FULL STORY SUMMARY

Rated E for explicit. Reader discretion advised.

After Kibutsuji Muzan and Mujōna conquered the Sun and converted the Demon Slayers, its up to a new organization to stop the Demon Overlords.

AUTHOR'S NOTES

All hope isn't lost!

有り難う

MEDIA DICTIONARY

* Thoughts

* "Dialogue."

* 'Telepathic dialogue.'

* '"Hearing someone's thoughts.'"

* "Past conversation."

* {Sound}

* [Movement]

ZENITSU

Shocked, Zenitsu watched as Giyu disappeared within the depths of the enchanted forest.

Giyu… He's already given up, hasn't he? What if that gives more power to his demon side?

Shit! I and all of my friends are losing our true selves!

Visions and images of Zenitsu's first victims flashed in his mind, particularly of the man with no legs.

…I know that I should be horrified and disgusted, but I'm not! That man looked delicious, and I don't feel any remorse for anything!

Zenitsu crumbled to the ground and buried his face in the grass. He banged his head repeatedly and cursed.

It's like I'm numb and have no regard for human life, but my soul constantly reminds me that that's not who I am. I'm sure I would've given up if Gramps hadn't contacted me!

I don't know what to do anymore!

Then it hit him.

Wait, that's it! I'll just get in contact with him again, and he'll surely know what to do!

Zenitsu dashed to find Inosuke, and found him growling at Tengen, who was in a tree.

"Leave me alone, Inosuke!" Tengen shouted. "This isn't flamboyant anymore! You've soiled my clothing!"

The beast demon sadistically growled and foamed at the mouth. "Get down, Tengen!"

"I hope your innards dissolve, you mutt! Zenitsu? Zenitsu, kill this beast!"

"Inosuke, come here," Zenitsu said nervously.

Inosuke ignored him and continued pestering Tengen. "Give me your headband, and I'll leave you alone!" he laughed.

"Go away, Inosuke!"

"Inosuke," Zenitsu cooed. "Don't you want to… physically harm me?"

The beast demon paused and made a strange noise, wagging his tail. "…Really?"

"Yes. Follow me!"

Zenitsu guided Inosuke to a glade near a creek. For the first time in a while, Inosuke stood up like a normal person. He flexed his muscles and prepared himself.

"Tubby, you've finally gathered the courage to battle a strong, menacing warrior beast like me!" Inosuke took off his boar mask and tied his medium-length hair into a ponytail. "Zenitsu, is this a fight to the death?"

"No, Inosuke!" he cried. "…I-I just need you to beat me up! Specifically, my head! Heh…"

Inosuke stood, dumfounded. "…Whatever, tubby. I'll crack your skull!" Steam blew out of his nostrils as he prepared to strike.

Shaking, Zenitsu braced himself for the immense pain he was about to feel.

This is the only way. Gramps, please come to me again! I really need your help!

"Tell me when you're about to strike, Inosuke!"

"What?" Inosuke shouted.

"I said, tell me when you're about—Ack!"

Then everything went black.

Zenitsu opened his eyes and found himself in a familiar forest scenery. He turned and saw Jigoro standing behind him.

Gramps, it's you! I can't believe it actually worked!

Zenitsu ran to embrace the older man, but Jigoro stopped him. "Eh, let's skip the hug this time. You almost crushed me last time." Then they bowed in respect to each other.

H-how did you know that I was calling you?

"Boy, I'm constantly watching over you throughout this entire ordeal. This is the most difficult thing you've ever done and ever will do. I'd be a fool to not help any way I can, dead or not!"

Jigoro's words made Zenitsu burst into tears.

Gramps, I've killed so many people already! I stopped counting at… I don't even know anymore; that's how bad it is!

"Well, if it makes you feel any better, your first kills weren't real."

…What?

"It was an illusion, Zenitsu. A trick orchestrated by Muzan as a test. I didn't want to tell you earlier, but perhaps that'll put you at ease."

What? You mean that it was… fake? Even that legless guy?

"Yep."

…But it all looked so real! And if it was fake, then what was Inosuke eating?

Zenitsu involuntarily found himself salivating at the thought of freshly sliced, raw, human flesh. The organs, intestines, and blood would be, oh, so delectable, juicy, tender, and—

No, I'm not thinking about that in here! Fuck off, Claire.

Gramps, please help me!

"…Besides that, I heard your pleas," Jigoro said. "What do you need help with, Zenitsu?"

I need you to tell me what to do. I'm stuck! One of my friends is just like me, but he kind of gave up already!

We'll have to consume more of Mujōna's blood soon, and that might kill the remains of everyone's true identity!

"I'm afraid you don't have any other choice but to drink it, son."

…But that'll give more power to my demon side!

"Not if you use enough willpower, boy!"

But I am! I'm staying strong, I really am!

"Then keep going. Yes, there will be times when you'll lose sight of your goal and who you are, but with enough strength, you'll prevail!"

Gramps, I don't even know what that means!

"Yes, you do, Zenitsu. You do."

Zenitsu's vison began to darken and blur.

Wait, Gramps! You didn't give me an actual answer!

"Zenitsu, you are my pride and joy."

Then everything went black.

"Tubby, wake up! I didn't even hit you that hard!" a muffled voice cried.

"…I-Inosuke?"

"Zenitsu, you aren't fun! I hit you once, and you died for a few minutes!" Inosuke howled. "You deserve your rank!" Then he dashed away on all fours.

Now alone, Zenitsu heaved a sorrowful sigh.

That didn't help me at all! Now I and Giyu will be just like the others. Shit, shit, shit!

"I'll keep fighting and never willingly submit, but there will come a time my body will succumb. There will come a time that yours will as well, Zenitsu. So, before that happens, I'd like to stay in control for as long as I can."

Perhaps Giyu was right. I should enjoy the last of who I am, before it's all gone.

God, please give us strength and keep watching over us!

MUJŌNA

Mujōna sat in a washitsu and gazed into a golden bowl. Its waters reflected whoever she wanted to see.

"Show me… Giyu," she said.

A reflection of Giyu walking through an enchanted forest appeared. The black-haired demon looked indifferent, but his eyes were full of uncertainty.

Oh, poor thing. It seems that he's still having trouble adjusting. I only want for him to be as comfortable as possible.

Perhaps I should confront him. I'll ease his sorrow and—

"You're not going anywhere, Mujōna," Muzan abruptly said. "We're on vacation, and you're staying right here."

"Muzan, you can't confine me; I do as I please," she spat. "Also, we promised that we wouldn't read each other's thoughts unless it was necessary."

"But this is necessary," he sighed. "You're not leaving, and I'll chain you down if I have to."

"But my demons need he—"

"The only thing that should be on your mind is I and our children. This vacation is meant for us to bond like a family." The Demon Lord pointed at the twins, who were crawling around.

Well, trying to.

Mugoi and Mujihi were attempting to crawl and would fall repeatedly, but persisted. One was always looking at the other, and it looked as if they were competing.

"Of course, our children are precocious," he boasted. "They'll be walking in no time."

Mujōna rubbed her temples and said, "Muzan, I still have responsibilities. You should've told me that you were planning this so I could prepare."

"I shouldn't have to wait for my own wife to be available," he growled. "I forbid you to handle such matters for the remainder of our vacation."

"You forbid me? You can't do that," she hissed through clenched fangs.

The enchanted bowl suddenly disappeared.

"Muzan!"

Muzan smirked and said, "Darling, I've temporarily taken your powers, so you can enjoy this extended holiday. Now, isn't it time to feed the twins?"

He gave Mugoi to her and said, "He prefers breastfeeding over being bottle-fed."

Mujōna sighed and let her son suckle her breasts. Although she was still vexed, she loved how fatherly Muzan was. His paternal, domineering behavior only made him even more attractive.

The Demon Lord bottle-fed Mujihi and lovingly rocked him. For the millionth time, Mujōna fell in love with Muzan Kibutsuji all over again.

Perhaps I should relax and just enjoy my family …

"Yes, you should," Muzan chuckled. "I don't know why you're so transfixed with those pathetic weaklings anyway. Isn't that right, Muji-kun? Anata no okāsan wa aji ga warui."

✧TRANSLATION: "I don't know why you're so transfixed with those pathetic weaklings anyway. Isn't that right, Muji-kun? Your mother has poor taste."

The Queen hissed at his words and glared at him. "How dare you say such a thing about my demons? You forget that you've molded your demons for centuries, and I just got mine! And I don't have poor taste!"

"So? Your first mistake was converting our enemies. No matter what you do, a part of them will still resist. All of my demons are willing to serve me; can you say the same about yours?"

"Yes, I can, Muzan," she growled.

"If you say so, darling. But all I see are fourteen traitors in the making."

"Akaza is proof that you aren't as thorough as you claim to be, My Love."

Muzan paused and stared at her, a vein throbbing on his forehead. "Are you finished?" he boomed.

"…Yes, I am." Mujōna trembled slightly at the sound of his voice and the aura he emitted. Although he was her husband, Muzan was still terrifying at times.

"Very well," he said, smiling. "Now, isn't it your turn to read tonight?"

HIKARI

After traveling for a while, Hikari finally arrived at the Butterfly Estate. As she neared its gates, a group of Kakushi surrounded her.

"Drop the bag, and put your hands in the air!" one screamed.

"Hm?"

"Do it now, or there will be consequences!"

Hikari obeyed and blanky stared at them. One of the Kakushi went through her bag, then nodded.

"What is your business here?"

"I am searching for a man named Sakonji Urokodaki," she said. "I was told that someone here may know of his whereabouts."

"Not a good enough answer!" a man bellowed. "Kill her!"

"We're not going to kill her, you idiot! There's enough of that going on right now!"

Hikari watched as the Kakushi bickered about killing her or not for a while, then grew annoyed. "I'd like to speak to whoever's in charge," she sighed.

The Kakushi practically dragged her into the mansion and took her to an office area.

There, she saw a woman scolding a group of Kakushi.

"I told you people to clean the filters three days ago!" she yelled. "Now, we'll all be drinking swamp water! Why can't you people do anything right?"

"…Aoi-sama?" one of the Kakushi said softly. "…This woman would like to speak with you."

Aoi turned and scowled at the sight. "Oh, great, a priestess. What the hell do you want? I'm busy!"

"I'd like to speak with you," Hikari said. "…In private."

Aoi shooed her subordinates out of the room. Now alone, she sat at her desk and motioned for Hikari to sit as well.

"What is it?" she asked with a disingenuous smile. "I have a facility to run, so hurry up."

"I was told that someone here would know a man named Sakonji Urokodaki. Have you heard of him, and do you know where he is?"

Aoi sighed, "I might, but why should I help you?"

"Because the fate of the Earth depends on it."

Aoi leaned in and said, "Look, I don't know you and I don't really care, but whatever you're trying to do is pointless. The Earth has already gone to Hell, and we're just trying to live to see another day. Besides, Urokodaki has retired."

"I still need to meet him," Hikari said dully. "Please tell me where I can find him."

"Not until you tell me why you're so eager to see him," she growled. "Priestesses don't roam around for no reason."

The priestess conceded and said, "…I can't tell you much, but I've been called upon by The Gods to complete a mission. Sakonji Urokodaki is my only hope."

"The Gods? Bah! That's hilarious. Anyway, I'm busy, so leave." Aoi started going through the papers on her desk.

Hikari's mind raced for an appropriate response. "…I have healing powers, and I may be of assistance. Your facility is full of those with afflictions, am I correct?"

Aoi paused and stared at her. "Healing powers?"

"Yes."

"Then prove it," she sneered.

Hikari took a pen and gashed her arm. Then a pale blue aura emanated from her hands and healed the bloody wound.

Aoi gasped at the sight, her blue eyes wide beyond belief. She stared at Hikari for a while, then came to a conclusion. "…Stay with us for a few days, then I might tell you where he is."

Then she turned and yelled, "Get her settled in, you three!"

Three girls entered the office with essentials. They bowed in unison and announced themselves.

"I am Sumi!" the girl with a blue bow said.

"I am Kiyo!" the girl with a red bow said.

"And I'm Naho!" the girl with a green bow said. "Please follow us!"

Before they left, Aoi said, "Oh! I didn't get your name."

"…My name is Hikari," the priestess said.

"Alright, Hikari. Welcome to the Butterfly Estate."