Argentum: Alright here we are! The beginning of the Mugen train arc!
Judan: This should be good.
Argentum: I personally hope so because I'm going to put in a lot of effort on these next three chapters.
Slayer: With ya all the way captain.
Grel'Slyfer: oh boy! Time for death and carnage!
Shadow: Not really undear brother.
Argentum: He's right.
Grel'Slyfer: Oh Abyss dang it.
Argentum: Alright as a forewarning, I will be dividing up the Mugen train arc into four chapters.
Slayer: Will be able to get everything we want in with that amount.
Argentum: Exactly! Also here is Shadow with the results of the poll.
Shadow: Yep! As it is my job to deal such matters, I am to announce that the winner is Muichiro! How that effects the story you'll just have to wait and see.
Judan: Also because no one's asked it.
Slayer: Oh no.
Judan: I've been meaning to ask…
Argentum: What is he doing?
Judan: What is the meaning of life, the universe, and everything!
Slayer: Gosh darn it!
Argentum: I'm actually not familiar with this.
Judan: You uncultured swine!
Slayer: Have to side with Judan on this one.
Argentum: Okay… well to make sure this doesn't go on any longer. I will actually do the disclaimer for once!
Grel'Slyfer: That is new.
Argentum: Ahem… We here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing but OC's and reality building concepts. Everything else belongs to their respective owners. Now without further delay…
Everyone: Here's the story!
Hello= Regular talk
Hello= Thoughts
[Hello]= Radio
(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading
Chapter Forty Two: Special third Person Chapter! Chapter five! Mugen Train part one!
Standing on the roof of the train stood a rather lanky looking individual. His brown twin tailed suit coat was fluttering in the wind. Taking in the air blowing past him he closed his pale blue eyes. Opening them he grinned widely, revealing his fangs and the kanji that simply said one engraved onto his left eye.
"Amazing! Not just one Hashira but three! Oh what a blessed day this is! It's like a dream come true~! I just can't get enough of this! What's more they're the ones my lord wants eliminated! Oh how joyous~!" He then began to laugh, his black to red to blue hair becoming slightly disheveled. Allowing for his sadistic insanity to shine through. "Sleep well little demon slayers, for this will be the last dream you'll ever have!" Back inside the train a group of people were tying their wrists to the Kamaboko squad and co. A hand with a mouth on its top side was instructing them. "Make sure the ropes are tied securely, and do be careful. Even in a dream they could be dangerous."
All ten of them nodded in understanding as they sat closing their eyes. It was time for the demon Enmu's plan to commence.
Part one Inosuke
He felt as if he was falling into water, but when he opened his eyes he saw himself in a cave. "What the? What happened to the giant metal monster I was in?! The hell is going on?!"
"Boss!" Turning around he saw something that made him giddy. It was his crew! Though they were better than ever! All of them were now animals like he was. The one who spoke up was a tanuki Tanjiro. "Everything alright boss?"
His laugh started out small, but then it increased in volume. "HAHAHAHA! Never better Monjiro! After all I'm the great Inosuke Sama! HAHAHA!" Everyone quickly cheered for his greatness, praising him as he flexed his muscles.
That's when a roar was heard and Mouse Zenitsu spoke up. "Ahh! That sounds like a horrible monster boss! What should we do?!" Chuckling Inosuke puffed out his chest fearlessly.
"Simple Monitsu! With me leading the way we shall destroy this monster! And for all those who join me they shall get shiny acorns!" Everyone cheered as he turned around and started marching into the cave. His underlings following him as they all marched in. As they reached further in eventually a large reptilian creature blocked their way.
Looking down at them it spoke. "Ah! Otouto Inosuke! I'm glad you're here! For while I am embarrassed to admit this, your Aniki needs help defeating the master of the cave." Inosuke gave the muscular white dragon a thumbs up.
"Do now worry Aniki! I shall slay the beast in our honor!" Everyone around him cheered as his Aniki roared in thanks. "HAHAHA! Come on expedition team! Let's get moving!" Continuing on their way fox Kanao pointed at something up ahead.
"Using my eyes I can see a large boulder blocking the way!" Nodding and patting her on the head Inosuke stepped forward.
"Super strength team! Come forth and together we shall destroy any obstacle in our path!" Jumping forward was bunny Nezuko, and fox Mitsuri who cheered. Then as one they punched the enormous rock, causing it to shatter into dust. "That's what I'm talking about! Now let's move forward! Flame man! You're up front with me!" Jumping forward was gorilla Kyojuro.
"HAHA! Whatever the boss says I shall support with my blazing heart!" Cheering everyone marched deeper into the large cave, eventually Tanjiro spoke up.
"HEY BOSS! With my nose I can smell the mater of the cave!" Jumping in next to him was a enthusiastic Zenitsu.
"And with my hearing I can hear the master of the cave!"
Inosuke nodded before handing them each some acorns. "Good work Minion one and two!" The two seemed to preen under his praise. That's when they all felt it, a rumble and loud whistle. Turning around Inosuke got ready to fight. "It's here…" Coming from the shadows was some sort of abomination of a train monster. "Attack! Attack so we may bring glory to not only myself but everyone here!" With war cries they all charged in. Ready to eliminate the threat and become heroes.
Part Two Kanao
Opening her eyes Kanao blinked a few times before sitting up with a gasp. Pulling out her sword she looked around before lowering it in confusion. She was back at the butterfly estate. What's more everything now seemed a little bigger than usual.
What's going on? Wasn't I on the train with Tanjiro and the others.
"Kanao?" She froze as her eyes widened. "Is something the matter?" Turning around she saw a beautiful girl with long black hair. Clipped in it was a very familiar butterfly ornament. She was also wearing a familiar white and pink butterfly haori. "Ara ara Kanao Chan, you look as if you've seen a ghost or something." She couldn't help it at that point, with tears in her eyes she rushed forward and tackled the woman in a hug. "Oh! Are you alright?! Tell me what's worng?!" Kanao said nothing just crying into her eldest adopted sister's chest. In return the purple eyes girl simply smiled and held her. "There there… everything will be alright now, your Onee Chan is here for you."
After a bit Kanao stopped crying and was instead just sniffling. "Sorry Onee Chan but I thought I'd never see you again." Kanae Kocho looked down at her little sister in worry.
"Never thought you'd see me again? Oh dear you must've had a horrible nightmare. But don't worry I'm here for you now." Kanao nodded as another set of footsteps came in.
"Eh?! Is Kanao Chan alright?!" Looking over she saw with some surprise a much younger and shorter haired Shinobu.
"Nee San…"
Balling up her fists Shinobu rolled up her sleeves. "I swear if this is that Kamado boy's fault he's in for a world of hurt! Bad enough that's he's trying to take my little sister!" At the mention of a Kamado boy Kanao blinked in surprise as Kanae giggled, this caused Shinobu to round on her. "And what's so funny Nee Chan?"
Sighing good naturedly Kanae answered her little sister. "Oh nothing much, just makes me glad to see how much you care. Though in this case it wasn't Tanjiro Kun, no Kanao Chan just had a bad dream is all. Isn't the right Kanao Chan~?" Still a little shocked Kanao could only nod her head dumbly. "Oh! Speaking of whom… Tanjiro Kun is actually coming over for dinner~! Along with Nezuko Chan and Michael Kun. Won't that be fun?" Kanao looked down at the floor, now a bit apprehensive of things but still nodded.
Shinobu on the other hand sighed. "Well I suppose there are worse men… like that Tomioka San! Ugh I hate him." Kanae gave her younger sister a look before teasing the teen a bit.
"Ara ara… and here I thought you liked him quite a bit. Oh well I suppose he'll just find someone else then~." As Shinobu froze Kanao couldn't help but cover her mouth, doing her best not to laugh.
Shinobu on the other hand began speaking hastily. "No way! As if anyone would ever like that friendless man! I mean… right?" She was a little nervous now as she asked her older sister.
Kanae held a finger up to her lips as she winked. "Oh I'm sure there's someone out there. Why? It's not like you like him right?" The following outburst was expected.
"NO! I mean maybe… wait! No I don't! Well I suppse- NO! AHH! You're impossible sometimes Nee Chan!" She then ran out of the dojo pulling at her hair. That got bother Kanao and Kanae to laugh loudly. "It's not funny!" At the sound of Shinobu's yell and retreating footsteps they only laughed harder. Eventually calming down Kanae looked down at Kanao and kissed her forehead.
"Better now?" Kanao nodded as she rubbed her eyes. "Good! Now let's get you prepared for Tanjiro Kun~. He should be here any minute now." Standing up she set her younger adopted sister down and took Kanao's hand. "Shall we?" With a smile Kanao nodded.
"Sure!" Both smiling they walked further into the butterfly estate. The younger of the two while still suspicious was now truly happy. She did have her eldest sister back after all.
Part Three Genya
He didn't know how long he had been asleep, only that he knew he felt comfortable. However such was not too last as a familiar young voice yelled at him.
"Wake up Nii San!" As a weight landed on his stomach the teen coughed as the air was driven from him. Groaning he opened his eyes only to not believe what he was seeing. "Nii San! Come on Okaa Chan has made breakfast already!" It was one of his five younger siblings, the oldest brother to be precise. "Hmm? Is something wrong Nii San?" His hands shook as he took his younger brothers face into his hands. His white hair being just the way he remembered.
"Kota… you're alive?" His little brother looked at him strangely as Genya hugged him crying. "You're alive!" As the door to his room opened he looked over only for his eyes to water even more so. "You're all alive!" There looking into the room with worry were his other four younger siblings.
"Oi! Oi! What's with all the crying this morning?!" Walking in between the children was someone he couldn't help but gulp upon seeing. "Genya what's the matter? You're holding up breakfast here! Kaa San made a wonderful meal and you're just sleeping in. Geez what a lazy brother you are." Upon hearing Sanemi actually call him his brother Genya's jaw dropped. "Now you just look stupid." The white haired man then sighed. "Look if you had a nightmare then I'm sorry. But come on and pull yourself together! You're a man right?"
He's right… Rubbing his eyes Genya looked back with a smile. "Yeah you're right as always Aniki, sorry about all of that." Sanemi simply nodded with a grin.
"As long as you get it! Now come on! Best not to waste Kaa San's food." He then left picking up most of their younger siblings in the process. Much to their laughter and a few protests. Picking up Kota he stood up.
"Guess we better get going as well, sorry that I worried you." In response his younger brother simply grinned.
"Don't worry! I have nightmares to!" Genya smiled at his little brother's reassurance. After living in such a nightmare for so long, it was good to be back with those he cared about.
Part Four Eris
Yawning she stretched out her back before blinking. "Why am I back in my judgement room?" She then looked at her seat. "Also back on my throne." She then looked down at herself. "Also my purple goddess robes… okay what is this?!"
"What's wrong honey?" Looking over she couldn't help but let her jaw drop. For standing in a long black suit combo was Michael.
"Okay first… you look pretty good. Secondly… this can't be real." Standing up she walked over to Michael, examining him thoroughly. Much to his obvious confusion.
"I'm sorry? Did I do something wrong again?" Reaching up she pinched his cheeks. "I twake thwat as a yes thwen?" As she was busy pulling at the dragon's face, a pair of arms wrapped around her.
Putting her chin on Eris' head was another familiar figure. "Oh? I see someone is in trouble again~." Letting Michael go she rounded on the newest person. It was Cassandra in a white dress. Again Eris could only blink in confusion.
"How are you two even here?" Cassandra looked at her strangely before answering.
"After dealing with the Darkwraiths Modaga got us special permission remember?" Eris remembered none of that happening. Humming in worry Cassandra put a hand to Eris' forehead. "Are you doing alright? Are you sick?" Hugging her Michael also voiced his concern.
"If you're not feeling well you should tell us. We're family aren't we? We know that your goddess duties can be stressful, but you can count on our help if you need it." He then kissed her cheek. "That's a promise we all made to one another." Eris looked up at him sadly before kissing his lips for a moment. Finishing she pushed him away.
Her look was one of sad longing. "Sorry but this isn't the first time I've dealt with things like this. And while I wish this was real, and man do I wish it were! I know it isn't, so please step aside as I find a way out of here. Besides the real versions of you are probably in danger, and I need to protect them." After a moment both smiled at her before nodding, they then both disappeared as Eris looked around. "It really is too bad, would've been nice to live in the divine realms with them." She then clenched her fists in anger. "I won't allow whatever sonofabitch get away with trying to mess with my heart!"
That's when she heard it, a sound of something ripping. Narrowing her eyes she used thunder breathing and zipped towards the sound. With her speed she was able to see a sickly looking woman, about to enter through some kind of hole they made. Before the woman could enter Eris grabbed her shoulder and tossed her to the side. Looking through the hole that looked to be made in some kind of barrier, she saw for just a moment a peaceful plain with storming skies. Shaking her head as the hole closed, she walked over the woman and grabbed her by the front of her kimono.
"So… what do you think you're doing here?" The tone she was using. was one she used for those she were about to send to hell. In other words… a very scary tone. The woman was shaking now as she realized she had been caught. "Well?!"
The woman starting crying as she began explaining. "I'm being forced to destroy your spiritual core by that monster! Please don't hurt me!" She was crying now, though Eris didn't care all that much. She's dealt with plenty of sinners over her life, and so knew when someone was lying.
"Don't play dumb with me! Now tell me the real reason you're doing this!" After a moment of sobbing she finally answered the enraged goddess.
"I just wanted a happy dream of my own… I don't have much longer to live and just wanted to be happy! Is that so wrong?!" Eris could only shake her head as she roughly dropped the woman.
"It is when it is at the cost of other people's lives! Now tell me how to get out of here."
The woman shook her head. "I don't know! I only know how to leave for myself! Please don't hurt me!" Sighing at the sickly woman's begging Eris looked around.
How am I supposed to leave here?
Part Five Zenitsu
He was laughing, he was happy, and he holding the most beautiful girl in the world in his arms. "Hahaha!" Zenitsu couldn't remember a time he was happier, only time that came close was when Nezuko accepted his confession! "Todays a wonderful day isn't it Nezuko Chan?" The pink eyed girl giggled before nodding.
"It is~! And what's better is that everyone is visiting for dinner later! I think the last time we've all gotten together was our marriage. Now that was a lovely day~." Zenitsu nodded as he kissed her nose.
"You looked absolutely beautiful that day~. In fact you always look beautiful!" Her laughter warmed his heart and he couldn't help but laugh himself. If this is a dream I don't want to wake up! Sitting up Nezuko looked over him with a smile.
"So… who do you think will have children first? Us? My Onii chan and Kanao Chan? Tomioka San and Shinobu San? Or Michael Nii with Eris Nee San and Cassandra Nee San?" He thought for a moment sitting up himself.
Arms folded across his chest before smiling brightly at his wife. "Honestly it would be great for any of us! Though I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish for us to have kids first~." Nezuko smiled widely before hugging his side.
"I'm glad you think that way." Wrapping his arms around his wife Zenitsu smiled himself. "Zenitsu… you know I don't think I ever really thanked you for accepting me. Even when I was still a demon who could barely talk. So thank you for that, I can't even put to words how happy I was that you treated me like a person. I'll always love you for that." She then looked up and kissed his lips, a kiss he quickly reciprocated.
When they parted Zenitsu hugged her tightly. "Well when I first saw you, I could hear that you were a demon. Yet you could walk in the sun and were also not eating people. So I thought why not give you a chance? I'll also be honest and say you were the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen. So that might have helped in my opinion of you." His wife gave a very unladylike snort before commenting.
"Oh? So if I were ugly you wouldn't have given me a chance?" Zenitsu laughed nervously before looking away. Nezuko rolled her eyes good naturedly before patting his cheek. "Regardless thank you for that." Leaning into him again Nezuko closed her eyes with a smile. "I love you." His heart fluttered at her words. Enough to ignore a nagging feeling in the back of his head.
"I love you to." Over to the side a young man was panting as he cut a hole open into his inner world.
Once inside he couldn't help but yell. "What kind of place is this?!" He was met with a pitch black void. Silence being the only response to his question.
Part Six Kyojuro
Sitting down for dinner the flame Hashira couldn't help but laugh, his father and now former tsuguko were once again trying to get on each other's nerves.
So far his student was on the offensive. "All I'm saying is that your old body will soon not be able to keep up with me. Doubt you'd be able to keep up with either Cassandra or Eris for that matter." Shinjuro rolled his eyes before retorting.
"Hah! You haven't gotten close to using the mark! What makes you think you can even use it? Also what do you mean by old?! I'm not even in my fifties yet Gaki!" Serving him some more rice was a sighing Mukago.
"Those two don't know when to quit do they?"
Senjuro laughed before commenting. "Haha! They've always been like this though." The former demoness sighed before picking up her own bowl.
"I suppose, but they should seriously give it a break. Was like this the last time I was over for dinner." Kyojuro rubbed his chin while nodding. It was pretty true after all. However there was something in the back of his mind, as if this exact scene had played out once before. As he watched the scene more closely he watched how his younger brother interacted with Mukago.
The topic of conversation also sounded familiar. "So what's it like being a Dragonknight? Is it as cool as it sounds?" The dragon doctor shrugged before rubbing her right horn.
"Well it's better than being a demon. Though besides these two horns on the front of my head. It's pretty much like being a human again. Still hate these things though." She then looked at Michael. "I hope he can turn me into a real knight soon, I want to get rid of these things as soon as possible. They kind of make me look ugly if I'm honest."
Kyojuro spoke up at that point. "Outside looks don't matter! Your inner beauty is all that you should be worried about. And I do say that has been shining through more and more lately! You are changing and for the better Mukago San." As the dragonknight blushed furiously he looked at her quizzically. "Are you alright? You've suddenly become red." Everyone but Mukago stopped what they were doing and just gave him unimpressed looks. "What? Is there something on my face?" Shinjuro, Senjuro, and Michael then looked at each other and sighed.
Okay now there is something very familiar about this scene! As the flame Hashira tried to deal with his Deja-vu, a young woman was sneaking around the estate.
"Okay so far so good, but I need to hurry!" Running she eventually made it to the wall of the dream. "What is with this place? This is by far the smallest dream I've ever been in!" Deciding it didn't matter she shook her head and with her ice pick stabbed at the wall. "Doesn't matter! All that matters is getting a good dream myself!" As she entered the rift she created, she had to wipe at her brow as she felt the heat. "What kind of hellscape is this?"
Everything was on fire and stone tiles under her feet were releasing steam from their cracks. Shaking her head the young girl pushed on, eventually coming to a red semi translucent sphere. It had the kanji for flame on it and was floating off the ground.
"I've never seen a red one before." Steeling her resolve she raised the pick. "Doesn't matter! Now die so I can experience a happy dream of my own!" Out in the real world Kyojuro twitched before rising up and grabbing the girl's neck. Back in the dream world she felt herself be raised up, something constricting her neck. What is this?! Just what kind of survival instinct does this man have?!
Part Seven Cassandra
An older man was breathing hard, every breath he took felt as if his lungs were freezing. "Just what kind of hell of an inner world is this?!" All around him was the blowing wind and snow, trees as far as the eye could see. A castle only seen rarely through the gaps in-between the forest. "Just where is that stupid core?!" That's when he felt it a hand on his shoulder that froze his center.
"Ara ara… so you're the one trying to kill me then?" Turning around he swung his ice pick at the voice. With ease Cassandra stepped back, dodging the deadly instrument. "Why that was quite rude. Do you not have any manners? And we were trying to be so polite as well."
Point the pick at her eyes he shook. "How are you here?! You're supposed be enjoying that dream of yours!" Bringing a hand to her lips Cassandra smiled warmly, though to the man I felt anything but warm.
"Oh that? We will admit that we enjoyed indulging in that small phantasm. Looking after soo many wonderful and bright children was a dream come true~. Even more so when we discovered the children were ours and our future husband's and bride sister's. However that was all we did, indulge a little as we waited to see what sort of danger we were in."
The man looked at her in shock. "You mean to tell me you knew it was all just a dream the entire time?" At her nod the man took a few steps back. "How?! In fact how are you even here?! It doesn't make any sense!"
Giggling for just a moment Cassandra gave the man a condescending smirk. "Simple, it all comes down to our biology." Brushing some hair from the side of her head, Cassandra showed off her pointed ear. "We are an elf you see, but just any elf! No we are a high elf, we are biologically immune to anything that could force us to sleep. We knew it was a trap the moment our ticket was punched. However we found that this would be a could time to gain information on our enemy." She then took a step forward making the man take a step back.
"Don't come any closer you freak! And why do you keep referring to yourself in the third person?! What are you ten?!"
Sighing Cassandra explained herself. "Simple… we are royalty, a princess and the last of our royal blood line. Outside we may let ourselves "loosen" up as they say. But this shall always be who we are." She then took another step forward as the man backed up into a tree. His face sweating from fear. "Now you will tell us everything that we wish to know. Or else we might have to get… a little rough." As she took another step forward the man screamed in fear.
Part Eight Nezuko
She could feel something was off the moment she opened her eyes. "Okay what's going on?" Around her was bright blue skies and white fluffy clouds. "At least that looks nice." She then looked at the ground. "That not so much." She was standing on an ocean of blood.
"What the hell?!" Looking to the side she saw a young man in a blue yukata looking around. "Just what kind of dream is this?!" As he frantically looked around he eventually saw Nezuko. "Oh this ain't good." Nezuko was inclined to agree with the man as she rushed forward. "Ah crap!" Thus began a short chase where Nezuko quickly caught up and tackled him. "Ahh! Let me go bitch!" Nezuko didn't take too kindly to that and grabbed tha man's arms, forcing them painfully behind his back. "Argh! Can't you take a joke?!"
Nezuko rolled her eyes before starting her questioning. "Alright buster! Who are you? What is this place? And why am I here?! And what do you want?!" The man struggled for a moment before she pulled his arms back even further.
"Argh! Alright! Alright already! Just ease up will ya?! Geez I like having a pretty girl on my back as much as the next guy, but I'm not one of those weirdos who likes pain!" After giving him a very unimpressed look Nezuko let up a little, but didn't let him get up.
"Will you answer me now?" Nodding the man introduced himself.
"Yeah… well to answer your first question I'm Dai Ikeda. For your second this is supposed to be your dream, however it instead looks like we made it to your inner world. No idea why that is, seeing how the answer to your third question is that you're not supposed to be here."
Nezuko hummed before looking around. "Inner world huh?"
Ikeda nodded before answering her fourth question. "As for what I want in here… well I'm supposed to destroy your spiritual core leaving you brain dead. After that Enmu Sama promised to introduce me to his lord so that I too could become a demon. Seem like that won-ack!" In anger she pulled his arms painfully again.
"You want to become a demon?! Do you even know what that means?!" Gritting his teeth Ikeda nodded.
"It would mean I'd be strong! So what if I have to eat a few people? All that matters is being strong in this world! And becoming a demon would not only mean nigh-immortality but also strength!"
Nezuko scoffed at his claims. "Sure why not? Let's give up our humanity for strength! That sounds like a great idea! Let's never be able to eat normal food again! Let's have tons of people wish to kill you for what you are?! Let's always have even a small hunger for people?! Let's always worry about losing yourself and hurting someone you love?! That sounds awesome doesn't it?!" She couldn't believe the man she had pinned down. He was willing to throw away everything just to become strong. As someone who hated being a demon, it sickened her.
The man on the other hand only felt insulted. "Shut up! You wouldn't understand bitch! Someone born strong wouldn't understand the rest of us normal folk! You're just a freak!" Nezuko was truly furious now.
"You think I was born like this? NO! That bastard Muzan forced me to become a demon after murdering my entire family! He did it right in front of me as well! The only one alive who lived was my Onii chan, and that was only because he wasn't there when Muzan attacked! Being a demon is awful!"
The man shook his head with a roll of his eyes. "Oh boo hoo! So Sad! Not my fault you're too weak to embrace the gift he gave you." Having had enough she punched his lights out.
"Shut up and go to sleep yourself!" Getting up she calmed herself with some calming breaths. "Wow… haven't felt that riled up in a while. Now! How to get out of here?" Looking around she sighed. There was no discernable exit that she could see. "Great…" Thinking through her options she decided to try something out. "Whelp… in for a yen I suppose." Piercing her hands with her claws she then engulfed herself in fire. With a gasp she jumped up, now back on the train. Hearing a light thump she turned back to the seat, she saw Zenitsu sleeping peacefully a cute smile on his face. "Guess I wasn't the only one to fall for this."
Looking around she was shocked to see a few different things. "Why is Rengoku San grabbing her neck?" Deciding not to bother with that, she saw at least two more assailants looking as if they were having bad times. The one whose hand was tied to Cassandra's look particularly stressed. Another was on the ground eyes rolled back into his head, blood pouring out of his nose. With her enhanced senses she could tell that the man was dead. He also happened to be the one attached to Michael. Shaking her head she looked at some burnt rope on her own wrist.
Hmm… Taking a chance she burned the ropes on everyone else. Okay what now? Her thoughts were interrupted when her brother sat up with a scream. His breath was labored and he was holding his neck. "Onii Chan! Are you alright?!" As he turned to her saw some relief in his eyes.
"I am now."
Part Nine Tanjiro
When he opened his eyes, Tanjiro was immediately on alert. His hand on his sword, ready to draw it at a moment's notice. Where am I? What happened to the train? And why does this place look familiar. Peering around warily he tried using his sense of smell. There was nothing around him that indicated danger. Yet he didn't let his guard down. This could be all some sort of tra-
His thoughts were interrupted as he heard something he thought he'd never hear again. "Onii Chan? What are you doing over there?" There standing there looking at him in worry were two of his younger siblings. Shigeru and Hanako. He couldn't help himself, though he could feel that everything wasn't real. He rushed forward and jumped them into a hug. Crying as he held them. Apologizing for not being able to protect them, apologizing for failing at being a big brother.
The two children didn't understand what he was saying, yet let him get whatever was wrong off his chest. After he let all of his feelings out, Tanjiro simply held them as they hugged him back. After a bit his younger sister finally spoke up.
"Um… Onii Chan? Can you let us up please?" Realizing what he was doing, the young dragonknight wiped his eyes and stood up. A smile on his face as he then helped them up.
"Sorry about that Shigeru… Hanako… I guess your Onii Chan is still a crybaby himself sometimes." The two children laughed at his joke before grabbing his hands.
Hanako began dragging him along first. "It's alright Onii Chan! Now come on! Okaa San made dinner!" Deep down Tanjiro knew this was all fake, yet he couldn't help but allow himself to follow his younger siblings. That's when Shigeru asked him a question that made him smile sadly.
"So why are you dressed like that? Also when did you get a sword?" Looking down at his uniform and blade Tanjiro closed his eyes before answering.
"They're part of a job I do now. I'll tell you all about it later okay?" While his sibling looked put off, Tanjiro actually didn't mean him. He meant his true younger brother.
What am I doing? I need to escape whatever illusion this is… but… this might be the last time I get to see my family… see their smiling faces… take in their wonderful scents again until I die! So despite knowing all of this he let himself be taken to his old home. As he entered he had to try and keep himself from crying. For there in that small house, was his mother, his oldest little brother Takeo, and a human Nezuko who was helping to set the food down. His youngest sibling Rokuta was sitting and waiting impatiently for food.
Looking up his mother smiled at him. "Oh Tanjiro~! Glad to see you made it. Come and take a seat, dinner will be ready soon." Nodding he sat down as Hanako spoke to his mother excitedly.
"Guess what Okaa San?! Onii Chan got a job that lets him have a sword!" His mother Kie hummed before looking over to her son.
"I see… I must admit I'm a bit surprised. But if this is what you want to do, who am I to say no? Just please be careful sweetie." Tanjiro nodded as Nezuko took a look at him, hands on her hips.
"Well at least the you look good in that uniform." She then gave him a thumbs up. "Might let you finally get a wife~!" At her words Tanjiro coughed into his fist and turned to the side. At this dream Nezuko had her eyes widen. "Wait… you don't mean?" Tanjiro blushed as he scratched his cheek with a nervous laugh. "You mean you found someone and didn't tell us?! Wow Onii Chan… and here I thought you loved us~." Though she said it teasingly, Tanjiro couldn't help but tear up making Nezuko freak out a bit. "I'm sorry! I didn't actually mean that!"
Shaking his head Tanjiro spoke up softly. "I know… but I also know that I can't stay here." Everyone looked at him in confusion as he continued. "But this at least gives me a chance to get something off my chest. Something I've been almost begging to have the chance to do." Clenching his fists as he laid them on his lap his expression morphed into one of pure pain. "I'm sorry to all of you! I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you! I'm sorry that I was having a nice meal while you all were killed!" He then looked at Nezuko. "And I'm sorry that I couldn't stop you from turning into a demon." He then stood up, a bit of a flair to his checkered haori. "I truly wish I could've spent the rest of my life with you all. But that is no longer a possibility." He then gave them a sad smile before turning around. "Good bye everyone."
Tanjiro then ran, ignoring the calls of his family. Ignoring their comforting scents as he cried, tears streaming down his face as he followed his nose. Trying to look for the source of the illusion, in his haste he missed a sickly looking man. A man with a sad expression on his face.
"This one is strong, guess I better hurry it up." Walking up to the dreams boundary he ripped it open with his ice pick. "What?" Looking around as he now stood on a clear ocean, he couldn't help but be completely stunned. "What kind of person has a soul this pure?"
With Tanjiro he was now panting as he unsheathed his sword. "It's close! But I can't pinpoint it!" That's when he heard a familiar voice behind him.
"Tanjiro… calm yourself. You know what you need to cut." As he turned around the figure who spoke was no longer there. Looking back at his sword he instantly knew what his father meant. Raising his sword to his neck he took a few deep breaths.
"Even if this kills you… you need to try! AHHH!" With a yell he cut into his neck. Waking up with a yell as he heard a familiar voice.
"Onii Chan! Are you alright?!" As he turned towards his sister he smiled sadly with relief welling up in his eyes.
"I am now."
Part Ten Michael
After a moment Michael backed up from his worried parents. "Heh… this demon must be one sick bastard to do this sort of thing to people." His parents looked at him in confusion as he turned around. His eyes slightly glowing from the use of his Lyb'Craeft. "I wish we could talk, I wish I could tell you about my adventures, and about my new love life. But now is not the time, I'll see you again one day. Just today is not that day." As soon as he said those words, the world seemed to shift as a loud and powerful voice spoke.
(Good words) As the world stopped shifting Michael found himself floating in the vast void of space. Far off stars sparkled, gaseous clouds seemed to move slowly through the darkness, and the sun itself shone brightly in the center of it all. However it wasn't the sun he was familiar with, instead it was bright white, blue burns dotting its surface.
"What in the…" He stopped speaking when he heard another person yell.
"In the hell?! What kind of inner world is this?!" Turning to the man he saw man who looked about his age. His expression gaping at the infinite expanse.
(It is a world that only a elder one can truly comprehend.) Michael now realized the voice was speaking to his mind.
The other man however started panicking. "Who is that?! Who is speaking?!" A low deep rumble of a chuckle ran through their minds. When it stopped it spoke only four words.
(I will show you.) That's when he heard it, the sound of wing flaps. Solar winds blew past them as the two turned around. An enormous dragon with crystal claws, wings, and spines landed. The creature's underbelly a pitch black to contrast his white all white body. Its head had black crystals coming from the base of its skull up to the top of its head. The tail was also covered in the same black crystals, creating an almost blade like end. However before anyone of them could speak the dragon turned his massive head at the other man. (You do not belong here. Be gone!)Breathing out black purple flames the man screamed as he was consumed in them. Out in the real world he died after a small scream.
Michael seeing this sucked in some air through his teeth. "So… you're not going to do that to me are you?" The dragon turned to him and grinned, his enormously sharp glistening white teeth quickly unnerving Michael.
(Oh you do not have to worry my other self. I am just here to discuss a few things with you.) Sighing in relieve Michael looked the dragon over again.
"So… is this what I'll look like when I finally awaken all my draconic blood?" The giant dragon nodded as Michael grinned himself. "Sweet~."
The dragon laughed at the comment. (Hahaha! Yes I thought you'd think so, more so since we are one and the same. Though do not go thinking I'm some sort of split personality. No I was created through the demon's blood demon art. Your very instincts taking advantage of its power to speak to you. To inform you of a few things, so do not think this will be a regular occurrence.) At this Michaels nods at his… instincts in understand. (Good! First we need to discuss your lack of ability with gaining a mark. Secondly we need to talk about you drawing upon the powers of the Abyss for extra strength.)
At that point Michael interrupted. "I'm sorry… what?!" The Dragon simply grinned, sending a shiver down his spine. Oh I'm not going to like this am I? As if reading his mind the dragon answered his rhetorical question.
(No you won't.) As Michael sighed the dragon laughed. (Now then… let me tell you all the things you need to know that we instinctually know.) With a determined nod Michael listened in as his eyes widened further and further. He really didn't like what he was hearing.
Part Elven the end of the part one
Argentum: And that's a wrap!
Slayer: Another cliff hanger?
Argentum: But of course~!
Takeo: Well at least Onii Chan didn't beat around the bush this time.
Nezuko: Kind of sad that I didn't get a dream but whatever.
Tanjiro: Better off without one I say!
Argentum: Heh, well I did tailor things to fit with all your new perspectives and abilities.
Judan: I liked it when Cassandra tortured that poor guy in her inner world.
Grel'Slyfer: Same! But I liked it more when Nezuko beat up her attacker!
Nezuko: Don't know what to feel about that.
Tanjiro: Just ignore them.
Slayer: Seconded!
Grel'Slyfer: Oi! No need for rudeness!
Judan: What the evil Darkwraith said!
Argentum: Ugh! Alright we've dragged this on long enough. Takeo since this is probably the last time we'll see you. You can end this chapter off~.
Takeo: I don't like how you put that but it's also probably true. But sure either way. Ahem… This has been a Dark Guard production now signing off!
Everyone: Goodbye!