knew the mizuchi has a point.
"I will cary him or it will take forever to get back to the inn to pick your stuff." Tengen stated firmly, kneeling down, so Giyuu can climb on hs back. With a little too much protest from his side, he gave up when Tanjiro pleaded with him to consent. Once Giyoo is hoisted on his back, Tengen stood up and walks up ahead of everyone else. Within the next hour the group packed up and left the village. Following Sanemi instructions, who somehow got his hands on a very accurate map., they proceeded to walk further and further into the woods, dawn a narrow forest path. Tanjiro couldn't help to glance back once in a while to make sure they are not followed. The entire time a couple of qquestions tormented him. Who were those guys? Who send them? And why they were hunting Tengen down?

Chapter Text

"It is worse than i thought." Rengoku sighned as the glow of his healing magic fades.

"What do you mean? What is wrong, Kyojiro?" Tanjiro grabbed his arm on the verge of panic. After an hour of trying his beast to heal Tomiyoka, Rengoku realized his condition is only getng worse.

"The spell used on him is not an ordinary spell. It is a curse which kills its victim slowly. My healing magic is restricted only to physical injuries." He explained, averting his eyes from Tanjiro. The young man paled, his heart nearl stopped for a full second. This could not be happening. Tomioka can not die, he would not accept this.

"There must be a way we can break the curse." He insisted, tightning his grasp on Kyojuro's sleeve. The kitsune looks up at him with guilt filled eyes.

"I am sorry, but what you ask for is not something yokai like us can handle. Only oni are powerful enough to break the curse." He reply, clenching his fists. He hates the idea of being helpless when his friend life is in danger. Humans call them monsters, yet they play with forces they do not understand in order to slay them.

"Then we have to find an oni to break the curse."Tanjiro insisted. The tree yokai stared at him in horror, like he said something unthinkable.

"Apperantly you don't know a thing about oni, you dimwit." Sanemi growled."Unlike us, an oni will not think twice before devouring you alive."

"He is right! Oni not only munder humans, but other yokai too. They are the enbodiment of blood thirsty beasts." Tengen added and Tanjiro noticed how his body is shaking under the layers of clothing.

"It is probably a wild goose chase, but I heard of a healer, living somewhere close to the Fuji mountain. Her name is Tamayo. Among the yokai goes a rumor she is king's Muzan's disowned younger sister." Rengoku explained, all eyes on him.

"The king of oni has a sister?" That was a news to Tengen. Sanemi looked just as perplexed.
Apperantly no one knew about Tamayo's true heritage and Kyojiro had a wild guess Muzan took care that won't happened.

"So you suggest we put our fait in the hands of a kijo who we don't even know where she lives?" Sanemi pointed out as a matter of fact. Tangen does not seem happy about it either.

"If there is a slightest chance she can break the curse, I am willing to take the risk." Tanjiro stated firmly, standing up on his feet.

"I am coming with you kid. I am responsable for your lives now." Rengoku pushed himself up. dusting his hakama. Tengen stood up too, wrapping his arm around Kyojuro's shoulders.

"Wherever Kyoji go, I go too. He is stuck with me now." The white haired raiju stated with a huge grin. Sanemi frowned, following the other yokai example.

"I am not one to back up, so you have to deal with me too, brat." He shouted a little too loud than necessery, crossing his arms over his chest. For his surprise Nezuko wrapped her arms around his waist, beaming. He rolled his eyes at her gesture, yet he placed his hand on top of her head, patting it. She giggled, nuzzling his side.

Somehow she got attached to the hotheaded kitsune, seeing him as an older brother of sorts. Surprisingly in Sanemi's eyes, Nezuko was that younger sibling, who is annoying, yet you love them regardless.

Tanjiro looked at each one of the yokai, his eyes filling with tears of happiness and relief. He knew he could count on them, no matter what the stakes are. Mostly to Kyojuro, who was the kindest man he ever met. Tengen may only tag along, because Rengoku is his mate, but it was clear he is just as nice at heart. Sanemi was a much complicated case, however his interactions with Nezuko prove he is a softy. And he may not admit it out loud, but he obviously cared for Giyuu just as much as Kyojuro does. During the two days the group spend in the village the two slowly warmed up to each other and Tanjiro is certain they can call each other friends.

"Now that we decided on how to solve the problem, walking is not un option anyomore. On foot it will take at least five days to reach Fuji." Tengen pointed out. If it have been just the three of them, they could reach the montain faster in their yokai form. However, exposing Tanjiro and Nezuko to their full power will be dangerous for the humans' lives. They must think of another way of transportation.

"Next town has a train station. We can get on the next train and we will be there in less than two days." Sanemi suggested. He knew that because one of his responsability happenes to be negotiation with other kitsune clans. A memories of setrain pink haired kitsune suddenly invaded his mind. The female in question reminded him too much of Rengoku in a lot of ways. Just like the flame kitsune, she had problem finding a mate. Sanemi developped a crush on her for the short time his visit lasted, however he did not had the guts to confess to her.

Rengoku noticed how he suddenly spaced out and his lips streached in a huge grin. He lays closer to Sanemi's ear and tried to be as quiet as possible when he whispered his next words.

"Thinking of Mitsuri-chan, don't you?" He teased, causing Sanemi to snap out of his daze.

"Where did you come up with that?" The silver kinsune growled, only amusing his friend more.

"When Tamayo break the curse on Giyuu, we can pay your girlfriend a visit." Rengoku said in a sing song voice, ignoring the angry flare in Sanemi's eyes.

"Sanemi got a girlftiend?" Tanjiro asks confused by the discovery. Nezuko looked just as shocked by the news.

"I don't have a girlfriend! It is just Kyojuro looking for an excuse to annoy me." Sanemi shouted, the air begining to spiral around him.

"If you say so." The flame kitsune chuckled, picking Giyuu in his arms. He laughed as Sanemi's curses followed him, while he walks ahead of the rest of the group and kept teasing his friend. Tanjiro, Nezuko and Tengen watched their interaction amused. If only Giyuu's life was not endengered the moment would have been perfect.

***

They reach the station by dusk. They sneaked on board while no one was watching. Tanjiro cast a spell to mantain the human illusion on the yokai. They had wasted too much energy in the battle earlier to keep it on themselves. Surprisingly Tanjiro was getting better at using spells. Nezuko had noticed that when he deffended Giyuu from the samurai and she felt proud with her older brother. Rengoku lays Giyuu on one of the benches in the compartment they occupied, accomodating his head on Tanjiro's lap. He barely restrained himself from teasing the boy, when he saw how red his face is. The kitsune expression suddenly changed when Tengen pulled him on his lap, his own face turning red. He shiverd when the raiju kissed the back of his neck. The thunder beast had no shame, which was what made him even more attractive in the kitsune's eyes.

"Will you two put your hormons under control. Unless you are both in heath!" Sanemi growled, glaring at them. Tengen stuck his tongue out at him, which angered him more. Tanjiro just sat there flustered, all kind of inapropriate thoughts storming through his poor virgin mind.

Suddenly a female scream attracted their attention and Tanjiro is the first one to spring on his feet, rushing towards the source of the sound. Nezuko foolowed him close behind. In the last compartment they found the corspes of a young couple, but no sign of the murderer. The female wore a magenta-and-white-patterned kimono tied with a purple sash. Her black hair was pulled back with a dark pink ribbon.

"Satoko!" Tanjiro turned his eyes to the male, who is still barely alive. He struggles to stand up, not registering Tanjiro's presance. The Hinokami Kagura kneeled down beside him, grabbing his outstreched hand.

"Don't move, you can't do anything for her now" He told him as calm as he could be in this situation. Nezuko had returned to their compartment to get Kyojuro to help. Soon the kitsune stepped into the compartment, kneeling next to Tanjiro to heal the injured man, who seem too shocked by his wife's deat, he did not acknowledge their presance. They heard more screams through the open window. They were coming from the front waggon compartments. Before Tanjiro can move, Sanemi rushed out the door, and climbbed out the window.

"Why he didn't use the door?" Nezuko pointed to the door next to her. Kyojuro gestured for her to take a closer look. At first she just stared at him puzzled, before she glanced at the door. Just now she noticed the glowing seal on the door handle. That must mean they are dealing with another yokai.

"I can sense the stench of an oni." Tengen scruched his nose after taking a sniff at the door. The lights above their heads begin to flicker, before they complitely fade, leaving them in darkness. Tanjiro felt something wet under his hand, quickly pulling it back. The screams of the injured man rang in his ears, however he could not see what was happening. An arm wrapped around his waist and he felt himself being lifted. The next moment the lights flickered again only for a couple of seconds and Tanjiro saw that the wall and floor of the compasrtment were no longer solid. In fact they were pulsing with life flesh. All that was left from the injured passanger was his upper torso, which is soon swallowed by the pullsing flesh.

"What is that thing?" Nezuko asks disgusted, gripping Kyojuro's free hand tightly.

"It is a curse spell, the onis use to trap their victimes. Muzan predicestor taught the oni how to use magic." Kyojuro explained, using his ewlbow to break the glass behind him, providing them a way to get out. "Tengen, go get Giyuu! We will use the window as an escape route."

"Are you serious about this?" Nezuko gasped, watching his outlines in the faint light.

"We have no other choice." He picks Nezuko over his left shoulder, his grip on Tanjiro remain firm. He climbs out the window first, using his inhuman straight to pull himself on the roof. Tengen climb out after him, keeping Giyuu steady on his shoulders. Kyojuro grabs his hand, helping him up.

Not a moment later a strong gush of wind blowed in their direction. Tengen shielded Kyojuro and the others, his body size enough to protect all of them. Two wagons up ahead Sanemi fought what looks like one of Muzan lower rank underlings. The only servents of the oni king, Kyojuro is familiar with are Akaza and Doma, because they have a long history of enconters in the past three hundred years.

"Kyojuro, you take care of Giyuu and the Kamado twins. I will assist Sanemi," Tengen sprang on his feet, leaving Kyojuro as a last resort of defence. His ears suddenly perked up as he caught the sound of something heavy swinging through the air behind him. His instincts acted before his brain proceed what was happening and he abruptly turning around. He blocks the kanabō aimed at Tanjiro. That is when the Kamado simblings realized there was someone behind them. When they look back they saw Akaza, both his and Kyojuro bleeding hands shaking by the pressure they both put in their muscles.

"Good reflexes fox! I don't expect anything less from you." The oni lips streaches into a wide grin.

"And I don't expect you to fight fair, troll face." Kyojuro spat back, they eyess flaring challaging each other. Rengoku hands burst into flames, heating the metal. Akaza groans, pulling back. Even if his hands hurt from the heathed metal, he did not let go of the kanabō. Instead he swings it at the other yokai, his eyes now flaring with wrath.

***

~Few minutes earlier~

It turns out the oni were after them and Sanemi mentaly slapped himself for letting that possibility slip his mind. Usually he is more cautious when he is this far from his tribe territory. He was furrious with himself for letting his guard down. The silver kitsune climbed on the roof of the train, looking both ways for the oni, who attacked the train. He spotted him a couple of wagons ahead. From what he could see he is halfway fussed with the train, slaughtering anyone who is inside. The oni spotted him, grinning wide.

"So one of the foxes decided to come out and play." He laughs as two tentacle like apandages came out of his back. They swing down on Sanemi, who was quick to act, counter attacking with his wind blades. Both attacks met midway, the blades cut though the tentackles, however, it was not enough to dismember them. Sanemi had to jump back to avoid being crushed. Unfortunatelly for him he missed the attack on his right. the tentacle wraps around his leg, lifting him in the air. He was not given the chance to use his magic to free himself as the tentacle crashed him through one of the windows of the waggon. He landed in one of the compartments, next to the corpse of its occupant. He did not have much time before more of the tentacles came through the roofswinging down at him. He rolls out in the hallway to avoid them, finding more dead bodies and splashes of blood and intestines all over the place. If he stays in one spot, he is going to join those humans in the underworld. For his dismay all the windows were blocked by the living flesh of the oni and he could not use them to get out. His only option is the door. It is only half covered with the disgusting stuff. Driven by his survival instinct he concentrated his magic in one spot, aiming for the lock on the door. He had only one shoot, before the door will fuse with the oni's flesh. Taking a deep breath he released it along with the wind force he manage to gathered. The impact caused the door to vibrate violently, a huge hole gaping in the center of the door. It was not where he aimed at, but he won't complain, since had a way out now. He rushed to the door, slipping through the hole, moments bofore the flesh fused with the door coplitely.

The oni most likely knows he escaped and he will most likely aim for his companions now, who are still inside the train. The thought of Kyojuro getting hurt enraged him and he climbs back up on the roof, the wind swirling around him like a spiral. The oni is taken by surprise by the strong energy suddenly radiating from the kitsune. He was so shocked he berely had time to shield himself with his tentackles from the powerful wind blow. He did not expect the kitsune to be that strong, yet it is to be expected from one of Shinjuro best warriors. Enmu cursed his bad luck. Akaza did not mention who their targets are. If Sanemi is one of them that means Shinjuro's oldest son is among the party they are pursuing. That explains alot. Everyone in the higher ranks knew of his obssession with the flame kitsune. He should have figured.

Still shielding himself he slaps Sanemi with one of the tentacles, sending him flying backwards. The kitsune landed on the neigbouring wagon, growling at the oni. Enmu readied himself to attack him again, when he felt a sharp pain in his back. It felt like an electricity struck him. He glanced over his shoulder, seeing something he does not expect-a raiju. He thought the thunder beasts are almost extinct. What is more important is that, he has to fight two powerful beings. He barely had time to snap out of his shock, when the two yokai attacked him. he whiped his tentackles at his attackers, however, they were much more agile in their yokai form.

This is the first time Tanjiro and Nezuko saw Sanemi in his true form. They were too stuned by the sight they did not heard the loud thud behind them. It is when Kyojuro blocked theattack, they realized what was happening.

Sanemi noticed Akaza first, his focuse now complitely off his actual opponent. Enmu took advantage of his distraction, hitting him with one of the tentackles, sending him flying in the foliage, surounding the railway tracks. Now is only the raiju he has to fight against. However he was running low on magic, the tentacles he used as a weapon, began to loose their rigidity as he could no longer keep the spell active. It seems had to resolve to his kanabō.

Greeting his fangs in frustration, he unfused himself from the train, a kanabō much smaller than Akaza's, appeared in his hand. He hated how unlike Muzan most oni are restricted to use magic and have to resolve to their brute straight.

Tengen lunged at him, his size alone intimidated Enmu for a moment, but he quickly snapped out of it. With one swift swing he strikes Tengen's jaw. However, it was not enough against the thunder beast. He closed its jaws around thw kanabō, crushing the metal like it is a twig. Enmu froze in fear, letting go of the weapon. He backs up, watching the raiju with wide open eyes. He could not even let out a screm when the thunder beast jaws bite his neck, crushing his windpipe. It all happened so fast he could not do anything to prevent it. his eyes stared at the moon above, as his life faded away.

Chapter Text

Akaza greets his fangs when he realized he is outnumbered. No matter how strong he is, he stood no chance against three powerful yokai as Kyojuro, Sanemi and Tengen on his own.
The oni steps back to the edge of the train, the wind blowing his vibrant pink hair. The train reached a bridge, the height alone enough to kill whoever jumps in the dark abyss. But Akaza is immortal, so for him the fall will just result in a few scratches and bruisses. kyojirou realized alittle too late his intensions, reaching his hand to stop him just when he leaps backwards, falling with dangerous speed to the dark waters below. Withing seconds he disappears under the dark blue surface. The kitsune slams his fists on the metal roff, frustrated with himself for letting Akaza to get away.
Tengen kneels beside him, wrapping his arms around him. "We will get him next time, I promise." He whispered in his mate's ear, rubbing his back soothingly.
Tanjiro, watched them with sad eyes, his grip on Giyuu tightening. He already lost his family and his best friend, the thouht of losing another important person in his life terrified him. Nezuko, who sat beside him, noticed his distress, instinctively wrapping her arms around him in a gentle embrace. tanjiro buried his face in her shoulder, sobbing quietly, while she caressed his hair.
"Have faith, big brother!" She whispered gently in his ear. Sabito used to joke, that Nezuko acted like the older twin most of time. She has been the one taking care of Tanjiro, because of her natural mother instinct. That is why their younger siblings looked up to her like a second mother figure.
"Just like mother used to tell us, faith is the most powerful force in this world." Tanjiro whispered back with trembling voice. He squeeks in surprise when a pair of bigger and stronger arms wrapped around both of them, squishing them in a bear hug.
"Don't hang your head, Tanjiro boy! Everything will come in place, you will see." Kyojuro says cherfully, ruffling his hair.
"By the way, how are we going to get off the train?" Nezuko addressed the obvious issue they were currently facing. Apperantly no one thought about this, judging by the looks the three yokai exchanged with one another.
"Yeah, about that..." Kyojuro sweat drops. Nezuko frowns, ewbowing the kitsune in the ribs.
"Honestly, for someone whom lived for centuries, I thought you would always think two steps ahead in case something goes wrong." She scolded him. Senemi stiffen back his laugh. Watching his best friend being scolded by a human girl is just hilarious. With the corner of his eye he saw Tengen, berely holding in his own laugher.
"I have an idea!" Kyojuro suddenly exclaimed, pointing at Tengen. "Tengen will change into his yokai form and will carry us off the train on his back."
The look Uzui gave him, speaks for itself. He is not very pleased with the idea to carry that many passengers on his back. Rengoku gave him a pleading look and Uzui could not refuse to his mate. The raiju let out a sigh, changing into his true form. Up close, to the Kamado twins, he looked even bigger than he does in his human for. He lays down to make it easier for them to climb on his back. Kyojuro picks up Giyuu like a ragdoll, throwing him over in front of Tanjiro. He boy grabs the back of the mizuchi's haori, so he won't slip off Tengen's back.
"Sanemi, hop on!" Rengoky pats Uzui's backside, receeving an annoyed growl.
"I reather do it my own way, than listen to the big dog's complaints later." Shinazigawa waved him dismisivly, before he changed into his kitsune form. His fore was snow white with silver streaks on his back. his lavender eyes had a navy blue shading in them.
"AWW, NAMY-KUN IS SO CUTE!" Nezuko exclaimed, clasping her hands over her cheeks. She had soft spot for all kinds of animals.
"He is, isn't he?" Kyojuro laughs, winning himself a harsh blow of wind in the face, dishevel his hair. Rongoku only laughed harder, saluting the other kitsune, as he climbs on his mate's back, partiing gently his hip. Tengen stood up, slowly, so no one will fall off and push off of the roof of the train, diving into deep foliage on the side of the railway. A few branches hit Tanjiro's cheek, cutting the skin, drawing a tin red lines on his face and arms. Regardless of the sting from the open cuts, Tangiro did not loosend his grip on Giyuu. Behind them he could hear Sanemi's heavy breathing.
Soon Tengen spotted a huge open space, perfect to descend. He lands on the soft most, covering the ground , sniffing the air to make sure there are no danger close by.
"I don't sense any other yokai in the area." He barks. Rengoku slips off his back first, Helpping Nezuko and Tanjiro off. Tanjiro reaches for Giyuu, but Rengoku catches his hand to stop him. "Tengen will carry him, you only focus to keep up the pace." He patted his head affectionately, like big brother will. It reminded the young man of Sabito, how gentle and caring he is when he is not teasing him. He bite his lower lip, chasing the memories away. Now is not time for grief. He looks up at the kitsune, giving a determined nod.
"Sanemi, which way should we be going from here?" Rengoku glances over his shoulder at Shinazugawa. The silver kitsune closed its eyes, his ears twiching, his nostrils contract and expand with each inhele. after a long moment he opens his eyes again.
"We have to go approximately five mile up north from here." He answers, shifting back to his human form. His stomach choose that moment to growl in protest. Sanemi greeted his fangs annoyed, when Kyojuro burst out laughing. He angrily grabs one of the younger kitsune's tails, pulling it roughly. Rengoku yelps in pain, leaping at him, bringing him to the ground. They rolled in the dirt, bitting and clawing at each other. Until Tanjiro stepped in, pulling Kyojuro off of Sanemi.
"Quit acting like little pups. Giyuu life is at stake, damn it. And who knows if the yokai hunters, who tailed Mr. Uzui are not on our tracks." Tanjiro raised his voice with each word, clenching his fists. He is desperate to safe Giyuu, even if he has to carry him the entire way on his own. The problem is, he has no idea where he should go and for that reason alon he needs Kyojuro and the other two's help.
Rengoku wraps his arms around him, rubbing his back soothingly. The boy did not realized how tense he is until then. The soothing movements made his muscules relax and a low hum above him made him feel sleepy. He no longer realized what is happening around him, aware only of the melody the yokai is humming, his eyelids feeling heavy.

***
"Tanjiro! Tanjiro wake up!" He is shaken awake by the owner of the voice. It took him a couple of seconds to realize it is his sister, who is calling his name.
"What's happening?" His troath feels like sand peper. He sat up, rubbing his eyes to chase away the sleepines.
"It was about time you wake up." She crossed her arms on her chest, puffing her cheeks.
"I am sorry, Nezuko!" He smiles appologetically at her, then took a glance at his surroundings.
"Where are we anyway?"
"At Mount Fuji Village. Or more accurately at an inn. Kyojuro and Sanemi are on a search for Tamayo." She explains,moving to sit on the futon next to him. "Are you hungry. We can ask Tengen to take us out to buy something to eat." She suggests. Tanjiro shock is head.
"I can't leave Giyuu on his own." He reply, gripping tightly on the futon.
"I will stay here with him. You go out and get some fresh air, okay?" He could not refuse her when she flashed him with that sweet smile of hers.
"Alright!" He returns the smile, standing up. he threw one quick glance at the futon across the room, where Giyuu is laying motionless, before he heads for the door.
He found Tengen outside the door, obviously guarding them.
"Going somewhere, Tanjiro boy?" He asks, his lips pulling in a grin.
"I was going to look for you, but it seems I don't have to." The boy answers with a smile.
"What do you need me for?" Tengen grin switched to a confused grimace. apperantly he is not the social type and rarely interacted with other life forms.
"I was going to ask you to go out to grab someting to eat. I believe Kyojiro instructed you to keep us out of harm, right." And of course as he predicted, Kyojuro's name worked as a charm.
"Fine then, but you are to stay close to me. If i lose you, Kyo will have my head for being irrespossible." The raiju stood up, streching his stiff muscles. Some pocking was heard, which sounded more like the cracking of bones. Tanjiro involunterily imageaned how The bones in Tengen's body move out on place with each movement he makes.
"Alright, let's get going. The soon we are done, the better." He pushed the boy towards the door. The sun outside is so bright he has to shield his eyes with his hand. Blinded by light, he did not notice the woman, who was passing, bumping into her. The impact made her drop the basket of apples she was carrying in her hand.
"I am so sorry!" tanjiro appologized and bend down to help her pick up the apples, when he receeved a kick in the head by someone he did not noticed.
"HOW DARE YOU PUSH LADY TAMAYO, YOU FILTHY HUMAN! A boy his age shouted at him. Tanjiro tried to appologize, but he got a fists on the side of his jaw, before he could say the words, stumbling backwards.
"Yushiro, don't go pick up fights! It was an accident." The woman scolded him.
"But Lady Tamayo..." He tried to object, but she lifts her hand to indicate for him to keep quiet.
"Are you Tamayo, the famouse healer?" Tengen asks, getting her attention.
"I see, you heard about me." She gave a polite smile to the raiju. She is taken by surprise when Tanjiro grabs her hands, looking at her with desperation.
"My friend is dying and only you can help him." His voice cracks when he spoke, chocked by sobs. Seeing the devestation on his face, Tamayo slipped her hands out of his grasp to take them in her own. The way she gave him spoke more than words could.

Chapter Text

Nezuko removed the damp cloth off Giyuu's forehead, replacing it with another one. His temperature suddenly began to raise drastically, which for a water dragon could be fatal.

"Hang in there Giyuu, for Tanjiro's sake." She whispered, taking the mizuchi's hand between hers. She prays the rest of the party to find the healer as soon as possible, bec things did not look good for the dragon.
The young woman perks up at the sound of footsteps and voices outside in the hallway. She lifts her head, looking at the door hopefully. A moment later the screen door slids open, revealing a very beautiful woman. Over her left shoulder, Nezuko spotted her brother and behind her right-a young man around Tanjiro's age. Nezuko assumed this is the woman they were looking for. She approached the bed, the younger female standing off the chair she is sitting on to give the healer soace to work. Tamayo nodded at her with a gentle smile, before taking off her haori and drapping it on the back of the chair. She gracefully sat down, folding up the sleaves of her kimono. She opens the front of Giyuu's yukata, revealing his scales, which had begun to darken into a dark blue to almost black. "Yushiro, I will need ice" She glanced at her assistant.

"Leave it all to me." He bowed, reaching for the bucket of water, next to her feet. He drinks the content. His eyes and his throat glowed with very light blue light. A couple of secons he stood still not even a blink, then he opens his mouth and cubs of ice rolled back in the bucket until it was filled to the brim. Tamayo reached in picking a few cubs and placing them in a spesific order, chanting a a language neither Tanjiro nor Nezuko understood. The younger twin noticed the worried look on her brother's face, reaching her hand to touch his shoulder. He visibly relaxed, giving her a sad smile.

"This will take awhile. I suggest you leave, so you won't stay in the way of Lady Tamayo while she works." Yushiro says bluntly, side glancing at the pair. Nezuko narrowed her eyes at him, but before she can say anything her brother wrapped his fiingers around her wrist and pulled her towards the door. Nezuko points her index and middle finger at her eyes then at the oni, eyes narrowed to slits. Yushiro quirked a brow questioningly, following her with his eyes. He has to admit he is quite intrigued by the twins. You do not meet every day humans, who travel along side yokai.

Most humans are scared of yokai, which is why they study spells and dark magic to protec themselves from vicious yokai like Muzan and his underlings. Yokai like them, consider themselves superior species at the top of the food chain, aiming to enslave the humanity. Yushiro despises them, because they are the reason yokai like Lady Tamayo pay a high prize for being born "monsters". It makes him feel sick and furious. Yet he alone could not do much, but to be support for the woman he admires.

On the other side of the door Tanjiro pressed his back to the wall, slidding down to the floor, hugging his knees. Nezuko sat next to him, placing her hand atop of his left knee. "Have fate, Tanjiro! Giyuu is in good hands." She asured him with a smile. The older twin sighs, his eyes focused on a hole between the floorboards. Rengoku said she is the only one who can break the curse, but what if she couldn't? What is if it is beyond her skills, then what? They will watch Giyuu slowly dying? "I am responsible for this. If I was stronger, then maybe..." the words died in his throat and he slams his fist on the wall, leaving a dent.

"I will become stronger, so no one else would have to get hurt or suffer. Here and now I make that vow and if I ever give up, I want you to beat some sense into me. Do you promise me that, Nezuko?" He glanced at his sister with determination in his eyes. She nods her head, holding up her pinkie. Tanjiro mimics her gesture and they lock their fingers to seal the promise.

***

"Why it has to be so hot?" Sanemi groaned, taking a bite from his dango. Currently the silver kitsune and his companion had made themselves comfortable outside a dango shop. However, the noon is exceptionally hot, which results in an even grumpier Sanemi. Rengoku on the other hand enjoyed the heath, grinning like a little kid while prasing the dango sweet taste. Sanemi tuned him out, streaching his stiff arms above his head. As he breats in the dry air, he caught the faint sent of roses. He tried to recall seeing flower shops during their stroll around the village, but he did not remember seeing any. That is odd. "Hey, Kyojuro, you can sense that?" He did not have to clarify more than this for the other kitsune to understand. Kyojuro sniffed the air, catching the sent. "Yeah! I may be mistaking, but this smells like a yokai trap. There are handful who lure their victims with sweet senting essence produced by thrir body fluids." The younger kitsune reply agitated, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. There was no trace of another creature beside them this morning.

Did they just happened more to pass by just like the small mismatche party or does they live in the area and being exceptionally good at sealing their presance. "If it is one of Muzan erand boys we have to make certain that they don't find where the twins are." Sanemi greets his fands, raiding to his feet. Rengoku folowed his example and they followed the trail, which grew closer to the edge of the village. A small bamboo forest lays at the foot of the montain, separated from the village by a small stream. Near the riverbank two little girls splashed each other with water, laughing. "Hey, you brats! Get away from the water!" Sanemi shouted. The little girls freezes, looking up at him startled. Suddenly their attention was caught by a voice, calling for them to follow into the forest. They obeyed, crossing the river, ears deaf for Samemi shouting. "We should follow them!" Rengoku hurry down the hill, without waiting for his friend. He jumps over the river with ease, sprinting after the two potential victims of the yokai, hidden in the foliage. Sanemi clicked his tongue, rushing after him.

Unfortunately, he lost both his partner and the girls when he stepped into the foliage. He listens for movenents, but it was way too quiet. He stepped further in the shades, taking careful steps. He steps in a particularly tick shade, cautching the faint sound of breathing above his head. He instinctively jumps back as a huge black and white scaled body crashed with the ground, causing it to shake violently. Sanemi nearly lost his footing, grabbing on a nearby bamboo to steady himself. His fox ears and tails had appeared, fur fluffed up in alarm. The giant snake blinked its mismatched eyes at him.

"What business a kitsune has in this part of Japan? You are quite far from the fox territories." It asks calmly. By its voice, Sanemi concluded it is a male. "That is none of your business reptile!" Sanemi growls, lunging himself at the other yokai. He dodges its attack, being cautious of its poisonus fangs. One of the attacks came too close, the kitsune barely avoiding it, using one of the bamboos as a leveraged to jump out the way. He grabs on another one, swings himself at the snake, kicking it in the muzzle. The snake came back to its senses too quick, smacking his opponent with its tail, pining him down effectively. Sanemi strugled to push the heavy mass of scales off of him, but to no avail. The snake sniffed at him, his tongue flicked over Sanemi's cheek. Rengoku better be somewhere close by, otherwise Sanemi will end up as a reptile dinner. As on cue, fire blast threw the snake off if him. Rengoku appears between the trees with that signature smile of his.

"I am not too late, am I?" He asks hooefully. "Did you find the girls?" Sanemi asks him instead of giving an answer. Rengoku shock his head. They look up at the snake, which screached in pain, not too far from where they are standing. Sanemi strolled over to him, grabbed his neck and slammed his head on the hard forest floor. "Where are they? You better speak if you want to keep your head" The silver kitsune hissed, tighening his grip. " You are asking the wrong yokai." The Uwabami replied calmly. Sanemi squeezes his neck, choking him, body shaking with fury. Rengoku grabbed his shoulder to stop him from suffocating the other yokai. The silver kitsune let go of the Uwabami, huffing. "So you are not the one giving out the odd sent?" Kyojuro asks and the snake shook his head. "Even I don't know where it comes from." He answered truthfully. That makes the matters much more complicated. Unless they find the source if the sent they cannot find the girls either. "The sent is gone anyway. Looking for it will be like looking for a needle in a stack of hey." Sanemi frowns, rubbing his stiff neck. He noticed the Uwabami staring at him.

"You still think how to devour me?" The snake shook his head, obviously not bothered by being caught. "I was wondering what it feels like to have a human body. I don't have the skills to change my form." He admits. Sanemi exchanged surprised glances with Rengoku. This is the first time they met yokai like this one. Usually yokai care for far more important stuff like deviding territory, feeding grounds and finding a suitable mate. Meaningless stuff like wondering about what it feels like to be another species is only a waste of time. Kyoujurou is guilty of having similar thoughts. Being born a kitsune comes with certain expectations. The fox spirits are the second advanced species of yokai after the oni. They had the potential to surpass them one day. That is exactly why kitsune his age are forced to build up their straight until they reach higher level by growing two tails at a year. There are barely any kitsune no kyuubi left after the Great War. Another reason he is under do much pressure from his father. Maybe that is why he showed sympathy for the Uwabami. "I can provide you with the chance to experience this feeling" Rengoku suggested, shocking Sanemi with his wirds. "Are you serious? You are not supposed to waste your magic so carelessly." The older kitsune whispered to him.

"It us not a waste if it is with good intentions." Kyojuro grins at him, before he approached the Uwabami. "By the way, how should we call you?"

"Obanai Iguro!" The Uwabami introduces himself. Rengoku pressed his finger on top of his head. A bright light enguffed him, slowly fading to reveal a shirt attractive man with messy black hair and the same mismatched eyes. He stared at the pair of hands and legs, taking a spin to test his footing. He was a little of balance, loosing his foiting. Thankfully Sanemi caught him. Ibanai looks up at him with curious eyes. His intense stare nade the kitsune feel a little uncomfortable and he averted his eyes. "It seems he will need so lessons on walking." Rengoku giggles, finding it amusing.

"We don't have time for this now." Sanemi snapped.

"Then you should carry him on your back." Rengoku laughs, walking up ahead of them, igniring Sanemi curses. "That damn airhead." He greet his fangs, letting go of Obanai, who plops flat on his ass on the dry grass. He blinks confused as the kitsune steps in front of "Hop on and don't even try to question my generosity." He worned him. Obanai did not say anything, climbing on Sanemi's back. The older male hooked his arms under his knees securing him safely on his back, before he stood up and sprints to catch up with Rengoku.

Chapter Text

The closer they get to the source of the scent, more and more curtains of thick spider web obscured the sun light from above. Sanemi and Kyojuro exchenged knowing glances, as it dawned on them what is waiting up ahead.
When they were still little pups, the elders told them stories about a clan of spider yokai infamouse under the name Tsuchigumo. legends says they were exterminated two centuries ago. Kyojuro remembers how terrified he was when his grandfather described the Tsuchigumos, resulting in a permanent phobia for the young kitsune. He hates spiders and he would reather fight Akaza than facing a giant humanoid spider. Of course his nervousness did not went unnoticed.
"I know that look, Kyo! You have the same expression every time your aunt come for a visit. The instant you hear her voice, you are off to hide in the first hole you see." Sanemi gave him a thoughtful look, meaning he could not lie to his friend, even if he put an effort to come up with a convincing explanation. However, he decided to evade it, by redirecting Sanemi attention elsewhere.
"You have seeN her yourself. She is the embodiment of every pup nightmares." Kyojuro shiveres at the thought of the elder woman pulling his cheeks like a tofu.
"Pfft, of course she is!" He snorts amused, before he pressed further. "But she is not the only thing, which scares you, am I right?"
Just as kyojuro is about to answer, a rustling above them caught their attention. They lift their heads, spotting a shadow moving on the other side of the web above their heads. The fire kitsune haulted, eyes glued to the silhouette of the spider yokai. It seems it have not noticed their presance yet. Unlike the memmals, arthropods are deprived of sense of smell. They take notice of changes in their environment with the aid of elaborate sensory organs. That means if they come in contact with the web, the vibrations will alert the spider yakai of their presance.
"Great, just what we needed!" Sanemi groaned dusgusted. He felt Obanai's grip on his shoulder tightening, fingers digging in his exposed skin. His nervous shifting is a clear sign he is scared. One glance at Kyojuro is enough to figure out he is terrified just as much. He does not know how fear would influance Iguro performance in battle, however, for Kyojuro he knows for a fact he could not focus on the enemy when he is frightned by them. And that only happened once, the first time they met eac other. Even as a chield Sanemi possessed that terrifying aura, which other kitsune avoided like the plague. Back then Kyojuro has been a scardy cat in general, getting scared of almost anything. It took Sanemi forever to push him out of his comfort zone and befried him. A friend he would die for without hesitation.
"Guess it is all up to me then!" The silver kitsune chuckled. He took a deep breath to release a powerful roar, the vibrations shocking the web strings violently. Some of them broke, the web curtain tilting sideways and two reather huge cocoon thumped on the ground in kyojuro's feet. He hestiantly kneels down cutting the surface with his claws. His eyes grew wide when he saw one of the little girle mutilate face inside.
"You foul beasts destroyed my nest." A screach from above startled Rengoku and he jumps back to avoid being squished by the gigantic hairy legs of the spider. Its red eyes darted wildly around, searching for the intruders. Its poor sight is playing in their favour, giving them an actual advantage.
"Kyo, do you remember how we defeated the Ikuchi?" Sanemi asks, meeting his friend's confused expression. After a moment of long pause, Rengoku's confusion is replaced by his signature grin.
"The basterd was blind as a bat!" He laugh, imediatly regreting it when the spider charged at them. The kitsune jump out of the way, barely avoiding the spider's venomus fangs. With its poor eyesight, it did not notice the tree on its path, crashing ino the culm head on. The bamboo snapped in half and falls on top of the arthropod, temporalily dizorienting it. Sanemi took advantage of the situation, cuting four of its legs with his wind blades. The spider falls on its side, squicking in agony. Its body's convulsions looked grotesque.
"Kyojuro, roast the ugly fucker!" Sanemi shouted to his partner. Kyojuro sets his fists on fire, preparing to blow the spide's head with one swift puch. However, before he could get closer to the agonizing spider, a thick strings of web wrapped around his neck and he was abruptly thrown back into one of the bamboo trees, where he is restrained by more webs. The lack of oxygen prevanted him from activating his fire magic. All he could do is struggle to breath, which is almost impossible with how tight the web around his neck is.
"Kyojuro!" Sanemi shouted as he tried to rush to his aid, he felt a pair of fangs sinks in hisshoulder. He winced, glancing over his shoulder at Obanai, the Uwabami's lips stained with his blood.
"Iguro, what are you...?" The kitsune words slurred, his legs giving in under him. Iguro slips off his back, picking him up in his own arms. "I can't let die recklessly. There are too many of them." he whispered, glancing up at the top of the threes. There were at least seven Tsuchigumos surrounding them.
"I suggest you surrender serpent. We outnumber you." One of them spoke, jumping on the ground as it shifted into a human form. By its appearance it seems it is a male with shoulder length light pink hair, which almost look white from this distance, crimson red eyes with light blue irises shoot dagers at him, a mouth twisted into a snarl, showing a pair of sharp fangs under his parted lips. Iguro let out a sigh, laying Sanemi aganst a nearby bamboo, before turning to fully face the Tsuchigumo. The right side of his face was covered in scales, his right eye looking more snake like, compared to his left. As Kyojuro's consciousness fades away so is his magic. Iguro knew fully well this is a risky gamble, but in his true form he has better chances against the Tsuchigumos, than the kitsune, mostly because he is imune to other yokai venom.
"In this case numbers matter not." He states firmly as he body grew in side. His limbs fused with his body, as it grew longer and bigger, causing the ground underneath to rumble. The vibrations alerted the other Tsuchigumo and they scattared to avoid being crushed.
"Hold your ground!" The one in human form shouted.
"Rui, his is an Uwabami. It is well known they possess a very strong magic." One of the other spiders warned. For her surprise Rui's lips pulled into a smirk, like he has noticed something the others did not.
"Rui, this is not a laughing matter!" She scolded him. Rui only brushed her off, glancing at the other Tsuchigumos.
"This Uwabami is nothing more than an ordinary snake. It possesses no magic , but as long as that works in our advantage, nothing else matter." He stated, changing into his spider form. "Everyone, surround and restrain him!"
The Tsuchigumos charged at the Uwabami, dodging each swing of his tail directed at them. One of them got smashed under its waight, being too slow to avoid the scaly body of the snake. The other managed to surround him, shooting webs at him. The sticky strings restricted Iguro's movements, effectively pinning him to the ground.
"That was too easy." Rui sighed approaching the Uwabami as he changed yet again in his human form. He kneels in front of the giant snake and pats his muzzle. "It is a shame we have to kill you, but that is how nature works. The strongest feed on the weakest."
Rui's lips streached into a mocking grin as he keeps pocking Iguro's muzzle. Iguro eyes narrowed glaring at the Tsuchigumos' seeming leader. The Uwabami is usually calm and collected and have a good self control. But this brat is pushing his buttons too insistently, drawing the line of his patiance tiner and tiner with each poke. Finally that patiance snapped and Iguro managed to release his muzzle, headbutting Rui, catching him of guard. Rui stumbled backwards, falling on his back. His eyes widened at the sight of the Uwabami open jaws. They were too close for him to jump out the way in time. For his shock and surprise someone's body shielded him. he looks up to see his sister's face, looking down at him. He lips pulled in a smile just before the snake jaws closed sround her head, crushing her scull. Rui watched stunned as the Uwabami devoured her. He was paralized in his place, watching with horror as each one of his siblings have been merslessly eaten. His younger brother managed to craw over to him with his split torso, grabbing on his leg. The gesture snapped Rui out of his trans and he looks down at the dying boy in front of him.
"Rui, he is too strong! You should run, before he eats you too." He said with a rasped voice before he colapsed on the ground in a pool of blood. Rui body shook violently, eyes burning with hot tears. He greets his hangs, fists clenched at his sides. He glanced up at the snake from under his bangs, his gaze flaring with rage.
"YOU BASTARD, I WILL KILL YOU!" he screamed, shifting into a spider, lunging himself at the bigger yokai. He used the threes as leverage to jump higher, aiming for the snake's head. Obanai read through his movements instntly, throwing the corpse of what looks like Rui's mother at him. The impactsends Rui flying backwards crushing trough s few of bamboo trees. He cursed, strugglingto stand up, but five of his legs were broken- three on the right side and two on the left. With uneven weight he stood no chance against the Uwabami. Even if he uses his cobweb, he would not be able to hold it back at a distance for too long. As much as he hates the idea, he has no other choice but to retreat. He puts all his straight into crawling towards the nearest entrance, leading to the Tsuchigumos's nest. He forced his body to move as fast as it was posible in his condition. Rui managed to slip into a seemingly invisible hole into the ground moments before Iguro's jaws would close around him. The Uwabami bangs its head against the ground attempting to pursue the spider, however, the hole was too small for him to fit in. After a few futile attempts he gave up, crawing over to Kyojuro. With a precise and well measured delicasy he bite through the web, mindful of the kitsune's neck. The fire kitsune's unconscious body slids on top of Iguro's head and he carefully lower him to the ground. A couple of seconds passed before Kyojuro convulsed in a coughing fit. it took him a while to catches his breath and realize what just happened. To say he is horrified by the sight of blood and dismembared lims around him is understandable. His eyes finally came to rest on Obanai, who stared at him expectantly.
"Before you ask anything, Sanemi needs a medical treatment. I will explain everything later." He points to a very pale and sweating Sanemi across from them. Kyojuro instantly rushed over to his friend, taking a good look at him to find the reason of his critical condition. His eyes landed on the bite mark on his shoulder. The size and the shape were enough to figure out where the bite came from. He glanced at Iguro, who has not moved from his spot watching him. Rengoku has no idea why the Uwabami inflicted poison on his friend, but right now healing Sanemi is his first priority. He can interogate Iguro later.
With his mind set he pressed his hand to the bitemark as it glows with soft green light. Judging by the fact it is not yet infected, means not much time had passed.
"I did not mean to endanger his life, but I also did not want him to fight the Tsuchigumos." Iguro admite sincerely. There was no regret behind his words though. Kyojuro is not very familiar with Uwabami as species, but he could not overlook his actions.
"Here is where we must part ways!" He stated firmly as he fanally draw the last drop of venom and the bitemark fades. he picks up Sanemi, shooting a glare at Iguro, who was taken aback by the intensity the other is stared at him with. "And do not try to follow us!" He warned as he turns and starts walking back in direction of the village, following the sent of the trail they left behind. While he was walking he felt Sanemi stirring in his arms.
"Kyo, what in the...Grr?" His sentance was cut by a whince when he realized how numb and sore his bitten arm feel.
"Don't move too much, it is still recovering." Kyojuro scolded him, yet a light smile grazed his lips. He is trying his best to remain his cheerful self for his friend's sake.
"Where is Iguro?" Sanemi asked, realizing he is not with them. Kyojuro's expression darkned at the mention of the serpent.
"He is not our concern anymore." Kyojuro reply curtly. It is better that way. They could not let someone who takes dangerous decisions without other's consent join their group.
"What do you mean he is not our concern? What happened out there?" Sanemi asked insistently. He sounded reather confured than anything else. Then his expression suddenly changed as he oviously racalled what happened earlier. His face twisted into a frown, but he baggan to scruggle furiously in his friend's grasp.
"Let me go, I will go back there and chop that basterd into a sushi." He shouted, swinging his fists in the air, landing a couple of punches on Kyojuro's jaw. Frustrated Kyojuro bite his fists, drawing a pained growl from the other kitsune.
"Forget about him. We have a bigger problem here. We have to regroup with the others and discuse what we will do. We could not just leave when there is dangerous yakai lurking around the village."
"I thought you hate spiders!" Sanemi teased, receiving another bite, this time on the ear. "Ouch! Aright, fine, if you want to be a hero be my guest. However, I am not taking part into this."
"Oh yes you will! The more hostile blood tirsty yokai live out there, the more potential ally exists for Muzan. That means the world is much more dangerous not just for humans, but for us yokai too." Kyojuro pointed out matter of factly, leaving no room for argument.
"If you put it that way...I guess we have to get out hends dirty." His face split in a wide maniacal grin. Now that is his Sanemi-the crazy destructive kitsune he befriended centuries ago. The one who taught him to be a better version of himself and made him the brave confident warrior he is today. Someone he is not willing to sacrifice.

Chapter Text

""Where have you been, you two?" Tengen huge frame blocked the entrance of the inn, a deep frown sculpting his face. Kyojuro realized he is stil carrying Sanemi in his arms. He dropped the other kitsune, winning himself a very unintelligible curses addressed his way. Kyojuro ignored him not really bothered by his rude wording, instead focusing his attention on the raiju, whose expression has softened slightly.
"We run into some unpredicted circumstances. Any luck on your end?" He asks with his usual smile plastered on his face. Tengen motioned over his shoulder remaing silent. Kyojuro tilts his head puzzled, a wave of worry raising inside him, threatening to expload like a volcano. The bigger yokai stepped out the way, so they could enter the building. Kyojuro waste no time, speeding down the hallway, knocking down the inn keeper, who happens to exit one of the rooms at the wrong time. Kyojuro appologized, throwing a quick glance over his shoulder. After another corner he reaches the door of their shared room, slidding it open with more force than necessary, panting and gasping to catch his breath. His eyes widened when he saw Giyuu sitting in his futon, surrounded by Tanjiro and Nezuko. The mizuchi dragon glanced upat the door, meeting eyes with Kyojuro, whose shock is instantly replaced by joy and he threw himself at Giyuu, startling him with his action.
"GIYUU!" He cried, squeezing his friend tightly, his tails wagging excitedly.
"Kyojuro, you are crushing me." Giyuu hissed, trying to prush him off. Kyojuro did not budge and even began to purr like a cat. Nezuko and Tanjiro chuckled, finding the display of affection pretty amusing. It kind of remind Tanjiro of his own friendship with Sabito. That thought of his decased friend brought him grief, so he forced it deep in the back of his mind. There would be time to moarn him, but not at a joyful moment like this.
It was only when Tengen pried his mate off Giyuu, the kitsune calm downand become aware of his surroundings. On a table near the window two figures observed the scene, while quietly sipping tea.
"So there are more of you." the woman spoke up, her huge eyes never blinking. It was more of a statment than a question. It took a moment for Kyojiro to figure out who she actually is.
"You are Lady Tamayo, are you not?" He asks politely. A smile grazed her lips and she stood up, bowing her head.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, prince Kyojuro." She greeted him. All eyes are instantly glued on Rengoku, making him feel uneasy.
"You are a prince?" Nezuko exclaimed, her voice high pitch, hurting his ears. Great, his secret got out.
"Kitsune royalty differ from the human royalties" Sanemi explained, entering the room more composedly than he usually would. He ignored Rengoku warning glare, flipping him the birdy.
"It doesn't seem to me he is happy about his status." Tengen pointed out when Kyojiro squirmed in his arms. He looked like a very angry but still adorable cat. Tengen pets his head, receiving a happy purr from his mate.
Sanemi rolled his eyes, scraching his itchy right ear. Since they left the bamboo forest he felt that wierd pricking on his skin in various uncomfortable places. It felt like an army of invisible flees is repeatedly biting him. he assumed it could be a lingering effect from the snake's poison. He unconsciously reached for the spot where Iguro bite him, brushing his fingertips over the bitemarks.
"Don't tell me you did something funny with Ren-chan behind Tengen's back." Nezuko whispered to him, so only he could hear. Sanemi shoot her a look, clicking his tongue.
"Of corse not. What kind of guy do you think I am?" He huffed, rubbing over the bitemark roughly. The skin redned because of the harsh treatment and get even more irritated and instead of inching it began to hurt.
"You shouldn't rub it so aggressivly." Tamayo voice snaps him to attention. He huffs, shoving his hand back in his haori's pocket. "I believe the magic of hot springs's water could ease the unpleasant itching. I live close to a hide hot spring close to the montain. If you want to have a good sleep, I suggest you consider my invitation to stay at the resort I own for as long as you wish."
"But lady Tamayo..." Yushiro tried to protest, stopped by Tamayo lifting her hand up tosilence him.
"If I say it is alright, then there is no really an issue." She said calmly, glancing at the travelers for their answer. They exchange glance, silently asking their companions if they agree. When no one objected Kyojuro holds his thumbs up, grinning wide.
"We accept your invite." His response pleased Tamayou, because her smile grew wider.
"I am pleased to hear that, my dear prince." She bowed politely, pushing Yushiro's head to do the same. He gret his teeth , but does so, unwilling to anger his beloved mistress. As much as he disliked the idea of bunch of foreigners to occupy their home, he also has no saying in the matter, since Tamayo is the owner of the resort. That is why he bites back his tongue, keeping his oppinion for himself.

####
The resort is simple, however the property itself is beautiful with all the cherry blossoms surrounding it. They are provided rooms, devided in pairs. The Kamado twins were of course sharing a roo, Tanjiro opposed of the idea of his sister sharing a room with anyone else. The rooms are simple, yet spacious. It is already dinner time when the group is done setting down. Yushiro showed them to the dinning room, where a variety of dishes awaited them on a long table in the middle of the room. The smell tickled their noses, inviting them with it appetizing aroma. The group settles around the table, Kyojuro wasting no time to dig in the closest dish, stuffing his mouth. Just now he realized oww hungry he actually is. Giyuu is much more hesitant, not very kin to human food, but since there is nothing else he could satisfy his rumbling stomach, he settle for a warm steaming piece tofu. It wasn't as good as the Crustacean he is used to, but it is not bad eaither. Tengen is feeding Kyojiro, who has his mouth open, ready for each bite. Tanjiro observed them for a couple of minutes, his cheeks turning pink when he imagine Giyuu doing the same. As if reading his thoughts, Giyuu holds a shushi roll in front of the young man's face, which Tanjiro eagerly bite, his face turning redder. Nezuko giggled, elbowing her brother playfully. That only emberassed him even further.
"Just fuck alrerady, for Buddha's sake!" Sanemi groaned, rubbing his temple irritated.
"Language!" Kyojuro scolded him, receiving another middle finger in his face. In his deffence Tengen grabs one of Sanemi's tails, charging it with electricity until it fluffs, looking like a big dandelion. everyone beside Sanemi burst out in a fit of laugher. In response to his abused tail, Sanemi blows a gush of wind in Tengen's face, messing his perfectly tamed hair, which leads to even more laughing fits. Uzui pouncing on Sanemi and they end up wrestling each other on the floor, pulling the other tail and ears. Kyojuro and Giyuu end up sepparating them.
The rest of the dinner passed quietly with small talk between the yokai, occasionaly Tanjiro take part in the conversation. Nezuko retired to her shared room with Tanjiro, beeding them "good night." Tengen dragged Kyojiro to the hot springs for a midnight soaking. And that leavs Giyuu, Sanemi and Tanjiro ocupyng the dinning room. Yushiro joinedthem, suggesting they play shogi in pairs, taking turns. Tanjiro teamed up with the oni, leaving Giyuu to form a team with Sanemi. Despite their differences and mutual dislike they made up a good team, beating their opponennts twice in a roll. Yushiro blamed it on Tanjiro for sucking at the game. The hinokami dancer snapped back at him, insisting they lack team work.
Their argument reaching Kyojiro and Tengen's ears even from that distance.
"Do they have to be so noisy?!" The raiju scoffed. Kyojuro giggled, looking up at his mate, in which lap he sits comfortably.
"i don't think it really bother's you." He purred, pulling him down by the bangs for a deep passionant kiss. Tengen smirks, kissing back, bitting kyojuro's lower lip. The kitsune moans, flicking his tongue over the tips of his fangs. The raiju growled, lowering his hand into the warm water, fingers brushed over the tip of the kitsune's cock. kyojuro meuwled, thrusting his hips to receive more of the bigger yokai's touch. Tengen smirked, picking Rengoku like he weight nothing, sitting him on the edge of the hot spring, spreadding his legs open. The kitsune blushes, watching as his mate nuzzle his inner tight, giving it a light nibble. He left a trail of small love bites, until hereached his shaft, giving it a long slow lick. Kyojuro moans, laying his back on the tiles. His cries became louder when Uzui's hot mouth closed around his cock. This was the first time they go all the way, making Rengoku feel exposed in front of the other yokai. Each suck bringing him closer to his orgasm. Of corse he is not let to reach that ecstasy as Tengen pulls back, lifting one of his legs over his shoulder. Their eyes locked, clouded with lust and desire. Tengen lays down, connecting their lips , so he could distract his mate from the pain that will follow. It did distract from the unplesant feeling of Uzui thrusting in him, which slowly faded away, replaced by sparks of pleasure when Tengen his one particular spot inside him. His reaction made the raiju aim to hit that spot, eac thrust drizing Kyojuro crazy. He claws at his lover's back, long red marks decorating Uzui's pale skin. He broke the kiss biting on the kitsune's shoulder earning another meuwing. He lifted Rengoku other leg up too, thrusting even deeper. kyojuro arched his back with an animalistic cry when Tengen hits that same spot harder, making him see stars. After a couple more thrusts Rengoku reached his orgasm, cumming all over himself and Tengen, who keps thrusting for another minute until he reaches his own orgasm. His howling resonated in the silence of the night, startling nearby lurking cretures. The two yokai stood motionless, staring at each other, breaths coming in heavy panting.
Unexpected for them the door sepparating the springs from the living quarters slid open. They glance up at a very scandalized Sanemi and disturbed Giyuu, who is shielding Tanjiro's inocent eyes with his hand.
"ARE YOU SERIOUSLY FUCKING IN THE HOT SPRING?" Sanemi shouted, his tails and ears fluffing up. Kyojuro quickly covered himself up, the best he could with Tengen still buried inside him. The raiju smirks, ging him a teasing thrust, earning himself a moan.
"T-tengen, what are you...?" Rengoku glanced at his mate who winks at him, slowly pulling out, only to replace his cock with his tongue, licking him clean. He make sure the other yokai have a good view of what he is doing.
"You are disgusting pervert Tengen!" Sanemi scrushed his nose, quickly turning around to leave. Giyuu followed him, hurriedly closing the door, before he uncovered Tanjiro's eyes.
"I am not a chield you know." Tanjiro pouted. Giyuu gave him a gentle smile, kissing his forehead lovingly.
"I know, but still I don't know to expose your innocrnt eyes to something so vulgar." He reply in a soft voice, laced with cocern. Tanjiro returned the smile, stepping on his toes to kiss the mizuchi's nose. When he pulls back, he noticed the blush on the dragon's cheeks and giggles cutely.
"I know, Giyuu-sama! By the way..." he glanced around, brows raised "Where is sanemi?"
Giyuu glanced around as well, realizing the silver kitsune is indeed missing. But knowing him, Giyuu is 100% certain he should be more concerned for whoever dare to confront him.
"Probably he is looking for another spring to soak in." He suggested. But his guts told him, he could not be more far from the truth.

Chapter Text

Sanemi left the hot springs resort, heading in direction of the village. He needed to be as far away from Tengen as possible, otherwise he would attempt to murder him on the spot. The thunder basterd thought it was amusing to infuriate him. As much as he tried to act like he had accepted his best friend choice of a mate, tengen shoved it in his face on purpose.
"That blasted fleebag!" He growled, kicking a pebble. It flew up in the air and disappeared between the trees. A moment later he heard a familiar cry. Quickly he pushed the bush branches apart and peek behind them to be certain it was not just his imagination playing tricks on him.
Sitting on the ground, rubbing her abused head, beautiful female kitsune whined and groaned, her emeral green eyes wet with tears.
"Mitsuri?" By the mention of her name, the female kitsune looks up, her eyes widened in surpsise "Sanemi? SANEMI-KUN!" She squealed, throwing herself at him, with her arms wide open. Sanemi face was instantly crasged between her breasts as she hugged him tightly. "IT HAS BEEN FOREVER SINCE I LAST SAW YOU. I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!" She practiacally screamed the words, wagging her tail in excitement. Mitsuri nuzzled his fluffy ears, resulting in an involuntary muffled whine to escaped from his throat. The silver kitsune could feel his face heath up, the strong aroma of magnolia filling his nostrils. Unlike other kitsune, Mitsuri radiated a sweet floral fragrance. That is how he could regognize her among other kitsune.
Sanemi groaned, seeing as she does not intend to let go of him any time soon. Frustrated from the lack of oxygen he bite on the inner side of her boob. Mitsuri squeaked, slapping him upside the head.
"Behave yourself, Sanemi!" She scolded him with a giggle. He cuckled, licking the bitemark, his hands winding behind her to grab her ass, giving it a light slap.
"Don't pretend like you didn't like it. We both know you are not as shy as you pretend to be." He teased her. She giggled again, laying closer until their faces were inches apart.
"So you want to claim me as your mate?" She asks in a low seductive voice. Damn that woman and her teasing. She knows damn well he can't do that, unless he has a dead wish. He brothers and father were not very found of him. If he actually mate with her, they will have his head for sure. Mitsuri noticed his hesitation, furrowing her brows.
"Come on, Nemi! Don't tell me you are terrified by my family? I told you already, I made up my mind to be your mate a long time ago." The puffed her cheeks, looking like an angry chipmunk. Sanemi covered his mouth, fighting back a laugher. She is even more adorable than Kyojiro, which of corse Sanemi will never admit out loud as his respect for his best friend comes in first place. He is aware how self conscious the flame kitsune is about his appearance. More often than not he compare himself to others, much more attractive than him, regardless of how stuning he is himself.
"You know, Mitsu, you are adorable when you are angry." He teased her, shielding his head with his arm from her surprisingly strong punches. Without a doubt he will have bruises on his forearm tomorrow.
"Don't make fun of me, you meanie!" She whined while she is assaulting him. He reaches behind her, grabbing one of her tails. She blushes, meuwing as he strokes the tail. A fact known only among the kitsune is that their tails and ears are very sensitive spots. Touching them incress the chances of the partner of choice to submite. Sanemi is not personally fan of the foreplay, but if mitsuri is involved, he is curious how much she can take before she begs him to fuck her.
"By the way, what are you doing in the woods all by yourself?" He asks her, remembering he forgot to ask her earlier. She paused , fists in mid-air, her big eyes blinking as her brain is processing the question.
"Oh right, I didn't tell you, did i? i got in a fight with my father for the uptenth time and that has been the last straw. I could not deal with his suffocating protectivness and I just run away. "She explained, lookinh down at her lap. She shifted her body, her movement causing an unintentional friction. sanemi bite his lip to surpress a moan. One look at Mitsuri told him it affected her too. He grabs her hand, pulling her closer. She got the message laying closer, meeting her lips with her own. She licked his lips inviting him to have abattle for dominace with her. He opens he own mouth, his tongue clashing with hers. He pushes the upper half of her kimono further apart, uncovering one of her breasts. he squees it, drawing a louder moan from her.
"S...Nemi!" She cried his name, saliva dripping from the corners of her mouth. sanemi attacked her neck, biting and kissing her soft pale skin. He unwrapped the sash, holding her kimono together, pushing it off her shoulder, leaving her complitely naked before him.
She huffs seeig as he did not attempted to take his own attire. She grabs on the fabric, intending to strip it off him, however, he grabs her wrists, pushing them behind her back. He used her sash to tie them together.
"Be a good girl, Mitsu and let me take care of everything." She wishpered in her ear with husky voice, his hands coming to rest on her hips. he pressed butterfly kisses on each of her breats, flicking his tongue around one of her nipples. She moans, struggling against her bindings, but she did not put too much effort in it, enjoying to be at Sanemi's mercy.
They both were lost in the moment, they missed to hear the rustling of foliage nearby. Sanemi's nose picked on the extra musky sent, but too late. an invisible force threw him back, sending him in the nearest tree. It took the silver kitsune a couple of seconds to come to his sences, gripping on his head. Slowly the blured silhouettes in front of him came into focus. his eyes widened when he realized who is standing next to Mitsuri. Somehow her eldest brother tracked her down, which technically is not easy as there are other yokai lurking in the area.
"A...Asashi!" Mitsuri blinked surprised, her surprise quickly replaced by anger. "Did father send you after me?" She snapped, effortlesly freeing her hands. asashi did not acknowledge her, approaching Sanemi, who was frozen by fear. Usually no yokai could scare him, not even Muzan. But Mitsuri brothers and father are a different story. Asashi grabbed him by the neck, lifting him above the ground.
"You have some nerve touching my sister." He growled, a huge amount of spirit energy emiting from him.
"Let him go, Ashashi! I thought I already made it clear, that i want him to be my mate and nobody else." Mitsuri snapped, while she puts on her kimono in a hurry. "Is this so hard to understand?"
"There are so many decent candidates out there and you choose this scumbag. Why?" he brother looks over his shoulder, brow arched quizically. There is a long moment of silance, disturbed only by the whistle of the night wind. Mitsuri face is red when she finally build up the courage to say out loud what she has been holding deep inside her heart for so long.
"Because I love him!" She confessed. Both men stared at her shocked. Sanemi knew she was interested in him, but he always assumed it all was just an act of rebelion against her father. To hear her conffess her love is the last thing he expected. He even bets his own life that asashi is in a bigger shock than he is. The older kitsune turns his attention towards him, his eyes boring holes in his very soul. damn it, why Mitsuri brothers must be this level of intimidating?
"I heard my sister, now i would like to know how you feel toawds her. If you just see her as a one time fling I will rip your head off." He growled, squeezing his neck even tighter. Sanemi chocked as his wind pipes is nearly crushed.
"She is the only woman I ever desired. I only hold back, because of you and the rest of her body guards." He reply, speaking with a lot of difficulty. He is honest in his words, "the only woman" being the key word. Yes he never showed interest in other females, while when it comes to men he still held strong feelings for Kyojuro.
Finally Asashi let go of him, leting out a frustrated sigh. He rubbed his face, while thinking over both conffesions.
"If that is the case, then you have to do things right, if you want to recieve our father approval." Asashi gave Sanemi a stern look. "Tomorrow come over to our residence and make certain to bring two other people as witnesses." He instructed him, grabbing Mitsuri's wrist and pulling her with him, further away from still shocked Sanemi. he stood nailed to the spot for a little while longer before he heads back to the resort. The entire time his mind is preoccupied with thoughts about his visit tomorrow. If he messes things up, he will not only disgrace his own tribe, but he will also cause alot more problems for Mitsuri, than he already does.
Approaching the buildings, first thing he noticed is tengen standing outside. The raiju spoted him instantly, waving at himeagerly. Usually sanemi would bark some sort of insult, but he is already too stressed because of Asashi. Tengen imediatly picked on his distress, the smile disappearing from his face.
"You look like you saw Shuten Dōji himself. Did something happened?" The raiju aked concerned. Sanemi's face looked even paler than usual, almost transperant.
"I happened to run into a woman I intended to bound with. However her family despises me and just tonight her eldest brother gave me permission to court her properly. The thing is I have to do that tomorrow and i need to witnesses to come with me."He explained in one breath, his body shaking with each word. Tengen griped his shoulders to calm him down. When Sanemi lift his head to look at him, his had that annoying grin on his face, which the kitsune could not stand.
"If you need support to win the girl in question, you can count on both Kyojuro and myself of corse." This statment did not made Sanemi feel any less miserable. He intended to ask Giyuu instead of that moron. If he refuse though, he will end up in another argument with Kyojuro and that is the last thing he need right now.
"Do you even have idea how our rituals work?" Sanemi asked, noticing how the smile suddenly disappeared from Tengen's face.
"Well, Kyojuro said they are too complicated and there is no point to explain them." The reply, scraching the back of his head. Sanemi rolled his eyes, not too surprised.
"Then I will have to do the explaining instead." He sat on the engawa, patting the spot next to him. Tengen took a sit , folding his hands in his lap, his entire attention on Sanemi. For the next two hours the kitsune explained to him each and every ritual, only pausing to ask if he understood. Tengen seem to catch fast, absorbing the informetion without issue. It is late at night when they finally entered their respective rooms as quiet as possible, so the other residence in the building won't be awoken. Sanemi felt less stressed after talking to Tengen or reather educating him, so he won't look like a fool when he finally get the chance to meet Kyojiro's father. That is if they come back alive from that mission. Surprisingly sleep claims him easy and he sinks in a deep sleep, where Mitsuri adorable smiling face geeted him.

Chapter Text

The Kanroji Estate is only a ten minutes on foot from the hot springs. On the way there Sanemi almost has a change of heart, ready to turn around and just forget about the arangment. However, Uzui reflexes were unexpectedly fast, the raiju grabbing the back of his kimono and effortlessly lifting him up like a little helpless kitten.

"Where do you think you are going?" The larger yokai asked with that annoying mocking smile of his.

"LET ME GO, YOU DAMN MUTT!" Sanemi growled trashing helplessly in attempt to slip out the other's grip. Tengen smile fade into a frown and he grabs the kitsune's ankle with his free hand, while letting go of his clothing. Sanemi yelped as the world suddenly spins upsidedown. The change of possition angered sanemi even more and he trashed violently in Uzui's grip, trying to kick him. Kyojiro silently observed the ordeal on the side. The dynamic of these two never cased to amuse him.

"KYOJIRO, DO SOMETHING ABOUT YOUR PET HERE!" Sanemi yelled, glancing at his grinning friend. Kyojiro burst out laughing when the other kitsune is thrown unceremoniously over the raiju's shoulder.

"I could, but this is too fun to watch." He reply through pants, holding his stomach. Sanemi cursed him in the language of the kitsune as he is carried by Tengen towards their destination. Rengoku trailed behind them laughing the entire way to their destination.

Mitsuri eldest brother is already waiting for them in front of the house when they arrived. He stared quizzicaly at the scene unfolding in front of him, however, he did not comment on it.

"You are running late. I personally could overlook this little ditail, however our father will take this into account. Two of the courting candidates already lost their chances because they could not meet all of his expectations." He pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest.

"That sounds more like your father is the one going to be courted not your sister." Kyojiro said metter of factly, ignoring the angry glares from Sanemi. Asashi blinks a couple of times, before he burst out laughing.

"I can't argue with that statement, Kyo!" He wiped a tear from the corner of his eye as his laugher finally died down. Tengen looked between them a little confused at the casual interaction.

"I get the impression you two already know each other." He said, not even trying to hide his jealousy. Kyojirou instantly noticed the change of air around his mate and opens his mouth to explain the situation, however, Asashi beat him up to it.

"My sister has been a pupil of Kyo's father years ago. Sometimes I accompanied her and during one of our visits I met Kyojiro. He happened to be the one to befriend me, saying something along the lines of: "You look like you need a friend" or something like that."

"That is not what I said. Don't make it seems like I only befriend others, because I pity them." Kyojiro pouts slightly offended.

"Of course not! Now, please follow me! Lets not make my father wait any longer than necessary." He gestured for them to follow him, the goofy smile still plastered of his face.

Lord Kanroji is waiting in the dinning room with Mitsuri on his left and his wife on his right. Asashi younger brothers are occupying the remaining sits, whispering among each other. Mitsuri looked pencive, arms folded in her lap. When Sanemi's sent filled her nostrils she perked up, a bright smile spreading across her face.

"The guests have arrived, father!" Asashi annonced, bowing to his father. He waited for his father permission to sit and when he nods in acknowlegment, the eldest child of the Kanroji household took a sit at his mother left side.

"Welcome to our humble home! Please take a sit!" Mitsuri's father greet them, gesturing to the free sits across the table. Tengen drops Sanemi on the ground, the silver kitsune hissed at him, his fur fluffing. His snear, however, melted when he felt the itense stares on the back of his head. Still in sitting position he used his hands as a support to turn his body 180° to face the hosts of the estate.

"It has been a while, Shinazugawa!" Mitsuri's father addressed him with stone cold voice.

"Indeed it has." He replied, trying his best to remain calm. Nevertheless the elder yokai sensed his fear, an amused grin spreading across his face. Sanemi narrowed his eyes, his fear replaced by irritation. One thing he hates above all else is when someone is looking down on him. "What is so funny, old man?"

"You are predictable - your reactions, your words, your emions. You are like an open book, making it easy for yokai and humans alike to take advantage if they wanted to." The elder yokai reply, the annoying smile never leaving his lips.

"I get it, that is what you intend to do, am I wrong?" Sanemi hissed complitely overtaken by his wrath. Both yokai exchanged tense stares, the smile on the host's face replaced by a frown.

"Who would like some tea before lunch?" Mitsuri quickly interupted the tension between them. She did not wait for reply, standing up from her sit. Asashi instantly sensed her distress, speaking up in the most joyful tone he could master:

"Tea sounds lovely. I believe we had a high quality green tea somewhere in the kitchen." He claps his hands together eagerly. He wished to prevent a break of a blood bath between his father and potential brother-in-law. The eldest son stood up, following his little sister to the kitchen.

"This is not good. Sanemi just arrived and they are already glaring daggers at each other." Mitsuri whines, pulling on her twin braids.

"Don't freak out, Mitsu! Your big brother will not allow Hell to break loose. I already gave you my word, did I not?" Asashi cupped her face in his hands, making her look him straight in the eyes. Mitsuri visibly calms down, nodding her head. Asashi smiles, kissing her forehead. "Now, let's make that tea." He let go of her face and walks to the pantry to search the boxes inside. Meanwhile Mitsuri filled the kettle with water, placing it on the stove to boil. A comfortable silence settle between the two as they worked on the praparations together.

Sudden rustling sound from the roof disturbed the tranquilitym, catching their attention. Mitsuri and Asashi exchanged alarmed glances, the elder of the two approaches the back door, leading to the inner garden. He stepped outside, listening in for more sounds. Strangly there were none. However, he knew better, summoning the roots of every single plant in the garden. They broke through the dirt like a wooden wall, crashing down on the tiles above. The rustling appeared again, this time louder than earlier. A moment later something huge and hairy broke through the roof- a spider leg. More of them broke through, one of them piercing Asashi's shoulder.

"ASASHI!" Mitsuri shouted, rushing in to aid her brother.

"STAY BACK!" He yelled, gripping on the leg to prevent it from piercing even deeper.. Mitsuri refused to listen, dodging the falling debris from the ceiling. She almost reached him, but the spider's head came through the ceiling, wrapping its jaws around her waist and picking her off the ground. She screamed, punching its head in attempt to make it let go. That only angered the spider more and it threw her across the roof. She lads at the edge, nearly rolling over. Below her is spread a row of thick rose bushes. They will cushon her fall, but also cause some serious injuries. She struggles to sit up, only to be pushed back down by the spider's strong legs.

"Where are they? I can sense there presance. I know they are here. Tell me where, now!" The spider hissed above her, its ear piercing screech hurting her sensitive earsdrums.

"I don't know what are you talking about." She whimpered, struggling helplessly. She honestly had zero clue what the spider is looking for. Nevertheless, the bigger yokai did not believed her. He 'refusal'to talk angered the Tsuchigumo opens its jaws to bite her head off. However, Rui's meal is interupted by one of the yokai he is ooking for. A wind blade cut two of his right legs, making him topple over, landing in the rose bushes below. He screeches in pain, struggling to get up. Mitsuri averted her eyes, unable to watch his suffering. She saw Sanemi standing right there, in front of her, realizing she never noticed his approach. Relieved to see him she burst in tears, throwing herself at him. She wrapped his arms around her, patting her head soothingly. He knew how scared she must be, that is why he left her cry her eyes out.

Meanwhile at the foot of the house, Rui finally managed to roll out the bushes. Unfortunately for him the thorns had pricked his eyes, blinding him. In the state he was in there is no way he could fight back if he is attacked. He dragged his bleeding body to where the stone wall encircle the Estate. He is halfway through when a blast of flames wipe him out, along with everything else on its path, incinerating him alive. In his last moments he caughed glimps of the fire kitsune between the flames. He has the look of an coldblood assassin. He looked even more terrifying than Tamamo no Mae herself.

"May your soul find peace in the next life." The flame kitsune whispered , while watching the Tsuchigumo's body disintegrate, the wind blowing away the ashes.

Sanemi watched from the roof, rubbing Mitsuri's back to calm her down. Suddenly she remembered that Asashi is trapped in the ruins of the kitchen, quickly pushind away from Sanemi. Before he could stop her, she runs in the direction of the destruction. She grabs on debris, throwing them out the way, desperately searching for her brother. She finally spots his arm underneath the rubbles, proceeding to dig him out. When she finally reached him, he was not moving, eyes closed like he is asleep.

"Asashi?" She reache her hand, placing it on his cheek. When her fingers came in contact with his skin she realized he is cold like ice. As the crueal truth hits her, she falls on her knees, tears blinding her vision.

"Mitsuri!" Sanemi called for her, approaching her sobbing figure. She looks up at him with teary eyes.

"My brother is dead and it is all my fault. How am I going to face father now." Sanemi bit his lip in hesitation. He finally averted his eyes, which is enough to break the harsh truth to her. Not just Asashi, but her entire family were crashed under the weight of the roof. She breaks up in sobs, burying her face in her hands. She lost her home and her family. In one swift moment fate decided to turn her life 180° and take everything away from her.

***

"What are you going to do now?" Kyojuro asks Mitsuri a few hours later, when her tears run dry. She sat on a bench in the far end of the garden, away from the distruction.

"I don't know. I run away before, but this...this is different." She grips on her kimono. Tengen stepped closer to her, kneeling down, so he is at the same eye level as her.

"I know what you are going through. A long time ago I had a family of three beautiful mates and five pups. I loved my mates, they were the best women I could ask for to be mine. Unfortunately, a group of hunters murdered them while I was out hunting. By the time I came back it was too late." He gripped her hands in his own, fighting back his own tears. "I was lost until I met these funny bunch. So I want you to remember, that you are not alone. You have us."

"Thank you! I will remember that." Mitsuri smiled, rubbing the remaining stains of tears from her cheeks. Tengen returned the smile, standing up, pulling her up on her feet. Mitsuri looked at Sanemi, who still looked troubled. She walks up to him, startling him when she wraps her arms around him in a tight hug.

"You don't have to feel responsable. It was not your fault. It was not anyone's fault." She whispered in his ear, before she pulls back, giving his cheek a peak. Sanemi stared at her surprised, a blush spreading across his face.

"What are we waiting for, then?" Her voice is trembling, yet the smile remains in on her face. That smile which will brighten the darkest of night. Sanemi took her hand, squeezing it gently, to show her he is with her and did not let it go the entire time while they walk back to the hot sptings.

Chapter Text

"AWWW! THEY ARE SO ADORABLE!" Mitsuri exclaimed, squeezing Tanjiro and nezuko in a tight hug.

"I know, right!" Rengoku grins, messing up the spellcaster's neatly pulled up ponytail into a disheveled mess. Tanjiro swated his hand away, frowning. It took him an entire hour to put his hair in order, only for the kitsune to just ruin in an less than a second.

"Where did you found them? Can i keep the girl? Just look at this cute squeezable cheeks." Mitsuri cued, pinching Nezuko's cheeks.

"Hey, don't treat us like pets!" Tanjiro snapped, puffing his own cheeks in the most adorable way, Mitsuri squealed.

"Control yourself woman!" Shinazugawa growled, wrapping one arm under her breasts, hooking the other one under her knees, effortlessly picking her up. Unfortunatelly for puur tanjiro's virjin eyes her kimono was too revealing, not leaving musch to the imagination. The sight of bright pink undergarment flashed him and he had to cover his and Nezuko's eyes. Of course, Sanemi noticed that and growls threatening.

"Where are you looking at, you bastard?" He bares his fangs, silver fur fluffing up. Mitsuri quickly picks up on what is happening , turning her head around to give Sanemi a quick peak on the lips. The blood in his system litteraly run up to his face, painting it crimson red, to the tips of his ears.

"Your possesivness is so adorable." She giggles, nuzzling there noses together. Sanemi opens his mouth to say something, when the door of the dinning quarters abruptly slides open. A angry Giyuu stood on the doorway, glaring at Sanemi.

"Did you threaten Tanjiro, you damn fox?" A low growl came from whithin his throat. sanemi glared back.

"He was staring at my mate's ass." The silver kitsune hissed, tightening his grip around Mitsuri.

"I did not mean to, I swear." Tanjiro hurry to defend himself. He flinched when Giyuu's large callosed hand came to rest on to of his head. A blush dusted his cheeks when the Mizuchi ruffled his already messy hair affectionately.

"I believe you!" The dragon smiles, his eyes sparkling like clear waters of montain lakes. Tanjiro smiled back shyly, their gazes locking for a moment too long. Sanemy cleared his throat to snap them out of their daze.

"Don't you even think about it to make out in front of us." He crossed his arms over his chest, looking at them sternly. Giyuu returned the glare, astrong spirtual energy surounding him like a whirlwind.

"Right back at you, Shinazagawa!" He growls, the tension between the two yokai growing. Thankfully Rengoku walking in with boxes of food, calmed the air around them. The flame kitsune looked as cheerful as aways, oblivious to the murderous aura surrounding his friends.

"I hope you guys are hungry? I spend all my money on every single food stand I came across in town." he says in a sing sang voice, dropping the boxes on the table. tanjiro sniffed in the delicious smell, his stomach grumbling to remind him how hungry he actually is. Nezuko began to unpack the boxes, while her brother hurry to the kitchen to get plates. On his way there he bumps into Yushiro, who was carrying a basket of landry. The basket flew in the air, freshly cleaned clothes scattering all over the hallway's floor.

"Hey, watch where you are going, human!" The oni shouted at him, reaching for the basket , which layed close by.

"I am so sorry!" Tanjiro appologized, grabbing on the closest clothets, collecting them in his arms. Yushiro huffed as he began to pick up the scattered landry and put it in the basket. Once they collected all the clothing, Yashiro shoved the basket in Tanjiro's hands.

"Make yourself useful and spread the laundry outside!" it came out more as an order than a request. Tanjiro frowns, but he did not protest, seeing as the least he can do to repay Tamayo for saving Giyuu's life is to help with the chores.

The weather outside was wonderful. Tanjiro closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. The smell of the hot spring water filled his nostrils. It was kind of relaxing. He walks to the rope across the yard and put the basket on the ground, reching inside. He drops the piece of clothing, startled by the sound of rustling in the bushes behind him. Instinctively the spell caster casted a stunning spell at whatever was hidding inside. He heard a grunt and a short male with black hair falls out the bushes, his limbs imobilized by the spell.

"Who are you and why were you hidding in the bushes?" tanjiro asked, trying to stay calm. He could tell by the smell alone that the man in front is a yokai. The yokai glanced up at him and that is when Tanjiro noticed his eyes are two different colors.

"The silver fox...his sent led me here." He reply, a long split tongue slipped between his lips as he spoke. Tanjiro furrowed his brows, wondering why he was after Shinazugawa. Did the kitsune did something to offend him? Very likely, considering his short temper and rude way of comunication.

"What he did to offend you?' Tanjiro asks curiously.

"I am not obligated to explain myself to a human." The yokai hissed, glaring at him. Tanjiro let out an exasperate sigh. Another plesant and polite individual, just his luck.

"There you are Kamado boy! Hurry up and..." Rewngoku overenergeticvoice boomedas he stepped outside, onl;y for his mood to quickly change to pure anger when he spotted the stunned yokai on the grass. "Obanai, why are you here? I thought I warned you to stay away."

"I came for Sanemi and I won't leave without him." Obanai hissed, struggling against the bidings of the spell. Rengoku steps on the grass, flames engulfing his body, which slowly began to shift into something bigger and much scarier than the form the kitsune maintain in front of the human siblings. Tanjiro watched with wide open eyes as a giant demon fox raised from the flames.

"Then you leave me no choice, but to devour you." Even his voice is deeper and demonic as he spoke. Obanai was imobilized and defencless and Rengoku was intending to take advantage of this for whatever reason and eat him.

"Wait! Hold on Kyojuro!" Tanjiro stood on his way, shielding Obanai! "I don't know what happened between you guys, but it is not like you to kill someone defenceless."

"You are right, a human like you could not understand." The kitsune jaws open , flames gathering to form a fire ball. Kyojuro was not going to back down, even if Tanjiro is in the way. Suddenly out of nowhere clouds of thick crimson fog fall like a curtain, extinguishing the flames in Kyojuro's jaws. It seems it affected his entire body as well, because he shrank, returning to his humanoid form and passing out in Tanjiro's feet.

"Kyojiro!" The spell caster falls on his knees and shock the unconscious yokai, urgency in his voice. It was only when he heard a light snorring he calms down. He was still alive thank Buddha. He glanced at Obanai, who has fallen asleep too. Who created the mist and why it does not affect him as well.

"This mist is effective only on yokai." A female voice came from the direction of the house. Suddenly the mist desipated and Tanjiro saw Tamayo standing on the engawa. "Don't worry, the mist is not toxic, it won't harm them in anyway."

Tanjiro nods, looking back down at Kyojuro. He will not stay unconscious forever and when he wakes up he will most likely attempt to eradicate Obanai again. With that thought in mind he casts the same binding spell on the kitsune as well. He can worry about the consequences later.

***

This was worse than he expected. The spell turns out to be too weak for Kyojuro who brokes it easily and lunged at Obanai, who was still a bit dizzy after waking up. The snake has no time to react, before the kitsune grabbed his neck, strangling him. Thankfully Giyuu and Sanemi heard the comotion from the other room, rushing in and pulling them away from one another. Kyojuro trashed in Giyuu's grip like an angry kitten, while Obanai stood complitely still, watching him with wide eyes.

"Calm down, Kyojuro!" The mizuchi attempted to reach to the reasonable side of his friend, but even he fails.

"I will not calm down, until I rip his head off. Because of him Sanemi nearly died." The flame kitsune shouted, his eyes flaring with wrath.

"It was not my intention to put his life in danger. Believe me, I will never endenger Sanemi's life." The Uwabami seems to be genuin in his words. However, Kyojuro is not convinced.

"Like I will believe the words of a poisonus reptile." He spat, baring his fangs.

"That is enough, Kyojuro!" Sanemi spoke in an unusually calm voice. Kyojuro eyes widened a little shocked. "If he was a foe, he would have killed Tanjiro earlier, before he casted the spell."

"He is right! Uwabami move much quieter and it is hard to notice them before they attack, unless you are an yokai with sharp hearing as Kyojuro and I." Giyuu pointed out.

"Hey, aren't you forgetting someone?" Sanemi yelled. Giyuu just sticks his tongue out at him in response, which annoyed him even more. Before he could yell his usual colorful phrases, Obanai turned in his arms and kissed him. Everyone in the room watched speachless as the scene unfolded in front of them. Kyojuro knew the Uwabami was interested in his friend, but not in that way.

"What's going on?" Everyone glanced at the door, where Mitsuri stood with confused expression on her face. Iguro smelled the sent of Sanemi emiting from her, quickly putting two and two together. He narrowed his eyes at her.

"You woman has the nerve to seduce Sanemi? He is mine so back off!" He yelled , wrapping his arms securely around Sanemi's waist. Mitsuri does not seem to intend to give up. She jumps forward, hugging Sanemi's arm.

"He is my mate you filthy reptail!" Her fur fluffs up, her eyes flashing angrily.

"Like I will lose to the likes of you." Obanai pupils turns into tin slits, his front fangs extending. The two yokai glared at each other, neither going to back off first. Sanemi eye twiched as his patience grew tinner and tinner until it snaps

"BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP, RIGHT NOW! iF THAT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM, I WILL TAKE YOU BOTH AS MY MATES." He screamed at the top of his lungs. Bothyokai stared at him, then exchanged glances, before looking back at him.

"Are you serious?" Mitsuri asks, blinking her big emeral eyes.

"Of course, why else will I suggest it?" He asks irritated. Mitsuri exchanged another glance with Iguro.

"Are you okay with this?" She asks. The Uwabami scraches his chin thinking it over.

"I find it disrespectful." He says bluntly.

"How is this disrespectful?" Sanemi yelled, a vein popping on his forehead.

"I like the idea." Mitsuri says giggling. Her radiant smile seems to agffect Obanai, who stared at her stunned.

"On a second thought the idea is not so bad." He muttered under his breath. He tensed when Sanemi wraps his arms around both him and Mitsuri. He still looked irriteted, yet a small smile creapt on his lips.

"I am not going to question what my eyes witnessed." Kyojuro says, looking like he just witnessed the most bizzare thing in the world.

"Me neither." Giyuu agreed, sighing. Only Tanjiro looked complitely lost, trying to figure out the yokai costumes with not much luck at all.

Chapter Text

"There is no mistake!" Inoske took one one sniff at the muddy forest path, before he sat up on his knees. "They went that direction."

"There is one good thing about having a hanyou for a partner. It makes yokai hunting easier." Zenitsu sighs, scratching the back of his head. It seems inoske too his words the wrong way, jumping on his feet, grabbing Zenitsu's haori.

"Do you have problem with my family tree, Agatsuma?" He spat in his face, his eyes flaring with anger. "Like I will take critique from a shameless womanizer like you. Instead of chasing after women, we could have spend that time chasing after the yokai."

"I am surprised you are familiar with more complicated words than your usual vocabulary, boar boy." Zenitsu glared back. He flicked his partner's forehead, making him flinch.

"Hey, what did you do that for?" Inosuke winced, rubbing the abused spot.

"Instead of worrying about your abused pride, go back to work. We have to catch up to them before they get too far." Zenitsu scolded him, folding his arms over his chest.

"If you are so smart, why don't you do it yourself, instad of treating me like a dog." Inosuke shoved his finger at his chest. Zenitsu sighed in exasperation, sitting down on the ground, hands resting on his knees as he listen in to the sounds around them. They acquired diferent colors, each sound distinguishing from the other. There were much less vivid traces, nearly fadaded from the time passed. One of them he recognized as the voice of the thunder beast they were after, there is no mistake abouth it.

"They went in direction of mount Fuji. However, there is no telling if they are still there." He stated, standing up.
"YOU COULD HAVE DETECTED THEM WITH YOUR SUPER HEARING ALL THIS TIME, YET YOU MADE ME DO ALL THE WORK!" Inosuke yelled at him. Zenitsu just ignored him as he starts walking in the direction of the montain, inosuke trailing after him. The village in the foot of the montain is just beyond the forest and the closer they get the brighter the colors of the youkai voice become. Between them Zenitsu catches the voice of Nezuko, a soft pink color standing out among the other sounds.

"Oh great Buddha, she is here too. I can't wait to see her beautiful face again." The samurai squalled holding his hands to his heart dramzatically. His companion stared at him unamused. This was not the first time Zenitsu chased after a woman and most likely won't be the last.

"Is that all you care about. Honestly you have no shame."Inosuke pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head in exasperation.

"Like you are any better. All you care about is fighting and nothing else. I can't believe I am partner with a savage like you." The blonde samurai retorted irritated.

"Then why don't you find a new partner?" Inosuke headbutted him. They glared at each other, before Zenitsu turned his back at him. Without so much as saying his farewell he walks away, leaving dumbfounded Inoske standing in the middle of the road. They had fights before, but never to this extend. However, he is sertain that Zenitsu won't last alone on his own for too long. He was too much of a coward to handler himself. Until this point he never flee a dangerous job, because Inosuke has been there to watch his back. The hanyo sat under a tree, letting out a long frustrated sigh. He givess Zenitsu day and a half at most to come back running to him crying.

As he began to drift to sleep, his nose caught the sent of incense. He could swear he sensed that same sent before. He peeked around the tree trunk as the smell grew stronger. He almost missed the dark silhouette moving between the foliage, until it drew closer. A huge wolf yokai, stepped out on the forest path, its fure stained with fresh blood. Inosuke reaches for his sword, his hand resting on the handle, ready to draw it out.

The yokai paused, sniffing the air. Even though Inosuke sent has been sealed along with his half yokai powers, he could not mask the musky smell of his own sweat. The yokai's eyes landed on the tree he is hiding behind, growling. Of course, Inosuke is not the patient type to observe his oponent first before attacking, so he waste no time in drawing out his sword and jumping head on towards the wolf yokai. He raised his sword over his head, ready to strike down the demon. The yokai opens its mouth and a breaths out cold air, freezing the blade of the sword, which breaks the moment it colides with its scull.

Inosuke cursed under his breath, jumping back to avoid the next cryokinetic attack from the wolf. The pair of multicolored eyes stared intently at him.

"You are no human, yet you carry a sword made to slay yokai." The wolf takes another sniff at the strong smell of sweat coming from the slayer. "You don't smell like demon either. I can only asume you are a half breed."

"THAT'S IT! I HAVE ENOUGH BEING MOCKED BECAUSE OF MY MIXED BLOOD!" Inosuke shouted, charging at the yokai as he draws out his second sword. He swung it at the wolf demon, who caught it betwen its fangs easily. This yokai was much tougher than the others he fought in the past. Apperantly he is a high class of demon, one that is almost impossible to defeat. The yokai tightned his jaws around the blade, shattering it like it was made of glass. Before Inoske's brain could register what happened, he was pushed to the ground, pinned by the yokai large pawl.

"Now I remember where I saw those eyes before. A human woman trying to protect her offspring. She had the same eyes like you, filled with the same determination. Yes, I could not forget her and usually I don't tend to remember each and every live I take. " The wolf said, unnatural grin spread across his muzzle, giving him a grotesque appearance. Suddenly realization dawned on the hanyo. The night his mother died, the village they lived at has been attacked by a pack of demon wolves. The one who pursued them to the river near the village has the same multicolored eyes like this one. There is no mistake about it.

"You...you were the one who took my mother's life. You damn monster!" Inosuke spat angrily. The yokai let out a bark, which resemblece a laugh.

"Don't worry half breed! You will be joining her soon in the afterlife." The wolf opens its jaws, saliva dripping from the sides of its mouth. Inosuke struggled in futile attempt to free himself, watching through lidded eyes s those sharp fangs drew closer. Somewhere above the yokai a blindingly bright light engulfed the tree top, shielding them from sight.

"Blade of hundred suns!" A familiar voice echoed from somewhere close by, causing a huge grin to spread across Inosuke's face. He has never been more glade to hear Zenitsu's voice as much as he was at that very moment.

The yokai jumped out the way of the attack, leaving Inosuke wide open. However, the hanyo is just as fast, jumping out the way of the blast.

"Nice timing, Agatsuma!" He glance up to the branch Zenitsu is perched on.

"I knew my hunch was right. i could always tell when you are in trouble." The samurai sighed a little irritated, yet his lips curled into a small smile. "I am glad I made it in time."

"Watch out!" Inoske yelled, alerting him in time, before a wave of cool air froze the tree he was standing on, moments after he jumps to the neighboring tree to avoid the attack. He threw a quick glance at Inoske, who needed no words to know what is on his mind. A moment later he leapt to another tree, devercing the yokai's attention away from his partner. He easily avoided the attacks of the yokai, owing to the training his grandfather put him through all those years ago. All the torturous experiance now paying off. The old geezar was right about one thing and that is that one day the training will save his patetic life.

The yokai was to focused on freezing him into an ice sculpture it complitely forgot about the hanyo. It only noticed his presance once again when he threw himself at the wolf, stabbing him with a piece of the broken blade. the wolf howled in pain, throwing him off, the piece of frozen metal remaining stuck in its flesh. Zenitsu took advantage of the moment, casting another spell. Inosuke shielded his eyes, not willing to be blinded so early in his life.

When the glow finally fades, he took a glance at the spot the yokai was standing earlier. There was a crater dug in the dirt, by the powerful magic energy his partner used. However, there were no traces from the yokai - neither a corpse nor ashes.

"He got away!" Zenitsu sighed, approaching his partner. Inoske gave him a puzzled look.

"How could you tell it was a he?" He asks dumbly. Zenitsu pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head, refraining from comenting on the hanyo stupidity.

"Come on, we still have mission to carry." Is all he said as he started in direction of the village. Inosuke follew him without a question, his mind occupied with the yokai's words.

***

It was around dusk when they reache dthe village. Inosuke's stomach made a loud growling sound, insisting to be fed. Zenitsu's stomach followed suit, indicating he was just as hungry.

"That ramen shop over there looks promising." Zenitsu pointed to a small shop not too far from where they are standing. Inosuke nooded his approval. Currently there were not costumers inside, so there won't be people staring at him as he eats.

"Welcome to my huble shop travelers!" The owner grreted them upon. "What could I do for ya? I make every single ramen known out there, not exceptions. Just ask."

"We would like your special, one extra bowl for my friend over here. He has inhuman appetite." Zenitsu reply, patting Inosuke's shoulder. The owner laughed in delight. It seems the old man does not get that many costumers and every visit filled him with joy.

The pair took a sit in front of the conter, while the owner prapared their meal. The aroma filling Inosuke's nostrils made him drool. His attention, however, is drawn by the sent of cherry blossons, yet there were no sakura threes nearby nor flower shops on the street. He sprang from his sit and runs out the shop, without waiting for Zenitsu. There is no mistake about it - there is an yokai in this village.

He followed the sent to a more secluded alley, spotting dark figures in the distance. The yokai noticed him, jumping for the rooftops. He followed it, climbing just as easy, but he was not fast enough, because the yokai was already far away. He attemted to catch up with it, loosing it for a moment as it jump of the roof, two buildings ahead. By the time he reached the place the yokai was already gone. frustrated Inosuke walk all the way back to the ramen shop, cursing angrily.

Zenitsu has already began eating his meal when his partner entered the ramen shop. It did not seem he attempted to go after him at all.

"You caught it?" The samurai asked, slurping audiably. The only answer he got from Inosuke is an angry growl as he took his sit next to him. He abruptly lift the bowl and devoured its content in one breath. He does the same with the second bowl, in front of Zenitsu and the shop owner's shocked eyes.

Once Zenitsu finished his own ramen he payed for both of them and they headed out, beeding the old man farewell. Now they satisfied there hunger they had to look for a place to spend the night. And the one the shop owner suggested is not quite far.

"I am beat!" Inosuke yawned, streching his arms above his head. Zenitsu let out a yawn of his own. After two days without sleep it is natural foreven a hanyo to be at their limit.

The building which was the inn, happened to be much larger than the ones they were used to stay at. Zenitsu made all the arrangments, since he is much better at social communications. Meanwhile Inosuke layed on the wall snorring. It only been a minute or two until Zenitsu shock his shoulder.

"You don't plan to sleep here, do you?' He joked. Inoske huffed in response, but said nothing. They headed for their shared room. inosuke haults for a moment at the foot of the stairs, glancing at the stairs, that same sent of incense passing lie a breeze, before it disappeared. Shocking his head, deeming it probably his tired mind playing tricks on him, he climbed the stares to the second floor.

Just outside, hidden in the shadows of the night, Doma observed the building. His injuries still not fully healed. Regardless of his state a maniacle grin spread across his face.

"I got you, right where I wanted you!" He grins, stepping further into the shadows.

Chapter Text

In the dead of the night, light steps almost as flutter of butterfly wings grazed over soundlessly the pavement of the deserted streets. They were in complite contrast with their owner's tense posture. Just her luck-running into a ferociois wolf yokai in her pursuit of the idiot duo. She listened in throgh the whistling of the wind for even the slightest of sound, indicating an attack from the yokai. For a few strained moments she heard nothing. And then a huge shadow shielded the moon as it drew closer. She elegantly jumps up, doing a backflip in mid-air and gracefully landing on a safe distance from the creature.

"Enough games, wolf! We should end this now!" She pointed her katana at him, eyes narrowing. The wolf suddenly shifted into the form of a tall handsome man, a his lips pullled into a smirk.

"Where is the rush, my dear? We have the night ahead of us. I can keep the game going, 'til dawn. How about you?" He asks mockingly, crossing his arms over his chest. The girl clicked her tongue irritated. This yokai is more percistent than the ones she encontered before.

Suddenly the yokai vanished from her field of view...no he just changed his possition, moving too fast for her to see. Yet she needed no eyes to know where he is. Trained hunters like her were able to sense yoki no matter how close or far the creature is. She swings her katana, the blade's movement haults midway. She realized too late the claws of the yokai had closed around it, holding it firmly in place. She swings her leg to kick him, a hidden blade in her sandal pop out. The sent of poison alarmed the yokai and he let go of the katana to dodge the hidden blade.

"Not bad! I am beggining to enjoy our little game." The yokai smirked, his eyes flashing predatory. Aoi greeted her teeth, already fedup with this yokai. Usually yokai will go directly for the kill. This wolf, however, was toying with her. Knowing that it was hard for her to fight him seriously. But she couldn't just turn and walk away, either. She was is not given a chance to decide her next move as the wolf yokai changed his position again. She prapared herself for an attack from any direction. What she was not expecting was the sudden drop in temperaturs. A thin layer of ice appeared the ground and on the walls of the nearby houses, spreading with incredible speed. How she could have overlooked this? Okami just as kitsune possessed magic. But while kitsune are just tricksters, okami could be vicious bloodtirsty monsters. If this okami is going to use magic, she had no ther choice, but to do the same.

Aoi kneeled down pressing the blade of the katana to the ground. She held the handle wit both hands as she began to chant. All of a sudden black flames burst from the blade, melting the ice around her, keeping it from reaching her. However, the force of the magic intensified, making it impossible for the flames to melt it. Aoi's hands and legs froze in thick layers of ice, immobilizing her. As she attempted to activate the flames again, she felt the crystals incide the ice shells stabbed her skin, preventing her from activating the spell again. She bites her lower lip, holding back a pained groan. There was no way she shows weakness in front of the okami.

"How unfortunate! I was hoping we could play some more." The yokai's voice came from behind her. It sounded genuinly disappointed, but she knew better. She could not help the cry, which escaped her lips when the okami grabbed a fistfull of her hair. "It was fun while it last" His face shifted into its wolf appearance, his jaw extending into a long hairy muzzle. She watched helplessly the transformation with her peripheral vision. She could do nothing to fight her way out of this. Is she going to die in such a patetic way? Does that mean her fate is to die before she could find the yokai, which murdered her family and avange their deaths? So many questions buzzed in her head, so many regrets she will leave behind.

Right then she spotted a movement behind the yokai. Whatever it is, it injured the yokai, because its grip on her head loosened as it let out an earpiercing roar. Angered by the intrusion the yokai attacked the pest, who stabbed him. Aoi managed to catch glimps of a familiar animal fur, but nothing beyond that as the person moved too fast for her to see them. Then a buzzing from the right side of the street caught her attention. She turned her head, spotting a familiar blond, who held his hands together, chanting a spell. That means the one distracting the yokai was none other than that arrogant brute Inosuke. The okami realized too late the one he is trying to catch is just a diversion. By that time the spell was complite and huge beam of light blasted him across the village and into the forest., before it vanished.

Aoi stared at the trail the beam left in its wake. the ice around her hands and legs shattered, meaning the yokai is either dead or seriously injured. Inosuke approached her, an obvious displeasure written all over his face.

"What are you doing here?" He asks rudely, recieving a glare from his fellow huntress.

"Lady Kocho send me to assist you. It seems she underestimate our enemies. Yet it seems you were doing just fine without me." she bite back. The two glared at each other fiercly. Only looking at them gave Zenitsu a migrane.

"Since you are already here Aoi, we could use some extra help." The samurai suggested, trying to balance between the two. Inosuke did not seem very thrilled to travel with the huntress, but knowing it was the princess, who send her, he could not object.

"First thing first, let's eat someting before we take care of the important business. I am starving." To confirm her words, her stomach churned, causing a vibrant blush to spread across her face.

"I believe the inn keeper will be generouse enough to proide food for a late night guest." Zenitsu smiled amused, gesturing for her to follow him. Inosuke remains a few feet behind, just to keep his distance from her. Aoi on the other hand did not pay him attention, since he was not worth loosing her temper. As long as he don't get in her way, they won't have a problem.

~~~

Uzui had the same nightmare again. That night when his pack was eradicated. He watched the carnage unable to move. The screams echoed in his head louder than ever. And all of a sudden he woke up with a scream, his body dreached in cold sweat.

"Tengen, what's wrong?" Kyoujurou's gentle touch on his arm brought him back to reality. He looked at the kitsune, s worried face and forced on a smile.

"It was just a nightmare. I am sorry I woke you up." He appologized, but it seems Kyoujurou was not convinced.

"It is not just a regular nightmare, is it?" He asks and Tengen averted his eyes, his lips twisting in a frown. "It was about your pack, am I right?"

"No mettar where I go, no mettar how much time passes, the guilt keeps following me." The raiju heavied a sigh, rubbing his tired eyes. Kyoujurou squeezed his shoulder firmly.

"It was not your fault." The kitsune tried to reassure him, however, his words only upset his mate more.

"I has been my responsible to protect them and I could not do it." Tengen raised his voice, his eyes glistening with tears. "How would you feel, if you fail to protect those who you love the most?"

Rengoku did not have to imagean it to know how devastated he will be if his brother and father were murdered and he is not there to prevent it. But he could also not bear to loose Tengen. He wraps his arms around the raiju and pulls him close to his chest.

"But you don't have to carry that burden on your shoulder on your own. I am here with you and I will always be." He kissed his mate's head, the affaction comforting, washing away some of the tension in Tengen's body. He closed his eyes burying his face in the crook of the kitsu's neck. The smell shooting him to sleep again. Kyoujurou stayed awake, caressing his hair, while listening to his steady heartbeat. He would do anything to ease his pain, to prevent him from suffering any more. Because the raiju deserves to be happy again.

~~~

Zenitsu and Inosuke watched with wide eyes how the woman in front of them devoured her fifth bowl of rice. When she finished she sighed contently, placing the down bowl on the mat.

"Are you finally satisfied?" Inosuke asked annoyed. Aoi shoot him a glare, but did not spat back as usual. Instead she turned her full attention to Zenitsu.

"So, the reason Lady Kocho send me here is, because a little while after your departure series of attacks from powerful yokai occured in the region. It appears a new king ascended after Shuten Doji fall." She explained, recieving a shocked looks from the hunter and the samurai.

"How is that possible. If the king of yokai had a descendant, wouldn't the Capital had known anything about it?" Zenitsu asked to which Aoi shock her head as a sign she has no idea.

"All I know is that Japan is getting to dangerous. Entire villages are being destroyed, the citizens devoured by ferocious yokai. People are no longer safe even in their own homes." Aoi furrowed her brows, closing her hands tightly in to fists in her lap. "We have to get to the bottom of this as soon as possible."

"Do you have a clue where we should start?" Inosuke crossed his arms over his chest, quirking a questioning brow. She shock her head yet again, which irritated him "Are you joking with me? You came all the way here, without even knowing where you are going?"

Aoi shoot him another glare and this time she did not keep quiet. "Use your brain, before running your mouth. If you were a powerful yokai, would you make it easy for ypour enemies to locate your lair's whereabouts?" Inosuke opens his mouth to reply, but no sound came out as he realized it was retorical question. Zenitsu used those all the time and Inosuke learned to not waste his breath on answering them.

"We will search for information first thing in the morning. Now is best to have some rest, before anything else." Zenitsu pointed out and neither of his companions argued with that. They stripped of their gear, neither Inosuke nor Aoi bothered by the fact shey were stripping in each other's presance. Only Zenitsu hyperventilated while watching Aoi taking off her clothes, he eventually passed out when she was down to her undergarment. She only rolled her eyes, before slipping under the blankets. Inosuke did the same on the other side of the room, turning his back to face her. A long while passed before they managed to drift to sleep.

~~~

It was a little while before dawn when Zenitsu was awaken by the lack of oxygen. He blinkedhis eyes open, noticing something big and round pressed against his face. He lifts his hand, feeling around at what was pinning him down. He realized it was nothing else than Aoi breasts. She somehow rolled out of her mat in her sleep, ending on top of him. He paniced, trying to push her off. His attempts stirred her awake. She groaned, sitting up as she rubbed the sleep off her eyes. She glanced down at Zenitsu with emotionless face.

"Good morning!" Is all she said to him, before she rolled off of him yawning. She watched her speachless while she collected her clothes to dress up. Glancing pass her, he noticed Inosuke is still sound asleep. When she was ready, Aoi stood up and walks to the door, slidding it open

"I will go check out if something is left of the okami. I expect you two will be ready by the time I am back." With that said she left, slidding the door shut. Zenitsu sat there for a good one minute, before he remembered their conversation last night. He crawled over to Inosuke and shock him to wake up. His companion pushed him with his left hand, pulling the covers over his head. Zenitsu frowned in annoyance, pinching the bridge of his nose. This is going to be a real pain in the ass, that he is certain of.

~~~
By the time Zenitsu finally managed to wake Inosuke an entire hour has passed and another thirty minutes until they finally met Aoi outside. Around them merchants were praparing to open their shops for the day. The huntress looked irritated by their tirdiness.

"Took you long enough ladies. did you get enough beauty sleep." She teased Inosuke, who did not miss to bite back, leading to the heat. Zenitsu just pinched the bridge of his nose, shaking his head in defeat. The chances they will be killed by yokai at this point are minimal than them killing one another before that.

Chapter Text

"Tengen?" No response. "Tengen!" Still not a response. "TENGEN!" Rengoku raised his voice, startling his mate.

"I am sorry, Kyo! What were you saying?" He asks tiredly, rubbing his eyes. Kyojirou frown as his concern grew. Even Sanemi looked worried.

"Tengen-san, maybe you should go and rest. You don't look very well." Mitsuri suggested helpfully.

"Mitsuri is right! We can't have you die on the way to next village." The silver kitsune adds, with a sprinkle of his usual bite.

"I am fine, just berely got sleep last night." Tengen groaned, fighting off the dizziness.

"You are not fine! You barely sleep and barely eat! You even refure to talk to me anymore." Kyojiro snapped, his eyes blazing. "If there is something burdening you, you can tell me. You don't have to go through this alone. You have all of us. You have me."

"No one can help me. Neither you nor anyone. Quite playing the hero, Kyokiro! You can't save everyone." He growls at Kyojiro warningly. The kitsune's eyes widened in shock. A moment later he realized his mistake when he was met with his mate's hurt expression, quickly averting his eyes. " I am sorry!"

Sanemi reaches over the table and grabs the front of Tengen's hadagi. "You have some nerve to talk shit to my best friend, you coward."

"Nemi, calm down!" Mitsuri tried to pull him back, but he did not budge. Obanai grabbed on his other arm and with joined effort they managed to pull him back. A heavy silance falls between the group, one one wishing to break it first. Tengen and Sanemi exchanging chalanging stares the entire time.

After what felt like eternity the door of the room slids open and Giyuu with pile of pacages filled with hot steaming tofu. He has not stepped throgh the threshold just yet, when he sensed the tension coming in waves from both Shinazagawa and Uzui.

"What are you two fighting over this time?" The mizuchi eyed them suspiciously. Were they having another cat fight for Rengoku's honor? If so that will be disrespectful towards Sanemi's mates and Giyuu doubts the silver kitsune is that heartless. Nevertheless, one glance at Rengoku upset face gave him the answer he needed. Tengen huffed, pushing himself to his feet. Sanemi quickly grabs his sleeve, preventing him to take another step.

"Where do you think you are going?" The kitsune growled, narrowing his eyes up at him.

"Not it is any of your business, but so you know I am going to the hot springs and I don't need anyone's permission to do so." he reply in a low threatening voice. They exchanged ferocious glares, ready to tear each other to shreds. Giyuu quickly stepped in between them to prevent an eventual bloodshed.

"Cut it out you two! Can't you see how upset Kyojirou is because of your behaviour?" The mizuchi scolded them. Both yokai glanced at Rengoku, who is sitting quietly, with lowered head, his eyes obscured by his bangs.

"Kyojiro..." Sanemi began, but his attention was quickly averted to Tengen yet again as the raiju stormed out the room. "...Hey come back and appologize you bastard!" Sanemi yelled after him, but he was already gone.

***
Uzui let out a sigh of relieve as he sank into the warm water. Finally he was alone with his own thoughts and need not to explain himself to anyone. He lays his head back on the rocks bahind him, looking up at the tree tops. His thoughts inevitably gravitated back to Kyojirou. The gut twisting feeling of guilty was eating him inside the more he thought about what happened back there. He not only snapped at his mate, but he left without appologizing properly to him. Unfortunatelly Kyojiro is too persistant and this is the only way the thunder beast could keep him out of harm's way. Tengen has swore he won't rest until he has his revenge.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when a familiar sent filled his nostrils. He lifts his head, sniffing the air. The strong smell of the hot springs mixed with it and made it hard to catch the trail. He climbs out the water, reaching for his clothes. It could not be just his imagination. He cautiously scaned his surroundings while he dressed. His ears flicked when he caught the distant sound of rustling. He quickly followed without thinking twice. The further he got from the hot spring the stronger the sent become. He peeks up the pace to a sprint, his heart hammering against his ribcage.

'There is no mistake. I know that sent.' Tengen thought to himself, slowing down to a haut at a small clearing. The two thunder beasts standing in the middle of the clearing, stared at him with the same shock and disbelieve.

"Tenma! Fumiko!" Tengen exclaims, unable to hold back his tears. The two thunder beasts runs towards him, tackling him to the ground. In the next moment he was squeezed in a tight hug by a young boy who was a striking copy of him and a young girl who looked exactly like one of his late mates - Hanatsuri, except her eye were the same magenta color as his.

"Father, we finally found you!" Fumiko exclaimed, nuzzling his neck, sobbing quietly.

"We thought the slayers got you too." Tenma spoke on his turn lifting his head to take a good look at his father. "But when we didn't find your body we concluded you must be still alive. Yet we were not certain if they captured you.

"I thought I lost you. I have been devastated and blamed myself for letting you all down. But what is important now is that we finally reunited. And I promise I will do everything in my power to potect you." Tengen pulled them closer to his chest, placing a kiss on each of their heads.

"Tengen?" His ears perked at the familiar sweet voice. He lifts his head and looked ove his shoulder to meet Kyojirou confused and lost expression. Tengen's children looked up also attracted by the sudden intrusion of their private moment.

"Father, who is that?" Tenma asks, a hint of curiousity in his voice. Fumiko was also intrigued by the kitsune's unusually sweet sent, watching him with interest.

"This is Kyojiro! He is my..."he hesitated for a moment, but that moment was enough to shatter Kyojirou's heart.

"We are travel companions." Rengoku answered, ignoring the huer look he recieved from Tengen. Tenma was instantly on his feet, closinng in the distance between himself and Kyojiro in a heart beat. He sniffed the kitsune, complitely oblivious of the too obvious jealousy coming in waves from his father.

"If you are just companions why you have father's sent all over you." Tenma asks, eyeing him suspiciously. Rengoku's face flushed bright red and he averted his eyes emberasing. Fumiko noticed the blush on her father face and quickly puts two and two together.

"You are mates!" She gasps, before she squealed so loud she starled the other three yokai and scared a floak of birds nestled in the branches of a surrounding trees. In a blink of an eye she was at Rengoku side, beeming at him. Suddenly both youngsters showered him with questions, the attention overwhelming the kitsune.

"Alright, you two, that is enough." Tengen approached, arms folded on his chest. His children whined, giving him pleading looks. However, he did not bend, stepping closer to Rengoku and with one swift motion he hoisted him over his shoulder, ignoring his protests. "Follow me, I will itroduce you to the rest of my new pack."

The raiju started back towards the rest house, the youngsters close behind, but grinning wide, exchanging whispers among one another. Rengoku is certaing they are talking about him, even without listening on theit hushed conversation. What surprised him is the fact they are approving of him as their father mate.He could not help, but to blush again, covering his face with his hands, wishing he would evaporise in thin air to avoid even more emberasment.

30 minutes earlier

"Sanemi, I think you were too harsh on him!" Rengoku finally spoke, taking a sip from his tea, hands trembling, spilling some on his suikan.

"Too harsh? Rengoku, i was standing up to you. Don't tell me you you are not bothered by the way he is acting." Sanemi growled angrily.

"Sanemi is right! That is not a way to treat your mate." Obanai said gravely.

"Don't be quick to judge!" Mitsuri scolded them. "Maybe something is bothering him, but he keeps it to himself, because he doesn't want to worry you." She suggests, which made Rengoku think back to last night and what Tengen's words. The lost of his pack had shattered him and he blames himself about it.

Rengoku left his emptu cup on the table and pushed himself to his feet. "I am going to find him!" He stated, heading to the door.

"You are too forgiving, you know that." Sanemi called after him. Rengoku paused at the door, letting out a heavy sigh.

"Maybe so, but that is the way i am and I don't regret in." He respond with a soft voice, before he exited the room.

***
Tengen was not at the hot springs, which worried Kyojiro. He sniffed the air, but the strong smell of hot springs blocked everything else. Frowning, he opted to his sharp hearing, ears flicking for the slightest sound around him, while he searched for any trace with his etes. He spoted the footsteps in the mud and quickly followed them. Gradually the distance between them gre, which ment he has been running, but why? His question is answered by distant voices, one of which he rocognized as Tengen's. He cautiously approached, stopping close to the treeline when he spots Tengen hugging two young yokai. By the smell he assumed they must be related to him. Before the kitsune could stop himself he called his name.

***
"Sanemi, please calm down!" Mitsuri pleaded, trying her best to calm her mate down.

"Damn bastard, I hate him!" He growls, punching the table cracking it in half. "Where is Giyuu at a moment like this?"

"He is assissting Miss Tamayo in her laboratory. It seems her pupil is down with a fever and she needs some help with her experiments." Obanai explained, sipping his own tea.

"Still he could have spared some time to help." Shinazugawa stuffed a tofu in his mouth, munching angrily. Suddenly the door slids open, revealing grinning Tengen and Rengoku backside, obscured by his fluffy tails.

"We are back! And don't worry we made up." The raiju declared stepping in.

"No we didn't! You picked me up and carried me all the way here." Rengoku whine.

"Don't be difficult, baby boy." Tengen slaps Kyojiro's ass, elisiting a squeak from him. Sanemi cringed, while as Mitsuri squealed. Obanai simply watched with bored look on his face. " Oh right, kids come in!"

Tenma and Fumiko entered the room, the female waved at them with a smile, while Tenma simply nods. "Everyone, those are my children - Tenma and Fumiko!"

"Nice to meet you!" Mitsuri is quick on her feet to greet them. Fumiko meet her enthusiasm withone of her own.

"The pleasure is mine!" Fumiko giggles. "I love your hair color. I reminds me of dando."

"Really? Thank you so much!" Mitsuri eyes lit up. Usually she is sensitive about her hair color, but hearing a compliment like that made her happy.

"Wait, you have kids?" Sanemi exclaimed. "This is unfortunate for yokai and humans race."

Tenma and Fumiko eyed him a obviously offended by his words, but Mitsuri is quick to break the tension.

"Don't take his words seriously! He has an odd sense of humor." She sweat dropped as she tried her best to sound reasuring.

"It sounds to me he and father are not on good terms." Tenma pointed out.

"You are right there boy. We had quite the rocky start." Sanemi threw a glare at Tengen, recieving one back.

"Oh you are love rivals!" Fumiko gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. " No way! This is getting more exciting each second!"

The silance that followed was more that just awkward. No one dared to speak, only glances being exchanged. Only poot Rengoku was fighting off a very eavy blush on his face, too emberassed to sense the tension in the room. It wasn't until Tanjoro and Nezuko entered the room, that a word was spoken.

"Hey everyone!" Tanjiro greeted them, instantly sensing something is wrong. "Wait, does something happened?"

"Nothing to worry about sweety!" Mitsuri hugged him, his face smashed in her boobs. He struggled to pull back, as his oxygen supply was cut by the two huge melons. Tengen use the diversion to slip out the room with Kyojiro.

"Are you seriously going to slip away leaving Sanemi to deal with this misunderstanding?" Kyojirou huffed.

"If i stay it will only get worse." Tengen reply, sliddding the door of their bedroom open. Kyojiro wanted to protest, but he realized Tengen was right. He will make sure to talk with Mitsuri and Obanai later. Right now he prapared himself for few long hours of passionant matting with Tengen. And he did not even feel guilty at that exact moment too happy to have his mate attention on him once again.

Chapter Text

"How is he?" Tanjiro asked worried, while watching Tomiyoka having his dayly check up. Tamayo strictly forbbid them to continue their journey until the mizuchi is fully recovered.

"He is in perfect health!" The kijo answered, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "Usually it takes much longer to recover complitely, however, it only took your familiar less than a week."

"Does that mean we can leave soon?" Tanjiro asks hopefully recieving a nod in return. The hinokami kagura jumps on his feet and hugs the healer, startling her a bit with his action. "Thank you so much for everything."

Tamayo wraps her armas around him after a moment of hesiation. By the tension in her body it was more than obvious she is not used to that type of gestures. When the human finally let go of her, the smile disappeared from her face and she looked at him with stoic face. Tanjiro gulps, his guts clenching painfully when her eyes locked with his for a moment too long. The realization that she is about to tell him something he won't like hits him with frightning force, like waves in the middle of the ocean during a raging storm.

"Young Kamado, this journey is too dangerous for someone unprapared as you. Currently you are too weak and dependable on your familiar and the other yokai in your group. However, there are forces far more powerful than them and sooner or later they will find themselves in a possition where they will fave to put their own lives will be at stake." She says calmly, but sternly, the meaning behind her words pricking him like niddles. Giyu watched him carefully and did not like how upset he got with each spoken word, so he quickly interfeared.

"That is enough! Master you don't have to listen to her." The mizuchi grips his shoulders, shaking him gently. Tanjiro shock his head and smiles at his familiar.

"It is alright, Giyu, this is something I must take under consideration, if I want to face Muzan in the future." He reasured him, cupping his cheeks, thumbs rubbing the scaled skin gently. That simple gesture made Giyu's hear flutter. It was simple, yet it holds such a force, which was able to push the yokai to the point of crumbling in the human's hands.

Way too soon than he would like, Tanjiro 's hands let go of his face and he lookspast him at Tamayo. "What I must do? I assume this is something you could not help me with." He asks and she shock her head.

"I am afraid not. You see, unlike other oni and kiju I am not that strong, so I can not help you. the only one powerful enough to do so is Kagaya Ubuyashiki. He is the only other as powerful as my brother or at least he used to be.

"What do you mean 'he used to be'?" Giyu asks puzzled.

"It happened a century ago. Ubuyashiki opposed Muzan's way of rulership and challeged him to a duel. Muzan, of course, accepted on a condition to be the one to choose the place of the combat. I knew he was already up to something when he chose Fuji as battle arena. They seemed to be on even ground, until the heath of the battle. Ubuyashiki had the upper hand for a while, but unfortunatelly my brother always cheats his way to victory. He tripped him moments before Ubuyashiki could land the final blow. Ubuyashiki falls in the lava pit below,and since oni skin is resistance to high temperatures his body did not melt, but he was permanently deformed, which significantly weakned his body. After the battle was over I dragged dragged him out the lava and carry him out the way to my hut, where I took care for him until he recovers. Unfortunately my magic has limits and some of the damage did not heal complitely, even when I tried every single medical treatment I found in my books. One day he just disappeared and I haven't seen him since." She explained, letting out a heavy sigh when she finished her story. Tanjiro and Giyu exchanged glances, before the human voices out what they both was wondering.

"If you don't know where he is now, how are we supposed to find him?" He asks as his hopes were slowly fading away. Tamayo smile returned and she stood, walking over to a cupboard behind Tanjiro. he glanced over his shoulder, watching her as she opens the door and take out a statue of a crow. She bites her binger, sharp fangs cutting skin and drawing out blood. She held it over the statue's head, a couple of drops to landing on its surface. It suddenly came to life, letting out a loud raspycaw. Giyu has to cover his ears, because they were more sensitive than Tanjiro's. The crow flew from her hands and lands on the hinokami kagura's shoulder.

"This is a tracking crow. He will help you fing Ubuyashiki." She explained, before she turns and walks to the door. "You should take a rest. A long journey lays ahead of you." With that said she slids the door open and disappearedin the dark hallway. Tanjiro sighs, raising to his feet.

"We better tell the other before we ritire to our room." He suggest, to which Giyu nods in agreement, following him out the room.

Their commpanions were outside in backyard. Tenma and Fumiko were playing tag with Nezuko, Kyojirou and Mitsuri. Sanemi sat with Obanai on the engawa, coiled around his body in his snake form, head resting on his shoulders. Tengen sat crosslegged by the kitsune's feet, sipping a cup of tea. For once they were not at each other's necks. Sanemi is the first one to hear the pair approaching footsteps, before they stepped outside.

"Well? What the kiju lady said?" He asks, recieving a caw from the crow. "And waht is with the bird?" He arched a questioning browl.

"We are good to leave tomorrow." Tanjiro answered, petting the crow's head.

"Well, it was about time. I was starting to get claustrpphobic in this rest house." The silver kitsune huffed.

"If we haven't been confined that long you wouldn't have reunited with your girlfriend." Tengen teased, recieving a kick on the shoulder.

"You are annoying without even trying." The kitsune hissed at him, his tails fluffing.

"Tengen sticks his tongue out at him in return, pushing Sanemi's buttons to the poing he lunged at him, tacklinghim down. Obanai slipped off his mate in the process, ramaining asleep and unbothered on the engawa, while the two beasts were wrestling on the grass. The small group of yokai and Nezuko have paused their game to watch them amused.

Tanjiro sat down with Giyu by his side, resting his head on the dragon's shoulder. Giyu tensed, glancing down at the human, he hesitantly wrapped his arm around him, startling the crow, which flew off the human's shoulder and found refuge on the branch of a nearby tree.

Tengen's attention was taken away from Sanemi's angry face to the couple and he grips the kitsune's jaw, turning his head towards them. Sanemi rolled his eyes as he was already aware of how they felt towards each other, but he has to admite this is the first time they act so intimate with one another. Across the yard Mitsuri squeeled at the adorable display of affection. She was a sucker for open display of affection, which is rare because while yokai are more open in their intimate interactions, some species were to violent, lead by their primal instincts.

"Are they mates?" Fumiko asks Nezuko, who was not quite sure how to respond. While they were attracted to each other, their relationship was more of a close friends.

"Well, not exactly. You see, Giyu is my brother's familiar and his closest friend." She explained, recieving an understanding nod.

"It is a matter of time until they give in to their feelings." Kyojiro chuckled, crossing his arms over his chest. He nearly jumps out os his skin when Tenma slaps him on the back.

"Your turn to chase." He laughs, barely dodging the kitsune as he abruptly spins around, nearly grabbing him. Kyojiro chased him around the yard, not long after the girls joined in too. At some point Tengen runs over, dragging Sanemi with him, who blurted curses at him, struggling to pull out of his grip. With a little bit of convincing he reluctantly agreed to take part in their stupid game.The game continued until late, leaving the participants pleasantly exhasted. Giyu has already retired with to their room with Tanjiro in his arms, after the younger man has fallen asleep, comfortly prssed against him.

Tamayo watched them from the window of her room, little lost in her thoughts. She could not help, but being worried, painfully aware how dangerous her brother could be. He sincerely wished for them to find a way to defeat him. Way too many humans and yokai suffered because of him and countless lives has been taken by his hand. It was time someone to put an end to his bloody reign. And hopefully Tanjiro will be that persone. He has the potencial, he just needs to polish it to perfection, so he could have a good chance against Muzan. He puts her hands together and for the first time in her life prayed to the kamis to protect Tanjiro during his journey and show him the right path.

***

The group left the resting house early the next day. Tengen instructed his children to stay with Tamayo and protect her. They were reluctant to part with him again, however, Kyojiro promised them he will protect him and bring him back to them unharmed. Tenma and Fumiko burst into tears, bringing their father and Rengoku and a bundle of fluffiness, as Mitsuri described their embrace. Tamayo was also presant to see them off. She gave Tanjiro box of potions in case they face a curse user again. He bowed to her, before calling for the track crow, which was perchedd on the roof the entire time. It spreads its wings and flew down over their heads and disappeared between the trees, opposite if the path to the village. They set in this direction, bidding the kiju and the Uzui siblings farewell.

***

"Where exactly are we going?" Mitsuri asked after an hour of walking. Tanjiro never told them about their next destination.

'We are going to seek an acquaintance of Tamayo. She told me he was the first and only one close enough to defeat Kibutsuji." Tanjiro explained.

"If he was that strong, why didn't he got rid of him?" Sanemi asks with his usual grumpiness.

"Tamayo said Muzan used a dirty trick to turn the tables in his favour, leaving him permanently scared and unable to fight." Giyu was the one to speak this time.

"How exactly Muzan defeated him?" Rengoku asks intrigued by the story. He had no idea there has been actually someone powerful enough to defeat Kibutsuji.

"He tripped him into the lava lake of Mt. Fuji, in desparate attempt to save his own life." The mizuchi reply, Rengoku cringed as he pictured the scene. The idea of someone surviving a fall into a lave pit actually facinated yet terrified him.

Suddenly they heard rustling above their heads, haulting to a stop and listening carefully for more sounds. Another rustling alarmed Sanemi and he swings his arm, sending a couple of wind blades, which collided with with something in mid air. Mitsuri saw the second attack, defflecting it with storm of sakura petals. Whoever attacked them was too fast and they could not see them, until they attack. Another rustling in the bushes on the left side of the road alerted them, Tengen quickly stepped between his companions and the attack, long silk objects pircing his skin. Now Tanjiro could see what they were actually attacked with-black silk feathers. They were too big to belong to a bird, which means their were from a yokai.

"How sweet, the thunder beast protects his pack." A voice came from above and everyone glanced up. On a branch stood a very beautiful woman with hair the color of snow, her eyes a deep shade of green. She had giant raven black wings on her back. There is one type of yokai which Tengen could think of, having wings with these size.

"A tengu!" He greet his teeth. The woman chuckled and a moment later another tengo came out of the foliage, gliding over their heads, landing beside the woman.

"Say Gyutaro, what we do with trespassers?" She asks, glancing at the other tengu. His mouth suddenly twisted in a crooked grin.

"Simple Daki, we kill them." He answered with a chucke. They slowly turned their heads towards the group, scaning them with blood tirsty eyes. With lightning speed they flew up to the tree tops , disappearing out of sight. Tengen and the others quickly formed a cycle around the Kamado siblings to protect them. It was way too quiet, until a flap of wings somewhere around them disturbed the silance.

Daki came out of the bushes, grabbing Tengen by the arms and lefts him in the air. Kyojiro blasted fire balls at her, but she was too fast, making it hard to take a good aim.

"Kyojiro, look out!" Mitsuri pushed him out the way of Gyutaro, who hits her with full force and she frew into a tree , hitting her head in the hard bark.

"Mitsuri!" Sanemi and Obanai shouted at the same time, yet before they could do anything Obanai was thrown to the opposite side of the road, a broken branch, piercing his side. Sanemi greets his fangs, lunging at the tengu, who has appeared again, but this time the kitsune heard him way before he attacked him. He wrapps his legs around Gyutaro, bitting into his wing. The tengo screached, slamming its back into the trees to force him off. Kyojiro rushed over to Obanai,  pulling him off the broken branch to heal him. The wound was deep and the bleeding was too intense, making him struggle to keep the bloodloss at minimum while he used his healing magic. His ears perked as he sensed a thierd presance and it was approaching fast.

"Tanjiro! Giyu! There is a thierd one." As soon as those words left his lips, a thierd tengo appeared from the foliage, grabbing Tanjiro by the arm, lifting him in the air. Giyu jumps after the tengu, but a forth one grabbed him around the waist, carrying him in the opposite direction. Nezuko was left wide open in the middle of the forest path.

"Nezuko, quick run to me. I will cover for you if they attack again." Rengoku shouted to her. Nezuko sprints towards him, her movement attracting yet another tengu. Rengoku blasts fire at it, managing to keep it away from Nezuko, who jumps in his arms, trembling in fear. He wrapps his arms around her, rubbing her back sootingly. Obanai patted her head in an awkward way of affection and she calms a bit. Rengoku glanced at him, noticing with relieve that the bleeding has stopped. They stays in the shades of the trees , where it will be hard for the tengu to see them.

"So, what are we going to do now?" Obanai asks, taking a peek to the tree tops. "If we step out in the open they will attack again and we have no idea how many are there."

Rengoku carefully listened into the sounds in the wind, catching the distant flap of wings. "Five, no six! There are six of them." He says, frowning. "Four are occupied, that leaves two. But we can't face them with Nezuko and Mitsuri left defenceless."

"Still, we have to do something. One of those things got my brother." Nezuko insisted. She had a point. The tengo are merciless with traspassers of their territory. They won't let them get away alive.

"Then we should wake up Mitsuri. She has the best chances to beat a tengu." Rengoku stated firmly, clapping his hands. He gestured for the other two to hide in the bushes , before crawling over to Mitsuri. He would regret this later, but it could not be helped.

"I am sorry, Mitsu!" He appologized, before slapping her across the face. Obanai and Nezuko gaped as they watched from their hidding place. Not too long after the respond came, Mitsuri hand came up with full force, slapping Kyojiro's cheek.

"That hurts you meanie!" She whined, as she opens her teary eyes. Kyojiro smiles, relived it works and she is awake.

"I am sorry, Mitsu! But we need you right now. Those tengu kidnapped the others and they are too fast for us to catch them." He explained. Mitsuri furrowed her brows, abruptly sitting up.

"No one messes with my mates and my friends!" She growled, her muscles bulking under her kimono. She stood up, her yoki taking a physical manifistation in the form a pink mist around her. "Let's go Kyojiro! It is Tengu hunting time!"

Chapter Text

It happens so fast, Tanjiro has no time to react. One moment he was holding on his sister and the next he lose the solid feeling of the ground under his feet. He caught glips of Giyuu trying to reach him, before the Mizuchi was tackled in mid air by another tengu. The young man glanced up at the yokai, which holds firmly on his arm. He was certain he should be dead by now, but this specific group of tengu seems to be toying with them on purpose. However, he is not willing to find out the reason why.

Taking a deep breath, Tanjiro closed his eyes, reaching for the core esense of Hinokami Kagura. It was fainth, but he could feel it. He closed his hand into a fist, while holding up his index and middle fingers together. He directed the energy to the tips of his fingers and swings his hand. The tengo screeched in pain, letting goof his arm. Tanjiro reaches his hand to grab on the closest branch. Yet his hand slips, unable to get a solid grip. The air whistled past his ears as his body neared the ground. For a moment he thought he will die, until a pair of strong arms caught him. He looks up, expecting to see Giyu, instead he realized it was Kyojiro who catched him.

"You alright, Kamado, my boy?" He asks with his trademark smile. Tanjiro nods his head to confirm, however, his ttention his quickly redirected to the tengu, who is flying towards them at full speed.

"Kyojiro, watch out!" The human cried out the warning in time and the kitsune jumps out the way, dodging the sharp blade of the other yokai's yari. Unlike kitsune, tengu relied on weapons in battle. The speed with which this tengu wields the yari did not give Kyojiro chance to counter attack. Kyojiro is backed up against a tree and his only way to dodge the next attack is jump up in the air. He narrowly avoide the yari's blade as it pierced the three trunk where Kyojiro's head has been just moments ago. The kitsune used the momentume of the jump smashing his foot in the tengu's jaw, kicking him with enough force to throw him back. The other yokai flew in the air, loosing his grip on the yari. He managed to twists his body and land on his feet, digging two parallel lines in the dirt.

"Aizetsu, quit playing around and kill him!" Another tengu shouted at him from the treetops.

"I am trying, Sekido." Aizetsu shouted back. At least now Kyojiro could put names to those ugly faces.

"Aperantly you are not trying hard enough." He unstrapped his own yari, which was attached with belts to his back and charged towards Rengoku. Tanjiro quickly summoned a barrier around te two of them, blocking the tengu's attack.

"A priest?" Sekido exclaimes surprised. Aizetsu looks as equally stunned. Kyojiro decided to use this in their advantage, his lips pulling in a mischievous grin.

"He is far more powerful than a priest. In fact he is a Hinokami Kagura." At the mention of the spell casters the two tengu's pace palled. Apperantly the Hinokami Kaguras are widely know throughout the yokai community of Japan, judging by the two yokai's reaction. Well, Tanjiro was not that powerful yet, that is why he needed hisand the other's protection. It seems Sekido has realized that something is off, because his expression quickly shifted to one of suspicion and he narrowed his eyes at the kitsune.

"If he is a Hinokami Kagura, why is he traveling with yokai?" The bastard is perceptive, Kyojiro gives him that.

"We are his familiars." Kyojiro reply bluntly. Well technically only Giyu is his familiar, but right now this is the most convincing explanation he could come up with.

"Really? I had no ides Hinokami Kagura could have so many familiars!" Aizetsu exclaimed amazed. Sekido on the other hand did not look very convinced.

"Aizetsu's bird brain may get impressed easily, but you can't fool me." He growls, thrusting his yari forward, hitting the barrier repetedly. Tanjiro struggled to keep it active against the intense assalt. The surface of the barrier cracks under the pressure, before it shatters. Kyojiro jumps out the way, tightening his grip around Tanjiro. This was bad, one of them is a handful, but two heavily armed tengu is out of his legue.

Suddenly out of nowhere the sky darkned and clouds of mist rolls over the ground around them. Tanjiro instantly recognized the type of spell at work. It is used to petrify yokai

"Kyojiro, you have to run , now!" The urgency in the younger male's voice alarmed the kitsune. Without asking for further explanation he turns around and run, ignoring the andry shouting. The tengu attempted to pursue them, but they were caught in a beam of silver light, the failed to notice. Kyojiro glanced over his shoulder, his eyes widening when he saw the two statues laying on the grass, realizing how close he was to be petrified himself.

"What was that?" The kitsune exclaimed, returning his gaze up ahead. " This is not work of a yokai, there is no trace of yoki in the air."

"This is a forbidden spell. I only heard about it, but seeing her with my own eyes, I understand why it was banned. If you were caught in it, i would have been petrified too. It affects not just yokai, but humans too." Tanjiro explained. Rengoku's eyes widened as the information sunk in. Who would use a forbidden spell fully aware there is a human presant, who could be harmed as well.

"Interesting! A was surprised to see yokai managing to avoid my spell. But now taking a closer look i see how that happened." Someone spoke from the shadows surrounding them. Kyojiro took glanced around frantically, until his eyes falls on a figure, obscured by the clouds of mist, almost impossible to be spotted. The spell dulled his senses, so he could not pick up their sent either. The mist dispersed and now kyojiro and Tanjiro could see the person clearly. It was a young man, around Tanjiro's age. Short jat black with light turquoise tips framing his face, his mint green eyes empty and emotionless deep voids.

"You should take better care of your familiar young Hinokami Kagura!"

"How did you know..." Tanjiro begins, but the stranger held out his hand, motioning him to remain silant.

"Save your questions for later. My task is to escort you safely to Master Obuyashiki's temple. Giving out information is out of my jurisdiction." He explained with his monotone voice.

"YUICHIRO!" A much softer voice screamed from behind the young man and a moment later a boy identical to him, jumps on his back, arms wrapping tight around his shoulders. Kyojiro and Tanjiro stared at them perplexed.

"What are you doing, Muichiro? Now is not the time to act like a child." Yuichiro scolded what appeared to be his twin.

"But there was a big scary bug. It stared at me with its huge glassy black eyes." Muichiro whined, shaking his brother violently. He just then seems to have noticed the extra presance, his face litting up with the most adorable smile Tanjiro has ever seen. "Hello, I am Muichiro Tokito, what are your names?"

"Kyojiro Rengoku and this here is my master Tanjiro Kamado!" Rengoku did the introduction. Tanjiro pinched his cheek, his lips twisted into a frown. "Ouch, what was that for?" Kyojiro winced, rubbing his abused cheek.

"Don't give our names out so casually!" Tanjiro scolded him, before he let out a sigh. His heart nearly jumped out of his chest when Muichiro's face popped up in his line of vision.

"You are very cute, Tanjiro!" He smiles at him, the compliment made Tanjiro blush. It was not the first time someone complimented him, but something about that boy made the words have a different weight on them. He heard Kyojiro chuckling, the amusment radiating from the yokai.

"If you are done fooling around, we should go." Yuichiro insisted, grabbing the back of his brother's yukata and dragged him away from the pair. "You two, follow us and don't fall behind!" He called back to them. Muichiro protsted as he was dragged further and further from the object of his interest. Tanjiro and Kyojiro exchanged glances, before the yokai followed the twins.

Slowly the darkness vanished, giving way to the morning sun light. The forest was so pieceful it felt like they were never attacked. Tanjiro could not help, but worry about the others. He wanted to find them, to be certain they are safe. However, judging by their near demise, he is farely sure Yuichiro won't be so merciful to them as he was to Kyojiro. Leaving them behind is the best solution in the current circumstances.

"They will be alright! Mitsuri and Sanemi are far more capable fighters than they look. As for Tomioka and Uzui, they are the stringest representatives of their species." Kyojiro whispered, so only Tanjiro could hear him. He sighed and nods his head, yet the worried expression remained plastered on his face.

"What are you two whispering about?" Tanjiro jumps startled when Muichiro falls back to talk to them. Kyojiro smiled at him, petting Tanjiro's head.

"I was just teasing him. It seems your compliment earlier got him flustered." The kitsune replied. Muichiro giggled, his laugh ringing like thousands bells, plesant to the ear.

"I ment what I said. By the way, how old are you Tanjiro? I turned 18 recently." Kyojiro could tell by the sent Muichiro is emiting, that the young man is attracted to Tanjiro. Even though his friend is smitten with Tomioka, he could not help but enjoy his reaction to Muichiro courting.

"I turned 19 a week ago." Tanjiro replied, his face heathing up. Muichiro took his hand in his, kissing the back of his palm. By this point Tanjiro was close to pass out, because his brain overheathed.

"My brother has not shown interest to anyone before. This is the first time I see him trying this hard to impress someone. "Yuichiro spoke, his eyes remaining focused on the road up ahead. "He could be quite overbearing, so ignore him if it is too much."

"That is so mean, Yuichiro!" Muichiro cried, pouting. Tanjiro could not help, but reach his hand and pets his head. Muichiro glanced at him, a light blush dusting his cheeks. Quickly his pout is replaced by a cheerful smile and he nuzzled Tanjiro's hand. The Hinokami Kagura pluck up the courage to address the spell from earlier.

"Muichiro, can I ask you something?" His sudden question surprised Muichiro and the younger man gave him aquizical look. "i know you are not supposed to share information without Obuyashiki's permision, but I was curious about that forbbiden spell."

"Oh that? Well we did not use enchanted objects, if that is what you ask." Muichiro reply and hurry to explainfurther, when he saw the confusion on Tanjiro and his 'familiar' 's faces. "Hinokami kagura are not the only spell casters. There is a branch of spell casters, called Tsukiakari Shukufuku*. While Hinokami kagura recieved their magic from the sun, Tsukiakari Shukufuku recieved their magic from the moon."

"These is the first time i heard about Tsukiakari Shukufuku." tanjiro admited, glancing at Kyojiro. "Did you knew about them?"

Kyojiro shock his head. "This is the first time I hear about them too."

"Unlike Hinokami Kagura, Tsukiakari Shukufuku's excistance was kept a secret." The younger man said calmly. Tanjiro looked past him at Yuichiro and by his posture he could tell he was barely holding back from snapping. Soon they reached a lake in the middle of which stood a lonely island. Taking a quick glance around, Tanjiro have not seen a boat. If there was not one, how were they suppose to reach the island. His wonder was answered when Yuichiro stepped to the edge of the water and kneels down, palm pressing to the surface. He muttered something and suddenly rocks raised from the water, forming a path to the island. Yuichiro took the lead once again, stepping on each rock with such grace it seemed like he was gliding on the water.

"After you!" Muichiro gestured for kyojiro to go first. The kitsune looked at Tanjiro for his approval and when the human nodded he stepped on the rock path, keeping his distance from Yuichiro, while staying closer to Muichiro.

They reached the island faster than they would have if they crossed the lake with a boat. When they stepped on the sacred ground Kyojiro heard humming, which made him feel light headed.

"Kyo, are you okay?" Tanjiro asks worried, when the kitsune's body began to shake.

"I will be fine, don't worry!" He assured him with a smile, however, Tanjiro was not very convinced. He can tell there was a spell casted on the island to protect it from yokai. Or at least from Muzan if he is to find Obuyashiki's location. Kyojiro struggled to keep up with Yuichiro, feeling his legs heavy is lead. After a few steps he stumbled, nearly dropping Tanjiro. Muichiro quickly grabbed hold of his robes, puling him upwards.

"I suggest you let go of Tanjiro. With your body weakened you won't have straight to cary him." The Tsukiakari Shukufuku said with gentle voice. Kyojiro comlied, Setting Tanjiro on the ground. The Hinokami Kagura quickly wrapped an arm aroud him. hoisting his left arm over his shoulders. Muichiro supported his right side and both of them carry him forward.

It was not long until they reached the steps, leading to the temple. Seeing as he won't be able to climb them, Muichiro casts a spell that reverted Rengoku to his original form, but a lot smaller, so Tanjiro can easily cary him. They climbed the stairs in silance, occasionally exchanging glanced. When they reached the top of the stairs, Tanjiro heard children's laughter, moments before he saw half yokai children running around the yard,playing tag.

"Yuichiro and Muichiro are back!" The youngest child exclaimeed, running over to them to greet the twins. Yuichiro pats her head, while Muichiro picks her up and spins her around, while she giggled happy. The other hanyo approached them, swarming the twins, bombarding them with question. The only boy noticed tanjiro, pointing at him.

"Who is that?" He asks, his question making his sister look over and now five pair of eyes were on Tanjiro, making him feel uncomfortable.

"That is my future husband!" Muichiro reply cheerfuly, recieving a pinch on the cheek from Yuichiro. "Why did you do that?!"

"You are getting carried away. Anyway, where is Master Obuyashiki?" Yuichiro asks the children. One of the eldest sisters pointed to the temple.

"He is having tea with mother inside." She replied. Yuichiro glanced at Tanjiro. "I expect you to show respect to Master Obuyashiki and don't talk until you are given permission. Understand?" Tanjiro nods his head, which was satisfying enough for Yuichiro. Muichiro grabs Tanjiro's hand and tugs him towards the temple.

The yoki was much stronger around the temple, intimidating both Tanjiro and Kyojiro. The Hinokami Kagura was hesitant to enter, but Muichiro pushed him inside. The interior was dimly lit from candles, the sweet sent of insents filling his nostrils. They walk deeper inside the temple, to a small corridor, leading to the sleeping quarters behind the temple. Yuichiro stops in front of a wide open door, gesturing for Tanjiro to walk in. Seeing as the twins won't be presant, made Tanjiro nervous, but his anxiety quickly vanished when Muichiro peeked his cheek, instead hyperventilationg

"For luck!" The younger man said, taking Kyojiro in his own arms, before stepping back. Tanjiro entered the room, trying to calm down his hammering heart, which he fails miserably.

"You must be Tanjiro Kamado!" The deep melodic voice snapped him out of his daze and he looks up at, just now noticing the two figures acrss the room-one yokai and the other a human. He could not help but shiver when he saw the raw burth skin of the oni. He had a bandana covering his eyes and honestly Tanjiro does not wish to know what is underneath.

"And you must be Kagaya Obuyashiki? ! It is an honor to meet you!" Tanjiro reply, bowing his head.

"Tamayo send you to seek my help, am I right?" The oni asks, his lips pulling into a smile.

"How did you know?" Tanjiro asks stunned. Obuyashiki laughs wholeheartedly and for a moment the image of his father appeared before Tanjiro's eyes in Obuyashi's place.

"I may have lost my sight, but I can still see beyond the walls of this temple." He said, gesturing to the empty mat in front of Tanjiro. "Please, take a sit, we have a lot to talk about!"

Tanjiro sat down and the woman next to Obuyashiki, who Tanjiro assumed is his wife, offered the young man a cup of tea. Tanjiro took the cup, tanking hir. As he took the first sip, memories from back home floaded his mind. He could not hold the back the tears which clouded his vision. He wishes they were still alive. It should have been him, not them. First he lost his father and then the rest of his family and Sabito were also taken away from him. Now he has only Nezuko left, which is why he has to become stronger, so he can protect her. Not just her, but also the others, Tamayao as well as Yushiro. He would not allow another life to be taken.

"I can sense your strong determination and will power. But that alone won't be enough when you face Muzan. If you want to defeat him you have to think few steps ahead of him." Obuyashiki said, his expreshio serene, yet Tanjiro can smell the anger radiating from him.
"I will understand, if you are not cut up for this, but to reach the core of Hinokami Kagura, you have to put your life on the line between life and death. Only then you will be able to unlock its full potential. Are you willing to take the risk."

"I do, I am not going to hesitate. I came this far, so I will do aeverything it takes to become stronger." Tanjiro reply determinedly. Obuyashiki puts his hand on his wife shoulder. Without him saying anything she understood what he was asking , standing up. She bowed to Tanjiro , before she left the room. Once the door was closed, Obuyashiki released his yoki full power, the force it emited suffocating, making it hard for Tnjiro to breath.

"If you can't handle this much, you won't stand a chance against Muzan. For the past 100 years he became much stronger than when I fought him. Even I won't be able to defeat him in my current state." Obuyashiki stated, listening to tanjiro struggle to breath. the Hinokami Kagura if nothing else wa stubborn, so he closed up all his senses to endure the pressure from the yoki and get used to it. At this stage he was not fit to meet it head on. He has to accomodate first, just like he father taught him.

"It is too early to draw the line. I won't give up, not now, not ever." She croacked, forcing himself to sit upright. It was painful, but he did hid best to endure.

Outside in the yard Muichiro petted distessed Kyojiro, who had sensed Tanjiro's pain and struggled in the Tsukiakari Shukufuku's arms. Seeing as he won't be able to calm the kitsune, Muichiro placed a hand on his head, casting a sleeping spell. Kyojiro fell limb in his arms and the spell caster adjusted his body, so he was laying comfortably on his lap. Muichiro looked at the temple worried. He knew what Tanjiro is going through, because he also went through the same training for years. If Tanjiro can't handle right away he will be there for him and assisting his training. He amy have just met him, but he already felt a strong connection to the other man. Their meeting gave his life new meaning. Tanjiro, the men who stole his heart, opening his eyes for the true colors of the world around him.

Chapter Text

The sudden drop of the temperature of the air was the first sign to flee. Soon after the sky was engulfed in thick blackness. The tengu were the first to sense the approaching danger and quickly retreated. Neither of the kitsune nor the raiju sensed the closing trap around them. Only Giyu picked on thegrowing pressure from the spell while it was still on a fair distance. He traced the others' spirit energy to pinpoint their location. After he knew exactly where they were he opens a portal leading to each one of them and connected all portals to a bigger one, which leads to the edge of the forest out of the spell's range.

"Everyone, if you hear me, get into the portal I open for you. This is a matter of life and death, so there is no room for objections." His voice rang like a bell inside the other yokai's heads. The unmasked fear in the voice of the  usually stoic mizuchi was enough reason to raise an alarm. One by one  the kitsune, the uwabami, the raiju and Nezuko jumped into the open portals, the sound of a distant screams of pain chasing after them like an echo.

On the other side of the portal  opens to a vast fields, cut in the middle by a shallow river, which reminded Mitsuri of Obanai's snake form the way its surface was illuminated by the sun. The magic energy emitting from the black void, which energy engulfing the forest could be sensed much clearer out here. As any other trap spells its existance could be detected only from the outside. Once a yakai was within its range they could no longer could sense its existence. Only a very powerful yokai like Giyu could sense trap spells from both inside and outside. As suddenly as it appeared the dark ominus energy was gone and the mizuchi let out a breath of relief.

"Where is Tanjiro?" Nezuko's question alarmed everyone and they searched with their eyes for the young spell caster, noticed the absence of Kyojiro as well. Giyu was certain he poinpointed their location earlier and he certainly did open a portal for them as well. And yet for some reason they were missing.

"Damn it!" Sanemi cursed under his breath, gripping his hair. "Dam it! Damn it! Damn it!

"You don't think they were caught into the spell, do you?" Mitsuri asks hesitantly. She hated to assume the worse.

"Even if they were, Tanjiro is capable enough to creat a protective spell to shield Kyojiro from the trap spell effect." Giyu pointed out, however, he didn't sound very convinced himself. 

The only one who remained calm was Tengen. He stood till with his eyes closed, sniffing the air. He catches a whiff of a familiar aroma of Mandarin Oranges. After he mated with Kyojiro he discovered with surprice that kitsune had a distinc smell, presumably differing between individuals. For Kyojiro it happens to be the smell of Mandarin Oranges.

"That is definately Kyojiro's sent. It comes from that direction." He said, pointing to a patch of trees at the foot of the hill they were standing on.

"That's strange. I can't sense neither him nor Tanjiro's presance. It feels like an invisible barrier is surrounding them."Giyu concluded after failing to detect them. 

"Whoever cast the spell and abducted them is definately not a yokai." Obanai scruched his face into a grimace. 

"Do you think this is the work of a hunter?" Mitsuri asks with concern. Giyu shook his head a 'no'. If there is someone who possesses knowlege of forbbiden magic and dark spells that is the water serpent himself.

"No yokai uses spells of that type. It may be a farfetched guess, but I believe someone with abilities similar to the Hinikami Kagura casts the spell." He pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest. 

"But why would they kidnap another spell caster? It makes no sense." Nezuko asks, close to tears. 

"I don't know, honestly. But, if we want to find out we must find out where tanjiro and kyojiro are taken to.Tengen, can you track down Kyojiro's sent?" The mizuchi asks, turning his attention to the tunder wolf.

"No problem! The smell is faint, but no untrackable." Tengen reply, taking a few more sniffs to make certain he won't loose the trace.

"Good! We will follow the trail, however, neither of you must engage the enemy." Giyu warned them.

"Hold done a second! Since when are you call the shoots?" Sanemi narrowed his eyes at him. "I personally don't recall giving you the privilege to make decoisions for all of us."

"It is called strategizing, block head. And, if you have a better plan, you are welcome to share it." The water serpent gestured for the kitsune to speak. The fox spirit opens his mouth to speak, but no sound came out. He was a lost of words, taken back by the mizuchi's harsh tone. When he didn't respond for a couple of minutes, Giyu spoke up again:

"Thought so! Does anyone else has objections?" He shifted his gaze between his companions. When no one said anything he face Tengen again. "Lead the way!"

The Raiju did not need to be told twice. The sooner he find his fox lover the sooner he  could hold him in his arms. Tracking him down turns out to be a bit tricky, though and he lost  the trail a couple of times. Fortunatelly he quickly catch the whiff of Kyojiro's  sent just as fast. After a good 30 minutes they reached the shore of the lake, which cut through the valley they saw earlier. In the middle of the lake they could spot an islad, surrounded by mist. tengen instantly took a few steps back growling. The other yokai felt uneasy too, which worried Nezuko.

"What's wrong?" She asks Mitsuri, who stood closest to her. The vixen covered her ears to tune out the humming which came from the island.

"A melody...No it is a chant...someone is chanting a spell." She whined, squeezing her eyes shut. Sanemi, Obanai and Tengen seemed to be suffering as much as she does from the humming's effect.Only Giyu managed to witstand it, drawing some of the lake's water to create a protetive barrier around them. Once the water surounds them the humming disappears.

"It seems we are stuck here. There is no way we could get any closer than this." Tengen growled, dropping omn hisknees suddenly exhausted. Soon after Mitsuri and Obanai collapsed on the ground as well. All three of them were struggling to breath. Only Sanami fought off the after effect easily.

"Well, any ideas, water breather?" The kitsune threw a glance at Giyu, who was complitely unfased by the spell. 

"I have an idea how to reach the island without either of you have to suffer the effects of the spell. However, you won't like what I am about to tell you." He respond with a heavy sigh.

"Well, we don't have much of a choice here. We can't leave Kyojiro and Tanjiro behind." Tengen stated determined to reach his mate no matter what it takes. Giyu hesitated to share his idea with them, but this was the safest option to go by right now.

"The only way to reach the island is underwater." He finally reply, watching as everyone's expressions shifted into one of shock, but he expected it anyway. 

Chapter Text

Giyu rolled the long sleeve up his right arm, revealing rolls s of bracelets in different shades of blues. His fingers hovers over a light blue almost white bracelet, plucking out the number of beads corresponding to the number of his companions.

"Place it in your mouth under your tongue." He explained as he handed each one a bead. Mitsuri didn't think twice to do as she was instructed. Tengen was close second while Sanemi and Obanai took a moment too long to do so. Only Nezuko didn't do it, uncertain how she would be affected by an yokai magic. Giyu noticed her hesitation placing a gentle, but firm hand on top of her head, strocking her hair. She looks up, meeting his deep blue eyes with her cherry blossom colored ones.

"I would never offered to use that spell, if it was dangerous for you." He assured her. She knew he was honest, yet she couldn't help but being scared. Under the intense stares of the other yokai she opens her mouth and places the bead under her tongue. The effect was almost immediate. The skin on her neck split to form gills. The feeling was quite unpleasant and she hopes they wouldn't need to use it again in the near future.

Giyu took the lead since water is his element and he knew hiw to navigate his way. The other yokai had to admit he is much more graceful when he swim. It was very stunning sight to behold. He suddenly halts, holding up his hand to signal to the others to stop. 

"What is it?" Tengen asks, swiming closer to the water serpent. "Don't tell me it is an invisible forefield."

"You guessed right! The island is surrounded by a protective spell. We need someone from inside to grant us entry." The mizuchi explained.

"So we came this far for nothing?" Sanemi snapped angered. "How come you couldn't sense it earlier and save us the trouble to go through all that bullshit."

"For a kitsune you have poor knowlage of magic and spells. You should know better than I do that some spells are hard to detect from a distance." Giyu contered, narrowing his eyes at the fox spirit. Sensing the rising tension Nezuko quickly interfeared:

"How about a human? Could a human pass through?" She asks and Giyu's eyes widened as the relalization dawned on him. He complitely forgot that the spell is casts to keep only yokai, which means Nezuko could easily pass through without meeting resistance. 

"Yes, the forcefield can block only yokai from entering, but its effect did not apply for a human. That means only you could enter the territory of the island. And when you do make sure to find Tanjiro as soon as possible." He instructed her. She nods her head to show she understood. "And most importantly" he held out a finger "don't let anyone sees you."

"She will mess it up big time, I am telling ya! Humans are clumsy and loud,  drawing too much attention on themselves." Sanemi rolled his eyes, being his usual 'positive' self. Mitsuri ewbowed him in the ribs to warn him to refrain  from any more rude comments. Nezuko pretended she hasn't  heard him, but by the look on her face it was clear she his words had hurt her feelings.

Preparing  herself mentally  she swam towards the barrier expecting  to meet resistance, but there was none. In face the feeling was more like passing through  a veil. The water on the other side was much warmer and when she broke out on the surface she found herself surrounded  by water lilies. She pushed her way through, keeping only half of her head above the surface. At the first sign of movement she quickly dive back  under water. The first couple of times was only a false  alarm. The thierd time though she wasn't  fast enough to hide out of sight. I  her haste she only caught a glims of the figure between  the trees.

"I saw you, no point hidding! Come out! I promise I am not going to bite you." Nezuko's head pop out her head between the lilies, relived to heard Kyojiro's voice.

"It is you, little human girl." His lips pulled into a smile and he kneeled down at the edge of the shore. She moved between the flowers, easily blending with the light pink field of blossoms. "I assume couldn't  get through."

"Unfortunately  it's  just me" The human girl reply, accepting the offered hand, the kitsune easily pulled her on dry land. In the distance a thunder rumbles, the sound startling Nezuko. She instinctively wraps her arms around around the kitsune, hugging close to him. The kitsune embraced her trembling frame and stroked  her hair to calm her down. Another rumble echoed and this time much closer. Kyojiro scruched his nose as the sent of death and blood filled his nostrils.

"Come with me! It's  not dafe out here." He said, pulling Nezuko with him towards the temple.

"What about Giyu and the others?" She asks throwing a glace over her shoulder.

"We can't  do much from here. Only Obutashiki can manipulate the barrier  and grant them access. However, wr have to convince him first" The kitsune replied picking up the pace. There was something sinister approaching with the storm or being the actual cause of irt, Kyojiro was not certain. The stench of rooting corpses obscuring his sense of small, the rumble osf thunder deafenig his hearing and the sudden heaviness in the air this dulling his spirtual sensitivity making him complitely vulnerable.

"There you are, foxie!" He looks up only because he caught glims of the approaching Muichiro. The boy slowed down when he saw Nezuko, half hidden behind the kitsune. "Who is that and how she entered without our notice?"

"This is Tanjiro's sister Nezuko. She was separated from her brother during the tengu's attack." Rangoku explained, patting the girl's head. Muichiro stared at her sceptically, before he spoke again:

"It is up to Obuyashiki-sensei if she could stay or not. That is nott my call to make."  He stated, but Kyojiro could tell, if it was up to him he will kick out of the temple grounds. 

A flash of lightnigh cracks in the sky above the temple and an instant later a flash of bright red light crashes down on the building. The Tsukiakari Shukufuku turns around, his face pale, eyes wide with horror. He sprints p the stairs, his heart hammering against his ribcage as he took two steps at a time. When he reached the top he froze in fear. There in front o the burnig remnants of the temple stood masive demonic figure. Sensing his presance it turns its head, its blood red eyes piercing into his soul. Only one look was enough for Muichiro to realize who was standing in front of him.

"A human! I shouldn't be surprised, though. My brother has always been found of your patetic race." The oni spoke in its deep blood curdling voice. his eyes narrowed when he spotted the kitsune behind the Tsukiakari Shukufuku. Kyojiro stopped in his track, pushing Nezuko back. 

"Stay back, Nezuko. This oni is not like Akaza. He is far more dangerous." the kitsune shouted, stepping in front of her to keep her shielded from any coming attack.

"Interesting! I didn't expect to see another yokai beside my brother at a sacred place like this. It seems my visit won't be a complite waste of time." The oni grinned, revealing rolls of shasrp fangs under his lips. "Show me what you got!"