Chapter Text
It starts like this.
A girl is born in a Family. So far, all normal, yes? Sadly, it was an abusive Household. Merciless enough that eventually, the Girl snapped under the pressure.
She didn't lash out however, no. Instead, she repressed her Emotions. It went far enough she eventually simply could not feel an ounce of Emotions.
She felt nothing when the abuse continued.
She felt nothing when she was sold off.
She felt nothing even when she was dragged around.
Nothing that happened to her since that loss affected it. She followed the motions obediently, and that was that.
It was all gone.
She felt nothing.
In an ideal world, someone would have eventually freed her from this. But in that Ideal world, she would have been born in the Meiji Era.
Instead, she was born in the Heian Era.
There were no Kocho Sisters to rescue her by the time she was Eight.
The freedom she could have enjoyed sooner never came. Well, that was wrong. She did eventually obtain freedom.
But it was 4 Years late.
After all, she was a Girl with a Will utterly ravaged by her Upbringing. In itself, it was a Miracle she even began to develop any thoughts for herself as she grew. How could a Girl like her ever desire Freedom?
Yet, she did obtain it. And ironically, by the very thing that she would in the Future, utterly despise as well.
She fell Ill.
At Twelve Years Old, the Girl contracted an Illness.
Be it because of her poor living condition, the way she was treated or just plain bad luck, she fell Ill.
Neither she nor her Owner knew however, that the Illness she contracted was much, much worse... something impossible to cure in this day and age.
She coughed. But those were only the first signs of something much worse.
Of course, neither she nor her owner actually knew this was much worse. But apparently, coughing and signs of them becoming fits were reason enough to abandon her.
There wasn't much of a reason to even keep her. Not when she looked like a mess, with a lack of self-care. Not when she basically just stood still and did nothing with her vacant eyes.
She wouldn't be a use for much longer, so he left her behind.
And so, just like that, the Girl had found her freedom.
But... what was a Girl without Emotions or without a true capacity to think for herself capable of doing now that she was on her own?
At the time, she did not know the answer. But still, she adapted.
She moved on and along the way discovered how to Live.
Perhaps it's there where her Roots settle in. Or perhaps it would be far later, once the end of her life was reached.
Regardless of when it took place, the Girl eventually thought for herself. To do as she desired, damned be the Consequences of her wishes.
And so, upon realizing she lacked something vital to truly be her own being, she acted upon it to obtain it.
After all, all Humans had them, did they not? Why didn't she have one?
It was time to change that. And, upon being able to choose for herself, she chose her name.
Kanao Tsuyuri.
Looking back on it now, Kanao feels rather proud at how far she's come since then.
She had been at the very bottom when she was born, wearing Clothing in tatters, but here she was, now wearing a Western Dress that showed her status, able to get whatever she desired.
Or, most of it.
She was above the humans in so many ways, but, she knew if she desired to be the Ultimate being, then she required more.
So, she was heading to an Apothecary in Tokyo City. Well furnished, so she knew she would be able to get what she wanted whenever she did come by, even at Night.
She needed something from there for her Projects.
That was the plan. Or, at least it had been the original plan. But then, something happened. Something that would change everything.
Amongst a Sea of people, she marched on. Ignoring all presences. And so, she missed when someone went into her Range, thinking of them as insignificant. Then?
A Hand touches her shoulder, and that catches Kanao Tsuyuri's attention. If only because that meant someone wanted to get her attention.
For a moment, she wonders why. It wasn't one of her Demons, that much she knew. But if couldn't be a normal Human. Not one of her ''Colleagues'', none of them needed her.
And it certainly could not be one of her ''Husbands'' either. They were all dead since they were so disatisfying. They gave not an inch of what she'd hoped for.
So, if only for curiosity's sake, she turns her head to meet whoever it was.
Purple met Red. Or, to be more precise, Dark Red.
Meeting the person in itself wasn't an issue. Kanao could keep her face calm. Even. A random man touching her Shoulder was nothing.
Except, she sees one thing.
The one thing that can make her act in ways she's not used to. All because it reminds her of that man.
For a brief moment, her control slips and her eyes shift from just its Purple color.
The Purple goes to a lighter shade. A Lavender that begins to seem more white than its actual color. A stark contrast to the boy's Darker Eyes.
Her Pupils remain the same, dot-shaped like any other Human being, but several branches like Veins grow from it and spread to the Iris, not reaching the edges. It could look like a bird's view from a Leafless Tree.
Most notable however, was her Scelera. It was a Dark Red Color, a Mahogany that could be mistaken for Black.
All because she notices those Hanafuda Earrings under the boy's ears.
It burns.
But, she keeps her expression even. Her eyes shift back to its much more normal state instead of her Natural one. And then, she acts as if it never happened.
''Who are you?''
The boy has his hands on his sword but seems to have frozen. Be it because he hadn't expected her Features to shift so quickly, or because he hadn't even expected to be addressed.
Then he gritted his teeth.
He was so angry, it left Kanao confused. Why was he mad at her? Ready to draw his Nichirin Blade?
Was it just because it was his Duty as a Demon Slayer? Their incessant attempts at combatting her were taking their toll, certainly. On her patience.
No, this much rage... she doubted it was just because of his Duty. So why?
It doesn't take a genius to realize why, once she remembers what she did two years ago. Especially considering why.
Was that boy...?
He did have the Hanafuda earrings...
''Ah, wait.'' she was certain of it now, ''I do remember I killed a family once. Coal Burners, I believe.''
The only reason she had known that particular bit was because she had in fact conversed with them before killing them. Better to make sure everyone was present.
Apparently, she hadn't been thorough enough.
''Are you a Family member I missed?''
With how callously she spoke of his family, it was no wonder the Demon Slayer in front of her was ready to lash out. To actually try to kill her, even in the middle of Public Space.
He moved to unsheate his Sword, too enraged to think of anything else. Most notably that he just wasn't strong enough.
It is such an obvious sign of Anger, so much different compared to that man... that she can feel something when looking at his rage.
It's not fear, no... she cannot possibly feel an ounce of fear towards a Child like that. So, so angry and yet unable to properly channel that anger.
No, it's something else... perhaps, fascination? Wonder?
What she does next is more of a kindness than anything else.
Her hand shot to hold the boy's hand. Holding it on top of it, and preventing him from drawing his Nichirin Blade.
''Calm down. Unless you truly want to cause a commotion.''
Her eyes met his, and it only unnerved Tanjiro with how calm they were. Not dead, he could see they were full of life, but those eyes showed nothing else.
As if the only thing truly present, was a living being and nothing else.
His anger was still present, but it suddenly began to die down as the situation set it. Alongside something else.
Her smell... why did he keep smelling curiosity?
''How about... we move out of Public space?'' It sounds like such a normal question, if it wasn't because Tanjiro knows the person he's talking to is the worst of them all.
Their Queen, no less.
He stares, his mind not able to truly understand what is even going on. But, Kanao comes to a decision herself.
She moves her hand, from his palm to his wrist, and then she pulls him.
It startles him briefly as they move. Tanjiro would have tried to get free, but she was pulling hard and he feared she might actually tear his wrist off.
And then, abruptly, all too quickly, he realizes they're in an Alley. A bit farther in, and somewhat isolated from the Main Streets. If someone went in, they'd notice whatever would happen next. But from just looking in the Alley? Not possible.
Tanjiro hoped no one would try to come in, or else, they were likely to die.
His hand moves for the hilt of his sword when he realizes that the Demon is also standing in the way for his escape.
She simply observed him for a moment, and smiled as well.
''And now, we're in relative peace. No eyewitness.''
And she kept standing there, not moving an inch. Tanjiro kept hesitating, knowing the situation was bad.
''So, will you attack me? Will you try to run? Or something else entirely?''
It all revolved around what he would do. And what he could actually do. The best choice was for him to run away. But... would he be able to?
No. He had to try. He had to do anything but stand there at her mercy.
So, he drew his Nichrin Blade. And for a moment, he could swear Kanao's eyes widened in glee.
''Fighting me it is then.''
Right in front of his eyes, from her right arm, something grows and emerges out of it.
A Nine Branched Sword.
It was made entirely out of Wood, the Center a familiar brown with a similar crack-like motif you'd find on any Tree while the Branches took the Green color of a Leaf, but even then, it still looked like a perfectly usable Blade.
The Hilt seemed to be made of standard materials like any other Katana's, grey in color even, although the Crossguard of the Branched Sword was designed like a Flower with eight Petals, colored in two shades of Red. Light and Dark.
Once the Nine-Branched Sword finished forming, Kanao held it in her right hand while Tanjiro stared.
She was using a Ceremonial Sword as her weapon. Something his own Family used for their Dance. Something Tanjiro knows for a fact something like that wasn't even made to be a weapon.
Yet, here he was being proven wrong by Kanao.
She was going to use her Nine-Branched-Sword to fight him.
What did that exactly imply?
He didn't receive an answer, nor did he actually expect one when he said nothing, as instead, she pointed that Weapon of hers toward Tanjiro.
''Come now, Kamado. Let's Dance.''
She deliberately walked towards Tanjiro at a slow pace. Purely to see what even he'd do now.
She had guessed right that he would try to jump over her. What she hadn't guessed was that while he did jump, he'd done so for an overhead strike.
''Water Breathing - Second Form: Water Wheel!''
He performed a vertical slash, spinning entirely to form the circling Motion. An attack Kanao was able to avoid rather effortlessly by simply stepping to the side.
Her eyes were able to see the trail of Water from the attack that Tanjiro made.
''Breathing Techniques are ever so fascinating.'' she thinks for a moment, expression remaining blank.
Sometimes, it did feel like the Elements their Breathings represented were Real. Kanao even was certain she saw those Elements.
The first Demon Slayers who used Breathing Techniques had her gawking when she actually saw the effects for herself. It had left her open, but that hadn't changed a thing ultimately.
Still, she had been in awe.
That's why she'd given Kokushibou a chance to become a Demon. To see exactly what a Demon like that would give.
She was not disappointed.
But getting back on track and also focusing on the fight at hand, she heard Kamado just now landing on the ground behind her. Which could have given him a chance to escape. An escape he didn't take as he attacked.
She could hear the way he Breathed and immediately knew that he wasn't using a Breathing Technique now, and instead had opted to just slash at her, aiming for her neck.
Her Nine-Branched-Sword was raised to Block it even though she couldn't see him, and when he tried the other side, Kanao had not only blocked it but turned around to face him properly.
It became clear to Tanjiro that he was severely underprepared for this Battle against the one who killed his Family.
If he hadn't been blinded by rage, then maybe he would have stepped back sooner or just never approached her to begin with.
But now, all he could do was fight on and on and on. Even as he lost whatever ground he had, he tried.
By the end of it, his Body was filled with Superficial Cuts while he was forced on his knees, the Demon's Nine-Branched-Sword inches away from his throat.
Kanao didn't even break a sweat.
''I win.'' she monotonously stated.
Tanjiro knows he's at her mercy. He could try to move, but she was faster than him. She's overall superior to him in every single way.
He can't escape.
That doesn't stop him from glaring at her, but that's all he can do. Glare in anger. Tanjiro isn't one to hate someone, he even feels bad about other Demons upon their Death, but at this moment, there's nothing but hate directed towards her.
They'd dulled during the Fight but came back with Force now.
Her eyes remained Blank as she saw those eyes again. Filled with Anger. Hate.
Everything that man did not have.
Something forms up in her mind as she stares at that hate.
Kanao knows she should probably kill Tanjiro right here and there. If only to get rid of the one person who's somehow tracked her down. And finish the Job she'd started with the Kamado's, since none of them turned into Demons.
It would be more of a waste of her Blood to turn him into a Demon when he was likely to fail to.
But killing him... it didn't feel as right as it should have been.
Well, she feels pity for one. His kneeling form staring at her. Practically glaring in both anger but also, and he might not even be realizing this, fear. Such a contrast to that man, tall, powerful and unflinching it made her feel something else too.
What it was, was unknown. But she wants to latch onto it. She. Wants. It. Because it's new. It's something she knows she hasn't experienced before.
So, she decides to be merciful.
''You'll live.''
She lowered her Nine-Branched-Sword until it touched the pavement and then took a single step back, much to Tanjiro's confusion.
''H-Huh?''
''I said you'll live. I'm sparing you,'' she repeated her words, even though it only left Tanjiro more confused.
He was being spared? She'd killed his entire Family, and as far as she was aware, he was the last one... and now she spares him? What?
Shackingly, and confusingly so as well, Tanjiro stood up on his feet while looking at Kanao. It didn't help her Scent showed she was genuine as well. There wasn't a single lie to be found.
Which just confused him further.
''...why...?''
And now, it was her turn to look at him in confusion. Her head bobbled to the right.
''Why...? Do I need a reason to decide to spare you?''
Ah... that explained too much. She'd done it on a whim. He would survive because of a whim of all things.
''No. No you don't.'' is what Tanjiro says, but it just leaves him confused.
Why did she of all people, spare him? The most monstrous Demon of all... and he was being spared just like that.
Tanjiro decides it's best to leave now.
But, as he passes by her, there is one thing he must do. No matter how risky it is.
''Kanao Tsuyuri.''
Just hearing him utter her name had her pay close attention.
''No matter how long it takes me, I will grow stronger. I will find you. And I will make sure you can't get away! Even if I have to follow you to the ends of Hell, I swear I will slice off your head with my Blade!''
He glared at her when he said that.
Now, when someone gives you a Death Threat, you typically wouldn't take it well.
In Kanao's case, she should have taken it particularly bad since Tanjiro had those Hanafuda earrings, which meant he was connected to that man, and the fact she'd spared him on top of that...
Well, she didn't react the expected way. Because Tanjiro saw her smile of all things. In fact, she sounded pleased by this for some reason.
''You are welcome to try, Kamado. But just as many have tried, many others have failed. Will you mark a difference, I wonder?''
Tanjiro had no clue that Kanao's fascination for him had increased significantly with that particular promise. And something else was forming in there too. An Emotion she had never felt before, but that she wanted to grasp.
Because perhaps, this was the feeling she wanted to feel.
Love.
Kanao turned her back on Tanjiro and stepped away, deciding to take the Long way out. Leaving him alone while she thought about it. About perhaps, what she finally may reach.
Kanao had tried to form Families before. Try to understand what Love was. Having a Family typically was associated with Love.
She failed each time.
Any time she tried, those Families all committed Suicide because of how Cold and uncaring she was.
It was either that, or her Killing them personally. Frustration at not knowing what that feeling was drove her insane at times.
She prided herself above all else, that she could adapt to anything. It didn't matter what the situation was, she could.
She couldn't think for herself previously? Well, she adapted to be able to be Independent.
She couldn't feel a thing before? She made sure she could feel actual, real, emotions.
She contracted an Illness thought incurable? She found a Doctor who could.
She was a survivor above all else.
So she hated the fact that while she was able to discover emotions over her Life as a Human and Demon, Love had eluted her.
But Tanjiro Kamado?
He had just changed that. Because, for once, this may just be what she wished to feel.
A smile formed on her lips, predatory in nature. One she couldn't quite hide. Not that she would have, if she'd even been aware she'd just smiled.
Perhaps he would be the one to truly make her feel what she lacked.
Of course, that remained to be seen. For all she knew, what she was feeling could be something else entirely. But if that was truly what she sought out...
Kanao stopped short as her Nine-Branched-Sword was Absorbed back into her flesh. She was still in a Secluded location, and she'd taken a turn slightly earlier.
Kanao snapped her Fingers and summoned two of her Demons that resided in Asakusa.
''I have a task for you.''
Kanao coughed.
It's a thing she's gotten all to accustomed as her time ill went by. It had only gotten worse now that she was 16. And a diagnosis from a Doctor assumed she was unlikely to live past 20.
She felt so weak...
When she'd first contracted it, she hadn't believed it would be this bad. Yet, after some time, her body felt and grew Weaker.
It's been 4 years since she'd had her Freedom. And at this rate, she would be Bedridden. Maybe if she pushed it, a Year. A bit more, and perhaps Two.
But beyond that, it was impossible.
The Kanao from 4 years ago hadn't felt a thing about being Ill, especially when she had believed it wouldn't be life-threatening. But now, in the present? Kanao realized she felt something.
Dread.
Dread that she only had 4 additional years left to live. Dread that she would in the end die. Even now, with her Freedom.
That Illness had been both a Blessing and a Curse.
It had given her Freedom since her Owner had abandoned her. But it had also limited her.
She was at the halfway point now. And those 4 years had been life-changing to Kanao.
Because finally, she had felt something at the end of it. Even if, much to her small displeasure, it hadn't been anything she'd wished to feel.
It wasn't joy or love. But dread.
Kanao knew she should feel disappointed, but it had taken her this long to feel something, and she knew it would take even longer to feel anything else.
But that was why she was driven to live. Why she still walked even Ill. Why she tried to find a Cure.
Because she wants to live. She wants to feel. And she will find a way to cure herself, even if she has to do it on her Deathbed.
So, she continued on. She fought her Illness as much as she could.
Then, one day, as her Life neared its end... she found a Generous Doctor.
And then, Tamayo awakened from her Slumber.
During that time, she was left confused. All she had experienced in that dream felt so real it scared her. But then, it left way to one question.
When had she fallen asleep?
As if her mind had been read, she received an answer.
''Ah, you're awake.''
The woman snapped her eyes towards the voice of a Girl. Or more specifically, a Teenager.
She looked like one, but the Kimono she was wearing showed her wealth with its materials alone. That wasn't including the Hairpins she had on the back of her head, holding her hair in a bun.
If not for her memories returning then, she would have mistaken her for a Child with Rich parents.
But she's not any girl. In fact, calling her a Girl wasn't an accurate thing in the least. Back then or even today.
This was Kanao Tsuyuri.
The one she dreamed as, and the one standing next to her. One and the same. And she stared at her with eyes that looked blank. Almost lifeless, if not for the smallest of glints in there.
''I'm curious. Do you remember me? Or did you forget everything, just like many other Demons did?''
Though she says she's curious, she doesn't sound like it. Instead, it's a monotumous thing. She speaks as if it were a fact.
''I... you...'' Tamayo was still destabilized by the dream she had at the time. For a moment, it had felt like she was Kanao, and not herself.
Dreams were odd, truly.
''So, what's the answer.''
She knelt down next to her and smiled. But that smile wasn't anything reassuring. It held the lifelessness her eyes held.
It felt like she was staring at a Doll.
Of course Tamayo remembered by then. Contrary to many Demons, she was able to remember her whole life. But, that Dream had disrupted everything.
Where she should have verbally answered, she only nodded.
And Kanao's smile widened, not so lifeless anymore, but not reassuring her either.
''Good. Then I hope you find yourself well now. You aren't Ill anymore. You're even Healthier than any Humans.''
That was what she wanted. A Healthy body to see her Children grow and live with her Husband until the end was all she desired.
Except, there was one thing she didn't know about.
And it all came with Hunger.
(Kanao claims she'd forgotten to mention that particular and vital bit, but Tamayo hardly believed her. It had to be done on purpose. It just had to...)
A hunger she was keenly aware of. But one that Kanao herself didn't seem to realize existed within her already.
So, as she moved and saw her Family looking happy to see her, only one thing happened.
She lunged at them.
Kanao didn't bat an eye as she watched Tamayo devour her Family. Then again, she never had been expressive, facially or even emotionally.
(An Irony, in the end)
Tamayo never forgets that day. And so, when she sees a chance to do something against Kanao, centuries later... she takes it.
Kanao watches.
Susamaru and Yahaba are to track down Tanjiro. Under the pretense of bringing him to her. Alive.
Which, rather surprisingly, leads them to actually find another person she'd not expected to see.
Tamayo.
She'd approached Tanjiro at some point after she'd let him go, and so, here she was. In front of their eyes, and in front of their shared vision.
Seeing Tamayo reminds her of why she even had her turned.
Besides the fact it was her first time genuinely feeling some form of empathy towards another living being, it was also because Tamayo had delved into the subject of a person's Mental being.
It wasn't much, especially considering it's Era, but it was something that caught Kanao's attention.
So, mixing those two reasons, and Kanao had decided to give Tamayo a chance to live longer. She couldn't really refuse it.
Save for the fact that Kanao may have neglected to mention that newly born Demons are likely to starve. And will seek out the closest pray. And that Family wasn't exempt from the Food Chain.
This was also the first time, soon after she felt empathy, that she gained Regret.
Not that Tamayo knew that. Nor did she know much else, even though she had Tamayo stick to her for a long while before her Freedom.
Her plan had been to actually to talk to her about how Emotions worked. But that quickly became impossible to do since Tamayo held a grudge.
(Kanao felt miffled Tamayo blamed her for that. Ultimately, it was the Mother turned Demon that had killed her Family, not Kanao)
So instead, Kanao was forced to have Tamayo come with her nearly all the time. If only to try to find a way and appease her.
She played along, but she was clearly reluctant. And anything else that wasn't the bare minimum would be left in dust.
If there was a chance to actually appease her, to have her cooperate better, then it completely failed when Yoriichi showed up.
The less said about that man, the better.
Her plan with Tamayo was completely undone, and she was better off trying to figure out Emotions entirely by herself. Which, as far as she was concerned, was a success so far.
Still, if Susamaru and Yahaba succeeded in this Mission by bringing her in as well... yes, they would deserve a promotion.
Sadly for them, they did not succeed. In fact, Kanao felt rather vindicative that Tamayo had taken her Curse and used it against her.
It had been a safeguard so that once she succeeded, there would be no one who knew her Name. She could then move on from this mess, and finally start life the way she wanted to.
But of course, Tamayo had ruined that as well by telling that man of her name and then spreading it.
Oh, she wasn't one to usually enjoy torture, but to her specifically? It would give Kanao great joy.
Still, it was exactly why she had to exterminate the Demon Slayer Corp. So she could finally move on from this whole mess that was started.
Such thorns by her side, and none of them remained down.
Regardless, Tamayo was in Asakusa. So was Tanjiro. And yet... Kanao did not give chase.
No, instead she wanted to see what Tanjiro would do.
He was her fascination now, and she wasn't planning on leaving him out of her sight. At least, to the best of her capabilities.
Sadly, it did mean she lost track of him very quickly after the two Demons she'd sent perished.
And honestly, a shame. They worked surprisingly well as a Duo. Maybe she should loosen the rule of Groups if it meant she had more useful Demons to use that didn't die in droves.
Not that it matters now. Tanjiro will be gone, and Tamayo will have run away. That woman knew to do things quickly.
She could move now to get there, but she's certain Tamayo has something to cover her tracks. Yahaba had seen through it, but Kanao herself wouldn't, even with her eyesight.
They may very well have cloaked themselves already.
So, she simply lets them go. After all, she is currently dealing with something else. Of bigger importance, certainly, but also not.
After all, she had sent one of her Upper Moons to deal with that particular situation.
With a single string of a Biwa, courtesy of Nakime, Upper Moon Three appeared in front of her, and immediately knelt down.
The Infinity Castle was so useful.
''How far are you with the task I have given you?''
She went on to address her Demon.
Upper Moon Three held the appearance of a Young Lady with Snow-White Skin. Her Dark-Blue Hair was untied, allowing it to trail past her shoulder and to her back. It made her look like a Doll made out of Snow.
Her eyes had to be the most unique thing about her, from first glance at least.
Her Pupils is colored Yellow, acting like the Center point of a Snow-Flake considering the Branches that spread to her Pink Scelera. Her Iris was the shape of a Flower and Crystal Blue in Color.
Over the Pupils was the Marks that showed she was a High Ranked Demon. The Kanji and Daiji for Upper Rank Three respectively.
And finally, rather anticlimatically, she wore a simple Pink Kimono with White Circle patterns all over it. Tied with an Obi, and wearing Geta shoes, Tabi socks of course included.
Still, that was exactly why she was so suited for the task she'd given her.
After all, Upper Moon Three, better known as Yuki, was able to often gather information with ease. She was one of the few Demons who could socialize with Humans without issue and keep up the Human act.
It made her invaluable when they needed to scout for Information.
Especially when it made her Seek out Information about the Demon Slayer Corp and the Ubuyashiki Family.
It greatly helped that Yuki was astonishingly good with Shapeshifting. It was impossible to tell from Real and Fake, no matter what she changed.
Especially when it came to weaponizing it for Battles. Kanao would admit Yuki was just better at it than she ever would be.
Though when it came to changing just appearances, they matched.
But back on track... the Information.
She allowed Yuki to speak.
''I was able to more or less able to figure out in which Region the Demon Slayers' main Medical Center may be. But, I couldn't figure out anything else. They were growing suspicious of me.''
Not much then. Instead, Yuki was only able to get confirmation of Gyokko's own Intel. Still, this was something.
''This isn't much, I hope you are aware of that.'' it wasn't a question, ''But, you were able to confirm something at least. You're dismissed.''
With another string of a Biwa, Nakime sent Yuki away just as quickly as she appeared.
Only then did Kanao sigh.
''I've grown impatient lately,'' she tells to no one in particular, even though Nakime is present and hears it.
She truly wanted the Demon Slayer Corp gone, didn't she? They were such a nuisance. All bothersome, really.
But then again, hadn't some of those Slayers been people she had rescued?
It wasn't unheard of that Kanao would spare Humans, at times, when she stumbled upon a scene. Though typically, the reason was more to serve her above all else.
Perhaps she couldn't kill because it would alert the Demon Slayers. Or perhaps it was just highly unnecessary. Because even she sometimes didn't have the Heart to kill.
But there were a rare few times where she did spare people because she wanted to. On a whim, so to speak. Like she did with Tanjiro most recently.
Or, the rarest of them all... something happened that reached her Heart.
Like say, the Kocho Sisters.
(They're the reason she even wears Butterfly Hairpins now. She likes the look)
Though one of the Sisters is by now dead, by Kotoha's hands. Not that it mattered. Even though the Kocho's Familial Bond had genuinely reached her, it had still been done on a whim.
They strikingly had some similarities to her in terms of appearance. The Youngest Sister especially.
Honestly, if not for that, she doubts she'd have actually saved the Kocho Sisters to begin with.
Happiness doesn't last forever. Be it the Structure, or the Emotion.
It breaks eventually, either due to time or a Tragedy. Because ultimately, Happiness only takes root when you receive Joy.
It's something Kanao absentmindedly thinks about when she senses one of her Demons attack the Kocho Family.
How would she know that? Because during that time period, she'd tried again to form a Family. See if perhaps this time, she'd feel love. The one emotion she simply couldn't seem to feel.
It failed. Again.
It was a coincidence she'd just dispatched of her ''Family'', who lived nearby when she noticed the Kochos being attacked.
Her plan had just been to watch. There was a Demon Slayer nearby, so he'd intervene. But then, she remembers having met those Children due to the Community this particular Village lived in. How utterly kind they were, because of their Happiness.
It touched her, in a sense.
So, instead of letting a Demon Slayer do the work... the Progenitor herself, in a rare moment of care, dispatched one of her own Demons.
It didn't bother her in the slightest. Demons were Imperfections. Needing to Purge out the Blemishes for something truly Ultimate.
He couldn't even understand what was going on before Death claimed him. But, she'd been slow in her decision.
The Mother and Father still perished. And the two Daughters? They looked utterly terrified.
It probably doesn't help that she's not hiding that she's also a Demon. Her eyes are obvious enough as is. Or perhaps it's the Blood of her Dead ''Family'' and Demon on her Clothes?
She doesn't give words of encouragement. She doesn't say anything to defuse the situation. Instead, she stares and then moves away.
She just leaves. And it leaves the Sisters so completely and utterly confused as to who this stranger was. After all, they hadn't immediately recognized her.
When Gyomei comes, soon after, it is to find two sisters. With them telling him someone else had saved them.
Much to his shock, the mentioned features are that of the Demon Progenitor. To say it confuses him and, once informed, Oyakata-san would be accurate. Because they don't understand why she did that.
Neither do the Sisters, but Kanae most notably keeps it to heart.
It had to mean something.
Still, here she now was. Dying at the Hands of a Female Demon. Back on the Dirt, unable to move.
''Aw... how sad.''
The Demon in front of her had a frown on her face, a sound filled with Pity. With sadness. And the expression seemed so genuine as well.
''After the effort Lady Kanao has gone through to keep you alive, you die by my hands.''
It confused Kanae. Greatly so, because minutes ago, there was no sign of recognition on the woman's face. But now, there was? How? Why?
''Honestly, it's a shame. But, what can I say? You should have picked your fight more wisely, Slayer. A single Human can't hope to match the might of an Upper Moon. Oh well~!''
The woman gave a smile, showing all of her teeth, including her fangs.
''It's time you get Deliverance. Time for you to join everyone else~!'' only to pause when she saw how close to Sunrise it actually was.
''Ah...'' her mouth was open, gaping for a moment before frowning, ''Damn.''
The Demon stared at her for a moment longer, frown never leaving her face before turning her back on her.
''Well, looks like I can't give you a True rest then. A shame.''
And the Demon ran off.
Kanae stared. As much as she could, considering how she had no strength to stand up. But stare she did nonetheless.
Because the only reason she hadn't been eaten, was because of the Sun. Nothing else.
She knew the Implication.
But now that she was alone, it left her time to think. Even knowing she was dying, she thought.
How did this Demon know about the fact the Queen of Demons had saved them?
Had she just been told?
She truthfully did not know and could only speculate. And honestly, the conclusions she came up with probably would be untrue if she could double-check them.
What she didn't know and never would, was that Kanao's Cells sometimes strongly responded to Emotions. Be it from the Demon themselves, or from their Master.
Which meant that as Kanae lay dying, the Memories within Kanao's Cells had flashed inside of the Demon's mind. Showing Kanao's point of view of that Night.
Kanao was aware it could happen, but she was always unaware of when it could happen. Not that it bothered her.
And so, unaware of that, Kanae could do nothing but wait for Death to claim her. That would not change. It never could.
Yet, Shinobu does arrive to see the state her sister is in. And she knows.
Kanae wishes she could try to fight and survive, but her injuries were too severe and there was no way they would be able to reach the Butterfly Mansion or a Wisteria House on time.
And knowing that, Kanae tries. Tries to convince her Sister to leave the Corp. Tries to convince her Sister to live a normal life.
But Shinobu is stubborn. And she was filled with so much Anger and desire for Vengeance it would be impossible to stop it.
And Kanae understands.
So, as she died, she passed on with her Final Words everything she knew about the Demon.
Her Appearance.
''It was a Demon, Female, with Rainbow Eyes and Hair colored Black and Blond that intersected with a Braid.''
Her Personality.
''She exudes a Calming Aura and speaks in a casual, albeit Gentle manner.''
And her Weapons.
''The Weapons this Demon uses are a pair of Sharp Fans.''
But of course, she had wanted to say something else. Because Kanao had fought that Demon. So she knew...
''But perhaps you...''
If her Younger Sister fought that Demon alone, then she would perish.
She didn't finish saying it, in the end. She did not allow herself to say it. She didn't want to affirm that. Affirm something that would lead someone to their Death.
She knew Shinobu was likely aware of that.
So, Kanae stopped herself. Instead, she decided her last moments with her Sister would be with her Smiling even as she passed on.
And so, the Tale of one Kanae Kocho remains the same.
''Have you ever tried to see the World through someone else's eyes?''
Those were words she rather impulsively said towards one Douma. Upper Rank Two, and the only Demon she had, that truly could not feel anything.
It irked her how he was a blatant reminder of how she could have failed before she'd even started, so many years ago. And how she did fail him in regard to her promise.
To let him feel, truly.
Not that Douma could truly be bothered by it, but he still used that against her at times. Hence why she gave an impulsive answer for the final time.
She had no idea what she'd started until they reached the end of that particular road.
One simple day, Douma fell on a woman with a Child. Running away from somewhere yet unknown to him.
One particular ability of his unknown by many Demons and Demon Slayers was the fact he could heal others.
Only Upper Moon Three, Yuki, truly outdid him. Though it did irk Upper Three severely that Healing wasn't just a thing of hers.
In fact, Kanao is pretty sure one of the reasons Yuki hates Douma so much, is because he has Healing Capabilities that aren't from his Blood Demon Art while her own were tied to her Blood Arts.
But, moving on from that, Douma had healed the Mother. And, for once, when he saw her...
Well, it wasn't love. It wasn't care. But it certainly was something compared to how empty his emotions usually were.
He kept her around. And a particular idea grew in his mind as the days passed.
And, perhaps Douma did grow to love her. Or perhaps not and he simply saw her as a pretty toy to keep around.
Not that it mattered. In fact, it's what happens next that truly would catch anyone's attention.
Kotoha ran away. Discovering what Douma truly was, and knowing this was not an environment to raise a child...
Well, what she did next was out of desperation. Because she realized she wouldn't make it.
And technically, she was right.
Seeing no other choice, she threw her Baby down a Ravine and into a river.
What truly should have happened, is her dying thereafter. But instead, Douma didn't attack her.
He moved next to her, and she remained there frozen. Expecting Death. Staring down at where she'd thrown her Son.
Had she killed him?
''There's no way you could have saved him by dropping him off this cliff.'' Douma chastised her, ''But you were stupid, even now.''
He shed tears, looking down the Cliff even as Kotoha remained frozen.
''To think your son will be dead because you dumped him off a cliff. How sad.''
He sounded sad when he said it, but Kotoha wondered. How much was the truth, and how much was fake?
Suddenly, he snapped his head to look at her with a smile. Combining it with his eyes gone wide, and it terrified her.
''But forget about him! It's about you now my dear Kotoha!''
She couldn't move at all. As much as she wanted to, she could not.
''Because you... You are going to help me test out something! You'll live, don't worry! But, maybe not quite as... yourself.''
She truly did not understand what was going on. But, the implications that were able to settle inside her scared mind, said enough.
Douma set aside his Fan before his hand shot toward her Neck.
''Let's turn you into a Demon!'' and then, his nails pieced right into her neck, and the process began.
That was how Kanao met Kotoha, in a sense. Her Blood injected inside her unwillingly.
Kotoha...
A curious case, truthfully. Kanao was involved the day she became a Demon, but the entire situation was truly unique.
After all, Kanao had only been involved in making sure the Blood transformed her. But everything else? Douma's own work.
She watched through Douma's own eyes as he did his plan. As he started the very idea she had given him, on that day of impulse.
See, Douma, somewhere inside of him, did desire to feel something. And Kotoha had done exactly that. Whatever it was he felt, it had been there. And she was so emotive as well!
So, during the time Kotoha was there, Douma had decided that he would turn her into a Demon. But, not entirely through normal means.
No, Douma had in mind something much worse.
His Will? His Mind? What he desires out of this? He would transfer everything to her.
Not only would he turn her into a Flesh Eating Monster, but he would warp her mind until there only remained a perversion of her being.
Douma knew he would die from this. He was giving her everything. Perhaps his mind would survive in there. Or perhaps he would simply twist her mind to fit his more.
But ultimately, his goal would be fulfilled.
Douma would see, in whatever form he took after this, through another's eyes. Through someone who could truly feel. And honestly?
For once, maybe... just maybe, he finally felt excitement!
Those were Douma's thoughts as his very flesh and Bones were absorbed into Kotoha, absorbing his essence into her Flesh. The only thing left behind was his Clothes and Fans.
Kotoha herself fell on her knees once nothing could hold her up, and when the very essence of Douma had gone in, the Transformation was as good as complete.
The newborn Demon proceeded to faceplant onto the Grass.
Douma physically had perished. Mentally was another question no one had an answer to so far.
And Kanao was present when Kotoha awakened. The tips of her hair were Blond, up to where she had her Hair tied, and her eyes held the Kanji for Upper Moon Two, yet they weren't green, but had Douma's rainbow theme.
She blinked and looked around for a moment before her gaze settled on her. Kanao took that as her cue to speak.
''Welcome, New Upper Moon Two.''
And in answer, Kotoha gave a toothy smile, showing her fangs. Her eyes shined with Recognition. And the way she spoke, left no more doubts.
''Pleasure to meet you, Master.''
Kanao doesn't believe she acts impulsively.
Though Nakime, Kokushibou, Yuki, Kotoha, Gyokko, Hantegu and basically anyone who had the guts to say it, would say otherwise.
Sometimes, her emotions are truly what dictates her.
It's exactly because of that, that when she does see Tanjiro's location through Rui's eyes, and how close she actually is...
Impulsively, due to those unknown Emotions she wants to discover, she heads there. Even when the Sun is mere hours away from rising.
But she doesn't fear that. She has Nakime for a reason. She can make a quick escape.
When she arrives, she already see's corpses of Demon Slayers. An idea crosses her mind then, and she decides to execute it.
She disguises herself as one of them.
She steals a female Uniform, Skirt and all, takes a Cloak and a Nichirin Blade that changes its Green color and goes Light Pink and just moves along.
It is stupidly easy to hide her presence as a Demon from other Demon Slayers. Granted, they're inexperienced. Unlikely to be able to tell the difference now. So, she walks past them, perhaps even exchanges a few words, and heads without hesitation towards where Rui is.
Rui... fascinated her.
He wants a Family. A True Family Bond.
He wants Familial Love, so to speak.
Is it wrong that Kanao herself is curious if Rui will one day succeed in truly getting those bonds? Because if he can, then perhaps she could too.
Or, well, that was her initial goal. But now that she has found Tanjiro, and felt something unknown about him, Rui felt... useless.
Not that she'd discard him away. His want for a Family isn't why she even turned him into a Demon.
It was plain sympathy.
But now, as she nears... she feels the link cut. And she knows Rui has perished.
...she's not sure what she expects to feel. But feeling empty from that? It's... not good in any way.
Because it either means that she's far more hurt about Rui's death than she believes, or she legitimately feels nothing. And both are plain horrible.
So, she doesn't focus on it.
Instead, she approaches before jumping up a tree and hiding herself. Watching. Curious about what will happen when she sees a Demon Slayer. Perhaps a Hashira?
She should keep watching.
Except he's holding a Nichirin Blade. Seemingly ready to attack Tanjiro... who is protecting his Demon Sister.
Kanao would afterward realize she jumped to conclusions far too quickly. But since Tanjiro was her new object of interest, she couldn't have him die because he broke the Demon Slayer Rules.
And so, she comes out of her hiding spot and moves to strike the Hashira.
Credit where it is due, he quickly noticed her Killing intent. While she wasn't using her true faculties, it was still something to see a Human, Slayer or not, be able to move and block her slash.
She lands past the Hashira and snaps her head towards the Group of three. Only to see one emotion in a particular someone.
Fear.
Fear is a strong emotion. Sometimes, capable of completely overtaking even the rational pieces of someone's mind.
The first time she ever felt that emotion, had actually been when she realized the true extent of her Illness. Something incurable, something that would put an end to her.
The second time? Because of that man. And even today, that fear remains. Even today, his Marks remain.
Fear had forced her to cower and hide, and fear had caused her to go into an eating frenzy just to hope she could lower the gap in power between them.
Though, for some reason, seeing Tanjiro with fear on his face when seeing her... it actually hurt.
''W-What are you doing here?!''
Of course, her face remained impassively still as she stared at Tanjiro, Nezuko and the Demon Slayer who was standing on Rui's Kimono.
''Me?'' she simply said as she glanced at the Hashira, ''I could be asking the same of you. Then again... It's a bit too obvious, isn't it?''
The Hashira in front of her, with Weapon ready... which Breathing Form did he have, she wonders? Wait no. She already knows the answer due to the color of his Blade.
''Who... are you?'' The Hashira questioned. But from the look in his eyes, something told him he'd already guessed it.
''Oh, that's simple. All too simple and swift. You have heard of my name, no? Kanao Tsuyuri.''
She laid her free hand over her chest briefly when she introduced herself, before removing it and pointing her finger at the Hashira.
''Now, what Hashira are you, I wonder?''
Of course, her question was ignored in favor of the answer the Hashira had received. A deadly confirmation.
He should run away.
Except, then, the Demon Girl moved from where she'd been previously, and moved in front of the Hashira.
The Child... Nezuko, right? Tanjiro's sister.
The one she'd turned on that Night, but also the one she thought had perished since she saw no signs of her Transforming. There wasn't any sort of Link between them either.
She was glaring at her. Eyes seething with anger, and ready to lash out at her.
Though admittedly, for some absolutely unknown reason, Kanao found it more cute than actually threatening.
And for some other reason, Kanao decided to pat the angry girl's head.
Let it be remembered that Kanao can be an incredibly impulsive person at times. Like now. Internally she knew the situation was wrong, but she completely ignored it in favor of acting on how she felt.
The Hashira stared. Tanjiro stared. The Demon Girl stared. Kanao continued patting the girl on the head.
And then, she was uppercutted under the chin by said Demon Girl as she raised her leg.
The only thing that did was cause her head to snap back to a point where some of the flesh was torn off. Only to snap back into place as if her head hadn't nearly gotten kicked off from her shoulders.
''My, you are strong!''
She did however stop patting her head. And then jumped back to avoid the predictable kick, her eyes remaining on the Demon Girl.
''And you haven't eaten yet, have you? I can see it. Your Flesh is... malnourished.''
Huh. She hasn't eaten in a while now, and yet, she could still go? And not go in an eating frenzy?
Curious. Perhaps targeting the Kamados wasn't a bad idea after all. Perhaps one of them would be able to conquer the Sun one day. Although, if this child kept staying malnourished...
''You're coming with me.''
It certainly seems to set off something inside the Child since she growls further. And Kanao can tell her own Cells seem to be doing something in there. Reacting accordingly to the situation in a way.
But, Kanao isn't a fool. She moves fast, and before long, the Girl falls limp on the ground when she chops at her neck.
It is only then that Tanjiro seems to regain his courage to attack her like he did in Asakusa. Except, it's surprisingly not Water Breathing he uses against her this time.
No, she's eerily familiar with how it looks.
She's more forceful about how she handles Tanjiro because of it. Not daring to touch the Blade with her skin, nor wanting to even know how her Nine-Branched Sword would react to this, she uses her stolen Nichirin Blade to block his sword instead.
Her fear was visible for a moment, but Tanjiro couldn't have understood it when Kanao moved swiftly to counterattack.
She pushes his broken Blade aside so casually before her leg moves for a kick. Right at the front of his face. For someone at Tanjiro's level, it was impossible to actually keep up. Though for the Hashira present, he'd been able to follow the movement.
''She's too fast.''
Though while he followed it, it also made him realize how badly outclassed he was since he couldn't follow up with anything, not even Dead Calm, to try and save Tanjiro. And the man feared Tanjiro may have been dead when the kick landed on his Forehead.
He wasn't, surprisingly.
''I held back...'' Kanao muttered quietly, not because she was trying to explain it to anyone. No, it was because she was astonished that holding back this much, had apparently hurt her leg.
How did holding back even hurt? She'd kicked his face, of all places.
No matter. Tanjiro was fascinating her more and more, but she had other priorities. Like taking the Demon Girl.
Only, that was interrupted when someone pulled the exact same trick she had done on the Hashira.
A familiar Butterfly emerged from the trees and moved for a thrust with poison. Only for it to be blocked by the stolen Nichirin Blade.
The swing of the Demon pushed the Butterfly Hashira back but she landed smoothly on her feet. She was smiling.
Rather ironically, Kanao had that exact same smile on her face now. A Fake smile. One that would be obvious if you looked closely enough.
''My, it certainly has been Years since I last met you Kocho.''
''Likewise to you... Tsuyuri.''
The difference was that one fake smile truly did look serene. The other? It looked like they were barely bolding back their anger.
The latter was from Shinobu.
How could she smile without feeling anger at her of all people? She'd saved them once. On a whim. On a damn Whim.
She knew because it wasn't the first time she'd done this. The Kochos were not the first times she'd done this. However, they were the most recent ones at the time. If that remained true or not, they did not know. But it was undeniable to everyone.
And it had fed Kanae's belief some Demons could perhaps be helped. Sadly, as far as Shinobu was concerned, that... that had ended up killing her own sister. That had ended up being a complete lie.
So seeing the very being who had created Upper Moon Two as well?
It enraged her.
''You've definitively grown. When I rescued you, you were so small.''
...yes, this definitively pissed off Shinobu, even though Kanao wasn't even trying to make her go mad. She had simply stated something that was, in fact, meant to be seen positively.
Sadly, Kanao had sounded completely neutral when saying that. To a point where it could have been seen as insulting. Exactly the way Shinobu did.
She absolutely did not impulsively react by charging at the Demon Queen of all people. Nor had she expected Giyuu to join in and help her against the Demon Queen. Even though it made sense, as one Human against her was suicide.
Giyuu would know, since he'd favored running away while he was alone.
Both Hashira's attacked her, but it came apparently quickly that they did nothing. The only time she slowed down was due to Shinobu's poison but... well...
''Oh my, it's something alright. But...'' the skin that turned purple from the Poison quickly decomposed the matter, ''To slow.''
That was infuriating.
''Kocho.'' There was an edge of warriness in Giyuu's tone, ''We must retreat. Now.''
She wants to agree. But how are they supposed to run away from her? She's better at everything they do. And they also have to get that Demon and Boy out of here.
It's looking more and more like none of them are going to make it. Still, they have to keep trying.
And then Kanao appeared in front of Shinobu, and she felt the air leave her body as her gut was punched hard. She's certain something broke as well.
''Breathing Techniques require you all to Breathe properly at a constant rate, no?'' she asked the wheezing Shinobu, ''So what happens when you can't Breathe evenly?''
She didn't even wait to see if Shinobu could still move, Kanao moved her sight towards the Water Hashira.
''It's been a while since I actually took the Life of a Demon Slayer.'' she absentmindedly comments while Giyuu, with no other option, forces himself to attack. To do something.
It doesn't turn out well.
''Let's correct that, yes?''
The Water Hashira took a blow in the gut, the killing intent Kanao now exuded being the only warning sign it came, with enough force he wheezed for air as well. And that completely messed up the rest of his Breathing. Giyuu knelt down from the pain and abruptness of it while Kanao raised the Nichrin Blade. Their own weapon, used to kill them.
''Goodbye to you, Slayer.''
Only for Tanjiro, still recovering from that kick he'd taken earlier, to cry out in distress.
''Don't!''
Honestly, she's not sure why she hesitated at that exact moment. But it had given someone ample time to stop her.
Nezuko.
She must have regained consciousness while she was distracted by the Hashira's, and the Demon Girl did not hesitate to smash a kick right into the back of her face.
It flew off, or at least, what remained of it after contact did.
For the briefest of seconds, the two Hashira and Tanjiro stared. Wondering if perhaps, this could be the end of the Demon Queen.
But that was wishful thinking on their part. Because her head regrew in such short seconds it was actually frightening.
Kanao blinked several times, her eyes unconcealed and showing she was a Demon, before laying a palm where her Sidetail usually was. Alongside the Butterfly Pin she had.
Gone.
Her hair was simply down.
''...you...''
She turned to look at where her head previously had been kicked off to. There wasn't a pin there.
''...you destroyed my Hairpin.''
Her favorite too. She actually liked the Butterfly-themed Pins. She had several more because of it, but the fact one got destroyed to the point there was nothing left...
Her aloofness began to fade. Instead, something else. An emotion she has felt before, but rarely.
Rage.
Oh, how rageful she felt now!
''Why, I should rip your entire being!''
For some reason unclear to everyone, Kanao still forced a smile even with how visibly angry she was. Shinobu wondered why she was even bothering to keep the tiniest form of appearance.
''Or not! I'll just use a Nichrin Blade! I will slice off your head just so you know how it feels to get your head separated from your body!''
Her grip on the Blade tightened. And, much to Giyuu and Shinobu's horror and disbelief, the Blade began to turn Red.
The only reason Tanjiro wasn't either was because of the blatant Death threat Kanao was giving to his sister. Although Nezuko herself could feel her Instincts warning her about the danger she was in right now.
Promptly, she slapped away the Water Hashira that had previously been about to die, sending him flying into a Tree as she moved towards Nezuko.
And yet, for all the warning signs she should be getting to run, she doesn't. Nezuko instead glares at her.
If Kanao wasn't so taken in by rage, she may have noticed that even now, this Girl was evolving. But she doesn't. Instead, she missed those vital signs as Nezuko jumped at her for a kick.
Only to be met with her own kick, shattering through her leg and sending Nezuko also flying towards a Tree.
''You're a one-trick Pony. Your pattern is so easy to read.''
She takes a single step but then jumps to the side just in time to avoid Tanjiro's own Sun Breathing attack.
He was panting heavily, but he'd still moved to stop her. And he did. However, she did not expect him to then do something else.
Ask a question.
''You... why? Why do you do any of this?!''
For that, Kanao tilted her head to the side. Her anger subdued slowly upon the start of this conversation.
''Why what?''
''Why do you kill indiscriminately, but then spare some others? Why do you turn so many into Demons, young or old, and then expect them to be constantly loyal to you through fear? Why do you do any of this to begin with, to be this fearsome Demon Lord, but then you also bother talking to Humans?!''
Tanjiro had wondered this, so many times since Asakusa. There was so much more to her, it became clear to him even now. Yet, at the same time, she'd been such a monster over her Life. So why?
Why did she do any of this to begin with? Sick Pleasure?
''So tell me Kanao. Why is it you even go through so much Death? What is worth all of this Bloodshed?''
But, Tanjiro realizes something after he's done.
Kanao is stunned. From the outside, and inside. She doesn't hide her surprise in either way.
That question. The sheer dedication behind those words...
It truly amazed her. It really did. To a point where she stood there frozen, her eyes that were blank before and then turned wrathful, were staring now in an amazed manner, or perhaps she just showed shock, not raising the previously Pink now turned Red Nichirin Blade she stole from a Corpse.
She almost couldn't believe it, because for once...
''You're...'' she opened and closed her mouth several times, as if unable to say those words.
''...you're... you're the only one...''
Someone had asked. Someone had actually asked. Someone had bothered to ask to her face why she did any of this.
No one else had ever asked the ''Why'' to her face. They always prioritized her Death because she was the source of all Demons. Even that Man hadn't asked her ''Why'' she did any of this. He only asked if she valued Human Life at all.
She felt... she felt completely enraptured by Kamado Tanjiro at this moment. To a point where she smiled.
Not the ones she was used to using, but a completely genuine smile. Formed from the sheer joy she felt.
''You're the only one who asked me why I'm doing any of this.''
And she realizes exactly what she feels now. It's so clear to her, as she opens her mouth. Only to be forced to retreat when she sees the Sun rise over the Horizon. Forced to leave Tanjiro's question unanswered even as the Hashiras try to kill her then and there.
Which fails, of course. They knew it was futile, but they had to try.
This unknown feeling she'd felt so many times before... if this was truly what she believed it was, then...
Then Kanao wanted this Love all to herself.
She wants Tanjiro for herself.
Yuki.
Ah, how delightful this one was. Truthfully, her Upper Moon Three gave her a sight she had not expected to see when she'd come across the Village.
It was an Area she was certain no Demons were around, so she'd decided this was the best place to get some Peace and Quiet.
Get in some Fresh air before she continued with her Experiments.
But in the end, she found a magnificent Candidate to become a Demon.
And all because this Girl, Koyuki, was wrathful at her Family's Death.
Yuki was barely holding on to Life when she'd arrived at the Clinic. Having heard of the Tale of Tragedy that had taken place mere hours ago.
Apparently, it was a Poisoning Situation.
Her Father and Husband, Keizo and Hakuji respectively, had been the first to drink the Poisoned Water. They took it from a Well after all and since they often trained together at the Dojo, they needed to stay Hydrated more.
Koyuki herself only drank it during the Evening, and it was only Hours later she would actually feel the Effects.
Keizo and Hakuji died in their Sleep.
A kind way to go, all things considered. It didn't seem like they suffered much if any. But when Koyuki woke up because of the Poison?
That's where it went downhill for her.
She had been able to make her way to the Clinic, a crying mess that was having a hard time even moving and knowing very well she was dying yet still fighting.
Because after Sorrow, came Wrath.
Still, she couldn't actually move anymore. She was lying in a Futon, basically dying when Kanao found her.
And so, a perfect opportunity came to be. Especially once she learned that yes, many residents of the Village knew of who had done the Poisoning of the Well.
How could she not indulge that girl's wrath when she saw it? Hate and Anger filled what truly seemed to be a soft girl's features.
''Do you wish for Revenge?''
She should have died within the Hour she'd arrived here, as the Doctor stated. Yet she pulled through. What Willpower!
And she even spoke back.
''Y-Yes...!''
Her face was twisted to show her anger even as she was dying.
Of course she gave her Power and Health. Granted, most of her memories were gone by the end of the transformation. But she just had to point the direction of the Dojo for this newborn Demon, and everyone there perished.
She fulfilled her Revenge even as she forgot.
She's surprised Yuki knew how to fight at all, however. But she probably has seen enough fights or at least Martial Artists Practice, for her instincts themselves to simply act the way they desire.
Somewhere in there, this Demon had desired to play those moves. But for whatever reason, Kanao was uncertain.
She devoured them whole. No one was spared as every single Human in that Dojo perished.
She felt proud.
''Welcome to my Ranks, Yuki.''
A rather fascinating case, all things considered. And not only because of the reason she became a Demon.
What truly fascinated Kanao at that time, besides her Will, was that Yuki's Blood Demon Art was versatile. And how literal it was as well.
Her Blood was her Art.
By simply releasing her Blood into the Air, or just pouring it out, Yuki is capable of either raising or lowering its density to do two specific things.
Heal or Poison.
It's such simple things, but with Kanao having some context of her Human life, she can't help but find it funny. Ironic even.
She recovered from an Illness with Medicine and her Will, but then got afflicted by a Poison but clung to life with that same will. At this point, Kanao knew Blood Demon Arts held some form of... irony, for a few. But it always suited the Demon in question.
And so, the one Healed and Poisoned is capable of using all of those for her own purpose.
Not that Yuki would ever be able to tell the origins of her Blood Demon Art. As far as she was concerned, they were useful tools she could use for Espionage, or gain some favors here and there. Alongside helping her fight off Demon Slayers more easily.
Yes. Kanao is certain Yuki will thrive very well amongst her Demons.
Kanao Tsuyuri has a Dream.
A really simple thing when thinking about it.
Live her Life.
Except, it's not that simple. She is already living her Life. But, she's lacking the one thing she desires.
The Human Aspect.
Not only biologically, but also emotionally.
She is a Demon. She cannot eat Human Food. She has to eat Humans themselves to live. And normally, she doesn't bat an eye.
Except Kanao knows about Morality. Knows how deeply wrong it is.
How could she not, after developing her worldview for Hundreds of Human Generations?
She started as a Girl who knew nothing. Yet now, she advanced so far. Few things remained for her to defeat before she became what she wanted.
The Ultimate Human Lifeform.
It may sound strange to Demons and Humans alike if they were to ever hear about it. Why specifically the Human Lifeform?
Because, ultimately, when she'd taken the Medicine, it never was to become a Demon. She'd desired to remain Human.
Certainly, she's not going to deny the Longevity nor the Power she's obtained from it, but this had never been her end goal.
Her initial end goal was to live long enough to discover all her emotions. Love was the last one simply because Love didn't come easy.
Up until recently with one Kamado Boy.
But, how could she ever love someone if she remained a Demon? Forced to eat Human after Human, unable to step into the sunlight with her Family to play with her Children, or simply enjoy a quiet time with her Husband?
She'd tried with many others. And the results showed themselves.
It takes little to no time for her to come to a decision, centuries ago. But today, she vowed it further than any swears she made previously.
Kanao will have what she wants. She will rid herself of her imperfections so that she can truly live her life to its fullest.
No matter what.
No matter the body of Corpses she stood on. No matter how many others it may make miserable in the short run.
She will have what she wants.
Notes:
And so, the End.
The way I had Kanao as the Demon Progenitor written, was more or less a mixing of what Muzan was, but also her own thing. I'd say she's more noticeably different from Muzan compared to say, DQ Nezuko or DK Tanjiro who ultimately still do follow a pretty similar path to Muzan there.
She seeks to be Perfect, though her own version of Perfection differs from what Muzan wants. Compared to his Unchanging, Kanao wants to be ironically, as Human as possible. Or to be more precise, the Ultimate Human Being.
Yup. She wants to be as close to Human while keeping all the benefits a Demon brings. This means it's not only sunlight she wants gone but also the capacity to truly eat Human Food. She wants it all.
(Which is why she only has One Heart and One Brain, compared to Muzan or even the Progenitor Versions of Tanjiro and Nezuko I wrote)
Which does however include Emotions in this mix. And since this Kanao's initial backstory was similar enough, she was emotionally detached by the time she fell Ill and received the Medicine. And now, with emotions...
Well, I hope I nailed down how freaking impulsive she is because of it. Like, Emotions are something she cherishes so much she often acts upon them. She goes mad? She kills the individual. She feels happy? You might get a hug from her, or a reward if you're a Demon. She takes pity on you? Congrats, you're saved! But it might not last next time!
Seriously, half of the stuff she does here is impulsiveness alone. She's mature, sure, but sometimes, it really doesn't seem like she's aged beyond at most, a Teenager.
And now, I believe I should speak of another matter. Specifically, the change I made for Upper Moon Two and Three.
As I was writing this, I wondered if I should keep Douma and Akaza. In my two other stories, they fit the purpose given. But here, I decided to change it a bit. It was also to fulfill my want to actually see Demon Koyuki and Demon Kotoha and I have to say, I'm satisfied with the way they turned out here to. Not every day you see Douma basically pull a Muzan on Kotoha. Poor her, really. She was an unwilling person in all of this, and now, she's become a Monster. But hey, at least Inosuke gets to see his Mom!... and probably has to kill her. Yikes.
Anyway, I want to try one more thing before I end this. Here goes.
Taisho Secret: Kanao and Nezuko were originally meant to have a similar going-on fight like the latter's fight with Daki. However, I realized that it was slightly impossible because Kanao was so enraged that Nezuko just wouldn't be given the time to Transform. And even if she had succeeded, Kanao would have retaken the Victory soon after that burst of power.
And that's it. If any of you have questions about this AU, or want clarification on something, feel free to ask! Besides that, I hope you've enjoyed it!
[03/09/2023 Update] - I returned here to Polish some things and switched up how Kanao fights so it went more in Line to what I now have in mind for her. Save for that, I also added a previously Deleted Scene. The Kanae POV was something I had initially removed due to me at the time really not being sure if I wanted Douma or Kotoha as the Demon here. I've since come to a decision.
Chapter 2: The Ice Lilies
Summary:
Yuki and Kotoha. Further insight on those two as the Demons replacing Akaza and Douma.
Notes:
I'll admit, I had never actually planned to make a continuation of this. But then, I realized that I actually wanted to explore Demon Kotoha and Demon Koyuki further. Hence why this chapter is called ''Ice Lilies''.
The Focus goes to them after all.
Anyway, read on and enjoy what I've added to what was originally only meant to be a One-Shot.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
''Head towards the Infinity Train's Tracks. You are the closest to Enmu, Yuki. So deal with the issue, whatever form it takes.''
That was her order through their Mental Link.
Lady Kanao could be rather plain at times. She didn't go into further details besides dealing with the Slayers there. Which meant that in all probability, they were strong enough to overpower Enmu.
Not much of a surprise, all things considered.
Enmu may have grown stronger from having received Blood from their Master, but that hadn't exactly changed much either. Not when considering that augmentation did nothing for his Blood Demon Art.
It had instead augmented his Physical strength, something she knew Lower Moon One didn't tend to utilize.
It was hard to change the way you dealt things with. You couldn't ask someone versed in their Craft to go another path they'd never gone down before.
Unless you wanted to learn many Crafts.
So she wasn't all that surprised that Lady Kanao had to send her to keep Enmu alive. Because once they figured out how to Break out of his Sleeping Spells, it was basically over for him.
And yes, she knew that because she'd bothered to learn the abilities of all Lower Moons. After how many times they perished, Yuki wondered why they died so easily.
It became obvious to her eyes that it was a mixture of reasons.
It could be they had strong Blood Demon Arts but rather weak Defenses and Physical Strength. It could be the opposite and they had weak Blood Demon Arts or just poorly matching Powers. It could even be that the Demon in question was a Coward or Arrogant.
Overall, Lower Moons died for a great many reasons.
Enmu fell in the Category of Strong Blood Demon Art but had rather weak defenses and physical might due to it.
Those types especially fell to Hashira's easily if they figured out a way to overcome their Blood Arts. Still, Enmu was Lower Moon One for a reason.
He used that Brain of his.
She probably would have cared more about the Lower Moons if it weren't because they died so often. So many faces come and go. So, she couldn't really bring herself to care for so many unknowns.
Not when her Father's and Hakuji's Deaths still haunted her.
Ah, yes. And for that matter, a fun little fact that should be mentioned.
Lady Kanao -supposedly- believed that Yuki didn't remember her past. That was wrong.
Well, not at first. When she first became a Demon, she had truly forgotten. But as the years passed, Koyuki remembered who she was.
It helped her Blood Demon Art either acted as Poison or Healing. Depending on the concentration of Positive or Negative Cells her Blood contained and that she could will. And in her own Body, it Healed. It helped heal her mind as well, somehow. Or perhaps it just helped her brain remember more easily.
In fact, because of how it worked, her Regenerative Capabilities were stronger than even what Upper Three should have been like when her Blood used Positive Cells. She neared closer to her Master's own Regenerative capabilities.
Even Kokushibou didn't have that Regeneration Speed. And neither did that Bitch Kotoha outclass her in...
...
...No.
All things considered, Koyuki should remember that Kotoha was about as much of a victim of Douma's own actions. Calling her a Bitch perhaps was too far. Though it did not undo her own bitterness at the Woman.
She was stronger than Douma, having inherited so much from him before he forced his Mind to merge with her own.
In a sense, she was Douma's opposite in terms of taste.
She liked to eat Men compared to he who liked to eat Women. Except Douma's influence clearly struck harder because she also had no real ''restraints''. She ate all other types of Humans too, no matter their Age or Gender. It just seemed she'd prioritize Men if there was an option.
And it was infuriating!
Koyuki and Kotoha didn't have a particularly different Diet when it came to eating Humans. In fact, it seemed they both liked to eat men above anything else.
Except, there was a difference.
Kotoha was downright Gluttonous when she ate, typically always eating the first chance she got. Something she undoubtedly inherited from Douma, alongside several other things. Like his Skills with the Fan, which she's almost sure Kotoha has improved, and his Blood Demon Art, which was Ice.
Koyuki hated that about Kotoha. But, she can't allow herself to forget that Kotoha, while handed basically everything on a Silver Platter, had been an unwilling subject.
And even to this day, she is curious.
How much does she remember?
Koyuki had never asked her, not with how similarly she acted to Douma whenever they met, but it was a matter she was curious about.
If only to know if Kotoha is acting this way because she has her Memories or not.
Perhaps she should change her tune so that she can finally ask her? At least to confirm something.
Regardless of that, Koyuki remembered her Life. And she knew her Father and her Husband would be disappointed in her. But she could not bring herself to end this.
Perhaps if she'd remembered sooner, or had remained a Demon who remembered nothing, but that no longer was an option.
Because that would signify spitting on the Gifts Koyuki had received from Lady Kanao's own hands. The Gift of Revenge. The Gift of a Healthy Body.
She was given Power by her, and she killed as many of those damned Swordsmen as she wished. Revenge was a Sweet thing.
Koyuki would not allow herself to lie down and ever abandon her Master unless the Demon Slayers killed her. And so far? That seemed impossible.
Either way, even with those thoughts in her mind, Koyuki made her way toward the Infinity Train as quickly as she could. The sooner this was over, the better. The Sun would rise soon at this rate.
And so, that meant that whatever time remained before the Sun was up would be the time the Demon Slayers needed to survive before she was forced to run away.
Joy. Really.
But, it proved to be a challenge as well. One she could use right now since she hadn't fought a proper opponent in... oh, 10 years?
That was the last time she'd fought any Hashira that actually kept up with her even with the usage of her Blood Demon Art.
''I wonder what I'll find there!'' she smiled to herself as she continued to jump across the Trees. Only a bit more, and she would be there.
''Let's find out!''
And eventually, she arrived at her destination. From the distance, it was clear there was less than 30 Minutes before the Sun was to rise. Perhaps even less.
(She really wishes she'd kept her Watch on her, but she hadn't thought she'd need it. Those things were too easy to break)
She landed in front of the Demon Slayers, crashing into the ground and causing a dust cloud to form around her briefly. The only visible part of her by that point were her eyes.
And those eyes currently observed all the Humans.
''One Hashira. One random Slayer... and I can see more of them at a distance. So four in Total, but only one true challenge. A shame for them.''
The dust cleared as Koyuki rose up slowly to look at them all. Letting it settle in that she, an Upper Moon, was present.
''Well, such a small crew of Demon Slayers against a Lower Moon.'' she comments, as if she hadn't already realized who was the Hashira and who wasn't.
''Or wait, is one of you a Hashira perhaps? Honestly, I can't tell the difference.''
Koyuki normally spoke this way when there obviously was a Hashira opponent in front of her, but not alone. Overall, it was just done to see if she could get in their Heads before a fight started. And it was just satisfying to diminish their presence when they were right in front of her.
In this case, it didn't work as intended. Instead, she got the Hashira to speak calmly.
''I am the Flame Hashira. Kyojuro Rengoku.''
Oh, she got a name out of this? Well then, she had to pay him back the same way.
''Ah. Well, you may call me by the name I am known as. Yuki.''
If Rengoku questioned her choice of words, he did not show. Instead, he focused on the issue in front of him. A very blatant issue.
Upper Moon Three. Fourth Strongest Demon in existence.
''Now, I have clear orders from my Master.'' She made the matter clear, ''Make sure Lower Moon One survives, and that I kill you, the Hashira.''
The only threat she could see was the Hashira. She'd kill the stragglers after she dealt with him, but if they ran away between then, then that was fine too.
She'd failed the first part already, but the second? Oh, that was still well within reach.
''I'm willing to spare the rest. If we keep our fight a simple one on one.''
That... was simple. Too good to be true, Kyojuro thought, but at the same time... he couldn't say no. Because this? This guaranteed he could focus entirely on the fight and nothing else.
If he played it right, he may even be able to kill the Upper Moon once Sunlight came. Or with his own strength. Either worked.
''You won't find me disagreeing.'' he looked away to turn towards Tanjiro, making sure the message came across clearly.
Don't interfere.
Then, he turned to face Upper Moon Three. And she stared back.
''Maybe this will be fun.'' Koyuki thinks as her right arm morphs thanks to her shape-shifting.
She gave a smile, ''Start.'' and then, she charged in just like that.
Rengoku was absolutely weary of the Blue-Haired Upper Moon.
Not exactly because she was a Demon, but because of how... odd, she felt.
Rengoku wasn't sure how to put it into words, but the best thing he could do was imagine it as his Instincts warning him something was deeply wrong with this specific Demon.
Perhaps it was just an Upper Moon thing. Or perhaps there was something more. Rengoku couldn't tell until the Battle started.
And when it did, he was startled by what this Demon did.
The Demon's right arm Mutated into something similar to a single massive Claw made out of hardened Flesh. Only the ''Nail'' was the sharp part, and it seemed to actually be something like a horribly mutated Nail too.
''Shapeshifting? Or is this her Blood Demon Art?''
Rengoku knows some demons can shift their appearance. But this? This went beyond what he knew a Demon should be capable of.
If this wasn't this Demon's Blood Art, then... then this could go bad very quickly depending on how well he handled the ensuing fight.
Regardless, she'd charged at him and he blocked the slash from the mutation. And just from that alone, he could feel the Power.
She was much stronger than he'd imagined.
Yuki stared at the mutated appendage clashing against his Nichirin Blade before she smiled.
''Not my usual style, but for this case, it works as I need it to be.'' And then she disengaged before her body spun.
Yuki and Rengoku were able to follow each other's movements. Though neither of them was actually able to land any solid Blows besides near successes. Or small cuts on their Clothes.
Tanjiro couldn't even follow what they were doing, besides seeing them as Blurs that moved too fast.
And so, for now, he remained stuck there, trying to follow what was going on as Rengoku and Yuki kept on clashing.
Eventually, in the short time this fight started, Rengoku is able to cut Yuki across the Stomach, piercing all the way through. It even cuts some of her Blue Hair that reached the back. Yet immediately, Rengoku is forced to block an incoming punch.
He cut across, that is a fact. Even her Kimono shows it. And yet, he notices.
The Regeneration Speed.
It was fast. Right after his Blade was pulled out from slashing, the Wound had closed on the spot.
Rengoku knew at this moment that Yuki had quick regeneration. At a Level that no Lower Moons could hope to have.
But as he would soon realize, it's much, much worse than he'd believed.
But for now, the battle continues following this dance. Too many close calls on Kyojuro's end as Yuki also seems to prioritize dodging over taking his slashes senselessly.
But then, Kyojuro sees an opening and he takes it.
''Flame Breathing - First Form: Unknowing Fire!''
Rengoku dashed forward with all of the Speed he could muster, his intent to slash two things.
The Blade of Flesh was the first to be cut and so, fell on the Ground.
Following Suit, Kyojuro went for the Neck with just as much Speed as before.
But even then, Yuki's eyes followed the Movements. Just as his Nichirin Blade reached her back, Yuki shot up her left hand and and grabbed the Blade tightly.
She bled from that of course. Her Blood leaked and dripped onto his Nichirin Blade. And yet, she did not look the least bit worried.
The opposite of Rengoku right now.
''Impressive.''
Silently, Rengoku was able to observe something from all of this.
The Blade had Regenerated, but slower than anything else he'd seen before. She didn't swing it at him.
And also, that his Blade was cutting through her Hand even though she held it.
''But, Kyojuro? Maybe you should be a bit more careful...'' she said, completely unbothered when Kyojuro pushed to free his Blade.
He cut through her Hand successfully, but it didn't bother her in the least.
It Regenerated. Too fast for that matter.
The Moment his Blade had cut through entirely, the Wound had already closed behind. The Regeneration was too fast for a real detachment to take place.
Which made things much harder as he narrowly avoided the punch from that same arm with a jump back.
Was this the Speed of an Upper Moon Regeneration? But then, why did...?
He needed to confirm something, so he charged back into the fold quicker as his attacks grew in aggressivity. Something Yuki noticed but didn't comment on as they kept clashing.
More of his blows landed, and he received confirmations.
''Superficial slashes don't even matter. They close just after I cut. Anything that should be severed will reattach itself too quickly to be dismembered. This Regeneration Speed...!''
It was bad. Very, very bad.
Rengoku worried that even cutting off Yuki's head would end in failure. But that train of thought was something that would not stop him!
Except, as he avoided an incoming punch and took a step back, he realized the smell around the air was... odd.
But that mattered very little when he was busy dealing with a Demon who had the fastest Regeneration speed he had ever witnessed. Except...
That didn't add up.
The Fight continued on. Rengoku fought on even though Yuki didn't really seem to change her tune.
Slash, Dodge, be Hit and Regenerate.
That seemed normal at first glance. But Kyojuro wasn't a Hashira just for his Strength alone. He could observe things even in the Heat of Battle.
''Her Regenerative Speed doesn't add up...''
The most obvious ones had her Insane Regenerative Speed. But any other times?
If she really could Heal that fast, then how come the more Superficial Wounds healed at a more believable rate?
At a Rate he could witness, even though it should theoretically close up at the same time he slashes?
No, there was something wrong here.
But the issue is that Rengoku can't Analyze and Fight at the same time. Not long enough to actually think all of this through.
And he had to focus on the Fight more.
The Realization he might have discovered something Important doesn't leave his mind however. And he knows for a fact it has to be important for something.
But it's left to the side until further notice as he continues to fight.
He pushes and pushes on, and just as he avoided the fist of her left arm, he saw an Opening to strike again.
Now was his chance!
''Flame Breathing - Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!''
He moved his Nichirin Blade into an arcing vertical slash with as much speed as he could muster to pierce through Yuki's neck. And he's almost there!
But then, she smirked. And then...
His Nichirin Blade hit bones.
Much to Kyojuro's horror, he realized a sort of Exosqueleton had grown out of Yuki's neck just as his Blade clashed against it. And it covered the whole thing.
''Nice try.'' Yuki grinned in answer before her fist collided with his chest, he felt his ribs crack, but forced himself to counter her as he cut her arm off.
And oddly enough, he noticed that her Regeneration was slower. Not as quick, but still faster than any Demons he fought before today.
''It changed...'' Rengoku was sure he was onto something now. But exactly what?
Why did it go slower? Was it just because of that Exosqueleton that was already being removed or something else?
He questioned, but he continued on fighting, his Spirit invigorated to know he could still fight on.
But clearly, eventually, Yuki was either getting bored or wanted to end it.
Because just as their Blades clashed, she lept back.
''You've put up more of a fight than most Hashira's I've fought.'' It's the first thing she says.
''Normally, a single Hashira can't hope to match any Upper Moons. Either I'm getting rusty, or perhaps this Generation is stronger than the ones I've fought.''
It's a conclusion she came to after this single fight. Yet, while Kyojuro felt proud to hear their Generation was giving perhaps the most fight, this also had other implications.
He could see it. Her Blade was shrinking.
''Let me tell you something, Kyojuro. Amongst our Masters Upper Moon Ranks, I am the best at Shapeshifting.''
The Blade faded as her right arm turned back to a hand. Yet, just as that happened, something else happened. Plattings of sorts grew out of them.
Those were Bones that grew out of her skin, covering the arm near the wrist and hands with platting that was hard enough to block Sword strikes. At least, if the covering that was on her neck previously was anything to go by.
This was supposedly not her Blood Demon Art. Simply mastery over Shapeshifting to this point.
''And this is me without my Blood Demon Art. Care to take a guess what it is?'' she taunted him as her left arm also grew those plattings over that arm.
Honestly, no. He really couldn't think up of anything besides that it was clear to him Upper Moon Three had been holding back more than he'd initially believed.
However, Yuki, be it from arrogance or confidence, decided to actually say something about her Blood Demon Art.
''I'll give you a single hint. My Blood Arts name. Positive and Negative.''
It answered very little. Close to nothing in fact since Rengoku really couldn't figure out what it could do. But considering how unknown the Upper Moons were, this was still something vital.
However... whether it would help Kyojuro or not, that remained to be seen.
Yuki looked over at her Kimono during this, noticing that it really was torn apart from the fight. She gave a whine.
''I liked this one...''
Oh well, nothing to do about that! But since it was torn, Yuki took off the top of her Kimono.
Under it, she was wearing what Kyojuro was almost sure was called a tank top. Although, he's not sure if it's supposed to extend up to the neck like a collar. Well, he can't really question a Demon's fashion, he's seen them wear some odd things at times.
Not that it was something neither person could focus on. Because one went straight to the point.
''Well, it's time to get to the next step. Now, you'll see what I can do...''
And then, small traces of a smirk crossed her features.
''Ah, but before I forget. Don't you notice an odd smell in the air?''
Just when she said that Kyojuro felt it. More specifically, in the form of a cough. It wouldn't be entirely unusual, but then, he coughed again and this time, he knew for a fact Blood came out.
There was only one answer to what was happening, and horror came to him.
''You're... it's... poison?!''
Rengoku continued coughing out Blood while the horror crashed into his being. All the while, Yuki was greatly pleased.
''Ah, it never gets old. The horror Swordsmen -or any Martial Artists, really- hold when they realize Poison has entered their System through the air...'' she gave a cruel smile, ''I love it~!''
Ah, such a taste of that particular medicine given to Swordsmen! Magnificent! It's honestly all they deserve.
''You... from the start?!'' Kyojuro was trying to compose himself, and to this credit, he was doing really well.
''Why yes! Honestly, it took a bit longer to kick in, but that's natural with Hashira's. You all are just so much more resilient to things like that.''
Kyojuro wiped the Blood away from his mouth, for now, he seemed to have stopped coughing. But if things stayed this way, he would die. He had to know that, and still, he held his weapon with as much spirit as he had when this all started.
Yuki meanwhile raised a finger with its nail growing sharp before she cut her skin. Her Blood leaked out before it seemed to evaporate.
''See, this entire time, the Battlefield has been an entire area with poisoned gas in the air. Every single time you cut me, more of it spread. Eventually, it affected you.'' That was truthfully the only downside of her poisoned Blood. No matter what she did, it took time before the Poison truly kicked in. It was never instant.
But, well... Koyuki had simply adapted so it worked. A Human couldn't survive this without an antidote, and who the hell was going to make something like that with little intel?
Her Nail retracted back to their normal length before she clenched both of her fists and took an entirely unfamiliar Stance. One that only she knew.
After all, it was Esoteric now. A Family Technique so to speak because of the Kenjutsu Dojo. Her Father and Her Husband were both practitioners of that Style after all, and when she'd already Spectated whenever she was Healthy enough.
So, it stayed in her Mind and Body.
The Soryu Style.
(She knows they wouldn't have been proud of her using the Soryu Style like this, but she'd taken this path, she couldn't back down now. It was too late to ever consider changing paths)
''Will you try to fight further, futile as it is now?'' she asks, but she knows the answer.
And it's the answer she expects.
''I will keep on fighting until my last breath!''
''Then come and bring it, Kyojuro!''
They charged at each other.
''Lady Kanao~! I brought you the Guinea Pig!''
The individual in question who declared those words cheerfully was a Woman. She looked to be around 17 to 18 years old.
In terms of features, she looked initially normal. But her Black Hair turning blonde once it was tied up behind her was one sign she wasn't normal. Even more so when looking at her eyes.
They were colored Rainbow. And they were marked with simple words.
Upper Moon Two.
Then, there was what she was wearing. It was an attire that looked much more Western than of Eastern Origin without a doubt.
She wore a red turtleneck, slightly puffed up around the sleeves to the wrist, making them look closer to a Kimono sleeve than what it should have been. The noteworthy addition, however, was the Brown Boar Hide she had mixed in with the Turtleneck.
Surrounding her Collar and going slightly down to her chest like a V, the Hide of the Boar covered the edges while standing upright. The Boar Hide also circled around her Sleeves.
Going further down however, the rest of the clothing was much more normal.
She wore Westernized Hakama Pants with a pinstriped design, colored Black and tightened slightly to lessen the loose feeling it gave her. The Cuffs of the Hakama however was left as loose as it originally was, showing she wore Western Shoes that were heeled.
On top of that however, she had a Black Cloak draped on her Shoulder and filling up what wasn't covered in Fur, lacking the usual lengths accompanying it. For that matter, she wasn't wearing the Crown her Cult held either. It would have gotten more in her way for this particular venture.
Some of it is what Douma had worn himself, but it had clearly been modified to suit the tastes of the individual.
That individual, in all of her Glory, was Kotoha. An individual who had rather quickly adopted Foreign attire into her Life.
Because she did find them awesome.
Regardless of that however, Kotoha currently looked around. This wasn't her first time in this place, but she was rather sure Lady Kanao renovated this place.
The Tables were new, made of much more recent materials than the previous ones. The Ground itself was much more even now. In fact, it wasn't made of Dirt and Stone anymore.
It was a Wooden Floor.
Although the Central Table, a Stone Slab, remained. It did however look washed now. Much cleaner than before.
Overall, it was clear her Master had done more than just Renovate the place. Probably decided it was about time to actually clean up anything else before she continued.
But seeing this place reminded her again of something that bothered her at times.
Why did Lady Kanao even bother to keep up Secrecy? Why did she bother to have a hideout like the one she entered at all?
It was an old place with Origins unknown. She's not sure if the Ruins inside this... Valley was created by Lady Kanao, or if she just found this place. But it was secret, and dangerous for Humans to venture.
Why Lady Kanao didn't just use the Infinity Castle for those purposes, she never asked.
But, it still left her wondering why she kept so much secrecy up.
Oh sure, getting the entirety of Japan to pay attention to them wouldn't make things good, but Demons were superior. There was no denying that. If things went public...
Well, Japan would be Demon's Territory, no questions asked.
Then again, perhaps Lady Kanao was seeing things further than she did. She wasn't exactly the detective type, after all. She could very well be missing something.
Ah, she shouldn't question this further. There always was a reason, and Lady Kanao was the only one to share when she believed it was of use... or when she felt like it.
Her Master, who had her back turned to her, was facing a set of equipment in the Newly Renovated Room. Glass Vials and all of those things, holding what was probably her Blood and other Chemicals.
She looked rather plain with the White Blouse and Dark Skirt, now that she thought about it. Well, then again, that Butterfly Pin did make her stand out a bit more. Truthfully, Kotoha's not sure why Lady Kanao doesn't sport something more colorful. Didn't she like the color Pink or something?
Oh well, she's not gonna judge her Master's tastes.
Her Master's gaze moved to a Notebook, reading its content. Never once turning to look at her.
''Place it on the Table.'' She answered monotonously while she was preparing a vial of something. Probably some other mixing of liquids that had some effect on her Cells.
She had been experimenting on her own blood for a while now. Always trying something with it, mixing it with other stuff.
She was trying to figure out something, but apparently, it wasn't quite to defeat the Sun. No, it was something else. But she did not reveal what.
Well, she's not exactly there to ask questions. Instead, she lays the unconscious person on the Table. Or really, the Stone Slab that served as a Table.
Just then, Lady Kanao snapped her Finger, and plants grew from the Stone and ensnared themselves around the Joints of the person.
It's not a new sight to Kotoha, since she's been doing this for a while now. She'd seen what may possibly be Lady Kanao's Blood Demon Art. Something about Plants.
Maybe she is able to control Nature itself?
Although... if it's nature, shouldn't it need sunlight as well? Or did Lady Kanao's Blood Art function in some other way?
Kotoha is curious about how a Plant-based Blood Demon Art even works. Because she knows plants need sunlight to grow. Does this need them as well? Is it at half-strength? Or does Lady Kanao find an alternative source to power her plants?
Ah, she's so curious about how it works! Because this could be quite a paradoxical Ability for a Demon!
Then, Lady Kanao speaks again, ''You may leave.''
That is all she says, and so, Kotoha did so. She left the location of Kanao's lab and simply walked back to her Cult.
Yes, her Cult. It was surprisingly easy to get them convinced.
After all, she had the eye of their Founder. A sign of Divine Blessing, no? She looked different and acted sometimes like their Founder as well.
By all means, she was a Blessed person.
Blessed enough to even see in person the location where Lady Kanao kept her experiments going. Again and again, some poor souls went through tests. Mutation of her Lady's Blood, giving interesting results in return.
But none of them really seemed to give the results her Master desired. Only more bodies to be used to feed something else or be used against the Demon Slayers.
Or perhaps it's why Lady Kanao uses an Old Underground ruin for her experiments? To bury away those specimens.
Who knows.
Either way, now that she thinks about it, it actually could make a nice little horror story to scare children away.
Maybe it would have even worked on Inosuke...
...
''Why do I keep thinking of him?'' Kotoha wonders aloud.
He's... her Son is dead. She threw him off a Cliff. He couldn't have survived...
(She searched for him but found nothing. He may as well have been eaten alive)
So why did she keep thinking of her deceased son? The word ''Moving on'' existed for a reason.
Still, she couldn't stop thinking of him. Dead as he was. That was her son that she'd so foolishly thrown over a cliff just because there was a River down there.
A Baby surviving that? It was hardly believable.
Yet, sometimes she still hoped and imagined it.
And yet... it couldn't work, no matter how hard she tried. She is a Demon. Upper Moon Two. A Man devouring Demon who continuously eats Men, Women, Children, Babies, and anything that's Human. Nothing's out of her reach.
Having her Infant son by her side... it wouldn't have turned out well, would it?
Ah, how Kotoha wishes that dream of hers were possible. But it's not. It never will.
But hey, at least she didn't come out with nothing~!
She's got Immortality, Power, and basically a following that does all she says. And additional food too. Overall, save for the loss of her Son, she's won more than she'd lost!
And she smiled for it.
Genuinely happy with all she has. It's something Douma never would have been able to experience, but the part of him in her now could.
What fun!
They both mostly won!
And she's discovered something else she didn't know she enjoyed.
She actually enjoyed testing out what she could shape with her Ice. It seems like she inherited everything about Douma, his Blood Demon Art included.
How pretty it was... she could create anything out of that Ice, and it would be a work of art. Or at least, Gyokko found them pretty, whenever she did see him.
Not often, in such a short time span for Demons. She still needed to get used to that actually.
Hmm, she wonders what kind of Ice Sculpture she could have done for Inosuke. Maybe a boar...
Ah, there she goes again.
Thinking about her Dead Son. She really needs to stop and move on. He's never coming back, and that's that.
If only it were that easy...
Bah, no matter! She had other things to do, and thinking about her regrets was going to bring down her happy mood at this rate. Now, what to do... what to do...
''Hm, I wonder~! Where could I go eat next?''
''Flame Breathing - Ninth Form: Rengoku!''
Beautiful.
That's what comes across Koyuki's mind as Rengoku tries one last attack after she pushes him to the limit with her poison. Such power, such magnificence!
Honestly, she almost feels sad she has to kill him. But, not only did she have her Orders, but he was still a Swordsman.
Orders are Orders.
The Hashira has to die.
And so, as she charges headfirst into the attack, she aims for the Killing blow.
The ensuing blow conceals their battle for any other observer, leaving others to wonder about the end result. Yet, what they saw...
It was Yuki's fist having pierced Kyojuro's Solar Plexus and going all the way to the other side. Yuki looked absolutely unharmed, although the tear around her Collared Tanktop said otherwise.
''It is... such a shame you are Mortal, Kyojuro. I can imagine real flames from your attacks or even just your passion, but ultimately... they're just sword swings.''
So, so sad... Ah, she could imagine it. If his attacks were actual fire, then maybe he would have pushed her far enough.
In fact, if any of the Hashira's could truly create the Elements or Objects their Breathing Techniques pertained, they'd be so much more dangerous! But alas, they are only Human.
''Die now, knowing you have fought your hardest.''
This was the Killing Blow. Koyuki knew that very well. Kyojuro knew that. All who witnessed knew that.
Except, she made one massive miscalculation.
Kyojuro wasn't dead yet.
And when he screamed, she realized that particular mistake too late as his Nichirin Blade was swung at her neck. And it landed.
There was no time to add the Exosqueleton out of her Bones, and his Blade dug into her neck. Pushing and pushing further and further even though her Skin, Muscles, and Bones were much harder than what was imagined.
When Koyuki realized that he was succeeding however? She was screaming as well in retaliation.
''Just die!''
She pushed her free fist to lop off his head, but somehow, even poisoned, Kyojuro caught her fist by the edge of her wrist and pushed it completely to the side. Somehow, this dying man was finding the strength needed to hold her off.
''How?!''
In itself, this wouldn't be an issue. Kyojuro would soon die either from his Wounds, her Poison, or both.
Except, she saw it.
The signs of Daybreak. The small traces of light coming out of the Sky.
''Nononononono! I will not die to the Sun!'' Koyuki gritted her teeth as her thoughts went wild before prioritizing her survival over the Death of the Hashira.
She pulled.
You would think pulling out was easy, but it wasn't. Not at all. Kyojuro was somehow finding the strength to stop her. To keep her standing here until the Sun did its most natural job.
She was panicking harder, not even thinking that Kyojuro's Blade was still trying to pierce her neck, and there was only one real option for her because of it.
Separate her own Arms.
Her Shapeshifting went into overdrive. She needed to get out now! And before the other Brats came and gave support!
And she succeeded!
Two Jaws grew out of her Arms, Mouths opening wide just to bite off her own Arms and free her from Kyojuro's hold against her!
Granted, his sword was stuck in her neck but she prioritized running away before removing that.
She ran into the forest, and truly, she believed she was done. Safe. Except...
Well, as her arms regenerated fully and the Jaws reformed back into her flesh, she was about to remove what was stuck in her neck. And then, out of what felt like nowhere, another Nicirhin Blade pierced through her back and to the front of her chest.
''What?!''
She snapped her head back briefly to see someone, but she was still within sight of the Sun. She had to continue running!
''Don't run away!''
Yet the brat bellowed out even the further she was.
''Don't run away you coward!''
...coward? Did this brat just...
Her eyes grew bloodshot, somewhat Ill-fitting considering the color they actually held. This child dared to call her a Coward?! Because she couldn't step into the Sun?!
Why, she should wring his neck!
But no, she had to run. No matter how angered she was getting. Live to see another day, they said.
Nothing this boy said mattered. Nothing at all-
''Rengoku is stronger than you'll ever hope to be!'' the brat continued on with his rage and grief, ''Much stronger! You didn't win against him! You lost! He's the winner!''
Time felt like it froze for a moment.
The words were processed, she heard those words loud and clear. It wouldn't stop her from running. And yet...
She was certain most of her Blood Vessels popped.
A Hashira who won? Nonsense! Utter nonsense from a child! Victor?! He's dead! Kyojuro Rengoku is now a corpse barely hanging to life!
What does it matter he saved lives if he couldn't save his own?! If you don't live, that victory doesn't matter! You can't relish it! How could it be considered a Victory to begin with if you're dead?!
Those bastards of the Kenjutsu Dojo couldn't relish in their victory because they were dead! It's a simple law! If you're not alive to enjoy that victory, then it's no victory at all! Just one more loss to your soon-to-end life!
Koyuki badly wants to scream those words back at the Brat as her anger grows, but she can't. She has to live and not risk exposure to the Sun. But Koyuki swears...
If she ever sees Kamado Tanjiro again, he is dead.
Nothing will stop her.
That, she swears. Even as she is forced to hide. Even as she is forced to travel towards the location of her Master.
She swears she will kill him the next time she meets him.
Still, that soon became an issue in the back of her mind. After all, right now, she needed to report to her Master. And she was nearing her Location.
In Tokyo.
A Hashira was dead, but Enmu didn't make it. The Life of a Single Hashira was insignificant in the Grand Scheme of things, and she knew that. Killing more than one may have been better, but there had only been one...
If she'd killed the Brats, then maybe...
Yuki groaned as she could tell exactly what would happen to her.
All Koyuki could hope, was that Lady Kanao wasn't too displeased with her.
Notes:
And that's it. This entire thing mostly covered exactly what was different with Koyuki, Kotoha, and somewhat Kanao (all with K's too!) being present Demons.
Koyuki for example, actually remembers her Human Life but actively chooses to be this Monster out of Loyalty. It's not like she has anyone else to fight for or any other reason to live besides growing stronger, so once she remembers, she continues this path. Most of the Girl she was back then is gone, but some of it may remain. Theoretically, she could replicate Muzan's fighting style because of how good at Shapeshifting she is.
Kotoha in comparison seems to be mostly herself, but clearly, she's inherited every bad quality Douma held, and even worse since her Diet is even worse than Douma's. Whatever Moral Compass she had clearly is gone and will never return. Although, it seems her soft spot for her (supposedly) deceased Son is still very much present.
And then, we have Kanao and what she does. Alongside a bit of hindsight on her Blood Demon Art through Kotoha's eyes.
Overall, it seems to be similar to Zouhakuten's Wood Manipulation. She can create Plants and all of that and even make them grow from what seems to be anything, but it's relatively unclear what else she can and cannot actually do.
Yet, Kotoha is right about one matter. Her Plants require Sunlight, something she cannot actually provide. Her Manipulation and Creations cannot last for long without that rather important source of Power.
Now...
Taisho Secret I: Koyuki discovered she could accelerate her Regeneration by sheer accident. Up to that point, she never actually figured out how she regained her Memories. As it turns out, during her Blood Battle against Kokushibou, she was so desperate to survive and win this that she discovered that particular bonus in the heat of the moment.
Taisho Secret II: Kotoha and Gyokko are on relatively good terms. Dubbed ''Art Buddies'' by Daki. It seems they both have a similar flair for Art in there.
Taisho Secret III: Every single Upper Moon Demon, besides Gyutaro (partially) and Daki, remember their Human Lives in its entirety.
I think that's it. Hope you've enjoyed the little addition I gave because that'll be all of this particular AU.
Hope you've enjoyed it!
[03/09/2023 Update] - I've returned here to mostly polish some stuff, alongside changing some things slightly. Yuki and Kotoha's ''Diet'' for example has been tweaked, alongside some things in the fight. I've also given Kotoha a Description now so you know what she looks like. Overall though, not much was changed.
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