The elevator cabin shook slightly. With his thumb, Tanjiro rubbed the inside of his index finger in a completely instinctual, unconscious motion. His hands were cold.
The elevator stopped, and the doors slid to the sides. Even though he was prepared for it, Tanjiro still raised his elbows to shield his eyes from the blinding light.
The Court stood several feet away, waiting for him to recover. It seemed unimpressed, and judging by the miniscule flickers in its eyes, the cyborg was monitoring the prison.
Rapid exhilaration at the fact that he wasn't currently the cyborg's point of attention squeezed his throat in a sudden grip. Tanjiro swallowed, lowering his arms. The figure in the center was motionless, still paying him no consideration.
His stomach turned, as if it was sucked by a narrow funnel; he was nervous. He had no idea whether or not speaking first would be a breach of protocol. His fingers curled slightly. Was the Court spurring him on purpose, by standing motionlessly and ignoring him, waiting for him to commit a violation so that it can prosecute him later?
The colorless eyes shifted over. The phalangeal, smooth fingers bent one after another, almost cascading, in a beckoning gesture.
His heart drummed in his temples as he crossed the white, non-reflective surface. Whatever processes that observed the prisoners buried themselves behind the lenses, and the two pupils focused on the approaching demon slayer.
Tanjiro inhaled carefully, telling himself to get his nerves under control. He needed full concentration to go through this. Every single word he said was dissected, and he had to stay calm if he was to think several responses ahead.
The only warm air was the one leaving through his nostrils.
Tanjiro stopped in front of the Court and bowed respectfully. Straightened back up, he saw that the cyborg wore a skeptical expression, springs pulling the metallic arch of the eyebrow behind the mask.
"I wonder."
"About what?" Tanjiro asked politely. His muscles tensed cautiously, naturally preparing for a defensive stance. The metallic eyebrow lowered.
"About you bowing before me after fifty years."
Dread flooded him like a wave, but Tanjiro forcefully stamped it down. Calm down. It is trying to provoke you.
"I'll do my best."
The colorless eyes wandered to the side of his shoulder. "You see, Kamado-san... people get worn out eventually."
It motioned with its index finger. The handcuffs unlocked with a short snap. Tanjiro stiffened. Though loose, the cuffs sat snuggly around his wrists.
"You may shake them off on the floor."
The sense of uncertainty increased, but he nevertheless did as he was told.
The floor engulfed the sound of handcuffs clanging against it with a pillow-like effect. Holding the Court's gaze, Tanjiro massaged his wrists. Sensing the callouses, his brain registered with a delay that his hands were shaking. Tanjiro dug his teeth together, pressing on the wrists to evoke pain. He had to take control. He. had. to.
There was a quiet noise as the Court raised its arms and bent them at the chest. Its fingers enveloped gently against the elbows.
"The hashiras... do you meet them often?"
There was a double purpose in the question, but he couldn't pinpoint what it was. Tanjiro tried not to frown, forcing himself to keep a straight face.
"I meet with them only during joint missions. Otherwise, we don't intersect," he answered carefully. The thought that the Court may be playing a political game crawled into his head, and a shiver ran down his spine.
He waited in nervous suspense as the Court regarded him in silence. It looked thoughtful.
"What do you think of them?"
"I respect them," Tanjiro replied almost instantly. The question was simple, and because of nervosity, the words came on autopilot. "They possess a tremendous amount of skill, and they dedicate their lives to help rid the world of demons. I—"
His breath caught short. Tanjiro inhaled rapidly, replenishing his lungs, and hoping that the cyborg didn't notice his stumbling. His mind was blank. Breathing deeply, Tanjiro gazed at the Court. Gradually, his heart rate stabilized and, as he thought about that word flow he had a moment ago, Tanjiro felt himself calming down. What he said was logical and sincere. There shouldn't be a problem.
"I admire them," Tanjiro finished.
"Do you admire their ideals?"
"Of course." Tanjiro paused. Something was off. Despite the cyborg's placid expression, he clearly felt the mounting attentiveness that was rapidly surrounding the creature in front of him. It was listening to his words just as intently as he was. The demon slayer stiffened. Everything he said right now were commonplace phrases. There was nothing for the Court to be curious about; and yet, its curiosity was palpable in the air.
"Everyone has their variations, but ultimately, the Corps is fueled by one goal," Tanjiro continued, keeping his voice even. "To kill Kibutsuji and free the population of demons."
The pupils narrowed into a thin line.
The walls flashed, and Tanjiro involuntarily squinted his eyes shut, crouching his body in defense. His eyes dropped on the floor, and he nearly got dizzy: the white disintegrated into the smooth covering of a table, holographically projected paper cups and folders with stacks of paper flickering around his legs. Tanjiro turned his head to glance upwards. His mouth filled with nausea.
The black shadow was frozen in front of him. Its arm was extended forward, and a thin line stretched from its wrists straight through Tanjiro's chest.
The demon slayer stared at it for a moment. His arm intuitively crept upwards, fingers groping gently at the intact fabric of his prison uniform. His eyebrows twitched slightly, and the young man turned around.
Hand still on his chest, Tanjiro gazed at the frozen projection of himself, face twisted in agony as he pinned the wild demon by the arms. It tightened in his chest from regret, but he looked over his shoulder.
All this time, the Court was motionless. The varying colors reflected dimly on its surface, casting a shadow over its features, but the piercing look remained the same.
"Why did you hesitate?"
Tanjiro turned around slowly. The black shadow stood still in between them, not enough to block their visions but sufficient to make the air heavy. Sharp.
"What do you mean?" His voice was clear. The Court gave him a long gaze. In an unhurried motion, the metallic eyebrow curved, and unconcealed sarcasm glimmered in its eyes.
"You claim that your objective is to kill demons. Why did you hesitate to kill the demon in front of you? Your records show that you've been in the corps for five years. You should have had enough experience by now."
Tanjiro opened his mouth, but nothing came out; in a moment of tension, his throat clasped together. The demon slayer gave a ragged, unsteady breath, and his voice rang hoarsely through the room.
"Iikubo-san... was human moments ago. I couldn't... I couldn't do it right away."
The eyebrow did not lower. Eyes locked on the young man's face, the Court lifted its index finger. Tanjiro flinched when he heard his own voice, but strained and furious, shaking the room.
You want me to decapitate him, right? That's what you want, right?!
That's what you want, right?
Tanjiro broke the cyborg's gaze. Staring down on the table, he felt how his chest was gradually emptying out, hollow from resignation.
"Most demons live in gluttony, over and over again." His eyes were wide, pupils not moving. His voice was low.
"Some demons are smarter than others. They realize that humans are not equal. We structured ourselves so."
The hashiras filled up the hollowness with wrath. There was no pity left, not for the victims and definitely for the predators. Tanjiro raised his head abruptly, and his eyes flashed with disdain and anger at the cyborg.
"If the demon chose a normal person in the subway station, I wouldn't be answering before you right now."
"Answering to me?" The Court repeated quietly. Tanjiro smirked, and his face twisted with sad bitterness.
"A demon slayer shouldn't be apologizing for slaying a demon."
"No, you shouldn't." The Court stepped forward, crossing the distance between itself and the young man, and knelt forward slightly. Their eyes were at the same level.
"Let me remind you, Kamado-san. You were accused not for killing a demon. You were accused of killing Iikubo Akifumi, the CEO of the Yoshitsugi Electric Company."
The Court was in his space, in his vision, his scent, even though it was a few inches away. Its eyes bore into his until Tanjiro felt that his irises were drying. After a long, viscous minute, he inhaled abruptly and roughly, as if to break from hypnosis.
"I killed a demon," he said hoarsely. "Iikubo-san was already a demon."
The pitch black pupils did not move from his face.
"If he was a demon, why did you hesitate?"
"I said already." He wasn't thinking anymore, mind turned off and responding solely based on instinct. "I didn't want to give in to the other demon's order."
"Why does it matter? Your duty is to kill demons, be it ordered by Ubayashiki Kaguya or anyone else." The void behind the eyes was blank. At this moment, the cyborg was focused only on the young man in front. How many times a day did this happen, when the unsuspecting, pitiful prisoners were left without their watchdog?
Tanjiro stared inside these eyes, trying to find a way out. There was no thread to its neck. None.
"And you couldn't expect to be detained for long, if you will, because you were fulfilling your duty. Even now, that is not an illogical or weak assumption to make. So, Kamado-san..." In a flash, the pupils compressed into an miniscule dot, before suddenly expanding to cover the entire iris.
"Why did you hesitate to kill the demon, formerly Iikubo Akifumi?"
The thread to his throat was thin and blood-scented.
Nearly unrecognizable from that of a demon.
"I pitied him." No sound came from his throat. It was only the movement of his lips. But the Court understood.
The projection slid off the walls, reverting back to the white. After the cacophony of colors, they seemed duller.
The Court straightened, gazing wordlessly at the demon slayer. Tanjiro stood stiffly in front of it. He could barely hear from the hammering in his temples, and his vision swam occasionally.
He shouldn't have said the truth.
"What about the victims?" The Court asked finally.
"I pity them too," Tanjiro whispered, looking somewhere beyond its shoulders.
"How can you protect one if you sympathize for both?"
"You don't understand." Neither did the hashiras. He shook his head automatically, in a defensive reflex. His voice was hollow. "The demons do inhuman things and deserve their deaths. I don't even think of pity when I fight them."
Water Breathing, First Form. Water Breathing, Tenth Form. Over and over, until he is covered in ash.
"I'm relieved when I detach their heads. However, when they die, I see that their humanity returns sometimes. And I—"
The silence hung in the air when his voice cracked.
"I cannot unsee that."
A ripple ran across the cyborg's face. Slowly, its lips pulled upwards. The sharp, metal fangs appeared.
"You speak of humanity," the tone was warm, the menace gleeful and sickening. "As if everyone possesses it."
Unable to look away, Tanjiro stared at the devilish caricature of a condescending smile. The Court was still grinning, its fingers clasped over the opposite elbows.
"I've seen your records. Your family was murdered by demons. That's why you joined the Corps."
The glimmer inside the cybernetic eyes narrowed, as if cooling down.
"Would you have joined the police if the murderer was a regular burglar? Would you have pitied him too?"
Tanjiro dropped his head, eyes drilling the floor. His fingers slowly curled into fists.
"No," he gritted through his teeth. "There's a difference between those who were forced to relinquish their humanity and those who willingly gave it up. The concepts are not interchangeable."
"And how do you know that the former demon was humane in his previous life? What guarantee do you have that your opponent wasn't a maniac who murdered countless of citizens?"
"I don't!" Baring his teeth, Tanjiro glared at the cyborg. He was shaking from head to toe, but that didn't quell the wrath in his eyes.
There were monsters on both sides, and it didn't matter which form they took. There was one in him as well.
"But if I can't sympathize, just for the fact that their brain and heart muscle stopped functioning, I'll become a killing machine."
Those were the rules I follow.
"What about those who died?" The Court asked evenly, as if reading his thoughts. "You all keep on losing and losing, while the demons never feel sadness at the deaths of their kin."
"That's not an excuse to fall to their level of thinking." Tanjiro gripped his fists, trying to stop the shaking. "If we can't feel emotions during murder, we're no different from them."
We both hunt each other for survival.
"And you're not eaten away by the burden of this murder?
His features wavered, just for a moment.
"I am. That's why I can't be weak."
Its hand rose up before clasping gently over the metallic forehead. The Court lowered its eyelids slightly, the pupils not seen in the thin slit.
"While you were decapitating Iikubo-san… were you thinking of him as a human or demon?"
Tanjiro was silent for a while. If it's a human, it's murder. If it's a demon, it's duty.
"Human."
The eyelids lifted somewhat more. "Are you sure about your answer, Kamado-san?"
His voice was firm. "Yes."
The thread snapped.
Without a noise, the Court lowered its arm from the forehead. It fully opened its eyes, and they were unreadable.
"I confine you to the Lower Level for six months. During that time, your unofficial right to carry a sword will be suspended. That's the sentence."
The statement was so sudden that Tanjiro didn't feel anything. There was no relief. "Yes."
"The sentence doesn't extend to Agatsuma-san and Hashibira-san."
Tanjiro was silent. Gladness fluttered once, but died away quickly. He didn't want the cyborg to see it.
The sound of the opening elevator doors was almost surreal. The Court's eyes shifted slightly, before returning to the demon slayer's face.
"Dismissed."
He didn't expect the snapping pain that stretched his muscles when he bent down in a bow. For the first time, Tanjiro realized that both of them have been standing all this time. Biting the inside of his mouth, the young man straightened and, without another word, turned around.
He felt the Court's eyes on his back as he walked. It tickled inside his chest from disbelief, and his composure was melting away.
The elevator doors slid shut.
Tanjiro collapsed on his knees and covered his mouth.
No one knew what to say.
Zenitsu kept his eyes on the floor as the elevator rumbled quietly through the shaft. Inosuke was breathing behind him. His face was covered by the boar mask which he pulled as soon as the guards gave back their clothes. He looked unchanged, but by the thinning in his expression, the yellow-haired demon slayer concluded that the frustration, added with boredom and anxiety, took its toll.
His eyes moved slightly to observe the back of Tanjiro's boots. He felt relieved but at the same time guilty for not being punished. Zenitsu knew Inosuke was feeling awkward too. It was always like this, Tanjiro taking the burden for the two of them.
Zenitsu clanged his teeth together and averted his gaze, as if Tanjiro's boots began to burn.
He was both jealous of Tanjiro's selflessness and angry at it. He didn't understand how he was ready to give up himself when he had so many people waiting on him. Zenitsu creased his forehead, sensing the old bitterness creeping up again. He didn't want his love for Nezuko to be an excuse for Tanjiro to disappear freely.
"You're lucky," he said out mindlessly. Tanjiro looked over his shoulder in surprise. Glancing up, Zenitsu held himself back from wincing. His friend's features were sunken.
"What?"
With difficulty, Zenitsu recollected what he wanted to say. "The Court gave you a free pass." Swallowing, he forced out a smile. "You can lounge about doing nothing for half a year," he added in a light-hearted tone, punching Tanjiro lightly in the arm. That one lift up his hand in a small apology.
"Sorry, Zenitsu. I didn't expect the sentence to be so soft," he replied sheepishly.
Zenitsu paused with his mouth parted slightly. Despite how long they knew each other, he still couldn't believe some of the things Tanjiro said.
"Sorry, my ass," he replied quietly, gazing at the scarred demon slayer. "I'm telling you to take advantage of the break, idiot."
"Heh! I bet you wanted that leave for yourself," Inosuke added sarcastically from the back. Zenitsu glanced over his shoulder, and even though he wanted to bite back with all his heart, all he made out was his traditional exasperated mug.
"There's nothing wrong in staying away from the frontline for a while. You definitely decrease your chances of getting killed."
"Really?" Insouke leaned forward slightly, and Zenitsu could feel the boar demon slayer scrutinizing him through the veiled eyes. "Stinks of cowardice to me."
"There's nothing cowardly about keeping yourself safe," Zenitsu grumbled, turning back around. He didn't want to get into a debate, especially since they were all worn out. Zenitsu's eyes traveled upwards. Tanjiro had his back turned to them, almost as if he was zoning out to their conversation.
Zenitsu's face loosened a bit as the anger dissipated. He was probably zoning out. They could only speculate who the monster inside the tower was, but Tanjiro saw it. Everyone claimed that the feeling of suspense was worse, but seeing a demon face-to-face proved no better.
When the elevator doors opened, Insouke barged out before they could even take a step.
"Out of my way, you depressing bunch," was his excuse as he nudged them aside. "I'm getting out of here."
Tanjiro laughed a little and followed him. "We're all getting out here," he reminded as he caught up to Inosuke, and his voice carried down the hallway. Still standing in the elevator, Zenitsu watched them for a second. Perhaps he was wrong to dampen the mood. They were all exhausted out by their time here, so much that even their release seemed surreal and anticlimactic.
The doors began to slide inward, and Zenitsu snapped back to action. The loose sleeve of his pants was nearly snatched by the elevator, and the demon slayer stumbled, much to Insouke's gleeful cackling.
"Hurry up, you nincompoop!"
"Oh shut up." Zenitsu hopped up to them on one foot. Maybe even the building was giving him a clue if it seemed to want to sabotage him. Stopping next to them, he lowered his foot.
"Where are we anyway?"
The only time they saw any human beings was when they were led into a small closet room where the guards distributed their belongings, except Tanjiro's sword. Previously, green lights had been directing the way, but now they were all gone.
They were standing in a spacious room with white walls and a high ceiling. There were several white chairs lining the walls. Zenitsu's eyes traveled along them, before halting on the figure that looked so out of place in here.
Tanjiro's face brightened up, and he for once looked genuinely relieved.
"Tomioka-san!"
Zenitsu slanted his gaze on him and smiled slightly.
"Hashira-sama!" Inosuke ran up to the water pillar and, skidding to a stop, bowed.
Giyuu turned around and looked down at him with his unchanging expression.
"Good morning, Inosuke."
"Morning?" Tanjiro laughed, walking up to them. "Is it really that early? You can't tell time here."
Zenitsu saw how Giyuu's eyes flickered briefly at his friend and suppressed his anxiety; the hashira also noticed the slight unhingement in Tanjiro. The blue eyes traveled up at him, and Zenitsu pulled in his shoulders. If he wasn't the one to apologize, no one else will.
"We're so sorry, Tomioka-san, we were probably a big nuisance, though we actually didn't do anything much but sit around these two weeks—"
Zenitsu ran out of breath, allowing Giyuu to turn around.
"Three weeks." He began walking away. "Let's go."
"Yes, sir!"
Their chorus of voices echoed in the room. Even though he hasn't said it for three weeks, it rolled off easily from Zenitsu's tongue. The young man rubbed his head. The military brainwashed him completely.
When they walked out of the large, glass doors, Zenitsu felt the wind piercing through him like a needle through a balloon. Shivering, the yellow-haired demon slayer looked at the spacious, circular platform laid out in front of them. A flyer was parked at the edge of the platform. It was swallowed in the shadow of the building behind them.
Without a word, Giyuu ran swiftly down the steps and started towards the vehicle.
The three demon slayers followed him. With each foot closer to the flyer, Zenitsu felt the relief tensing in his throat. Squinting, he shot a glance over his shoulder. The tall skyscraper, made of cement and marble rather than glass, loomed over. Nausea filled Zenitsu's stomach, and he almost missed the moment when Inosuke stopped in front of him. Shifting weight over his feet, the yellow-haired demon slayer waited for his friend to scramble inside the flyer. On unbending knees, Zenitsu followed him inside.
His back felt unusual against the sturdy, but comfortable leather. Awkwardly sitting down, Zenitsu noticed that there was another person in the flyer. One hand on the steering wheel, and the other hanging over the top pillow of the seat, Chuntaro watched them silently. His typical beak-apparatus was gone, and he looked like a regular, neat twenty-two year old.
"How are you three?" Chuntaro asked in a quiet voice.
"We're good," Zenitsu nodded past the lump in his throat. Chuntaro's eyes traveled over to Tanjiro.
"Ubayashiki-sama wants to have a word with all of you. It'll be through speakers, but you should still be at your best."
Inosuke didn't say anything, looking out the window. Tanjiro was also quiet, gazing somewhere down and to the side.
"We know, Chuntaro," Zenitsu said tiredly. Chuntaro eyed him, and something sad appeared in his eyes, but then the communications boy turned around and turned on the ignition.
The flyer flew nimbly off the platform and maneuvered into the invisible lane. The light from the rising sun blasted into the window and, squinting, Chuntaro was forced to pull down the blinder. The flyer illuminated from within, and Zenitsu felt the warmth seeping into his body. However, the dread did not leave him as he watched in strain how Giyuu attuned the controls.
The static rumbled through the compartment, before thinning out into a clear, soft voice. Everyone involuntarily straightened out, even Chuntaro who gripped the steering wheel with slightly more force than needed.
"Giyuu? Are you there?"
"Yes, Master," Giyuu replied, staring at the window.
"Are our friends also here?"
Zenitsu caught how the blue eyes darted in the mirror towards them.
"Yes, Master."
"Splendid." There was a short pause and a quiet ruffling, as if the man on the other end was changing his position. "Inosuke?"
"Yes, Master?" He enunciated clearly. Zenitsu eyed him. This was one of the only times when their blockhead showed respect. The voice on the receiver seemed to smile.
"You sound well. Are you well, Inosuke?"
"Yes, Master."
"Did they return the boar head to you?"
"Yes, Master," Inosuke couldn't hold back the small grin from his tone. Zenitsu held back from smirking.
"Wonderful. What about you, Zenitsu?"
Squaring his shoulders, Zenitsu cleared his throat. He could feel Chuntaro's overbearing aura collapse on him, but he didn't pay it attention.
"I'm well. Thank you, Master."
"I'm glad."
Zenitsu felt himself stiffen. He knew what was coming next.
"Tanjiro?"
Even though the voice did not change, the air inside the vehicle did. Zenitsu bit the inside of his lower lip, trying to suppress the uncomfortable indignation at the higher-ups. Why was it always Tanjiro? Why was it always Tanjiro?
"I'm well, Master." The intonation was carefully even. Zenitsu slanted his gaze and saw that his friend was sitting straight with a calm and determined expression on his face. Zenitsu felt himself at loss, wondering how in the world his friend was able to collect himself together.
"How many times did you see the Court?"
Zenitsu saw how Tanjiro, just for a millisecond, unfocused.
"Twice, Master. First the preliminary hearing, and then the official one."
Zenitsu waited in painful anticipation for the man's reply, and he internally cursed him for not replying instantly.
"I would like to know more of what occurred." There was a pause. "However, not now. You are all tired and need to rest." The voice became gentle. "Well done, my children. You all overcame this difficult challenge, and I'm proud of you."
Suddenly, an immense tide of guilt washed over Zenitsu. Unable to look straight, he turned his head abruptly towards the window. The red sliver of the sun reflected in the glass skyscrapers, causing his eyes to water. However, he found enough decency to reply with the rest of them.
"Thank you, Master."
Giyuu switched off the speaker. Chuntaro switched lanes without a word. Zenitsu stared at them. They seemed just as tense as they were.
"Shouldn't the Corps know about the trial's procedures?"
Zenitsu heard the hashira sigh and, judging by the small movement of the seat, he leaned back.
"No. The moment you are within the Court's jurisdiction, you lose contact with the outside world." Giyuu was quiet for a moment, deliberating his words. "Subsequently, we lose contact with you too."
"Doesn't that mean that the Court can do whatever it wants?" Inosuke asked in disbelief. "No one's gonna know anyway."
Zenitsu's eyes darted at Tanjiro, but he remained still next to the window. It seemed that he wasn't even listening to them.
"That's why they don't choose a random judge from the street for the Court," Chunatro explained, and that effectively closed the conversation.
After a while, Zenitsu slouched down onto Inosuke's arm. He got nudged in his ribs for that, but eventually he was allowed to stay.
Finding a good position on his friend's shoulder, Zenitsu's vision dropped somewhere down as thoughts clustered in his head. It was all over. Tomorrow, Chuntaro would probably assign them, maybe even
Tanjiro if he finds a way how to, more missions, and the hamster wheel will start all over again. This was just a break, even shorter than their times at the hospitals.
Zenitsu's eyes traveled up to the front seats. Reclining back, Chuntaro directed the flyer with one hand. His face was serious. Giyuu had his elbow propped against the windowsill and rested his chin on his fist. Miniscule expressions flickered on his face, as if he was wordlessly talking with someone.
Zenitsu lowered his eyelids, keeping them open just a little bit to observe the landscape. It was ringing in his head.
The flyer gradually descended deeper into the city. When they passed down the Wisteria District, petals dropped on the front mirror. Chuntaro tried to sweep them away, but they only got stuck in the wipers.
The lanes became narrower. Buildings crept closer together, and the traffic increased. The shadow of a cruiser swam over them, and several speeding pods jutted right from the alleyways in front of them. Zenitsu saw how Chuntaro straightened, placing both hands on the steering wheel.
They flew straight through a shooting stream of gas exhaust, and a thin sour smell slipped through the ventilators. Smoothly decreasing their speed, the communications boy maneuvered into a small alley. Inouske grunted in relief when Zenitsu lifted off of him, but the yellow-haired demon slayer waved it away. They were getting home.
Zenitsu swallowed. His heart thumped in his temples.
Barely squeezing in between the walls, Chuntaro carefully lowered the flyer down on the cement. A pipe scratched lightly the surface of the door.
The flyer stopped with a short bump. Turning off the ignition, Chuntaro slid open the sunroof.
"Get out this way," he ordered them briefly. "There's no way you'll have room on the sides."
"Thank you, Chuntaro," Giyuu replied and stood up first. Zenitsu watched him in slight nervousness, not at all related to how the hashira placed his foot on the arm rest between the front seats and climbed out of the opening. He turned around and leaned down, lowering his arm for support.
"Next."
Zenitsu stood up. Mimicking the hashira's movements, he stepped up and, glancing upwards, took the man's outstretched hand. Giyuu pulled him up, and Zenitsu found himself squatting on tiptoes on the flyer's roof. Zenitsu inhaled sharply. The street was painfully familiar, yet it felt like ages since he's been here last. His eyes stopped on one of the doors.
"You can start going," Giyuu motioned to him. "The door is already open."
Palms wet, Zenitsu carefully slid off the roof into the tiny space left between the vehicle and the wall. Squeezing by, he made his way towards the door and, lingering just for a moment, pushed down on the handle.
The door swung open easily, and the demon slayer stumbled in.
The smell of food made his mouth water, and the combination of hunger and anxiety disoriented him.
"Anyone here?" Zenitsu croaked as he pushed off his sneakers in an autopilot movement. He heard worried shuffles in the depths of the apartment, as well as whispering, and he felt that he was on the end of the line. This is just ridiculous, he thought to himself and swayed forward, but before he could take a step, Nezuko skidded into the hallway.
Zenitsu froze. Nezuko blinked at him. Her eyes rounded, and the features around her muzzle melted together until they solidified in contagious, immeasurable joy.
With a small bounce in the beginning, she ran up to him and flung her arms around his neck. Zenitsu staggered back, heart racing in his chest, and wrapped his arms around her back in a delayed, clumsy motion. Her hair flew around him.
"Hello, Nezuko-chan," he mumbled. "Sorry, my processor is a little slow today…"
She leaned away, and her eyes were pinched in muted laughter. Nezuko shook her head, letting him know that he's an idiot. Zenitsu smiled, at first a little and then wider.
"Is that the crybaby here?"
Zenitsu looked up and saw Genya walking up to them. Zenitsu raised his eyebrows, pleasantly surprised, though that didn't stop him from joking.
"What did you forget here?"
"Nezuko invited me," Genya smirked, dropping his hands into his pockets. He leaned forward and gave a wicked grin. "Jealous much?"
"No," Zenitsu replied flatly, but at the same time carefully disentangled his hands from Nezuko. The young woman likewise stepped away from him, and even though it seemed natural, Zenitsu felt the tiny spark of strain between them.
Even though everyone assumed they were established, he never talked to her properly. He tried a few years ago, but she just shook her head, and while she didn't reject his small signs of affection, she didn't further them either. At these moments, it always seemed as if something innate was stopping her.
"Nezuko!"
Zenitsu was shoved promptly to the side, and Inosuke squeezed the demon girl in a tight bear hug. A muffled yelp escaped from her, and Inosuke laughed out loud.
"Your big bro is safe and sound, don't you worry!"
"Place her down, moron," Zenitsu blurted out despite his will. Genya shrugged, crossing his arms and leaning on the wall.
"I mean, if he snaps her bones, she can always regenerate them."
"That's not the point—"
Curling her leg around his knee, Nezuko tripped Inosuke down, and both of them fell on the floor with a loud bang. Both Zenitsu and Genya jolted in surprise as Nezuko, grinning triumphantly through the straps of the muzzle, clambered on top of the demon slayer. As for Inosuke, he was laughing uncontrollably, the tip of his chin and mouth peeking from his mask.
"Fine, fine, fine, you win!" He wheezed, unable to catch his breath. Nezuko's eyes gleamed in pride. Zenitsu sighed, relief spreading quietly over his chest, and stepped forward.
"You jerks," he said, offering his hand.
The footsteps echoed against the door steps. Nezuko whirled around.
Holding Tanjiro by the shoulder, Giyuu closed the door carefully. His eyebrow twitched slightly at the sudden silence, and the hashira turned around, giving them a surprised look.
Zenitsu's hand became very heavy. He slanted his eyes on Nezuko, but she scrambled up without noticing him. Straightening out, the yellow-haired demon slayer watched how the demon girl stopped next to her brother. Tanjiro smiled tiredly, but Zenitsu could see that he was fighting his all to look normal.
"I'm back, Nezuko. See? Everything went fine."
Because she was standing back towards him, Zenitsu couldn't tell Nezuko's expression. However, he saw how she reached out and, gently, touched her brother's cheek.
"The food will make you feel better."
Zenitsu started from an unexpected voice and turned around harshly. The robot stood at the end of the hallway. He was looking at Tanjiro and Nezuko.
"Eating is the best thing you can do right now." The red eyes lowered down on Inosuke. "What are you doing?"
"Shut up," Insouke grumbled, sitting up. The tension easened from the air. Genya was already walking away towards the robot. Inosuke, after fixing the tipped mask, trailed after them.
"Hurry up, Gonpachiro, or I'll eat your share!" He tossed over the shoulder. Tanjiro smiled and, without looking at Nezuko, followed him.
Sighing, relieved that everything evened out, Zenitsu turned back around. He was taken aback by the thoughtful expression on Nezuko's face as she gazed at the robot. Before he could discern what it was, the girl turned away and took the hashira, who was leaving now that the youth figured everything out, by the wrist.
"No, Nezuko, I probably won't," Giyuu declined softly. "My shift is starting soon."
Frowning, Nezuko shook her head. Her watch flashed on its own.
"I wouldn't be so adamant, Giyuu."
Zenitsu faltered from suddenness, not recognizing the voice that resonated from Nezuko's watch. It was dry and sarcastic.
"Nezuko's food is delicious. Besides, I lended her money from your account to get all the ingredients."
Nezuko averted her eyes guiltily. Zenitsu watched in stupor how Giyuu's face stiffens, before dropping in an actual scowl.
"I didn't give you permission to meddle with my documents."
"I took the initiative anyway. Listen, if you're pissed off, speak to your corps's financial managers so that they give higher wages to the youngsters. The two siblings are literally living off of Tanjiro's salary."
Giyuu grimaced a little bit, before reclining his golf bag next to the wall. "Fine. Come back into the transmission."
"Understood," the voice smirked. The watch blinked off. Zenitsu moved to the side to give the hashira space to put down his shoes. He had no idea what just occurred. He glanced at Nezuko. Waiting until the hashira was out of earshot, he leaned down to her ear.
"Who was that?" He whispered.
Nezuko lifted her wrist up, and Zenitsu lowered his eyes in the familiar motion.
It's Giyuu-san's friend. Only Tanjiro, Kanzaburo and I know about him, so I can't really tell anything else. The cursor hovered on the screen, before erupting in another sequence of sentences. Now that I think about it, Shinobu-san knows about him too.
"Is he similar to the Crows?" Zenitsu asked, thinking about how Chuntaro occasionally hacked his watch to wake him up in the middle of the night.
No.
Nezuko slipped into the kitchen, leaving Zenitsu to enter the living room alone. He lingered for a moment before walking in.
The low square table, only a few centimeters above the carpet, was already in the center of the room. Bowls of food cramped on top of it, giving the packages of juice no option but to be next to the table's short legs.
Sitting against the wall, Genya outstretched until his toe touched the table's edge. A social app was projected off of his watch, and he scrolled actively through the feed. Boar mask tipped up, Inosuke leaned against his shoulder and watched the images pass by. He was already eating.
Tanjiro was sitting on Genya's other side. He was also leaning on his shoulder, but it was more out of weariness than interest in the feed. Zenitsu looked to the right. Jacket folded next to him, Giyuu sat properly on his knees. He was loosening his tie.
Rubikku was sitting on the windowsill, gazing absently into the open window.
Someone kicked him lightly in the back of his leg. Zenitsu moved obediently to the side, and Nezuko ran in with a tray of salads in her hands. Plopping it on the table, she clambered into a sit.
Genya immediately switched off his watch and scooted closer to the table. Inosuke placed the bowl and chopsticks down, as if he hadn't been eating at all, and sent Nezuko a grin through a mouth full of rice. The demon girl pinched her eyebrows, but transferred her eyes to her brother.
Tanjiro looked back at her and smiled. Nezuko's expression became unreadable.
Turning away, she closed her eyes and brought her hands together. Everyone followed her motion.
A quiet "thank you for the food," along with a muffled noise from Nezuko, mingled with the sounds of traffic coming from the window.
Inosuke grabbed the bowl of rice instantly and resumed his eating. Zenitsu hesitated, scanning the wide options of food in front of him. He was very hungry, but at the same time it was almost as if his stomach couldn't digest anything fancier than the bland rations of the prison.
Zenitsu pressed his lips and picked up the package of apple juice next to him.
"Have some?"
Tanjiro glimpsed in surprise when he said those words. The surprise changed quickly into gratitude.
"Yes, thank you."
Zenitsu poured his friend some of the synthesized juice into the cup, before splashing some for himself. He was acutely aware that Nezuko, hands folded diligently on her lap and not eating them, was watching them. Unable to defeat his curiosity, Zenitsu glanced at her. Nezuko smiled back.
It was only eight o'clock when their feast-like breakfast ended. Pillow propped behind his head, Genya lay down on the couch. Inosuke sat on top of his legs. Both were looking into their watches. Tanjiro was showering. Giyuu was on the tiny balcony among the drying clothes and household junk. It seemed that he was talking with someone, but the balcony doors were closed, blocking out all sound.
Zenitsu was placing away the last of the plates into the cabinet when Rubikku walked into the kitchen.
"Sorry," the robot apologized, handing over another dirty cup and plate from the living room. "I've got one more."
"Was that on purpose?" Zenitsu joked with a sigh, taking the dish from him. Rubikku gave a quiet laugh and shook his head.
"No, no it wasn't."
He walked over to the counter and pulled himself up by the mechanical arms. Zenitsu smirked and, switching on the faucet, filled the cup with water. He could feel the robot's discerning eyes on him.
"You seem depressed."
"For real?" Zenitsu dumped the water out of the cup and rubbed it with a sponge. In the glass doors of the cabinets, he saw Rubikku shrug.
"How would I know?"
Zenitsu placed the cup on the counter and moved on to the plate.
"Were you always perceptive, or did that come with the robotic body?"
Rubikku laughed and, slipping off, walked over to the sink.
"Maybe. I don't remember my time as a human." He leaned against the counter next to Zenitsu and crossed his arms on his chest. The demon slayer rolled his eyes and scratched the rice off the plate.
They stood in a short silence of the running water. Zenitsu kept his gaze trained on the plate.
"How was Nezuko?"
Rubikku looked away. "Normal."
Zenitsu wordlessly placed the plate next to the cup. The answer neither satisfied nor dissatisfied him, but he couldn't expect more from the laconic robot.
Eyebrows raised, Nezuko glanced into the kitchen. Rubikku turned his head towards her.
"What, Nezuko?"
Nezuko made an exasperated face and gesticulated demonstratively with her hand, indicating for them to screw out of her kitchen. Zenitsu wiped his hands quickly with a towel and followed the sighing robot out of the kitchen. Nezuko gave him a small punch in the shoulder as he walked out.
The living room looked exactly the same as he left it. Slouching over the top of the couch, Zenitsu peered down at Inosuke's watch.
"Are you still watching that thing?"
"Who asked you to come?" Inosuke retorted. Zenitsu snorted and, leaning over, scrolled to the next video.
"This one's boring."
"Hey, stop it," Inosuke protested, but the yellow-haired demon slayer kept on scrolling. They went through several reels like that before stopping on a particular one, mostly because it was so dumb.
MAN STANDS FOR THREE HOURS STRAIGHT UNDER AN UMBRELLA WITHOUT MOVING
"Really, that's what you chose?" Inosuke muttered under his breath. Zenitsu ignored him and clicked on the comments next to the video.
dude's standing for three hours, MVP
re: doesn't he wanna piss already
re: re: id pass out by this point
specialized diapers anyone?
lol the shirt
Zenitsu glanced up at the video. The word "Chick" was written on the guy's sleeveless shirt. Really , he should've expected something like that.
"What are you looking at?"
Zenitsu shuffled to the side, allowing Rubikku to recline next to him. The robot took one look at the video and choked from surprise.
"What in the world is he doing?"
Inosuke laughed at the loss in the robot's voice, and even Genya snorted from his spot.
"Are you talking about the umbrella man? He's been there since sunrise." He pulled his legs from under the boar demon slayer and sat up, leaning in to take a look as well. "Probably trying to get attention."
"That's so lame," Inosuke grimaced as Zenitsu returned back to the comments.
real legend
why umbrella
maybe so that ppl notice him
are those claws
"The hell?" Inosuke snapped and tapped the screen. The holographic video expanded, and through the colorful pixels, they saw several sharp talons peeking out from the hem of the pants.
The comments kept on scrolling, but Zenitsu didn't pay them any attention. He stared at Genya, and Genya stared at Inosuke whose eyes were locked on the watch.
"Where is this being filmed?" Rubikku made out in a slightly hoarse voice.
"Sanohe Park," Genya replied almost instantly. "It's in the twenty-first ward of the eastern Upper Level."
The balcony door slid open. Zenitsu jolted and looked in that direction.
Giyuu's face was frozen. A speaker was in his ear.
In the video, the demon's eyes rose slowly, and he fixed his grip on the umbrella.
A/N: Hi guys!
Time blurs together when I skip my weekly updates, and I hate it.
This chapter is a little different because it focuses mostly on the young demon slayers. We're also getting pieces of the demon-human conflict (which I hopefully won't forget to expand in the future chapters - fingers crossed :)).
Also, I don't remember if I explicitly stated it in the fic, but Nezuko is 19 years old. In the manga, she seems to stay the same age (even younger, I think) and only "ages" in her berserk form, but I took a slight liberty and made her grow up even when she became a demon. That also will be explored in the story.
That's it for today. I really missed all of you, and I'm happy to be back. Thank you so much for your patience. Also...
BIG shoutout to solaneto on tumblr who created artwork for my fic. I'm honestly just so humbled by this and so, so, so taken aback that this work is getting recognition. I did not have this with my earlier works (some of which are not here), and so this is just so new to me.
Here's the link to the artwork. It's honestly just amazing. Thank you so much.
post/675004850348687360/tokyo-2503-one-of-the-most-interesting-fanfic
