What is this feeling
So sudden and new?

I felt the moment
I laid eyes on you

My pulse is rushing

My head is reeling

My face is flushing

What is this feeling?
Fervid as a flame
Does it have a name?

"I hate her so much, but there's nothing I can do about it."

Hotaru found herself once again at Rui's place where she was fiddling around with string techniques that he had taught her. Lacing the strings with her father's poison, she managed to create her own web tricks. Rui was a good teacher, allowing his pseudo sibling to stay at his place on Mount Natagumo. The spider family was like a second family to her, with Rui making them see her as their superior. The boy was her favorite since Daki and Gyutaro now showered Fuyuka with their attention.

"You know how upset okaasan would be if you killed her." Rui helped her fix the cat's cradle she was attempting to make. "If she plays a bigger role, you need to show her who's boss."

"That's the thing." Hotaru hissed as she cut herself a bit. "Fuyuka lived with her father whom spoils her constantly. My father doesn't spoil me, but he does allow me some liberties. Training with him does make me sore, but he makes sure that I am healed. Fuyuka only has to batt her little eyelashes and she gets anything she wants. Doma is incorrigible, but his child makes me want to wring his neck even more."

Rui hummed to himself, showing her his finished cat's cradle. "The best solution I can give you is to wait until okaasan wakes up or find a way into her mind and make her heal faster."

The young demon girl thought about this. If her mother came out of her coma, then she can fix up Fuyuka and make her father smile again. This could work if they had the right healer for the job or figure out why she was taking so long. She then recalled Bashira mentioning an old friend of her mother's that was a doctor by trade. Perhaps this doctor would know what to do.

"Rui, when I become queen, make sure to be by my side as my advisor." Hotaru got up and patted his head. "You have helped me more than you know."

Rui blushed a bit, relishing the feeling of her hand on his head. It reminded him of okaasan and how she would comfort him when he felt down. "A pleasure to serve you Hotaru-san. After all, you are the only one who understands me."

With a wave, she leapt out the window and ran into the night. Doma and Fuyuka's days were numbered as soon as she woke up her mother.

She only prayed her mother would be okay while she was gone.

"So beautiful, a miracle that your beauty remains untouched."

The moon shone brightly over the garden, casting large shadows from the various trees. A light snow was falling , the clouds covering the moon slightly. Sorashi's coffin was seen uncovered, thick blankets were laid over her sleeping form. Unbeknownst to the queen, the familiar visage of Doma was laying next her sleeping form while their daughter was alseep at the other end. He gave a silent cheer when Fuyuka suggested they bring blankets for her mother least she freeze in the cold. Doma agreed almost immediately, gathering many blankets to drape over her body. Sneakily, he managed to convince his daughter to let him sleep near Sorashi to "preserve her body heat".

And his darling princess believed him.

"Hoshihime…I wish we could stay like this forever." Doma said, breathing in her scent as he got closer. "How much longer are you going to make me wait for you to come back? I yearn to see you again and treasure you like the queen you are."

If Muzan's relationship to Sorashi was out of love, Kokushibo one out of protective love, and Akaza out of respectful love, Doma's love for her was more of obsession. When they first met, all he thought was how different she was from most women. Had she been any other human woman he wouldn't have batted an eye towards her. Probably would've consumed her very flesh and not think about it. However, with her being a demon woman, it intrigued him even more. She was kindhearted, not power hungry, and would sleep to heal her wounds. Those times when she was asleep were the ones where he worshipped her very being. Caressing her face, holding her close, and other things he wasn't ashamed to admit were out of curiosity. Knowing that she was the woman that his leader betrothed made it hard for him to hide this lust he had for her. Kokushibo would chop his head off if he knew what he was doing right now. When even her sleeping form gave him a child, he knew that Sorashi cared for him like he did her.

Now if only she would wake up and allow him to see those eyes that drove him crazy again.

Her skin is softer than the snow falling around us. He thought, stroking her cheek with a wildly beating heart. No matter what season she's in, she looks ageless and timeless. Her eyes were like stars, ever shining, never dying. Her tanned skin kissed by the sun's rays if she could walk among them once again. With hair like thick vines clinging to her supple body. Those plush soft lips soft as pillows aching for me to press against them. He faltered, leaning over her sleeping form as his heart ached for him to go for it. Do I dare pass her threshold and consume her very being? What if someone were to see us here, tending the garden together? What of her soon-to-be husband that would kill me for giving into my earthly desires? The children she adopted might mock and scorn be so! Her firstborn already hates me enough to tear me asunder if she knew! I want to give into these deadly urges and yet...

Doma smiled softly, pushing himself off Sorashi's body, and holding his lips. No, I must wait till she wakes so that we can both enjoy this! Maybe...perhaps...she might even give me the time of day. It's not fair that the others are far ahead of me when it comes to connections with her! However, once she sees that I am worthy for her gaze, I could be her side husband or concubine! That would be better than having to suppress these urges I have for her. He placed a chaste kiss on her forehead and got up. This isn't over, Hoshihime! When you wake from your slumber, I will be the first you see.

He left the blankets on the altar, grabbing Fuyuka as he walked out of the garden. However, his eyes darted down to see one of the flowers that usually were around her altar gone.

Strange...did that mean there was another child somewhere?

Kokushibo narrowed his eyes from his vantage point in the garden as he watched Doma leave.

It took all of his willpower to not slay him there and then, but that would make Fuyuka an orphan. Not that it mattered to him, but she was Sorashi's child and he vowed to protect her. His moral code had him be only loyal to his master and his forbidden lover.

These emotions were foolish and he knew that. Truly he saw how his master felt about her and their close bond made it hard for him to watch. When she ran into his arms after his brother returned that one time, he felt something inside him grow for her. Even he saw how much Yoriichi loved her as well, making him jealous of his twin. The two both had a different form of love for Sorashi since they were living with her for those months. His brother had a small crush on her that grew even though she couldn't touch her. He recalled one moment between them while she was asleep when he discussed this.

The night was cool and damp, the moon hanging in a crescent shape. The wandering samurai brothers walked through the woods with determination on their faces as they went to the next town over. After getting rid of the demon problem, they enthusiastically ran back to the camp to find Sorashi asleep. Even though they knew she did this periodically, it was saddening that they couldn't tell her about their day. With a heavy heart, Michikatsu picked her up while Yoriichi picked up the rest of the camp.

"Michikatsu..." Yoriichi started to say as he packed up the food supplies. "I think that I am falling for Sorashi. Something about her intrigues me and I want to learn more about her. You feel the same way too right?"

Michikatsu was silent as he adjusted his hold on the sleeping woman's body. Sure, he too was feeling the same way for the dark skinned beauty, but he wasn't going to let his brother know. A biting form of jealousy crept into his heart. He knew for a long time that Yoriichi was in love with Sorashi, but he wanted to have her all to himself. His brother couldn't even touch her, nevertheless hold her without burning her. Part of him noticed how she never wakes up in the daytime, constantly covers up if she was in the sunlight, and swallowed these strange red pills before eating any food.

"I do not think it's wise to fall for someone we hardly know about." Michikatsu warned, holding her even closer to his body. "What if she killed people in the past?"

Yoriichi gave him a smile. "I wouldn't mind that. Not like we haven't killed before."

"What if she doesn't love you back?"

"I can live with that too. As long as she is in my life, I will be happy."

"What if she's a demon?"

There was a pause in the air as Yoriichi stared at his twin. "Then I will do everything in my power to turn her human again. Even if I cannot find a cure, then I will ensure that she has a peaceful passing in my arms. I can't behead her if I tried."

"I can't afford to think like that..." Michikatsu whispered, giving a kiss on the sleeping woman's head. "If you turned out to be a demon, I want to be one along with you. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life."

And I kept that promise well. Kokushibo said, kissing her forehead. Though I serve the one who truly loves you, I cannot stop loving you in secret. We spent too much time together for me to stop loving you. So please, wake up so that I can protect you once again.

He swore he saw a small smile appear on her face. Blinking all his eyes, he saw one of her hands twitch slightly. His heart starting pounding when a soft sigh came from her mouth. Was she about to wake up? If she was, he had to go grab Muzan-sama! The star marks started to pulse and glow.

Kokushibo quickly got up and ran into the base in search of Nakime. Said demon woman was playing music with Bansheera, who gave him a fierce scowl.

"What do you want eye-san?" Bansheera asked, spitting out the nickname that she had given him out of spite.

"Where's the...master? I...have news." Kokushibo ignored her as he asked Nakime, who played a single note and sent him straight to Muzan.

Kokushibo bowed, feeling the power in the room exceed his own. His master was sitting in the darkness of the room, his eyes scanning the stars outside. His hearing picked up the soft cooing of a baby, making him stop his breath. In the arms of his master was a small bundle of red blankets with a small head poking out. This baby resembled Sorashi as it had dark skin, small silver curly hairs, and a scar on its left eye. The baby was clearly a demon as its eyes were red, small fangs were already in its mouth as it bit down on Muzan's finger.

"Kokushibo..." Muzan said, holding the baby close to his body. "What do I owe this sudden visit of yours?"

"Master...I...have...news." He eyed the baby in his arms who gave him a curious look. "Who is that?"

Muzan smiled as he looked down at the baby who was now fighting his fingers. "This is my second child, my first son, I have decided to name him Akasei. I found him laying on his mother the other night with a fierce look in his eyes. I truly believe that he has a fighter's spirit. I'll have to inform his sisters that he was recently born."

"Speaking of...the mother..." Kokushibo looked up to see Muzan staring at him. "She...moved..."

The baby gave a happy babble, tugging on Muzan's tie as he gave him a gummy smile. Muzan himself stood frozen before running towards the garden. Akasei positioned himself onto Muzan's head as he tugged tightly on the hair. His frantic nature caused the others to pick up on the surge of power and follow him too. Some were surprised to see a baby on his head while Bansheera nearly screeched in shock as said baby went flying off his head when he stopped.

Luckily, Hotaru appeared and caught her new baby brother before he smacked onto the ground. Akasei hung upside-down by his leg as Hotaru gave him a surprised look. Fuyuka came running at them, her mouth opened in shock at the sight of a new baby.

"Onee-san, who is this baby?" Fuyuka asked cutely, poking Akasei on the nose.

Hotaru gave her a look before switching her hold to a comforting position on Akasei. "By the mark on her chest, I'd say our little brother."

Fuyuka gasped as she saw the symbol for Mars on his chest. "No way! We have a nii-san? Yay! I get to be a big sister now!"

Muzan made his way towards his sleeping fiancé, patting Hotaru gently on the head as he knelt in front of her. There was a soft sigh as Sorashi moved a bit. His seven hearts were beating rapidly now, anticipating her arrival. The Upper Moons came around him, each of them shaking in excitement as Sorashi started to open her eyes.

Hotaru stood back with Fuyuka, who was tugging on her kimono, and Akasei, who was pulling on her hair. She knew exactly why her mother was waking up now and she had her auntie to thank for that. Her face flinched when she felt Akasei poke the small wound on her arm where her blood was drawn.

"Are you the one called Tamayo? I have a request for you."

Hotaru had traveled for miles and miles to find herself in front of the woman her mother considered a close friend. Thanks to her research, she found out about a small clinic in the midst of a crowded city where a woman and her young apprentice practiced medicine for the sick and weak. This woman had a weird aura around her while her apprentice was fiercely protective of her. Due to Bansheera giving her a small clue, she was able to find this well hidden location of the demon doctor.

Now she sat at a table with Tamayo sitting across from her while Yushiro glared at her from the seat next to her. Some tea was placed in front of the firstborn child of the demon king as she took a long sip from the cup.

"Aren't you cautious that we might've poisoned your tea or something?" Yushiro said, watching her chug the entire cup.

"I have no fear of poisons since my training revolves around poisoning myself. I even use threads laced with various types of poison to ensnare my enemies and let them die slowly." Hotaru gave him a hard stare as she continued to sip her tea. "This is a very delicious tea."

Tamayo's smile broke slightly, hoping to know why this demon child was in her home. "You have his power, I see. Are you going to take me back? Are you here to spy on me?"

She shook her head, pouring another cup. "No, the sins of my father shouldn't pass down to me. Whatever he did to you in the past does not matter at all. I'm not here to bring you in, I'm not here to kill you either. If I wanted to, I would've failed since you are many moons my senior Tamayo-san."

"Then why are you here? What is this request you had for me?"

Hotaru folded her hands in front of her. "My mother is alive, but still in a sleep-like state. I need your help to fix her internal injuries and- are you crying?"

The small child was surprised to see the demon lady covering her mouth and crying right in front of her. Yushiro panicked, bringing out a handkerchief for her to dry her tears, but they continued to fall. Tamayo assumed that Sorashi had perished the day the Hashira attacked her since Yoriichi relayed what had gone down. A guilt ridden Tamayo spent a good bunch of years mourning the loss of the only friend she had made that treated her human despite them both being demons. When she accidently turned Yushiro, she made a promise to find a cure for him and her so that Sorashi's dream could be a reality without demons plaguing her world. Shocked as she was to see that Hotaru looked just like the man that poisoned her mind, she was also shocked to find out that the girl had her genes as well. Hearing the news that her friend was alive made Tamayo launch back into those guilty thoughts that plagued her mind and wiped them anew.

"I'll do it." She whispered, standing up from the table to the surprise of Yushiro and Hotaru. "Your mother made me feel human again. I thought she had died the night when we brought her to the Hashira. I'm so happy to hear that she's only in a coma. I...feel the need to apologize to her."

Hotaru shook her head, a smile on her face. "All I want is for you to make a potion or pill that can heal her fully. I can pay you fully if you want."

Tamayo grabbed her hands, a hopeful look in her eyes. "I would not ask for the child of my dearest friend for payment of any kind. I do, however, want you to visit me from time to time. If you truly won't rat me out to Muzan, I at least want to know how Sorashi is going. Also...if I can ask you to leave a sample of blood for me to use."

"Just some blood? What for?"

"I am developing something that could potentially help a lot of people. I'm only asking for a small sample, nothing more."

Hotaru sighed, shrugging as she pulled down her sleeve. "Do what you must. I just want my mother back."

So Tamayo, Yushiro, and Hotaru got to work on the miracle pill that would be able to heal the rest of the internal damages created by the hashira. While working with the two, Hotaru felt some sort of kinship between them, holding onto her promise to keep them a secret from her father. Despite the bad blood of the past, Hotaru didn't condemn her for the actions she pulled that night. She was mad, but didn't want to take it out on the kindly doctor.

As long as her mother came back to her, she would fight all the hashira to bring her back.

"Ugh...my head is killing me..." A female voice spoke as a sigh escaped her mouth. "Why do I feel like I just did battle with the sun itself?"

Green eyes opened as the blinding light of the moon flooded her eyes. Moving her sore body, she leaned upwards, hissing in pain. How long had she been sleeping on this stone slab? Why was she sleeping on a stone slab? At least these blankets kept her cozy and warm from the snow on the ground. The marks on her body burned, then subsided as she stretched. Green hair with purple streaks cascaded down her back as long bangs covered her eyes. Yawning loudly, the woman combed her knotted locks with her crazily long fingernails.

"I can't believe I slept in so long. Wasn't I supposed to do something today?" The woman groaned, her vision finally returning to her. "I'll have to ask Muzan if he-"

She paused, turning to see Muzan, the Upper Moons, her child and two other children, some of her other demon children, and Bansheera all staring at her with tears in their eyes. Sorashi blinked a bit, raising an eyebrow at their strange behavior.

"Um...did I miss something?" She asked, letting her legs over the side of the altar. "Why are you all in the garden? Are we having a party?"

Muzan approached her slowly, placing his hands on her cheeks as more tears went down his face. For the first time ever since they first met, Sorashi saw a more vulnerable side to her oldest friend. Sobs racked his throat as he came forward and gave her a deep kiss on the lips. Excited and a bit confused, Sorashi returned the kiss with much vigor, running her nails through the pale man's hair. They broke apart, Sorashi gasping for air while Muzan continued to plant kisses down her forehead to her neck.

"Wow, save this for the room at least Mu-chan!" Sorashi teased, before getting wrapped up in the arms of her friend.

"Sorashi...my beloved..." Muzan breathed, holding her more tightly.

"Welcome back"

Sorashi...the queen has returned.

The demons celebrated through the week.

Hotaru made a new alliance/friend in Tamayo.

However, this is not where our story ends...

Next Time:

My name is Fuyuka, what's your name?

I am Kanae Kocho, aren't you a darling?

Sabito, Giyuu, Makomo, will we be friends forever?

As long as we are breathing, we will be friends Hotaru-san.

Sorashi, why are there two bundles in your arms?

Koko-chan, I'd like you to meet your children.

Author here, hope you all are having a great holiday.

The coma arc is done, now we get into some of the more plotline changing arcs. We'll meet the younger versions of the hashira we know and love. The children will interact with each other as well.

Get ready because before you know it, maybe Tanjiro and Nezuko will be here soon!