If I never knew you
If I never felt this love
I would have no inkling of
How precious life can be
If I never held you
I would never have a clue
How at last I'd find in you
The missing part of me
A few minutes before the big day were always the most nerve-wracking.
Especially when your guest are all demons.
And then your bride gets kidnapped by your enemies.
Muzan paced the floors of the temple with a fretful look on his face. Kokushibo, Doma, and Akaza watched as he did so, neither one of them wanting to tell him that he had worn a groove in the ground. Even though they weren't saying anything, they too were mad at the fact that she had been kidnapped. Kokushibo was silently staring angrily at the stars. Akaza was punching the walls.
It was Doma who finally broke the silence. "Moping around here isn't going to help us. The demon slayers have our queen and we need to get her back. Now I know we're all very precious to her, so we need to put aside our differences and work together."
Akaza gave him an impressed glance. "That's the first smartest thing you've said in a long time."
"Hey! I can be brilliant when I want to Akaza~!"
Muzan nodded, giving the three a glance that promised pain. "Kokushibo, Akaza, you follow me. Doma, you stay here and distract the guest. We'll be back before sunrise or kill many trying." His eyes flash red. "Under any circumstances, do not allow the children to come and find us. You know how attached they've gotten to her."
Doma pouted when he heard he was being left behind. There goes his chance at impressing Sorashi…
Kokushibo grinned to himself as he got his blade ready. It had been so long since he got to be Sorashi's savior. He recalled a time when she was staying with him and his brother. Yoriichi had left for the night to another town and some punks attacked their base camp. He had stayed her faithful guard while she was sleep and slaughtered the entire group. By time she had woken up, the base was clean and all was calm. He wondered if she would be okay with the slayers trying to kill her. If any of them, including his brother, harmed her, he would rampage.
Akaza was thinking along the same lines. While he didn't fight women for obvious reasons, he grew a newfound respect for his queen. She saw him as strong and constantly praised him when he did a good job. No matter the weather, she checked up on him to see if he was okay. Part of him wanted to push her away, but another part of him enjoyed her company. Now he was determined to set things straight with her and bring her home safely.
Muzan picked up Dahlia, who protested at this sudden manhandling. "Flower creature, can you trace down Sorashi's energy?"
Dahlia sighed, placing her hands on Muzan's. "Well she did create me, so of course I can. Leave this to me, my lord."
This feeling…I feel as if I am floating on air.
The stars around my body are glowing much brighter than before. Their energy is colliding with my own as if to give me strength.
However, an unknown energy has emerged from within me. I can hear the voice of nature, calling back to my roots as a forest fairy. The trees, the flowers, the plant life of the woods heed my call.
But this shouldn't be right, I thought I was the princess of the stars? Has my breathing style changed?
No…we have merged our styles together. You and I…are one in the same.
A being manifested in front of me, looking similarly like me. She was more mature and wise, her hair was longer and purple, and she had full grown horns in her hair. The aura around her was even powerful enough that it even blew her away.
Who are you? Do you have something to do with my breathing change?
I am you, the you who yearns for a future where demons and humans can live in harmony.
So you are the true star princess then. I guess I will forever be a forest fairy after all.
You are a strange girl. Then again, I was created to fulfill your deepest wish. Allow me to take over when we speak to the slayers.
As long as you keep me and my family safe, I do not mind.
She revealed to me two different sides of a rather large room. One side had plants and a whole meadow growing with a beautiful glow. An artificial sun was hanging over the flowers, making it warm and welcoming. The other side was dark and eerie, but had stars twinkling on the walls. The most shocking thing on that side was a small figure standing in the midst of the shadows.
What is that shadowy figure in your corner?
All in good time, allow me to take over from here.
Within a wall of wisteria laid the Demon Slayer Corps.
An organization created to hunt down demons, defeat Muzan, and preserve the peace. Each and every person who became a slayer threw their lives on the line for the cause, learning different ways to kill demons. Only the best could become what the organization referred to as the Hashira. Run by the Ubuyashiki family, this organization was secret to the government.
Today they had their first victory against Muzan by capturing the one being they know would lure him in; his betroth.
The Hashira awaited the arrival of Yoriichi with the demon in question. Some of the newly made slayers were invited to witness this event. Yoriichi made it into the courtyard, a wisteria laced rope behind him as he gently walked Sorashi thriugh the garden. However, he noticed as they left the carriage that there was a regal air to her. In fact, her once forest green hair was now a deep purple, her body became more curved, horns sprouted from her head, and the star marks were more prominent. He blushed at this new form, seeing not a mischievous young lady, but a mature woman.
"I'll make sure that they won't harm you." He whispered, keeping his voice low. "This trial is to see if you will give us information on Muzan and his forces."
"Well good luck with that. I tend to be quite humorous under pressure." Sorashi chuckled, making a fighting motion with her hands. "Then again, you lot think all demons act the same. I shouldn't expect any different from you."
Yoriichi turned away, not wanting to look in her eyes.
Eventually, they reached the main plaza where the Hashira and other slayers awaited her arrival. Sorashi gave them a smile before Yoriichi placed her on the ground in front of a group if people wearing white robes. To her surprise, there were five other men and one woman. The female had long black hair with purple highlights and cute pink eyes. One of the males had tanned skin with red hair. Another had silver hair with a face full of scars. A large man with brown hair and wearing white robes sat next to him. The final two wore masks on their faces, one sporting pink hair and the other sported wavy blue hair. The jeers and scathing remarks were nothing as she got one her knees.
The person in front of her had a kindly face with a massive scar going down their face. Their long black hair was in a ponytail, eyes as clear as a bell, and had small children around them. Sorashi stared at the children, making her sigh happily. This must have been the one called Ubuyashiki, whom she remembered being a close relative to Muzan. If she recalled, Muzan held distain for his former family and had Sorashi promise to never encounter them. They also had an unidentified ailment that plagued their bodies similar to the one he suffered from.
"Welcome Sorashi-san, I hope you understand why we have brought you here." The now identified male said, making Sorashi chuckle.
"To be honest, I have to wonder if you brought me here because if my relations with Muzan Kibutsuji." Murmurs came from the audience surrounding her. "I have only to warn you that holding me here is just asking for trouble. I rather not have an innocent man like you be harmed by him."
"IS THAT A THREAT?" Silver scar rung out, making more chaos among the group. This was one of the Hashira who had a wild look in his eyes. "Who are you to say that he would even save you? You are just another demon that is part of his army!"
"I have to agree with my comrade. What makes you so special that he would come to save you?" The female spoke out. "The fact that you can say his name without being destroyed is quite impressive though."
Sorashi gestured to her wedding kimono. "Well considering that I was about to marrying him today, it would imply that we are together. I find it funny that you lot think that killing Muzan would stop demons from coming. I'm actually one of the first demons he's created."
There was silence as the group heard and comprehended this. Sorashi stared at Yoriichi and then closed her eyes. She sensed Dahlia getting closer with Muzan and the Upper Three. While she was glad that her other half's children were safe and sound, she feared that they would be in more danger if she revealed too much. Making a world where humans and demons could coexist was going to be tricky with all this distrust.
"This is quite the revelation, and you are certain that you have that sort of connection with Muzan?" Ubuyashiki asked her, getting a nod.
"I cannot lie to you. We've had our ups and downs, but he always comes back to me. Throughout the years, he has done some despicable deeds, but I am his complete opposite. I eat blood tablets, help humans, and I have never killed a human in my long life." Sorashi stood up, eliciting a gasp from the other slayers. "I applaud you for creating a organization that wants to preserve human lives, but I strive to create a kingdom that brings everyone together. Not just demons, but humans as well. You may find my ideals to be controversial, but in my eyes that just shows that we must progress past our prejudice."
The leader gave her a look of shock. "Are your words true?"
"OF COURSE NOT! WHAT KIND OF DEMON WANTS TO LIVE WITH HUMANS?" Silver scar raged.
"How can you listen to this devil woman make up nonsense like this?" The large brown haired said.
"We must put an end to Muzan Kibutsuji and his evil bride!" Red hair started to take out his blade.
Yoriichi stood up, now infuriated by his peers. "I, for one, see nothing wrong with Sorashi's dreams! We already have Lady Tamayo helping us out, so why is it wrong if Sorashi wants to create this ideal world?"
The only female Hashira stood up along with Yoriichi, her eyes staring into Sorashi's. "I too feel like we are misjudging our guest here. She has an idea of how we can all live as a society. Maybe we should hear her out."
The masked brothers both nodded too, curious about the female demon.
Sorashi stared at the four in question before returning her gaze to Ubuyashiki. "On my honor, I vow to provide a safe haven for both demons and humans. Whether humans or demons will accept my offer is up to them. Of course, my children will help in building this town when the time comes."
"And you believe that Muzan will allow you to make such a thing?" Pink haired mask asked her.
"He will allow it if I ask. I only ask that none of you Hashira or Demon Slayers try to cause trouble in this town. Think of it as a little trial. Only children may be raised here since children have more open minds than that of adults." Sorashi bowed, her eyes twinkling. "These children will not be tainted by bias adults, but will make their own opinions on the matter. Demons will also not be allowed to eat the humans in this town."
"It sounds too risky, but if you can make this work, we want to be able to come and see the results." Blue haired mask said, getting surprised gasps from the others.
"I too think this idea could work." Pink haired mask agreed.
Yoriichi gave Sorashi a big smile. "I believe in Sorashi's idea for equality! We could make her dream a reality."
The others murmured at this before the female stood up. "If she believes she can do this, then I too want a chance for her."
BOOM!
The entire complex shook as Sorashi smiled to herself. Of course she knew that her other side's minion would bring the others here. Some of the slayers went to go and see what had caused the commotion. The Hashira gave her a glare while Yoriichi's face was filled with hurt. Why did she give him that look? Was he not expecting someone to save her?
"I knew you couldn't be trusted!" The aggressive silver haired male spat, taking out his nichirin blade. "We need to kill her now!"
Sorashi noticed that besides Yoriichi, the mask brothers, and the female, all of the Hashira were now ready to kill her. Her star marks glowed brightly as her horn gleamed in the moonlight. Shooting an apologetic look to their leader, Sorashi stood up and blasted all of them backwards with a powerful light blast. The attack disoriented the group as she made a mad dash towards the exit. Shouts of anger came from behind her, making her groan.
Really now, couldn't she go five minutes without making an enemy?
Muzan wasted no time in completely obliterating the slayers that came towards him.
His face was full of fury as he slaughtered them in groups while his Upper Three protected him on both sides. Dahlia was on his shoulders, flinching from all the carnage going on around her. Kokushibo was slicing through each and every slayer that crossed his path, sometimes even utilizing his breathing technique. Doma laughed as he froze and broke through the ones that dared to touch him. Akaza simply punched through the chests of some and ripped apart others.
Oh they are really mad. Dahlia thought, wincing at another brutal takedown from Muzan.
"I think you guys made your point now. Lady Sorashi is probably coming over as we speak." She tried to dissuade the demons from causing more carnage.
"Silence." Muzan commanded the flower girl, making her shake in fear. "I'll kill as many as they throw at us until she is safely in my arms again."
"Although we came here to save her, I'm having fun just taking down these flies!" Doma said gleefully. "She's going to lobe seeing us come to her rescue."
"That woman better come out soon. The stench of wisteria is getting annoying." Akaza sneered, putting a hand to his mouth.
Kokushibo felt his star mark burning, smiling to himself. "I can sense her coming this way. Be ready for her arrival."
No sooner had he said those words, Sorashi came leaping from the air with her green hair trailing behind her. Her wedding kimono gave her the the appearance of wings on her back. She glided gently downward into the waiting arms of Kokushibo. The six eyed demon hugged her tightly, fearing she would disappear if he let her go. The threatening aura of his leader was the only thing that made him stop and hand her over to him.
"I knew you guys would come and save me!" Sorashi cheered, pecking Muzan's cheek with gusto. "What took you guys so long? I was kidnapped hours ago!"
Muzan chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Your little flower friend alerted us about your disappearance. It took us some time to track you down." He brought her close, inhaling her scent. "Thank goodness you are okay."
"Hoshihime!" Doma exclaimed, hugging Sorashi from behind. "You had me worried something bad happened to you! If I had a heart, it would be beating rapidly."
Akaza gave her a huff before blushing. "We all missed you."
Sorashi broke apart from Muzan and Doma to poke Akaza on the cheek. "I missed you too."
He swatted her hand away. "Cut it out! Why the heck were you running so hard?"
Shouts of anger came from the woods behind her as the Hashira and more Slayers were coming towards them. Sorashi sweatdropped as she turned back to the guys.
"That's why." She bowed hastily, not wanting to show her embarrassed face to them. "I may have met Ubuyashiki and his little social club."
"You what!" Muzan shouted, now worried about what she could've probably done to anger them.
"And I may have told them about my idea to create a utopia between humans and demons."
"Oh my~!" Doma chuckled at this.
"Also the one who kidnapped me was Yoi-Chan…"
Kokushibo's eyes widen as killing intent leaked out from his body.
"It shouldn't be so bad though. They didn't look too angry at-!"
SHINK!
Sorashi's face fell as she looked down to see a glowing red blade protruding from her abdomen and another blade coming out through her shoulder. Turning around slowly, she saw the angry face of the red haired Hashira who had his blade inside her and the silver haired scarred one who was grinning as his blade was in her shoulder. The shocked faces of her comrades were all she needed to see to realize that this was reality.
"So….I…could…be…wrong." She said slowly as she coughed up blood. "They…were…mad…"
Sorashi has been harmed.
The Hashira were mad.
Her comrades were mad.
This will not end well.
I apologize for the late chapter. I was in a terrible writer's block and trying to make one long chapter. It went over, so part 2 will be out in awhile. This next chapter will be the catalyst of the next arc.
Just a heads up, Muzan and Sorashi are having kids.