THE COLOR OF THE WORLD

.

Disclaimer: Kimetsu no Yaiba belongs to Koyoharu Gotouge

.

Genre(s): Adventure/ Hurt/Comfort

.

Warning(s): Typo is my most loyal fan, spelling mistakes because English is not my mother language, Possibly OOC and a lot of Angst. I hope. Not Beta.

.

Manga: Chapter 73 & 75

.

.

Zenitsu lamented that he may be a taaadd bit carried away with his emotions yesterday night. That he lost sight of the real reason why he's here, dressing as a woman in the first place.

He was supposed to look for Tengen's wife, Hinatsuru, alright? Yet he was caught over the fact that the Sound Pillar is an incredibly rude person, dismissing him just like that because he's ugly, he's so hard to sell, so what? He's a freaking guy! Of course, he's not beautiful like Nezuko-chan! And Inosuke is an anomaly anyway, you should not compare my manly self to him!

Okay, okay, take a deep breath, Zenitsu. This thought of yours was the sole reason why you immersed yourself too deep into playing a shamisen at the front porch the night before, crying in frustration and somehow, somehow, inviting a lot of customers inside. One of the regulators of Kyogoku house said they promote her as a fragile girl who wears 'her' emotion on 'her' sleeve, the waterworks helped that image pretty accurately. With a backstory of having a sad past of being abandoned (although that was actually not wrong) and love to play music as a coping mechanism, tearing up in sadness whenever 'she' reminisced the good, old day (this one though, was entirely off the mark. Zenitsu loved to cry and he hated that saddening fact). This little tidbit of (made-up) information caused the man to flock over, wanting to protect 'her' from the harsh world of the Red-Light District. Some of them had actually asked the Master's permission to propose the sunny 'girl', already asked 'her' for a hand in a sacred ceremony of engagement; not yet marriage as it was clear 'she' was still underage.

Zenitsu shivered uncontrollably.

Anyway, today is the afternoon of the next day, hours away for the shop to be opened. He was scouting around the hallways and trying to eavesdrop on things that may be useful. So far, he managed to acquire the information about the Madam's death two days ago, the reason why everyone was feeling so gloomy, no small talk to lighten up the mood. It was depressing, but not the one he needed to. That's why Zenitsu sharpened his already-sharp hearing, looking for clues in every nook and cranny.

.

"Ahahaha…take that!"

.

"I'm sooo hungry…"

.

"My ribbon isn't here."

.

"Is the hairdresser here yet?"

.

"Hurry up, now!"

.

"Hic, hic…sniff."

.

Emergency. Emergency. There's a girl crying somewhere in this house. This is a problem that needs to be solved as soon as possible.

It didn't take long until he arrived at a particular room. A wrecked room, to be exact. With torn tatami, shredded shoji doors and a bunch of shattered things that ranged from tea glass to an ornamental jar. In the middle of the room that looked like it just escaped from a tornado attack, was a girl with a messy bun and bleeding lips, some skin had turned black and blue because someone was cruel enough to hit this pretty girl.

Zenitsu was worried beyond measure.

"A-Are you okay?" he went to the room and immediately sat by her side, "are you involved in a fight? What happened to the room? It's all messed up!"

The girl sniffed before she threw her whole weight on him and snuggling him close, bawling her eyes out. On a usual day, Zenitsu will feel like he was flying in high heaven when a nice-smelling girl hugged him like this. But not today. Not when he knew the girl was in trouble. Physically and mentally, that whoever did this was a jerk that should not be forgiven, "hey. Hey, calm down. If you're worried about something—"

"What are you doing in someone else's room?"

Then his words suddenly lodged beneath his throat, a heavy step echoed behind his back.

(The Voice. It was a terrible, terrible sound. And yet it was silent, even more so than her light steps. The existence of it frightened him)

(This is…this is the sound of the Upper Moon Demon!)

"Hey, are you deaf over there?" she snarled low. Her soft-like-a-lullaby voice didn't soothe him a single beat. Because, with his unique ears, the illusion she applied cracked and the only thing he could hear was a Demon Voice hair-raising, terrifying, scary, scary, scary—. The woman with a butterfly datehyugo and luxurious kimono stole a glance at the girl within his embrace, who flinched in fear. Her green, flinty eyes narrowed as those small lips parted, the yellow hunter could literally feel the poison spewing from within, "and you. I'm asking you to clean this room up, aren't I? Why aren't you doing anything?"

"I-I…

"We!" Zenitsu exclaimed, garnering the demon's attention to him. That stare was unnerving and froze him in place. Quick! Think of an excuse (think of something before this fiend's patience snap and she decided to gobble them up instead. You don't have your sword here with you, you can't take the risk. Not after you promised Nezuko-chan not to act recklessly. ("Please, stay alive") Don't fail her. ("Please, don't leave me alone") Don't depress her even more!). He almost choked on his own saliva, the atmosphere around tightening his respiratory. Nevertheless, he managed to screech the words out with difficulty, stuttering, "we're trying to clean up the mess. But then the girl cut herself from all the glass around. So, I'm trying to bandage it and—"

"I don't care," she interjected, sending shivers down their back. Her mouth curled in disgust—not at his appearance, but at humans in general—and the gorgeous lady turned around. Jolting the curious onlooker away from their activities, they immediately cowered into submission, "we're about to open the house some times soon. If you don't finish cleaning this room before that, I'm going to give you two a harsh punishment." Then she was gone, flaring her magenta shawls after her regal figure. The other employee around parted like a sea, allowing the clear predator here to pass without any hindrance.

Zenitsu held his breath for a little longer before he let it out in an undignified cough. That was…too close. Way, way too close. What an unlucky fate, for him to encounter the demon himself. Why must it be the scaredy-cat Zenitsu and not the brave Nezuko or the strong Inosuke? Of course, he didn't want them to face the demon alone, but still.

"I'm sorry," the girl hiccupped, letting her go to give her a breathing space. The Lightning Breath User rose and rummaged through one of the undamaged drawers, relief the medicine kit was at the usual place. He then sat back down, treated the cracked lips and wounded face of her and making sure the balm didn't enter her widening stare, "I'm sorry you have to shoulder the blame along with me…"

"It's okay."

"B-But Warabihime-Oiran is—"

"Honestly, it's okay," Zenitsu pressed on, accidentally putting a bit of pressure on her injuries that she winced. It was his turn to mumble an apology. Seems like his nerves were still frayed after the appearance of an enemy. Zenitsu smiled, shaky and uncertain, although that was enough to calm the girl down, "let's just…clean this room and prepared for the day, alright? I'll sneak you some snack from the kitchen after this."

Yes. Let's just finished this thing up. It's almost time for the Demon Slayer regular meeting anyway.

When he arrived at a particular roof they chose beforehand for their initial meet up place, he saw two of his friends, still clad in their own kimono. Inosuke was flailing his hands around, explaining to the befuddled Nezuko about the demon he saw in his share of experience, saying that they took Makio away as her room was all banged up and no person in sight. The only girl in their group noticed his presence and offered him her usual soothing grin. Then it fell right away when her burgundy orbs landed on his form. Or actually his Color, those kind eyes blinked in concern, "what's wrong? Are you tired?"

Zenitsu plopped his bum beside Inosuke's left side, unconsciously leaned on his shoulder for mental support. Ignoring his squawk at the sudden contact, the yellow hunter muttered, "it's the Oiran at my house. She's an Upper Moon Demon."

Both of them immediately tensed.

"Explain," Tengen ordered, causing the three of them to jump in shock. He never made a sound and the wind never swayed. Even with the help of his ears, he didn't notice his presence at all (just like the demon woman. No. Tengen is a Sound Pillar. He's on their side. Snap out of it, Zenitsu). His red eyes bored into his yellow, lips thinned, "tell me everything."

So, he did. About the info of the madam's death two days before their arrival here (it may not be related. Or it may be. The demon's presence changes everything). About the sound of a girl crying. About him trying to reassure her, thinking that she was involved in a one-sided fight. Then about the appearance of the beast herself; beautiful, overwhelming presence, and a higher-ranking beast. He didn't see any number on her eyes, must've been hidden to conceal her true face from the world and pretended to be a normal human being. But her Voice was the same as Akaza, the one who almost killed Kyojuro and forced Tanjiro to sleep. Dark, disturbing, Zenitsu shivered every time he recalled it.

Tengen nodded and stepped to the edge of the roof, "go home."

Nezuko perked up at that, scowls marred her beautiful complexion, "Uzui-san—"

"Your ranks are way too low. If the demon here is really an Upper Moon just as Zenitsu predicted, then you can't deal with her," he put his fisted knuckled on his waist, the other grasped the hilt of his dual, cleave-like sword, "the desire to save my wives has caused me to commit a mental error. From here on, I'll move on my own."

"Don't be ashamed. Winners stay alive, just like Rengoku," he said as a parting word. Zenitsu saw how the pink slayer's shoulders tensed once more, "don't mess this opportunity up and go home. You have someone waiting for you on the other side."

Then he disappeared, leaving them all on the roof, contemplating of what they should do from these minutes onward.

While Nezuko grumbled that they can still help even though they were the lowest of the lowest in the demon slayer's rank, and Inosuke parried that sentences by saying they're actually not, they're currently at the fourth lowest on the chain after their last mission (he expanded the muscle on his fist and made a word appear; Kanoe. This is a special technique called Wisteria Carving, the Kasugaigarasu assigned to them explained at one time. A sacred symbol of the Demon Hunter Association. You'll feel an itch at the back of your hand if there's an update on your current rank), Zenitsu was immersed with his own jumbled thought. If it was him, he'll gladly step out of this troublesome fiasco. He stiffened when Akaza came. And this one made him sweat bullets. The Sound they produced was too much and he was sure that he'll be the first to die if he continues to indulge himself in this suicide mission. But then—

"I'm not going to let Uzui-san fight alone"

—but then he knew Nezuko will say that.

He was still leaning on Inosuke as they discussed their plan—Nezuko will visit the Ogimoto house when the night fall, the house where the Pig Mask discovered the presence of the demon, after she was down with the investigation of her place. There might be an underground passage under the Ogimoto brothel. The reason why the beast disappeared so quickly, why Inosuke could not find her, and how she hid her victims; it'll take time to clean up a murder, after all, bloodstains didn't just simply go away no matter how hard you scrub them off. With that thought in mind, the Upper Moon must've worked at night or people would begin to question her activity. That was the perfect time for the monster, and for them as well, to unleash their counter-attack—when Nezuko tilted her attention back to the exhausted Zenitsu and spoke, "you can sit this one out if you want, Zenitsu."

"H-Huh?"

"It must be scary, wasn't it? To meet face to face with an Upper Demon. I know how it feels. I couldn't help Rengoku-san either that day," she shifted her gaze down, staring at the roof tile like it was the most interesting thing in the world, "I don't blame you. I'm scared too. My hands…they could not stop trembling," Nezuko punctuated that by showing them the said hands. It was miniscule, but they saw how it quivered. The second Kamado tightened her fist, covering her fear by a bravado of determination and continued, "then I remembered how Rengoku-san couldn't win. He's a Pillar, yet he still lost. He's strong, yet he still needs help."

"I'm not going to leave Uzui-san alone. I'm not going to let myself watch from the sideline anymore," she swore, burgundy orbs blazing, "so if you want to step down, I'm not going to stop you. 'Winner stays alive', wasn't it? As long as you're alive, you can still try. Nobody will scorn you for your own decision, Zenitsu."

His breath hitched, his heart tightened painfully.

(She…was speaking the truth)

(He doesn't even have to listen hard. Nezuko believed in every word she said. That she'll not mock him for his weaknesses. That's she'll still support him even if he ran away like a coward. Just like usual. )

(And in the face of that kindness, Zenitsu—)

"I'll stay."

(Zenitsu decided not to let it disappear)

(He will not let any people, who produced a nice sound and didn't hesitate to direct it at him, no ulterior motive at all, disappear from his life)

(He'll protect them. Even if they don't need it, he will)

(Besides…)

Nezuko smiled and Inosuke grinned wide.

(I'm tired of being useless. Always hiding from the cruelty of the world and let the flow brought me away involuntarily)

(And If Inosuke, who mocked him for his cowardice at that Spider Mountain mission, was now staring with expectance. The-jerk-who-never-mince-his-word, was now didn't have any of those disgust in his Voice anymore, no judgment at all. Just a firm belief in his survival skill. If Inosuke can change to a better friend. Well)

(Zenitsu can do it too)

After ordering their Kasugaigarasu to flew back and inform the other Pillar for some backup, Nezuko changed to her usual clothes; demon slayer black uniform and her precious pink haori, forgoing her cute hairstyle to the usual ponytail; it didn't have any braids in it, however, she doesn't have time to style her hair in this time of need. With the help of the trained mouse that was belonged to Tengen—the 'Shino Beast' buff mice. Who underwent special training, have high intelligence and was very strong—she acquired her swords back. Patting their head in a silent compliment of a work well done and letting them scurried back to their place via the attic, she then headed out as well. There was one destination she needed to visit before she retired from this 'job'. The moment the servant girls were away from the intended room, Nezuko stepped in.

"Koinatsu-san," she softly called, the Oiran of the Tokito House turned to her with a slight shock. She put a white envelope on the tatami, containing a wad of bills and a letter of apology the Pillar had prepared for the three of them (in case to bribe someone if their identity was discovered, although it mostly for the case of Zenitsu and Inosuke. Tengen gave one to Nezuko just for the sake of it), "forgive me for being impolite but I'll be leaving this house now. I owe the master and the others for all the care they provided for me, so could you give this payment to them?"

"Nezuko-chan?" Koinatsu gasped, looking over her attire, "what…"

"I have my reason to join in on this work," the hunter said, "Sumi-san is not actually my neechan and I'm sorry I lied to you. But I'm not kidding when I said I'm worried about her safety. Someone is searching for her and I'm helping him as of now."

"Is that so…" the Oiran murmured, "was it her husband?"

Nezuko's eyebrows rose, "did you know about her status from the very start?"

Koinatsu nodded, "it was faint, but I saw a ring mark on her finger. I've been thinking if she was married before but then her husband abandoned her, causing her to be forced to indulge herself in this kind of lifestyle. I'm happy that it doesn't seem to be the case," she stared at the young girl who-is-not-her-junior-anymore, the ocean blue orbs almost feel like it was staring right into her soul, "you will save her, right? And those who have disappeared as well?"

"Of course!" Nezuko answered with aplomb.

The beautiful lady softly smiled, "Even though there were a lot of unsettling incidents happening, I had no means to investigate and could only sit in my room, twiddling my thumbs. I'm a little relieved now, thanks to your reassurance," her eyes quirked, hiding his small lips beneath the massive sleeve kimono, "You see, I'm leaving this town tomorrow. There's someone who's willing to take me as a wife. I'm extremely happy right now."

"Really? Congratulation, Koinatsu-san!" Nezuko gasped, doing a small celebratory cheer for the mature woman. She was glad the Oiran managed to find her footing once more. Being an 'entertainer' is a tiring job and the pink slayer was happy she could rest now that there will be a constant figure accompanying her daily life. Not just as servants who were there out of obligation, even if Nezuko knew the children genuinely like the pretty lady. Or men who were there just to satisfy their curiosity, "I hope you have a wonderful life, Koinatsu-san. I'll be going now."

"Yes. Take care of yourself Nezuko-chan," the smile she portrayed turned a bit somber, "even if it was brief, I'm glad that I met you."

Nezuko beamed as she jumped out of the window, sword ready to unsheathed. She promised to take care of this troublesome demon tonight, once and for all. For the sake of Koinatsu.

And for the sake of everyone else.

.

.

The Oiran of the Tokito House was in the middle of tidying up her belongings for the bright tomorrow onward when she felt a presence behind her. Thinking it was the ponytail girl with blazing burgundy orbs, she smiled as she spoke softly, "did you forget something, Nezuk—"

Then stopped. When her ocean blues landed on a person that should not be here. With a hairstyle that was not familiar. In a garb that was not appropriate. She licked her lips, showing her fangs beneath the smirking mouth, "yup. Gotta eat you now so I don't forget to. After all…"

.

"Tonight's your last night, right? Koinatsu?"

.

.

Nezuko, standing on a rooftop of the nearest residence and was on her way to the Kyogoku house to meet up with her friend, gasped in horror.

OMAKE chapter 76

Tengen grinds his teeth in annoyance at the sight of two of his impromptu protégé, now wearing their usual outfit of Demon Hunter Organization. He knew this will happened. These kids were stubborn beyond measure, even the crybaby one. He thought it only applied to the pink haori wearer but it doesn't seem to be the case. Really, the moment he landed his sight on the girl who shamelessly brought a demon within their circle, no respect to the Pillar who bear a strength superior than herself if she doesn't like them—she didn't even try to hide her dislike too, with how she called Sanemi with his given name and no honorific whatsoever—and daringly went against the flamboyant man even if it means only in verbal jibe—he was not used to a subordinate questioning his orders besides his own wives. Not to mention how she almost destroyed his images with words alone—he knew the girl, along with her companions, will invite trouble. Tengen thought that with Tanjiro indisposed, being taken care of within the safe haven of the Demon Slayer Medical Headquarter, it'll be okay. No fiends will swarm them into a corner now that their 'target' was sleeping soundly without a care of the world revolving. But of course, that was just wishful thinking.

Maybe the bad luck latched onto Nezuko instead, not the older brother.

"I told you to go home, didn't I?" the Sound Pillar questions. And after he got some useful info regarding the beast too. The Master of Kyogoku house was easy to threaten. The man was still wallowing over the O-Mitsu's death, clutching onto her bloodied clothed like a lifeline. Even he suspected the passing of the woman was something to be suspicious over, that he easily gave them the information regarding the culprit through his quickened breath; the man was burned with anger and revenge after all. When he arrived at Warabihime's room, however, Tengen could not find anything, no matter how the foul stench lingered in everything. So, he intended to rescue his wife first and foremost, was on the way to finally meet her actually. When the pig and sunny teen ambushed him out of nowhere, breathless and ready to pounce.

How did they track him anyway? Was it because of Zenitsu's talent? He does have an uncanny sense of hearing.

The said boy himself was flailing, sweat trailing down his pale face and maw doing its best at mimicking a gaping fish. He looked like he was ready to puke, be it the normal vomit or the sentences that stuck in his raspy throat, Tengen didn't want to know. Inosuke decided to shove him aside though, tired of his uncertainty and hollered, "Zenbiksu said he knows where's the demon is!"

Tengen blinked.

"Since we know about the demon's true identity, I've been tracking her voice at any second. Didn't want to get caught off guard for the second time and all. I-I noticed that she was nowhere to be found just ten minutes ago," Zenitsu explained, complexion turned whiter and whiter, "when we got out, I sensed two particular places where her Voices were accumulating. And...and one of them—the stronger sounds—came from the Tokito House."

Crap. That's the house Nezuko was in!

"Oi, girly man. We promised to meet at my place for our secret meeting this evening. Except, she didn't come," Inosuke piped in, crossing his arms in front of his broad chest, "it's frustrating but you're stronger than us. We'll search for your wives and you should focus on Nedukon's safety. I don't care if you're a Pillar, I'll kill you if she's dead!"

Tengen groaned and let out a long-suffering sigh, kneading the bridge of his nose to dispel the headache. The boy's right. Everything could happen in a span of ten minutes; if the girl was a complete newbie, she may actually be dead already. He could not let his subject face an early grave. Not after he promised himself to take care of them, no matter how unwilling he was.

"Inosuke, go to this second place the crying boy mention. There's a chance this demon hides her victim there," Pig Mask had said that he encountered the demon also yet she escaped before he could see her face, "Zenitsu, here's a medicine and go treat Hinatsuru. She's located at the more lowly brothel. Help the piggy after you finished. Just because the main body is not there, doesn't mean you can underestimate her strength," Tengen clasped the hilt of his dual sword. The bandages that served as its sheath—the cloth was connected right on the back of his uniform so he could not lose them nor he had to use new bandages just to wrap the swords back—unfurled. Showing the muted apricot color contained within the blade as it glinted under the moonlight, red orbs narrowed in resolution, "I'll go save your girl."

So, don't die on me, kid.

BONUS SCENE

Far from the Red District and right at the center of the Butterfly Estate, where Tanjiro slumber, his fingers twitched.