FULL STORY SUMMARY
Rated M for mature/Rated E for explicit. Reader discretion advised.
To free the Earth from Kibutsuji Muzan and Mujōna's tyranny and demon reign, a new organization prepares and trains for battle.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
💌Hello, everyone! I thank each and every last one of you for your support, comments, and suggestions!
💘This book wouldn't be anything without you guys, sincerely. Thank you!💘
🔮I honestly can't wait for you guys to know more about the Tebiki Clan! It'll be amazing; I promise.✨
I feel like everything will be revealed in Part Five. Part Five will be action packed and just AMAZING. Honestly, I can't believe I came up with this shit.
I'm particularly excited for when Mujōna meets Hikari, Sanemi meets Genya, and Kokushibou meets Yoriichi. There's just something about siblings on opposing sides confronting each other that is just... *snorts*
(God, when The Kibutsuji's return! I'm literally screaming. I won't say much, but some of our beloved characters need to watch out 👀)
And can I just say that if you love her or hate her, Omoikitta is going to make her mark in this part. I feel like she's going to become loved by everyone once we really get to know her.💌 (Hint: It happens when she takes the Final Exam)
Also, I'd like to thank someone who's been here since the beginning; creative!💖
A while back, they came up with the idea of Nodoka and Kokushibou's scene. As the story continues, we'll dive even deeper. (You know how much I like to take things slow😘)
I value each and every last one of you guy's input. This story is a team effort, so feel free to comment your thoughts, suggestions, and even tell me if I should make a poll!
🎐読んでくれてありがとう🎐
MEDIA DICTIONARY
* Thoughts
* "Dialogue."
* 'Telepathic dialogue.'
* "'Hearing someone's thoughts.'"
* "Past conversation."
* {Sound}
* [Movement]
MUZAN
FLASHBACK:
Mujōna's bones shifted to make room for the additional six hearts and four brains that were forming within her. An influx of over one thousand years' worth of information flowed like a steady stream in her mind.
Muzan's claws pierced the tender flesh of her buttocks as he lifted her up and down upon his member. Her breasts were highlighted with moisture, and her brown nipples were hard, begging to be suckled and chewed.
The sweet, sensual sounds of moans and flesh against flesh filled the entire chamber.
Because of the Blue Spider Lily, I was able to reach my full strength and create a female counterpart for myself.
Mujōna now has the gift of creating more demons, and will rule alongside me for the rest of eternity. Creating a Queen will ensure the survival of demonkind.
As she shrieked and bucked her hips to meet his movements, Muzan kept his eyes locked on her face. The way her face contorted to his actions pleased him greatly, but something was irritating him.
Then it hit him.
…Her eyes. It's her eyes.
The Queen's eyes looked exactly like his, but were a light rose. The sight was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen, but it wasn't perfect.
Eyes are the gateway to one's true, entire being. Her eyes must be more similar to mine, for she is my mate.
Mujōna saw a gleam of anger in his crimson eyes and wanted to ask him what was wrong, but found that she couldn't speak. Her body moved on its own will to make love with its Master; Her God.
Suddenly, a sharp, needle-like appendage pierced her neck, and injected large amounts of Muzan's blood and essence into her.
Mujōna's eyes rolled to the back of her head and her body jerked violently as the inexplicable pleasure intensified.
Then the tentacle withdrew, and she fell limp in his arms, twitching.
'Look at me.'
Mujōna obeyed and stared at her Master with tears of joy streaking her face. The eyes she now bore were a beautiful, true red.
A pure, striking scarlet.
…Such a beautiful, divine creature.
Then he analyzed her tall, slender figure. Mujōna's body was naturally beautiful, but it wasn't perfect.
It seems that my work isn't complete as of yet.
This isn't just any woman; this is my eternal mate. She must be crafted to perfection by my very hands.
"…M-M-Mu-Muzan," she strained to say. "I—"
Before she could finish, Muzan's hands morphed into a web of flesh that swallowed her whole.
Mujōna was trapped inside of a cocoon of flesh that was covered with many demonic eyes and mouths.
The Demon Lord concentrated all of his energy and aura into the cocoon in order to alter her entire body.
Within the demonic cocoon's fleshy walls, Mujōna's entire body was changing.
Wider hips.
Longer legs.
Fuller breasts.
Enunciated hourglass waist.
I would alter her face, but she's perfectly beautiful the way she is. Instead, I shall age her so she can look more mature and closer to me in age.
Once the process was complete, Muzan withdrew and stared at the naked, shivering woman on the floor. Her long, black hair hid her face as she stared at the floor.
A woman made in my image, crafted to the utmost perfection.
The Demon Lord moved his lips to say her name for the first time aloud.
"Mujōna."
A sense of pride, dominance, and gratification swelled within him. The way her name escaped his lips enthralled him even more than when she was Himari.
Mujōna lifted her head and met his gaze, then smiled. "Yes, My Lord?" she said in a different voice.
The voice she now had was different from her original one; this one was sultry, seductive, sensual, and alluring all at once.
The sound of her voice bewitched and aroused The Demon Lord to no bounds.
Then his eye twitched with displeasure at how she addressed him. He usually gained satisfaction at the gesture, but not this time.
"Woman, you mustn't use honorifics to address me any longer," he boomed. "I may be your superior, but you aren't a common subordinate; you're my mate. From now on, you must only address me as… Muzan."
"…Of course, Muzan," she said as she sat on her knees and clutched her full breasts.
The sight made him want to fall to his knees and make love with her once again, but he composed herself.
Absolutely, truly, utterly perfect.
As he slowly approached her, he said, "Mujōna, I'm certain that you know and understand your purpose?"
"Yes, Muzan. My purpose is to assist you in leading and ensuring the survival of the demon race."
The Demon Lord towered over her as he lovingly touched the side of her face. "Indeed."
After a few moments, he said, "Well, we must get going. You must meet The Twelve Kizuki and announce yourself as their Queen. We'll have to prepare ourselves before they're summoned. Some regal attire is being made for you as we speak, and… I need to cut my hair."
Mujōna smiled as she ran her sharp, white claws through his long hair. The Demon Lord's hair was a pure, striking white because of the poison's rapid aging effects.
Then she parted her full lips and said, "I think you look beautiful with your hair like this, Muzan."
The Demon Lord's eyes widened beyond belief at her words. He had been complimented an innumerable amount of times in his two thousand years of living, but none of them were as significant as this.
Not even close.
Instead of responding, he crashed his lips upon hers and let his tongue coil around hers.
As he withdrew, he examined her fully and was astounded by her beauty all over again.
Perfect.
Then he felt a deep, innate desire that he had never felt in his entire life pulsing within his core and entire being—
The desire to breed.
The thought of creating life with his mate made his throat clench. An image of Mujōna being heavily pregnant with his children appeared in his mind.
All seven of his hearts sank when he recalled that such a thing wasn't feasible.
Even if she could conceive, which she cannot, I am certain that I am… infertile.
The resonating sense of sorrow and despair he felt was quickly consumed by a boiling, roaring anger.
Even though his mate saved his life and became his female counterpart, and he was able to walk in the Sun, Muzan still wasn't perfectly happy.
I've hid in the shadows for so long and even though I have this woman, my Sun, in my life, there are still disadvantages and hinderances for me!
Why can't I have everything I want?
At that very moment, Muzan realized that he would trade all that he had ever built and worked for in order to live a happy, peaceful, normal life with Mujōna.
And that terrified him.
The Demon Lord unimaginably despised humans, but yet, he knew that he would give up everything in order to live an average human life with his mate.
A vision of he and Mujōna living as husband and wife with many children scurrying about appeared in his mind, which made him want to rip his skin off and scream.
Mediocrity and mortality… are utterly revolting.
I don't want to become a filthy human, but something in the back of my mind keeps proposing such an absurd notion!
…Only because of my love for her.
Mujōna entwined her snow-white claws with his pale blue ones, which drew him out of the dark depths of his mind. The Demon Lord immediately relaxed upon inhaling a sweet, intoxicating scent that emanated from his mate.
A soft, saccharine fragrance that smelled of vanilla and roses permeated the air around them, and he laid down and pulled her closer to him.
As they cuddled and enjoyed their eternal union, Mujōna began to sing.
Pick a white flower to give to Her.
In Her beautiful black hair, I'll place the flower
White flower, white flower, in Her hair
It will bloom and sway like The Sun.
Pick a red flower to give to Him.
On His chest next to His heart, I'll place the flower
Red flower, red flower, within His heart
It will bloom and sway like The Moon.
Mujōna's mellifluous voice was the epitome of beauty, and sounded like a hymn of angels. The euphonious, angelic singing was undeniably mesmerizing and transfixed him completely.
"…Mujōna," he gasped softly. "I— I didn't know that you could sing so wonderfully. Why… Why didn't you sing to me before?"
"Because you never asked me to," she said, her beautiful face and voice sending shivers down his spine.
"My... mistake."
The Demon Lord wrapped her in his arms and pulled her even closer to him, then he deeply inhaled her vanilla scented hair. Their warm, naked bodies touched ever so tenderly in such an inexplicable way.
Together.
Forever.
One.
HIKARI
FLASHBACK:
Hikari awakened to the sound of gentle footsteps approaching and the feel of soft hands touching her face. The little girl strained to see in the dark, and saw a woman staring back at her.
"Mother?" she whispered groggily.
"Yes, Hikari. I'm sorry to wake you, but you must come with me." Luna quietly helped her child get up and dressed her in a black cloak.
"Where are we going, mommy?"
As she packed a few items in a satchel, Luna said, "To a faraway land." Then she crouched to the young child's level and said, "We must be very, very quiet, Hikari."
Luna took Hikari's hand and the two made sure as to not make a sound. They walked through the endless corridors and passed the many rooms and chambers until they neared an unknown area.
A large, grand door that emanated a strange light through the creaks stood a vast distance away.
Hikari stopped dead in her tracks and froze at the sight. The aura the door emanated was telling every bone in her small body to not go near it.
The Exit; the portal to the human realm.
"Hikari, come on," Luna said through a timid smile, her eyes filled with fear, uncertainty, and worry. "We have to hurry."
The little girl gulped as she slowly backed away. An unseeable force seemed to push her away, and something deep down told her not to come any closer.
A pained look crossed Luna's face as she watched her daughter back away from her. Then she extended her hand and said, "Hikari, if you walk through this door with me right now, we'll be free."
"B-but we're not supposed to leave, mommy," Hikari faltered.
"Sweetheart, on the other side of this door is a New Beginning for us. There is more to the world outside of here; such sights, such beauty, such joy. If we leave now, you'll be free to actually live. You deserve the freedom to decide what you want and who to love. In a world such as this with limited options, I give you the choice to choose your fate."
Before Hikari could respond, the sound of someone banging a staff on the floor interrupted her. The two turned to see a tall brown-haired man standing next to a beautiful white-haired woman who looked exactly like Luna, but older.
"Luna, stop right there!" she angrily shouted as she stalked towards them.
The brown-haired man took Hikari into his arms and shielded her from the sight.
"Mother Kōjō, I—"
"Hold your tongue, you rebellious child!" Kōjō roared. "I've had it with you! What do you think you're doing?"
Before Luna could respond, Kōjō slapped her across her face. The slap was so deafening, it reverberated throughout the chamber.
Luna was knocked to the ground and when she lifted her head, one could see a throbbing, angry red handprint upon her brown skin. Blood trickled from her nose and the corner of her full lips as she angrily stared at Kōjō.
"Since you want to leave so badly, then go! Luna, you are hereby banished from the Tebiki Clan!"
Luna nodded and shakily stood up, then looked at the brown-haired man. "Shosuke, give me my child."
Kōjō stood in front of her and said, "Oh, no, Hikari stays here with us."
Upon hearing that, Luna's heart stopped, and her eyes widened beyond belief. "What? Kōjō, you wouldn't dare—"
"Everyone knows that you've always wanted to leave this place, so be my guest. But the child stays here. That's your true punishment!"
Luna's lips quivered as she tried to meet Shosuke's gaze, but he turned and walked away.
"Shosuke, give her to me! That's my daughter!" she wailed.
Kōjō banged her staff on the floor three times, which made the grand door open. Its light and mystical aura flooded the entire chamber and sent chills down everyone's spine.
"Luna, leave this realm at once!" she hissed. "Go and live your life in the human realm, and see where that gets you. May the dark hearts of mortals be revealed to you!"
Luna kept her eyes locked on Shosuke, who ignored her pleas and continued walking away with their child.
"No! You can't do this, Kōjō! Shosuke, that's my daughter! She's my daughter! She's my daughter!"
A frigid wind wrapped around Luna, then pulled her closer to the grand door.
Something deep down told Hikari that this would be the last time she'd ever see her mother again.
And that shattered her heart.
Mommy…
Hikari struggled against her father's arm, but he was too strong for her. As a last resort, the little girl strained to see over her father's shoulder and cried out, "Mommy!"
Tears streaked Luna's angelic face as she reached for her daughter one last time. As the wind pulled her through the door, she said, "Hikari, I am so sorry. Please find it in your heart to forgive me."
Then everything went black.
NODOKA
After a long day of training, Kokushibou and Nodoka sat together upon a riverbank. They watched as lotuses and cherry blossom petals floated across the water, and enchanted koi pass by.
The atmosphere was tranquil, and world was still, quiet, and peaceful; just how they liked it.
But when Nodoka felt a sudden pang in her heart, all of that faded away.
Nodoka stared at Kokushibou, who looked to be meditating. He sat crossed legged and his eyes were closed, and his blade was placed beside him.
She opened her mouth to say something, but paused.
The man looked so beautiful and content, and she couldn't find it in her heart to disturb him. As she stared at him, dark, intrusive thoughts seeped through the corners of her mind.
Why does this man love me? I never asked him why or how he fell for me.
It just… seemed to happen.
…But how can anyone even love someone like me?
Nodoka anxiously rubbed the mark where she was claimed, which made Kokushibou look at her. Although he didn't say a word, his eyes seemed to say, "Tell me."
"Kokushibou… How did you know when you loved me?" she timidly asked.
He glanced at his katana, then met her sapphire eyes with his yellow with red sclera ones. "When I chose to be with you… over that."
A long period of silence was suspended in the air until she said, "…Thank you."
Kokushibou nodded, then slowly touched her hand. His fingers lovingly skimmed across her skin like that of a paintbrush against a canvas, then he cupped her hands in his.
They leaned in and kissed for the millionth time, then withdrew and rested their foreheads against each other.
This is peaceful; this is true bliss.
As she gazed into his eyes, Nodoka saw her reflection and felt the raw, gnawing desire to talk to him.
To tell him about the true Nodoka Arai.
…I need to tell him.
Memories of her life as a human flooded her mind and made her body go numb. The only thing she could feel was Kokushibou's hands and forehead against hers.
Warmth.
I have to.
"…Kokushibou, I have to tell you something," she said softly.
Kokushibou pulled away and attentively stared at her.
"I… I've never told you much about myself and there's a reason for that. Before I came here, I was a fighter at the Bounce District. I've been there since I was nine years old because… I ran away from home. Things were pretty bad, and I knew how to defend myself to some degree, so I went there. Even though I was completely mute, they took me in."
Silence.
"Things were fine for a while until I… It started getting bad there as well. The teachers, students, and higher-ups— They would do anything they could to... hurt me."
Upon hearing that, Kokushibou moved to stand up and grab his blade, but she stopped him. Nodoka knew that her mate would react in such way, and loved him for it.
"No, Kokushibou. I don't need you to do anything on my behalf. A long time ago, Lady Mujōna asked me if I wanted revenge, and I told Her… 'no.'"
I don't want revenge; I only want to forget and move on.
Just let me have… closure.
After a while, he said, "…Okay."
"Thank you for listening to me, Kokushibou. I really appreciate it."
After an eternity of staring and entwining their fingers with each other, he said, "I have… something to tell you as well."
Nodoka gently touched the side of his face and attentively held his stare.
"I had… a brother," he said with a blank expression. "His name was Yoriichi, and he was my… twin."
So, there was once another beautiful man like Kokushibou? Wow…
Kokushibou reached in the pocket of his hakama and pulled out a small, wooden flute. "He… He gave me this."
Something deep down told Nodoka that the flute meant a lot to him. To know that he was beginning to trust her even more made her heart thrum with joy.
This flute is a piece of him, and he's revealing it to me. I couldn't ask for anything greater.
She shakily ran her fingers across the wooden flute. "It's… beautiful," she whispered.
Then he let her hold the flute, and his faint smile became more noticeable, which took her breath away.
Nodoka's sharp, black claws skimmed along the flute's bamboo, and she made sure as to not leave a scratch.
Kokushibou looked at their gorgeous surroundings and felt a subtle sense of comfort and relief as if a heavy weight was lifted from his shoulders.
"Yoriichi and I didn't always see eye to eye," he said coldly, his muscles tense. "His hubris and desire to prove me as inferior is what led to his… demise."
Nodoka wanted to know more, but something told her that she shouldn't ask any questions. "…Well, are you saddened by his death?"
Kokushibou turned and looked at her directly, then said, "No."
Although she was curious and baffled by his words, Nodoka didn't say anything and only nodded. To see him smile gave her joy, and his happiness was all that truly mattered.
Nodoka planted a soft, gentle kiss upon his cheek, which made him pull her close and return the gesture.
And she couldn't ask for anything more.
TAKEO
Takeo and Yoriichi opened a large, grand door and entered a chamber. There, they saw a lone katana resting upon an altar.
The Seinaru Blade.
Because high ranking demons are able to stand in the Sun, The Gods crafted a divine weapon made from the spiritual, holy energy of The Heavens itself.
The only man alive who can wield such a thing is Master Yoriichi-sama.
And I'm determined to be the second.
Yoriichi gave a slight nod, then Takeo approached it. He cracked his knuckles and took a few deep breaths, then went to touch the blade.
The blade scorched his hand upon contact.
A gleam of pain flashed within Takeo's golden eyes, but only for a moment.
Then he went to touch the blade again.
The Cloud Pairon gritted his teeth as he grasped the blade's hilt, his flesh sizzling audibly.
Yoriichi questionably looked at him and said, "Release it."
Through clenched teeth, Takeo said, "Wait, I can— Argh!" He crumbled to the floor and stared at his hand, which was severely burned with blackened flesh.
Yoriichi kneeled beside him and began bandage his scorched hand. Takeo's head hung low with defeat, anger, and confusion.
Why is the Seinaru Blade still rejecting me? I've unlocked my full strength and I even have my Demon Slayer mark to prove it.
I've spent years training with Dūlen-sama and Master Yoriichi-sama, and exceeded their expectations.
"I sense that you are… troubled, but all will be revealed in time," Yoriichi said.
Takeo lifted his head and held his stare, frustration written all over his face. "How long? How long will this take, sensei?"
"I'm… not certain."
As Yoriichi continued to carefully bandage his hand, Takeo never took his eyes off the Seinaru Blade.
But time is something that we just don't have.
JUNBOKU
Murmurs and whispers about a beautiful woman by the name of Lady Hīrā swirled around neighboring villages.
The woman was said to have divine healing abilities, and those that seek Her assistance must bring offerings. The offering requests were cryptic, but said to be of human organs.
The only method to contact such a prestigious Goddess like Lady Hīrā was to get on your knees and pray to Her, and hope that She chooses you.
Upon hearing about Lady Hīrā, Amai and Junboku Pasu prayed incessantly to meet such a divine woman. The couple had been married for over twenty years and didn't have any children.
A few years back, Amai was diagnosed with a mysterious, incurable disease and was sickly.
When Amai and Junboku awakened to find a white envelope that said that they were chosen to meet Lady Hīrā, they knew that their lives were about to change.
Amai and Junboku followed the letter's directions and stood at a lone train stop.
As they waited, Junboku clutched a jarred human heart to his chest. The heart had been taken from the corpse of a man who was slain by a demon.
Amai will finally be healed of her illness! Blessed be The Gods for creating such a woman as Lady Hīrā!
The couple waited patiently for a while, then they encountered two men carrying a miniature carriage.
The faces of the two men were hidden because they wore dragon face masks. They set the carriage down, bowed, then gestured for them to enter.
"We're supposed to enter a carriage that small?" Junboku asked, shocked.
The masked men stood in silence and didn't move a muscle.
The carriage's door opened and Junboku crouched to fit inside, but surprisingly, the door seemed to magically widen for him.
Dear God, the door increased in size! What kind of sorcery is this?
Junboku and Amai entered the carriage and gasped when they found themselves in a large chamber. The chamber was fit for royalty and there a shrine on a raised platform.
There, in front of the shrine was a woman.
The woman wore a long, white robe that was sprawled all around her, and she had long, curly black hair. Her head was down, and her hair obscured her face like a veil.
Two toddlers sat on either side of her and played with toys and plush animals.
A cool gust of wind beckoned Junboku and Amai to approach her and the door slammed behind them. They shakily bowed and stood before the woman, who raised her head and opened her eyes.
The woman's beauty was ethereal; she looked to be an angel in the flesh.
Lady Hīrā… They said she was beautiful, but not like this! She doesn't even look like she belongs in this realm!
The two toddlers turned and stared at Junboku and Amai in unison. They practically had the same face, demonic eyes with slit pupils, and had sharp ears.
What? Are they demons?
Impossible!
Children can't be demons! This must be some kind of illusion!
Junboku and Amai gasped at the sight and stood in place, petrified.
"Where is your offering?" Hīrā asked.
Trembling, Junboku came even closer and gave Hīrā the jarred heart. Then he and his wife watched her each and every movement, their hearts pounding in their ears.
Hīrā held the jarred organ in the light and frowned at the cloudy liquid.
"Prostrate yourselves!" Hīrā abruptly boomed, her voice shaking them to their very core.
Terrified, Junboku and Amai immediately prostrated themselves and whimpered before her.
This… doesn't feel right at all!
Pleased, Hīrā smiled and cooed, "Now, tell me your business here."
Through quivering lips, he said, "…L-Lady Hīrā, m-my wife, Amai, is t-terribly sick."
Hīrā glanced at Amai, who was terribly frightened and holding in a cough. The woman's cheeks were turning red, and she looked to be on the verge of vomiting. "Hm. I see."
After a long period of eerie silence, Junboku said, "Lady Hīrā, I beg of you to heal my wife. She has an incurable disease and is dy—"
"Did I say that you could speak?" Hīrā interjected, baring sharp fangs. The tone of her voice brought chills down their spines and resonated within the walls of the chamber.
Junboku quickly closed his mouth and prostrated himself even further, dread lurching in his gut.
…Fangs. Lady Hīrā has fangs!
"Would you do anything for your wife, Junboku?" Hīrā asked.
The man shakily met her eyes and whispered, "...Y-yes?"
Hīrā raised a questioning eyebrow, then scowled. "What was that, Junboku? Was that... hesitation? Junboku, do you even love your wife?"
"O-of course, Lady Hīrā! I love her dea—"
"Then why did you hesitate?" she boomed. "A man who truly loves his woman wouldn't do such a thing. Tell me; why did you come here when you don't even love your wife?"
Quivering, Amai lifted her head and said, "L-Lady Hīrā, m-my husband does l-love me! J-Junboku is a great hus—"
Before she could finish, a sharp appendage swiftly decapitated her. Amai's headless body crumbled to the floor and her blood gushed everywhere.
"…Amai!" he wailed. "No!"
A pool of blood surrounded Junboku as he shakily cradled his wife's corpse. "…L-Lady Hīrā, w-why did you— Amai! Oh, Amai!" he bellowed through a series of pained, agonizing wails.
Tears poured out of his eyes like waterfalls as he stared at Hīrā.
Hīrā stood in front of the shrine and held Amai's severed head by her hair. The woman's piercing eyes became scarlet with slit pupils that looked very similar to the two toddlers.
…Demon.
She's a demon and so are those children!
Hīrā parted her full, red lips and said, "Those who make a mockery of something as precious and sacred like love repulse me. Not only are you a useless excuse of a man, but you're also the cause of your wife's death. Shame on you, Junboku."
Before Junboku could respond, a sharp appendage impaled his abdomen and raised him in the air.
Through blurry vision, he saw that the tentacle was Hīrā's arm. Junboku held her intense, cold stare as he felt the life being sucked out of him.
The two toddlers were indifferent by what was happening and blanky stared at Junboku. Then they continued playing with their toys.
The tentacle grew spikes and twisted, brutally ravaging Junboku from within even more. Blood seeped out of the corners of his mouth and dripped onto the ground, along with some of his intestines.
The last thing Junboku saw was Hīrā's beautiful, angelic face and cruel, callous stare.
Pitiless.
Ruthless.
Heartless.
Then everything went black.