Mika saw Shinobu glance up from her discussion with Kanao and waved her over before continuing her discussion, her eyes alight with warmth. Mika stepped into the lab and immediately stopped short, as a familiar figure popped up from behind the desk.
"Nezuko." She said in relief but froze when she realized Nezuko was no longer human. She noted the bamboo wrapped across her mouth and the sharper fingertips as she cheerily waved.
Mika relaxed, realizing that Nezuko was still herself regardless of her form. She returned the wave and turned her gaze to the lab.
"Nezuko, your brother insists you use the box to save your energy, even though you are impervious to the sun." Shinobu called out, holding a wooden box with straps on the side.
Nezuko pulled at Mika to lead her to where Kanao was carefully wrapping up vials before slipping into her uniform.
"Mika, I am told it was requested that you stay at the compound." Shinobu announced, wrapping extra vials and waving to soldiers who appeared to accept the packages from her.
Before Mika could open her mouth to protest, Kanao tilted her head with a knowing smile.
"However, Tamayo-san tells me that you must be there." Shinobu added, reaching over and patting Mika on the arm.
"There are too many boys on this mission. We should give them a head start and go save them, don't you think?" She winked at the girls.
Nezuko cheerfully patted Mika's other arm, mirroring Shinobu, before she disappeared into the box, closing the door behind her.
Mika glanced down at the box as the others readied to leave. "Who will carry Nezuko?"
Her question disappeared in the noise as a familiar yellow-haired figure came rushing into the lab.
"Nezuko!" Zenitsu wailed, kneeling down in front of the box. "I'll protect you." He announced, already wrapping the straps around his shoulders.
Shinobu covered her mouth as she laughed, her voice reminding Mika of twinkling bells. "Ara-ara. Zenitsu, why did you come back, silly boy?"
The back of the box opened and a miniature sized version of Nezuko reached out and slapped Zenitsu in the arm with her eyes crossed in annoyance.
Zenitsu flushed, a sheepish look on his face. "I had a really big meal and didn't get a chance to go to the bathroom before we left and I figured, I might as well get my lucky underwear too and by the time I came back, I figured I might as well join you ladies and protect you." He babbled; his chest puffed up in pride.
Shinbou laughed again in amusement. "What a gentleman! Nezuko-chan is lucky to have such a thoughtful man."
Zenitsu flushed and nodded happily while Nezuko sighed and closed the door behind her. Mika smiled to herself, watching as Zenitsu tucked a few dumplings into the box before securing the box to his back.
"Shall we, ladies?"
A young boy with red dot markings on his pale face balanced on top of sharp nearly invisible threads, the light pink hair softly brushed aside with delicate fingers, revealing light blue eyes that narrowed in concentration at the activity in the northern section of the area.
Rui. Who dares defy me?
Rui became motionless, balanced atop the silver threads several feet above the trees.
Lord Muzan, there are trespassers in the northern section. Three powerful figures. They have gathered many devolved demons and have sent them throughout the area.
He silently greeted Muzan, sending the telepathic report.
One of the power ones seems to be…injured. He does not seem to share the other two's power signatures.
Rui jumped forward into another section of equally unforgiving threads, his bare feet comfortably finding footing.
Keep an eye on them. Kokoshibo is on his way. The Slayers also lend their assistance.
Rui nodded respectfully, feeling Muzan break off the connection.
He looked up at the full moon, his hands working at the complex pattern of similar strands.
A female figure appeared below him, bowing her head low. Her long silver hair brushed the ground, her kimono similarly patterned like his. Distinct red markings mirroring his own dotted her face as she glanced up at him.
"Brother, Mother and I will watch the intruders."
Rui nodded, still glancing at the full moon. "Observe but do not get too close. Leave the devolved to Father. The Slayers come to join."
The female figure nodded once before disappearing into the trees.
Micah leaned against a boulder where he was thrown once they had arrived in this world, one arm to his fractured ribs. He glanced up as Ares paced impatiently back and forth a few feet away from him, his spear gripped tightly in one hand. Ares looked up at the sound of an approaching figure. The female was as tall as Ares, dressed in a loose-fitting white gown outfitted with a golden breastplate and matching golden helmet. A spear similar to Ares and shield hung behind her.
"Brother, it is done. The slayers should be heading here once they are made aware of the commotion."
Ares frowned despite the news, glancing at his sibling with a distrustful eye. "This better work, sister. The others will not take kindly to mistakes."
Athena narrowed her eyes at him, adjusting the shield at her back as she raised her arm for her owl to perch. She didn't respond as she listened to the owl's cooing. She touched a finger to its head before raising her arm to let it fly off again.
"They come." She confirmed with confidence, glancing at Micah. "I have sent the demons to wreak havoc among the initial foot soldiers that have come to the nearby villagers' aid."
Micah adjusted his sitting position. "You underestimate the Slayers, as have you done with the warriors in the other world you had abandoned."
Ares snorted, pointing his spear at him.
"There is no comparable strength than a God's."
Micah thinly smiled. "And yet here you are. Seeking out a way to reverse the weakness you wrought on yourselves."
Athena took a step forward, only to have Ares give her a warning look. Athena grit her teeth but returned a triumphant smile when her owl returned to perch on her shoulder. It made a single cooing sound before preening its feathers.
"Your pet comes this way as well. I shall personally see to your weakness."