[[Chapter 12 - Wisteria house]]
The four weary travelers stood at the edge of Mount Natagumo, their eyes fixed on the looming darkness that engulfed the forest. The moon, high in the sky, cast an eerie glow over the scene, adding an ominous atmosphere to their late-night arrival. Percy, Inosuke, Zenitsu, and Tanjiro had spent the entire day journeying towards this mountain, driven by their unwavering determination to confront the menacing Oni that plagued its depths.
As they surveyed their surroundings, the sounds of chirping insects and rustling leaves filled the air, heightening their senses and alerting them to the imminent danger that awaited. Percy's hands were already tightly gripping Riptide's hilt in its sword form, a surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins. He exchanged a resolute glance with his companions, each one prepared to face the unknown with unwavering resolve.
"The Oni is right ahead, lurking in the shadows of this mountain," Percy declared, his voice steady and determined. "We must be cautious and be ready for any and everything."
Inosuke, ever the brash and impulsive warrior, cracked his knuckles and grinned with fierce anticipation. "I'm ready to tear this place apart! No Oni will stand a chance against me!" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with confidence.
Zenitsu, on the other hand, was on his knees, his face etched fear. "It's so scary! It seems so much scarier the closer we get," he stammered, his trembling increasing with each passing second.
Inosuke grew annoyed at Zenitsu's timidity. "Why is this guy sitting down? You really piss me off," he grumbled, his frustration bubbling to the surface.
Zenitsu retaliated with a shout, his fear-driven words lashing out. "You're the last person I want complaints from, you pig-head! It seems like..." His response, however, was abruptly interrupted by Percy, who placed a calming hand on Zenitsu's shoulder, also getting annoyed by the yellow haired boy's yells.
"Zenitsu, calm down," Percy advised in a soothing tone despite his growing annoyance. "We have an important mission to complete, and we can't do it if you stay on the ground. Stand up and face your fears."
Reluctantly, Zenitsu rose to his feet. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart, and readied himself for the challenges that lay ahead.
Suddenly, a faint whisper carried on the wind, echoing through the mountain's embrace. "Save... save me..." The words hung in the air, sending a shiver down their spines. The group turned their heads in the direction of the voice, their senses on high alert.
There, on the ground, they spotted the form of a young man, crawling towards them with an unsheathed katana in his hands and dressed in the uniform of the demon slayer corps. Tanjiro, his concern evident, rushed forward to assist the fallen comrade. "Are you alright? What happened to you?" he inquired, his voice filled with compassion.
But before the young man could respond, as if yanked by an unseen force, he was flung backward into the dense trees lining the mountain. Panic gripped his face, his hands outstretched as if reaching for something to halt his flight. The desperate cry of "Save me" faintly echoed as he grew distant, swallowed by the abyss of the night.
Silence settled over the group, broken only by the eerie rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. They exchanged glances, a mix of bewilderment and concern etched upon their faces.
"What just happened?" Percy pondered aloud, his voice laced with a sense of unease. "This must be the Oni's doing. We have to hurry."
Zenitsu's panic erupted into a frenzied outburst. "Did you see that? He was captured by the demon! I'm not going inside! Wahhh, I'm so scared!" he cried, dropping to the ground and succumbing to despair.
Percy felt a surge of annoyance, his patience tested by Zenitsu's constant fear. He approached the trembling boy with a stern tone. "Zenitsu, we were all given this mission," he chided. "You can't just sit down and expect everything to solve itself. Have some faith in yourself, for the gods' sake."
Inosuke, ever impulsive, let out a defiant roar. "I shall be the vanguard! You can bring your trembling buttocks and follow me!" he declared, his hunger for battle evident in his voice. With that, he charged into the depths of Mount Natagumo, his resolve unyielding.
Tanjiro, unwavering in his duty, wasted no time in pursuing Inosuke, his steps quick and determined. Percy cast a final pleading glance at Zenitsu, silently urging him to find strength within himself, before joining their comrade.
As they ventured deeper into the mountain, shadows danced among the trees, adding an eerie ambiance to their surroundings. The air grew heavy with anticipation, carrying whispers of the unknown. Percy's senses heightened, his grip on Riptide tightening.
The single, lonely trail stretched before them, leading them further into the heart of Mount Natagumo. Percy's eyes darted from tree to tree, every slight movement of a bush or shadow capturing his attention. The dense forest closed in around them, the path narrowing as they continued their ascent.
Inosuke let out an annoyed grunt, swatting at spiderwebs that clung to his face. "Tch! There are spiderwebs everywhere. So annoying!" he growled, his impatience evident.
Percy silently agreed, his own irritation rising as the sticky strands clung to his clothes and skin. They pressed on, navigating through the tangled undergrowth as the forest grew denser, each step bringing them deeper into the unknown.
Tanjiro's voice broke the silence, gratitude laced within his words. "Percy, Inosuke... Thank you for coming along. Your presence brings me confidence," he said, his voice carrying a mix of appreciation and determination. "The mountain emits a twisted and unnatural smell. It causes a slight shock to my body. But with you both by my side, I am prepared to face whatever lies ahead."
Percy offered a reassuring smile. "It's our duty to stand by you, Tanjiro," he replied, his voice filled with conviction. "Most importantly, you are our friend. We wouldn't let you face this alone. We'll stay united in our mission."
Inosuke's boisterous voice rang out, full of self-assurance. "Of course! I would never let my underlings down!" he declared, puffing out his chest. "That's the great Lord Inosuke for you!" As he spoke, Percy swore he saw puffs of smoke emanating from the boar mask's nose, a testament to Inosuke's fiery spirit.
With their camaraderie solidified, the trio pressed forward, the mountain's twisted and unnatural scent growing more potent with each step. The atmosphere was suffused with an otherworldly aura, sending a shiver down Percy's spine. Tanjiro was ahead of them all, using his powerful sense of smell to scout for danger. Inosuke was right behind him, while Percy opted for flanking his friends, wanting to have full sight of them at all times.
Percy's gaze scanned the surroundings, his senses on high alert. He couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, as if unseen eyes peered out from the shadows. The rustling of leaves and occasional creaking branches added to the mounting tension.
The absence of the faint insect sounds that had accompanied them earlier only heightened the sinister atmosphere that enveloped the forest. The once vibrant symphony of chirping insects had been replaced by an unsettling silence, as if nature itself held its breath in anticipation.
The whispers of the unknown grew louder in Percy's mind, an ethereal chorus of haunting voices that seemed to emanate from the very heart of Mount Natagumo. His grip on Riptide tightened, ready to face whatever twisted trials awaited them.
As they pressed forward, their steps came to a sudden halt as another man, dressed in the uniform of the Demon Slayer Corps, appeared before them. The man stood motionless among the trees and bushes, his back turned to the trio. Curiosity and caution mingled in their eyes as they exchanged glances.
Tanjiro took a step forward, extending his hand to touch the man's shoulder. The sudden movement caused the man to jerk and reach for his concealed sword, but his actions halted when he noticed Tanjiro's own uniform. Recognition flickered in his eyes as he surveyed the trio before him.
"We're here for support. I am Tanjiro Kamado, rank 10," Tanjiro introduced himself, his voice filled with sincerity. "These are Percy and Inosuke."
The man's hopeful expression gave way to sheer disbelief, beads of sweat forming on his brow. His voice trembled as he spoke, his despair evident. "Rank 10... Why didn't they send a Hashira? The result will be the same, no matter how many level 10s come! It's pointless!"
Inosuke's patience wore thin, a low growl escaping his lips. With an angry stride, he closed in on the man, his fist clenched and ready to strike. Percy quickly recognized the brewing anger within Inosuke and swiftly reached out, placing a firm hand on his arm, preventing the punch from connecting just inches away from the man's face.
"Easy there, Inosuke," Percy warned, his voice firm but calm. "We don't need to resort to violence. We're here to work together."
Inosuke's gaze shifted from the man to Percy, his muscles tense and ready to pounce. After a moment of hesitation, he relented, his fist unclenching.
The man took a deep breath, visibly shaken by the encounter. "I... I apologize," he stammered, his voice filled with remorse. "It's just... the situation here is dire. We've lost many to the Oni that infest this mountain. It's a battle that seems unstoppable."
Tanjiro's expression softened, understanding the man's despair. "We're here to help," he reassured him, his voice filled with compassion. "Together, we can make a difference. We'll overcome this challenge, no matter how daunting it may seem."
"What is your name?" Percy asked, his voice filled with genuine curiosity. He was relieved to sense the tension in the air dissipating, replaced by a shared confidence to face the challenges ahead. "And what can you tell us about the Oni that lives here? Did you catch a glimpse of its form?"
The man took a deep breath, his gaze distant as he recalled the harrowing events that had unfolded. "My name is Murata," he replied, his voice laced with a mixture of weariness and trepidation. "After receiving our commands from the crow, ten of us arrived here. But once we entered the woods... chaos ensued. The demon hunters... they turned against each other. It was a gruesome sight. I managed to escape the madness and found myself here, just as you arrived."
Percy nodded in understanding, a solemn expression settling upon his face. He turned to his companions, a hint of concern in his eyes. "It looks like the Oni has the ability to control people," he remarked, his voice filled with a somber realization. "This Oni might be able to use powerful magic. I've encountered an Oni with a similar power before. Let's stay together and watch each other's backs."
His attention returning to Murata, Percy's voice carried a note of confidence. "Murata, it's best that you retreat and tend to your wounds," he advised, his words brimming with reassurance. "Leave the rest to us. We'll face the Oni and put an end to its reign of terror."
Murata hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting between the trio of determined demon slayers. The weight of his experiences etched upon his face. Ultimately, he nodded, his trust placed in their capable hands. With a solemn expression, he began his descent from the mountain, seeking solace and respite.
As Murata disappeared into the darkness, Percy, Inosuke, and Tanjiro shared a moment of silent solidarity. The whispers of the unknown still lingered, threading through the air like an ethereal veil. But their calmness did not last for long.
Before them, emerging from the shadows, came a group of demon slayers. Their bodies bore the marks of fierce battles, wounds inflicted by a sharp object. Their movements were stiff and mechanical, betraying the external control that gripped them. Panic radiated from their eyes, mirroring the horror they had witnessed.
Percy's gaze swept over the group, his heart sinking at the sight of their plight. He recalled the glazed eyes of the merchant under Eve's control, realizing that while this Oni possessed the ability to manipulate their bodies, it could not prive them of their consciousness.
Amidst the chaos, a young woman's voice rose above the faint sounds. Her plea hung in the air, laden with desperation and a flicker of hope. "Run! We are being controlled! Please, run while you still can!"
Percy's eyes met hers, a mixture of determination and compassion shining in his gaze. "We won't abandon you," he declared, his voice filled with conviction. "We'll find a way to break this control and save you."
Inosuke, not wanting to be left behind, cracked his knuckles and grinned with fierce determination, unsheathing both of his swords. "I'm not backing down! I'll tear through these controlled bodies and take down that Oni myself!" he proclaimed, his voice brimming with unwavering confidence.
Tanjiro's eyes hardened with resolve, his voice steady and resolute. "We'll fight together," he affirmed, his words carrying the weight of unwavering loyalty. "We'll save you and put an end to this Oni."
The clash of swords reverberated through the dense forest, creating a symphony of steel that echoed into the night. Percy, Inosuke, and Tanjiro faced off against the controlled demon slayers, their movements fluid and precise as they danced with their opponents.
Percy's voice cut through the chaos, a reminder to his companions. "Tanjiro, Inosuke! Remember, they are fellow demon slayers! We must find a way to free them without causing harm!" He parried and dodged attacks with calculated precision, his mind racing to find a solution.
As Percy fought, a realization struck him like lightning. The controlled demon slayers moved with wide, imprecise swings, their motions lacking the finesse of trained swordsmen.
"This is easy," he thought. "The demon controlling them can't use their swordsmanship skills. So we should be able to hold on until we find a way to stop it."
It was then that he noticed a thin thread, barely visible to the naked eye, connecting to the broken arm of one of his adversaries. Percy, acting on pure instinct, swung Riptide trough it, tearing it apart and making the boy's arm go limp.
"Tanjiro, Inosuke!" Percy called out, his voice filled with urgency. "It's threads! They are being controlled by invisible threads!" His words echoed in the chaos of battle, reaching their ears amidst the clash of swords.
Tanjiro's gaze locked with Percy's, a shared understanding passing between them. "We need to cut the threads!" Tanjiro exclaimed, his voice filled with determination. "If we sever the connection, we can free them from the control!"
Inosuke growled in agreement. "I already knew that! Don't think you noticed before me!" He lunged forward, his blade slicing through the air, aiming for the threads that bound his opponents.
Together, they shifted their focus from dodging and blocking to precision strikes, aiming to sever the invisible threads that held their fellow demon slayers captive. But as quickly as they cut one thread, another took its place, trapping them once again in the relentless cycle of battle.
Time seemed to blur as the battle raged on, the echoes of their efforts resounding through the darkness. Each strike, each parry, brought them closer to their goal of freeing the controlled demon slayers and confronting the malevolent Oni that lurked in the depths of Mount Natagumo.
But as they fought, an unsettling realization crept into Percy's mind. The threads seemed to multiply and replenish faster than they could sever them, their ethereal nature defying conventional means of attack. They needed a new strategy, a way to break free from the endless cycle.
Percy's gaze shifted between his two companions, their determined expressions reflecting their shared resolve. Just as he turned his attention to Tanjiro, the young demon slayer swung his sword over his own arm in a swift and calculated motion. Percy's eyes widened in understanding as Tanjiro's voice rang out.
"There are spiders sewing the threads. And there are a lot of them!" Tanjiro's words carried a sense of urgency and revelation. "We need to find the demon controlling the spiders! Inosuke, can you do anything to help us?"
Inosuke opened his mouth to respond, but his words were drowned out by a chilling voice that cut through the chaos of battle. "Don't disturb our clan's peaceful life here," the voice echoed, sending a shiver down their spines. The trio's gaze shifted upward, their eyes meeting the sight of an Oni, a young boy with porcelain white skin and hair.
Percy's keen eyes noticed the delicate web of wires beneath the Oni's feet, allowing him to hover as if walking on air.
Inosuke's frustration surged forth, his voice ringing with defiance. "Hey! You! Don't interrupt the great Inosuke!" His feet pressed against the body of a fallen demon slayer, using it as a platform for his powerful leap. As he reached closer, Inosuke swung his sword over his head, his blade almost reaching the wires. As Inosuke landed on the ground, the Oni calmly retreated, the wires guiding his ethereal steps
"It doesn't seem like that was the Oni controlling the spiders. He also mentioned a clan, so there are probably multiple Oni here. But first, we need to find the source of the threads," Percy declared, his voice carrying a hint of frustration. "If we can cut off the Oni's control, we can free our fellow demon slayers and defeat it once and for all. Keep your senses sharp and be ready to strike when the opportunity arises."
His words hung in the air, fueling their determination as they prepared for the next phase of the battle. Inosuke, now free of interruptions, raised both of his swords above his head, planting them firmly into the ground. He assumed a stance with one knee on the ground and his arms extended sideways. Percy could hear him saying "Breath of the Beast—Seventh Form: Special Awareness."
Percy couldn't help but be impressed at Inosuke's innate mastery of a breathing style, even without formal training. Amidst the chaos of the battle, Percy made a silent vow to himself. "Even Inosuke, who grew up in the mountains with no teachers, has developed a breathing style. I need to seriously step up my game. I swear I will start creating my own style as soon as we leave this mountain."
"Haha! Found it!" Inosuke's sharp senses led the way, his instincts guiding him towards a particular location. Percy and Tanjiro followed closely, their focus honed on the task at hand. But their progress was impeded by the controlled demon slayers, who pleaded for release from their torment.
"Please... kill us... we don't want to suffer anymore," the girl from earlier pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. Inosuke, ever pragmatic and merciless, responded callously. "Okay, I got it!" His intent to end their suffering was met with Percy's firm grasp on his hand, accompanied by an angry glare. No words were needed to convey Percy's disapproval.
Tanjiro intervened, his compassionate nature shining through even in the midst of battle. "Inosuke, calm down. There must be a way to save them!" But Inosuke's resolve remained unyielding. With a swift twist of his arm, he broke free from Percy's grip, his voice filled with defiance. "Shut up! You heard her! She wants to die! We'll be the ones killed if we don't do anything!"
Tanjiro, however, didn't give up just yet. "Wait. I have a plan," he said. Tanjiro was quick to then engage in a fierce battle with one of the controlled demon slayers, skillfully leading him under a nearby tree. In a display of exceptional strength, Tanjiro threw his opponent over a sturdy branch, entangling the wires and rendering him immobilized. Percy watched in awe as Tanjiro's fluid movements and precise strikes gradually steered the slayer closer to the sturdy branch overhead.
With a final burst of strength, Tanjiro executed a masterful throw, propelling the slayer over the branch. The wires controlling him became entangled, effectively immobilizing his movements. Percy couldn't help but feel a surge of admiration for Tanjiro's quick thinking.
Not one to be outdone, Percy swiftly executed the same maneuver with his opponent. With calculated precision, he skillfully directed the slayer's movements, maneuvering him beneath the waiting branch. With a powerful exertion of force, Percy propelled the slayer over the branch, securing the wires in a tangled web.
Inosuke, unable to resist the temptation of joining in the display, laughed maniacally as he lured the demon slayer into a wild chase. His agile movements led the slayer directly under the waiting branch, where the wires snared him, holding him upside down in a vulnerable position.
As they witnessed their plan unfold successfully, a sense of accomplishment washed over them. Percy's admiration for Tanjiro's quick thinking and resourcefulness grew even stronger. The cunning strategy not only neutralized their opponents but also showcased the depth of Tanjiro's leadership and tactical abilities.
Victory seemed within their grasp as they incapacitated the controlled demon slayers one by one. But the elation was short-lived. In the same moment, the heads of the hanging slayers was suddenly turned backwards as the wires suddenly twisted, violently snapping their necks, snuffing out their lives in an instant. Darkness descended upon the scene, shrouding the trio in a suffocating atmosphere of anger and sorrow.
Percy's heart swelled with a mix of emotions. Anger burned within him, fueled by the senseless deaths of the demon slayers. Yet, sorrow tugged at his core, mourning the lives that had been twisted and controlled by the Oni's malevolent power. Their sacrifices would not be forgotten.
As the trio stood amidst the somber aftermath, Percy turned his gaze towards his companions. Inosuke's expression was concealed behind his boar mask, but Percy could sense the seething anger emanating from him. Tanjiro, on the other hand, wore his fury openly upon his face, his features etched with determination.
"We need to keep moving," Tanjiro said tersely, his voice laced with quiet resolve. Inosuke, though uncharacteristically silent, echoed his sentiments with a single word. "Yeah."
With their collective rage simmering beneath the surface, the trio pressed forward. Inosuke's keen senses led them closer to their unknown enemy, his instinctive tracking guiding their path through the treacherous terrain. Percy prepared himself for the impending confrontation, ready to face whatever twisted horrors awaited them.
However, as they reached the final stretch, Inosuke abruptly halted, announcing their proximity to their quarry. Percy's instinct urged him to surge forward, but Inosuke, true to his impulsive nature, asserted his claim. "Oi! I'm the one who found him first! I'll be the one to fight!" His declaration was met with a scolding reprimand from Tanjiro.
"Inosuke! We're a team. We face these challenges together," Tanjiro admonished, his voice firm but laced with concern. "Remember, our goal is to defeat the Oni. We can't afford to let our individual egos get in the way."
Inosuke grumbled under his breath, reluctantly accepting the unified approach. The tension among them began to dissipate as their focus shifted towards their shared objective. With renewed vigor, the trio resumed their march, their steps echoing through the foreboding silence.
Their progress was abruptly halted as a monstrous figure descended before them. It was a grotesque Oni, or at least what remained of one. Percy's eyes widened as he took in the sight—the massive body, the formidable muscles, the sharp blades that adorned its hands. Yet, the most striking feature was the absence of a head. Instead, thin wires seemed to connect the neck stump to the rest of the body, controlling its movements like a macabre puppet.
Percy's mind raced with questions, contemplating the nature of this headless creature. How was its body still intact without its head? Why hadn't it disintegrated like others they had encountered? The mysteries only deepened as the battle-ready Inosuke voiced his confusion.
"It doesn't have a head! How am I supposed to defeat it? What do I do?" Inosuke's voice teetered on the edge of panic, his uncertainty palpable.
Tanjiro, quick to analyze the situation, responded with a plan. "We need to target the area beneath its left armpit, slashing from the bottom right side of its neck. It's a large area, but if we can sever those threads controlling its movements, we might have a chance."
Inosuke, driven by his brash nature, let out a battle cry, lunging towards the headless behemoth. But his charge was abruptly halted as thin threads ensnared his arm, rendering him immobile. The Oni, arms raised high, prepared to deliver a crushing blow. Fear gripped Inosuke, his body frozen in place.
Reacting with lightning speed, Percy moved to intercept the impending attack. With a swift motion, he drew Riptide from its sheath, its celestial bronze blade gleaming in the moonlight. He positioned himself between Inosuke and the Oni, a shield of determination against the looming threat.
"Stay calm, Inosuke," Percy called out, his voice firm and commanding. "We won't let this creature overpower us. Tanjiro, now!"
As the words left his lips, Percy unleashed a flurry of swift strikes, aiming to sever the threads that held Inosuke captive. His sword sliced through the air with precision, each swing calculated to break the invisible shackles. Meanwhile, Tanjiro moved in tandem, his Nichirin Blade poised to strike at the vulnerable spot beneath the Oni's left armpit.
The controlled Oni, however, did a back step, making Tanjiro's attack miss it by centimeters. Percy's mind raced, calculating the Oni's movements, searching for an opening to exploit.
"This puppet's movements are faster than the demon slayers. So whoever is controlling it must be close. We need to combine our strikes when it's in a vulnerable state."
With a burst of adrenaline, Percy devised a plan, quickly issuing commands to his companions. "Inosuke, attack from above! Tanjiro, follow my lead! When I distract the Oni, both of you will attack. Now!"
The trio sprang into action, their movements flowing in perfect harmony. Inosuke obeyed, launching himself into the air and descending upon the Oni with a powerful downward swing. At the same time, Percy advanced, aiming a vertical slash towards the vulnerable target. But the Oni's defense was swift, one of its blades deflecting Percy's strike while the other swung dangerously close.
Undeterred, Percy ducked under the swinging blade, creating the opening he had anticipated. "Now!" he shouted, the signal for Inosuke and Tanjiro to strike. In a synchronized display of strength and skill, their blades converged in a powerful diagonal slash, severing the flesh of the Oni, separating its upper half from its body. The puppet's body began to disintegrate, its dark influence dissipating trough the night.
As the battle reached its end, Inosuke's impulsive nature surfaced once more. With a sudden outburst, he flung Tanjiro high into the air before Percy could react. Confusion and frustration clouded Percy's features as he confronted Inosuke. "What the hell was that, Inosuke?"
Inosuke huffed defiantly, his pride clearly wounded. "I can sense where the Oni is! I just gave Monjiro a ride!"
Percy sighed, a mixture of exasperation and understanding. Inosuke's unorthodox methods were perplexing, but there was no denying his unique talents. As they waited for Tanjiro's return, the dissipation of the threads and spiders confirmed the success of their mission.
It was only a few seconds before Tanjiro returned, his expression filled with worry. Percy approached him, curiosity tugging at his words. "What's wrong, Tanjiro?"
Tanjiro hesitated for a moment before speaking, his voice tinged with concern. "The Oni... it spoke to me. It revealed the presence of one of the Twelve Moons here. We need to be careful."
Percy's eyebrows raised in surprise, his curiosity piqued. "Twelve Moons? What are they?"
Tanjiro's surprise mirrored Percy's, his tone filled with disbelief. "You don't know? Muzan, the progenitor of the Oni, has twelve of its strongest minions known as the Twelve Moons. They have received the most blood from Muzan, making them very powerful. If I can collect their blood, it could help in finding a cure for Nezuko."
Understanding dawned upon Percy, empathy filling his voice. "I see. It's a hard task, but we'll face it together. We'll find a way to save Nezuko and put an end to Muzan's reign of terror. You're not alone in this."
With renewed confidence, the trio forged ahead, their resolve unshaken. Each step brought them closer to the heart of Mount Natagumo, where a new and formidable opponent awaited them. The encounter with the headless puppet had bolstered their resolve, reminding them of the strength they possessed when united.
As they navigated the sinuous path, their senses remained on high alert, the atmosphere thick with an otherworldly presence. Percy's eyes scanned the surrounding trees, searching for any signs of danger.
Just as they were crossing a small stream, their attention was abruptly captivated by the sight of another Oni, this time in the form of a young girl with flowing, white hair. Her porcelain-like skin bore the same pallor as the previous puppet, and a hint of fear flickered across her delicate features. Inosuke's battle cry pierced the air as he charged towards her, eager for the confrontation. The demon girl, overwhelmed with fright, fled, her voice piercing the silence as she cried out, "Father!"
Without warning, an immense figure descended from above, eclipsing their view. It stood before them, a towering humanoid spider with eight piercing eyes and a face hidden beneath a veil of flowing bristles. Its fangs glinted menacingly as it roared with a voice that reverberated through the forest, "GET... AWAY... FROM MY FAMILY!"
A shiver ran down Percy's spine as he analyzed the creature before him. The ominous aura emanating from the spider-like Oni was undeniable. It bore the essence of an adversary far more formidable than any they had encountered thus far. Percy's mind raced, his instincts telling him that this creature could very well be one of the Twelve Moons.
Drawing their swords with determination etched upon their faces, the trio prepared for the arduous battle ahead. Percy's grip on Riptide tightened, his senses honed to their peak. Tanjiro and Inosuke mirrored his readiness, their blades gleaming in the dappled moonlight filtering through the dense canopy.
Percy couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation mixed with trepidation. This would undoubtedly be their greatest challenge yet, a test of their resolve and abilities. The fate of their comrades and innocent people passing by rested upon their shoulders.
The trio charged forward, their spirits aflame with determination. With each step, their resolve deepened, and their movements became a seamless dance of coordinated strikes. Percy knew that this battle would test the limits of their strength, skill, and unity.
As the clash began, Tanjiro muttered "Water Breathing… Second Form—Water Wheel", his body performing a front flip to gain momentum for his strike and his blade slicing through the air with precision and grace. But the spider-like Oni, displaying incredible resilience, effortlessly blocked the attack with the impenetrable hardness of its bare arm. Inosuke, with his characteristic ferocity, launched a dual-sword assault from the side, only to meet a similar resistance.
Percy, undeterred by their failed attempts, seized the moment and lunged forward, his sword poised to strike. But the Oni's agility proved unparalleled as it swiftly spun on its axis, using its momentum to hurl Tanjiro and Inosuke straight toward Percy. Caught off guard, Percy's comrades slammed into him, propelling them backwards and making them crash into the stream.
As the water enveloped them, Percy felt a surge of power coursing through his veins. The essence of his divine heritage as the son of Poseidon stirred within him, enhancing his strength, speed, and senses. He felt his deep connection to the water empowering him, making him believe nothing could top him at this moment.
"Let's show this creature what we're capable of," Percy declared, his voice resolute and unwavering. The water droplets clinging to his form seemed to echo his determination, their presence a testament to the strength that flowed through his veins.
Percy's strikes sliced through the air with newfound speed and precision. Each swing of his sword carried the force of his enhanced breath, empowering his attacks and filling him with a sense of exhilaration. He felt his deep connection to the water, heightening his senses and sharpening his focus.
As the trio battled the formidable Oni, their movements intertwined seamlessly. Tanjiro's Water Breathing techniques flowed gracefully, his blade dancing through the air. Inosuke's relentless onslaught was marked by his sheer brute force, his dual swords a blur of steel. And Percy, with his innate prowess and power, became a force to be reckoned with.
The Oni's defenses wavered under the relentless assault, cracks appearing in its seemingly impenetrable armor-like skin. Percy's strikes connected, but to his surprise, they merely scratched the surface of the creature's hardened skin. Realizing that a different approach was needed, Percy centered his focus, controlling his breaths as he channeled the power of his breathing technique.
As he synchronized his movements with the rhythm of his breath, Percy felt a surge of energy coursing through his body. The world seemed to slow around him as he moved with unparalleled speed and agility. Each strike carried the weight of his determination, aimed at finding the Oni's weakness.
Percy attacked in perfect harmony with his companions. Their strikes came in rapid succession, creating a symphony of steel clashing against flesh. The Oni, caught off guard by their coordinated assault, staggered under the onslaught. In one of their efforts, Percy managed to make a clean cut—a diagonal slash ranging from its left shoulder down to its stomach.
It seemed to annoy the creature. Growing tired of their relentless but seemingly futile efforts, it reached for a nearby tree, its bulging muscles flexing with raw power. With a mighty display of strength, it uprooted the tree, sending shock waves through Percy's being. He watched in awe as the Oni hurled the massive trunk toward them, the ground trembling beneath their feet.
Instinctively, the trio leaped out of harm's way, narrowly avoiding the crashing impact of the tree in the stream. But the Oni wasn't done. It bellowed in rage, its primal fury echoing through the forest, and turned its attention to Tanjiro.
"Get… away… from my… family!" it let out in a gutural and deep voice.
Tanjiro jumped to dodge the Oni's first attack and launched himself into a mid-air slash. But the creature, with a speed that defied its size, caught the tree trunk and effortlessly swatted Tanjiro away like a baseball ball, sending him hurtling through the air.
Inosuke's cry of "Kentarooo!" rang out, filled with concern. Tanjiro's voice echoed through the air, his plea carrying the weight of their situation. "Don't die, Percy, Inosuke! That guy's one of the Twelve Moons! Until I return, don't die! Under any circumstance, don't die!"
In the short time they had to breathe as the Oni turned its attention towards them, Percy took the time to analyze their situation. Inosuke was panting heavily, and the Oni remained untouched, its previous wound inflicted by Percy already fully healed. Percy didn't like their odds.
"Dammit," he thought. "Inosuke can barely keep standing. And I know there are still at least two more Onis lurking around. Tanjiro will need help."
Voicing his thoughts, Percy turned to Inosuke. "Inosuke, let me handle him. There are still Onis in the mount, and I'm worried for Tanjiro. I'll distract him and you'll take the chance to go the same direction Tanjiro went."
"The great lord Inosuke will never run from a demon! We will win, and then we will help Gonpachiro!" Inosuke's fierce cry reverberated through the air as he charged fearlessly towards the towering Oni. Percy's heart pounded in his chest, concern swelling within him.
Inosuke's display of flexibility was nothing short of remarkable as he skillfully evaded a strike, his lithe form ducking under the Oni's massive arm. With a leap fueled by determination, Inosuke utilized the Oni's own limb as a platform, launching himself towards its neck. Percy's eyes widened with hope as he witnessed the imminent strike, silently cheering Inosuke on.
"Wow. Well done, Inosuke! You can do it!" Percy's thoughts echoed in his mind, a glimmer of optimism amidst the chaos. But that glimmer was quickly extinguished as Inosuke's twin blades shattered upon contact with the Oni's unyielding neck. The creature's hide proved impenetrable, their chance at victory slipping through their fingers.
Percy's heart sank, his breath catching in his throat as the Oni retaliated with brutal force. Inosuke, vulnerable and defenseless, was seized by his boar mask and hurled with tremendous strength towards the dense woods nearby. The sickening sound of impact filled the air, a bone-chilling crack that pierced through the stream.
Inosuke's mask was torn away by the force of the collision, leaving his face exposed. Blood flowed freely from the top of his head, a telltale sign of a fractured or broken skull. Percy's hands shook with a mixture of anguish and worry as he rushed to Inosuke's side, his voice laden with worry.
"Inosuke! Hang on, we'll get you help," Percy pleaded, his voice laced with desperation. He gently cradled his friend's battered form, his heart aching with the weight of their predicament.
Percy's concern for Inosuke surged into a seething rage, the flames of fury igniting within him. With a heavy heart and determined resolve, he gently placed Inosuke's battered form on the ground, promising to return with help. His focus shifted to the looming presence of the Oni, the source of their anguish.
"Inosuke, hold on. I'll be back soon," Percy murmured, his voice filled with urgency and determination. He rose from his friend's side, his eyes blazing with a fiery determination.
Without a moment's hesitation, Percy submerged himself in the cool embrace of the stream once more, the water seeming to respond to his fury, swelling and pulsating with his intense emotions. His grip tightened around Riptide as he faced the Oni.
A tempest of rage surged within Percy, fueled by the pain and suffering inflicted upon his friends. His voice boomed with righteous anger as he addressed the Oni, his chest burning with rage. "First Tanjiro, now Inosuke. You've truly made me furious. I will kill you and also the other Oni you want to protect."
The Oni roared in fury, its monstrous form charging towards Percy with unbridled aggression. The battle that ensued was a flurry of lightning-quick movements and deadly strikes. Percy's breathing synchronized with his every move, enhancing his speed, strength, and reflexes.
As the Oni approached with quick steps, Percy allowed himself to calm down and control his emotions. He focused his mind, determined to end this battle as soon as possible. As the Oni raised both of his arms and swung them down, Percy was quick to roll between the Oni's legs, making his attack hit the stream with tremendous force and splatter water trough the air.
Seizing his opportunity, Percy went for a flanking slash on the Oni's back and was satisfied to see it being cut without much resistance. The Oni's skin, while hard, was not impenetrable—Percy simply had to be precise enough with his attacks. Going for another hit, Percy kicked the Oni on the back of his knee with as much strength as he could muster, bringing the towering creature down to one knee. Taking a deep breath, Percy swung Riptide in a horizontal arc, aiming for the neck.
The Oni, true to its relentless nature, was not fazed by Percy's successful maneuver, raising his arm to block Riptide's path towards its weak spot. Percy was only able to cut halfway trough the arm, stopped by the sheer muscle density this monster possessed. Seeing the Oni raise his free limb, Percy was obliged to roll away, leaving Riptide stuck in between his beefy arm.
The Oni also noticed it. It made a vicious sound, almost taunting Percy as he removed the blade wounding his arm and threw it far away, in the opposite direction of Percy. Seeing his defenseless opponent, the Oni once again charged towards Percy, closing his fist and bringing it forward in a powerful thrust.
Little did the Oni know, Percy had other ways to defend himself. Feeling the familiar pull in his gut, Percy focused on the stream, commanding the water to his will, feeling it as an extension of his own body. Immediately, the water, as if it had a consciousness of its own, emerged from the stream, creating a solid wall that collided with the Oni's forceful punch.
The spider-like creature let out a confused grunt, not expecting the water shield that just emerged. Percy allowed himself to relax a little, knowing that victory was close. Focusing on the course of the stream, Percy willed the water around the Oni's feet to rapidly start spinning, creating a whirlpool that imprisoned the monster in front of him. He then willed the water to mold itself around both of the Oni's arms and start a clockwise rotation, creating a vortex that rendered all of its limbs useless. Finally, he ordered the water trapping his arms to descent, making the Oni bow down to both of his knees with his arms extended sideways, showcasing a full display of submission.
As Percy looked deeply into the eyes of his prey, he could see the fear slowly taking over. He extended his arm to where the Oni threw Riptide, commanding the current to bring him his faithful sword. Taking a striking pose to deliver the final blow, Percy could see the acceptance showing itself in the Oni's gaze, accompanied by a small hint of relief.
Controlling his breathing and focusing his strength on this one last strike, Percy's cut was quick and painless, the head falling on the stream with an echoing splash. As Percy stared deeply into the crying eyes of the slowly vanishing head, he could hear the last words of his formidable foe.
"Careful… Ruy… Lower Moon…" it warned in a relieved wail.
And then, Percy wasn't there anymore. Suddenly, he saw himself in another place, entirely different from Mount Natagumo. He found himself in a dimly lit room, with a large, bulky man sitting in front of him. The man had a distant look in his eyes, as if he was lost in thought.
The man began to speak, his voice low and hollow. "I once had a family, you know. A wife and four children. They were my everything. My reason for living. But then, one by one, they were taken from me. First my wife, in a tragic accident. Then my two sons, who died in a fire. And finally, my two daughters, who fell ill and passed away."
As the man spoke, Percy saw flashes of memories. He saw the man meeting his wife for the first time, falling in love with her, and starting a family. He saw the joy and happiness they shared, and the love they had for each other.
But then, the memories turned dark. He saw the man's wife dying to an unknown illness, and the pain and grief that followed. He saw the man's two sons dying in a fire, and the guilt he felt for not being able to save them. And finally, he saw the man's two daughters laying in their death beds, passing away to the same disease that took their mother, and the despair that consumed him.
The scene then changed to the man crying on the ground with multiple empty sake bottles around him. Percy could feel the man's pain and desperation, and he knew that he was at his lowest point.
Then, the door opened and a man approached him. Percy recognized him as the same man from Eve's memories, the man with black hair and white hat, the one responsible for turning humans into demons, including Nezuko. Muzan Kibutsuji. The Oni didn't feel any remorse or guilt as he addressed the broken man in front of him, "You've suffered so much. I offer you a new life, with an immortal family, so you'll never lose anyone ever again. Join me and you'll have what you want the most back."
The man looked up, his eyes filled with hope and desperation. "Anything," he said. "Anything to have my family back."
And with that, the scene cut, and Percy found himself back on Mount Natagumo, pained by the man's suffering and wondering if the man was regretting his actions in his final moments.
In the aftermath, Percy's thoughts went to his friends. He was worried about Tanjiro, specially after the confirmation of the presence of an even more powerful enemy, but his priority right now was to make sure Inosuke didn't die of his wounds.
Before Percy could even start moving, however, a presence made itself known, asking him a question that froze his insides. "The water. How did you do that?" It was the voice of a man.
Turning around, Percy noticed a man with spiky dark hair that reaches a little below his shoulders. The man wears a stoic and unbothered expression on his face, his azure eyes devoid of any emotion. Over his demon slayer uniform, he wears a haori that's split down the middle into two different patterns: the right one a solid dark red, and the left one geometrically patterned with rhombi of green, orange, and yellow.
Percy inwardly curses. He didn't want to make his powers known, but it seems his plan went down the drain. Looking at the man, Percy could only assume he was sent as backup, which relieved him a little. However, Inosuke needed his attention now, and he couldn't waste time talking.
"No time for explaining," Percy said with urgency in his voice. "This Oni mentioned a Lower Moon, which Tanjiro may be fighting right now. And Inosuke is in a critical condition"
Leaving the stream and walking towards the fallen Inosuke, Percy immediately feels his body protesting, his tiredness making itself known. Without the water to boost his energy, Percy noticed his body becoming slower and weaker, but did not cease his walk towards his friend.
"I see," the new arrival said. "Then you can explain later. But I must make sure you will not run."
Perhaps if Percy had been at his best, he would've avoided the blow. As it was, he stood no chance as the man seemed to vanish from sight with pure speed, delivering a chop to his neck that immediately sent him to the ground. Before blacking out, the last thing he saw was the man kneeling down besides Inosuke and start tending to his injuries.
Knowing that his secret was about to unravel, Percy had no choice but to embrace the incoming darkness, hoping that this man, whoever he was, was strong enough to save both of his friends.