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

The next chapter will be a timeskip omg!

有り難う

CHAPTER VOCABULARY

* tengu: a legendary creature found in Japanese folk religion.

MEDIA DICTIONARY

* Thoughts

* "Dialogue."

* 'Telepathic dialogue.'

* '"Hearing someone's thoughts.'"

* "Past conversation."

* {Sound}

* [Movement]

TIMESKIP: ONE WEEK

HIKARI

After a week of traveling, Aoi and Hikari finally made it to the Taikyū Mountains. The two women reached the mountain's peak, and found a cottage.

"Here we are," Aoi sang. She knocked on the door, but no one answered. "Sakonji-sama, are you there?"

Silence.

Hikari scanned her surroundings as Aoi continued knocking.

"I guess he's not here," Aoi sighed. "Then we'll wait."

"I've retired, so go away!" a voice abruptly said.

The two women turned to see a man wearing a tengu mask behind them.

I didn't even sense him. Could it be that he is able to conceal his presence?

"Master Sakonji-sama, it's so nice to see you! It's been a long time," Aoi said.

Sakonji ignored Aoi and stalked closer to Hikari. He scanned her up and down as if he was sensing something. "…It seems that the time has come."

"What do you mean?" Aoi asked.

Instead of answering, Sakonji motioned for them to go inside. Then he made them sit at a table. "Tell me your name," he said.

"Hikari Tebiki."

"Hikari, even though I have retired, I will take you under my wing and train you," he said. "In two years, I'll have you prepared for battle."

"…Hello? What's happening?" Aoi sighed. "I don't understand anything at all."

"Be quiet, Aoi!" he shouted. "This woman you see is blessed by The Gods themselves, so show some respect!"

Aoi's eyes widened in disbelief. "…Blessed by The Gods?"

Sakonji left, then returned with a book. He flipped and skimmed through the pages until he found a page labeled 'The Tebiki Clan.' Then he gave the book to Aoi. "Read."

"…The Tebiki's are a clan of women who have been chosen by The Gods. They are said to have a vast amount of spiritual energy and rare powers," she gasped. Aoi stared at Hikari in disbelief.

"The Tebiki's existed long before demons. They were originally created to keep the Earth balanced, but once Muzan Kibutsuji came to be, they've been hunting him ever since," Sakonji said. "They vanished after one of them encountered Muzan centuries ago."

Hikari looked away and frowned. "…Yes. That's correct."

"I've never heard of any of this before," Aoi whispered. "Why did you come out of hiding now?"

The priestess felt a twinge in her heart and felt nauseous. "Because a curse has been casted upon I and my people, and I must make things right."

"That doesn't make any sense. Why have you and your clan been cursed?"

A sorrowful gleam appeared in Hikari's eyes. She looked down in defeat, repulsion, and anger.

Shame . Nothing but shame.

Sakonji said, "Because one of her people have become a demon."

"Really? Who?"

Sakonji heaved a deep sigh and scratched his head.

Aoi turned to her and said, "Hikari, who?"

"…My sister," she whispered. Then she lifted her head and said, "I am ashamed. I am saddened by what my sister has become, and it's up to me to end her life. Excuse me."

Hikari rushed out of the cabin and hid behind a tree. She felt the urge to cry, but nothing would come out. The priestess rested her head and gazed at the cloudy skies above.

This is my cross to bear, and it is so very heavy. Its crushing me, and I didn't ask for such a thing to hold.

But I must.

AOI

Aoi and Sakonji watched as Hikari left the cottage. "Poor woman," she whispered. "That's horrible."

"Her sister is Muzan's mate, and her name is Mujōna," Sakonji said. "There's not much information because not many have seen her. The lower demons probably know of her, but like with Muzan, they can't speak about her either."

"So, what's next?"

"Hikari will train for the next two years, then I'll get her a weapon," he said.

"Master Sakonji-sama, I'd like to train with her as well."

"Again, Aoi? You've already passed the Final Selection over five years ago."

Aoi smiled and said, "Yes, but the Hashiras may have been converted. If that's the case, I want their souls to be freed."

Shinobu, Kanao, and Kanae especially. I love you three too much to sit by and let this happen.

"Very well," Sakonji said. "We'll start bright and early tomorrow."

MUZAN

Muzan and Mujōna were changing the twins' diapers in the nursery. The doting parents changed and swaddled their children in perfect synchronicity.

"Kokushibou has informed me that your demons will drink more of your blood today," he said.

Mujōna smiled and said, "Wonderful." Then she held Mujihi and walked out of the room.

Irate, Muzan followed her with Mugoi in his arms. "When will you get over it, Mujōna?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," she sang melodiously. Mujihi babbled joyously and gently tugged his mother's hair.

"You've been avoiding me and saying less than ten words to me for the past week," he sighed. "Get over it."

"Then give me back my powers," she hissed.

"No."

Mujōna rolled her eyes and walked away.

The Demon Lord followed her, scowling. "What you aren't going to do is try to extort me into bending to your will."

"Extortion? Are you delusional, Muzan?"

"You forget that I'm your superior, and I shall do as I please. I'll return your powers once you've learned your lesson," he boomed.

"My lesson? Who do you think you are, my father?" she growled.

With a dark look in his eyes, Muzan said, "Do not speak of that worthless maggot in this house ever again."

"Why are you doing this to me, Muzan?" she asked with a tinge hurt in her scarlet eyes. An aura filled with sorrow emanated from her.

Muzan paused and felt remorse for his actions. Seeing his wife in such a state made him feel pangs in all seven of his hearts. "…My apologies, Mujōna."

The Queen's aura suddenly shifted into a normal, playful one. She smirked and said, "I'll forgive your transgressions once you give me back my powers."

The Demon Lord's eyes widened in disbelief.

…This woman manipulated her aura to take advantage of me, and I almost fell for it! How many times has she done this before?

"Mujōna, you aren't getting your powers back until we return to the demon realm!" he snarled.

Mugoi began to cry due to his father's intensity. As usual, Mujihi started crying as well.

"My Love, you made them cry," she sighed. "You always let your emotions get the best of you."

This woman is the only soul I'll let speak to me in such a manner. Not even Kokushibou could get away with this.

I am a weak, foolish man around her.

I sometimes feel that I have the upper hand, but I don't. She does, and I love her for it.

This constant struggle for control is tiresome, yet I enjoy it.

For the first time in my life, I have an equal that's by my side. Someone who's just like me and has the same goals in mind.

I find myself obsessed with her each and every move in a way that's permanent . This woman is the mother of my children, and the only woman who stole all seven of my hearts.

…I'll absorb her before she even thinks about leaving me. I can't lose something as valuable as she.

I refuse.

Not in this lifetime, the next, or ever.

I'll surely perish if she's gone. Yes, that is a sign of weakness, but this is different.

Mujōna is as vital to me as a lung, or any other organ, for that matter. She's even more vital and sacred than the body itself.

I crafted such a divine, heavenly creature with my bare hands, and I'll give up everything I've ever worked for before anyone takes her and our children away from me.

Muzan watched as his wife consoled her bawling son. Mujōna sang a familiar melody and rocked Mujihi in her arms.

Such a beautiful demon. I'll handle that woman tonight, and make sure she'll think twice before disrespecting me.

Mugoi tugged at one of his father's buttons, whining. The boy's golden eyes were filled with tears, and his little nose was wiggling.

"Nakanaide, watashi no chīsana senshi. Papa wa kokodesu," Muzan cooed.

✧TRANSLATION: "Don't cry, my little warrior. Daddy is here."

GIYU

The Twelve Kitaiyō gathered for yet another day of training. Kokushibou, Douma, and a large portal stood before him.

"Congratulations! You've proved your worth once again, so now you'll be rewarded!" Douma exclaimed. "Go through this portal, and see what awaits you."

The Twelve Kitaiyō found themselves in a forest in the human realm. The sky was a deep violet that was gradually lightening. Twinkling stars and the moon began to slowly fade.

"…You guys, it's the sun. The sun is rising!" Kanae screamed.

"Shit!" Tengen cried. "We're going to die a painful death!"

"Look over there!" Gyomei said, pointing at a tray with vials of red liquid. "That must be Lady Mujōna's blood!"

The demons scrambled and grabbed a vial. Inosuke swallowed the vial whole and rolled about with joy.

Enraptured, the demons' writhed in pleasure as they gained more strength and sun-resistance. Their veins and muscles bulged and throbbed as waves of euphoria drowned them.

With heavy legs, Giyu took and vial and stared at it. The black-haired demon saw that the sun was slowly rising, so he sat on a tree branch for a better look.

This is the last of my conscious, so I might as well enjoy the view.

Giyu reluctantly opened the vial and unconsciously relished the scent of Mujōna's blood. His demon cells coaxed him to drink every last drop. He turned and saw Douma and Kokushibou staring at him from afar.

Alright. Here goes nothing.

Just as the vial touched his lips, he heard a voice.

"Giyu."

Giyu looked down and saw two people; a man with peach-colored hair, and a girl with the bluest eyes. His posture stiffened and his muscles went rigid.

Sabito… Makomo? This must be another one of her illusions...

"We're not an illusion, Giyu," Sabito said.

"Neither Mujōna nor Muzan know about us," Makomo said, smiling. "You're safe."

Safe?

"We tried to contact you in the demon realm, but the evil there is too strong," Sabito said. "But since you're here, we can contact you."

Giyu's heart pounded in his chest and he felt that he couldn't breathe.

H-how is this possible? …I thought your souls were at rest!

"We're at peace, but we came back just for you!" Makomo exclaimed.

"You don't have a lot of time, so we'll make this quick," Sabito said. "Giyu, you will forever be The Water Pillar, demon or not. I can't tell you much, but something big is happening in the next five years. You're a huge part of it, so you can't die."

"So, hold on, Giyu!"

"We'll watch over you, man."

How will you watch over me? There's only you two, and like you said, the evil in the demon realm is impenetrable.

Sabito smiled and said, "Well, there's a better chance of us communicating with you when there's a lot of us, right?"

Suddenly, slayers wearing masks appeared out of thin air. Awestruck, Giyu's eyes widened beyond belief.

…The other spirits!

"Giyu, in the face of evil and tribulation, do not falter," he said. "We'll be with you every step of the way. There will be dark times, but you'll get through it."

"We believe in you, Giyu," Makomo said.

Giyu felt the urge to cry, but nothing would come out, so he blanky stared at them. His hands trembled and his muscles tensed.

"When you consume more her blood, a piece of you will still remain. You must survive by doing what she says, but keep your heart pure."

"Giyu, remember that all hope isn't lost!"

"Until we meet again, Giyu," they said in unison, waving.

Then they all vanished in thin air.

Shocked, Giyu sat frozen with a stoic expression. The sun was rising, and he felt his flesh beginning to sizzle. The shock of what just happened overwhelmed the pain, so he didn't react.

…I must drink it, or I'll die.

The black-haired demon quickly drank the blood and rested against the tree. Giyu felt more power coursing through his veins and his demonic side growing stronger, but realized that he was still there.

…I haven't lost my remaining conscious. Sabito was right.

"When you consume more her blood, a piece of you will still remain. You must survive by doing what she says, but keep your heart pure."

Then I won't give up. I'll stay pure of heart and just focus on surviving.

I don't know what's happening in the next five years, but if there's a way I can help, I'm in.

Giyu stared at the beautiful sunrise and basked in its light. A faint smile that only a demon with keen eyesight could detect appeared on his face as a gentle breeze passed by.

I'll hold on just for you guys.

"Giyu, remember that all hope isn't lost!"

I promise.

ZENITSU

Zenitsu stared at the vial of blood. The sun was slowly rising, and the hair on the back of his neck rose when he felt the sun's rays.

Oh, shit! I have no choice now!

Gramps and God, please protect me! I need you now more than ever!

Zenitsu reluctantly drank the blood and crumbled to the ground, screaming. But his screams weren't in terror; they were in pleasure.

The conflicting emotions were eating him alive. The yellow-haired demon breathed heavily as his eyes rolled to the back of his head.

I-I've never felt this good before, but I'll keep holding on!

Newfound demon power coursed through his veins, and his fangs, claws, and horns lengthened. Two lightning strike marks replaced the stripes on his cheeks, and his eyes turned a bright orange.

Once the transformation was complete, Zenitsu laid like a puddle on the ground. He laughed and giggled softly as the pleasure subsided.

So, this is what it's like to become a full demon. Heh, this isn't too bad!

…Wait, my human conscious and soul is still intact! Gramps was right!

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

Okay, Gramps. I'll stay strong just for you!

Zenitsu shakily got up and saw Giyu sitting in a tree. The black-haired demon's aura was much stronger than before, but a faint serene expression was upon his face. His blue, demonic eyes still had light within them.

Giyu hasn't changed much as well! I wonder what made him keep holding on.

Zenitsu basked in all of the Sun's glory and closed his eyes, smiling.

Thank you for protecting me, Gramps and God. Because of you, I haven't lost my true self.

Then he looked at the others, who were celebrating in the Sun.

One day, we'll all be free of this place.

I just know it.