Chapter 6 – Spider Webs Under the Moon
Evening came and the group arrived at the base of Mt. Natagumo. Suddenly, the group stopped their tracks when they heard Zenitsu's voice.
Zenitsu: Everyone! We need to pause here.
Tanjiro: Zenitsu? What's wrong?
Natsuki: Is something the matter?
Zenitsu: I'm nervous, okay?! Now that we're nearing our destination, I'm getting scared!
Rotom Pokédex: Seriously?! Why am I not surprised?
Inosuke: Why the hell is he sitting? That's pretty weird, if you ask me.
Zenitsu: Who are you to talk, Pig Face?! Don't tell me you're not getting any vibes from that mountain!
Inosuke: Huh?
Tanjiro, Inosuke, Natsuki, Lucario and Rotom Pokédex turned to the mountain, but they sensed nothing, except Lucario and Natsuki.
Natsuki: I sensed something. You're feeling this too, right Lucario?
Lucario nodded.
Zenitsu: See?! At least my angel knows I'm right!
Tanjiro: Still, what good will it do to just sitting there?
Inosuke: I told you, he's weird.
Rotom Pokédex: Not just weird, but also pathetic.
Natsuki: Rotom!
Zenitsu: I'm not in any way weird or pathetic! My angel, her Pokémon and I are normal! You guys are weird!
Suddenly Tanjiro made a noise resembling disgust and his nose wrinkled.
Zenitsu: What? What's wrong?
Natsuki: Are you okay?
Tanjiro: What is this smell…?
Tanjiro run towards Mt. Natagumo. Everyone was confused but they followed him.
Zenitsu: Hey! Don't leave me here by myself! Don't leave me!
[INTRO]
When they got closer to the mountain, they saw someone on the ground. It appeared to be a Demon Slayer and he was wounded.
Demon Slayer: Urgh… Ugh… Help me… Please, help me!
Tanjiro: Look at his uniform. That guy… He's one of us!
They run towards the wounded Demon Slayer.
Tanjiro: Are you all right?! What happened?
Suddenly, some strange strings that were attached to the Demon Slayer pulled him into the air and took him away.
Demon Slayer: Ahh! They were attached to me, too! Please don't let me die here!
Before he could go far away, some saw-like energy blades cut the strings and the Demon Slayer was falling down. Before he could hit the ground, the Demon Slayer was caught and he was put gently on the ground. The one who saved was Pidgeot.
Natsuki: Great job, Pidgeot!
Said Natsuki as she petted Pidgeot's head. Before the group left the Wisteria House, Natsuki decided to let out Pidgeot as the new guardian of the sky. She even said to Pidgeot that if he saw any type of danger, he should save the life of the living being. Natsuki walked towards the wounded Demon Slayer, she grabbed her bag and took out a pill – it's a handmade medicine made of Orange Berry, Sitrus Berry, Revival Herb and Energy Root – she put it in the Demon Slayer's mouth, at first he found it bitter, but then suddenly he felt great, like he no longer felt pain.
Demon Slayer: But… How…
Natsuki: Don't worry, you're fine now. I know my friends and I wanted to ask you what happened and you have some questions too, but I think it's best if you run away from here. My friends and I will investigate.
The Demon Slayer nodded and he got up from the ground, leaving the place. Then Tanjiro caught something in the air.
[Mount Natagumo - Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles OST]
Tanjiro: I'm going in.
Inosuke pushed past Tanjiro.
Inosuke: I'LL head in first. You stay behind me, trembling like a scared little animal. This is making me hungry!
Natsuki: Don't you mean you're hungry for challenge?
Zenitsu: Why is he such a show-off?
Natsuki: Pidgeot, fly around the forest, if you see any demon, come back to me. Just be careful.
Pidgeot started to fly in the sky.
Tanjiro: Will Pidgeot be okay?
Natsuki: Yeah, knowing him, he will be just fine, especially when it comes to his speed.
Rotom Pokédex: Pidgeot, the Bird Pokémon. A Normal and Flying type. By flapping its wings with all its might, Pidgeot can make a gust of wind capable of bending tall trees.
Natsuki: Come on Zenitsu. Let's-
Suddenly Inosuke grabbed Natsuki's arm and dragged her with his full strength. Tanjiro, Inosuke, Natsuki and Lucario run into the forest, leaving Zenitsu alone.
The group entered the forest and they noticed that the place was full of spider webs.
Inosuke: What the hell is this?
Tanjiro: A spider web?
Natsuki: Ugh… I hate it.
Tanjiro: What's wrong?
Natsuki: This reminds me an accident that happened when I was little, and I don't wanna talk about it right now.
Tanjiro looked at her worried, but he decided to not push it. Natsuki had an accident many years ago, when she was 5, she run into a place full of Ariados. She had almost got hurt, but fortunately her father's Pokémon (Herdier) saved her. Ironically, Natsuki has Pokémon that resemble a spider, and despite not being afraid of her Bug type Pokémon, she was still afraid of spiders.
Inosuke: This place is full of cowebs, everywhere you look! What a pain!
Tanjiro: Inosuke? Natsuki? Lucario? Rotom?
Natsuki: Yes?
Inosuke: What do you want?!
Lucario hit Inosuke's head.
Tanjiro: I appreciate this. When you said you'd go check things out with me, I was relieved. The ominous scent I was picking up from the mountain scared me a bit, so having you here makes me feel better. So, thanks.
Rotom Pokédex: You're very welcome.
Lucario: Lucario. Rio. Luca. Lucario. (It is my duty to protect my master and her friends)
Natsuki: No problem, Tanji.
Tanjiro: Tanji?
Natsuki: It's a nickname. Did I overstep? You don't like it?
Tanjiro: No. I don't mind.
Tanjiro smiled. Natsuki didn't notice that Tanjiro's cheeks were tinted with red. Meanwhile, Insouke didn't say anything. After a long walk, Inosuke get impatient and he get mad at Tanjiro.
Inosuke: You dragged us all the way up the mountan, but there's nothing here! The hell're you tryin' to pull, Monjiro?!
Tanjiro: Let's just keep searching. I'm sure we'll find the others eventually… Also, it's Tanjiro.
Suddenly, the group noticed a male Demon Slayer in the distance. They run towards him, and, as they reached out for him, the Demon Slayer noticed the group.
Tanjiro: We've come to help out. I'm Tanjiro Kamado, rank Mizunoto.
Demon Slayer: A Mizunoto? Are you serious?! They should've sent us a Hashira! No matter how many Mizunoto they send in, it won't be enough!
Suddenly Inosuke punched the Demon Slayer in the face.
Tanjiro: Inosuke!
Rotom Pokédex: What's wrong with you?!
Natsuki: Are you okay? Let me check your face.
Natsuki place her hands on the Demon Slayer's face and started to check on him. The boy blushed.
Inosuke: Big talk from the guy who pissed his pants! Now how 'bout you tell us just what is going on here!
Demon Slayer: Who the hell is this guy?! Did you forget that I have seniority?!
Natsuki: Sorry about my friend. Anyway, I'm Natsuki Shima, this is my partner Lucario.
Rotom Pokédex: And I'm Rotom Pokédex.
The Demon Slayer was shocked to see Rotom Pokédex.
Demon Slayer: I-I'm M-Murata. A-Are those two c-creatures d-demons?
The Demon Slayer known as Murata asked in fear as he pointed to Lucario and Rotom Pokédex.
Natsuki: No, Lucario is a Pokémon and Rotom Pokédex is a… I don't know how to explain, but there's no time. Can you tell us why are you here?
Murata: The… crow gave us orders… to come to this place. And ten of us Demon Slayers gathered here! Not long after we entered the mountain, that's when it started… My teammates started killing each other!
[End of Mount Natagumo - Demon Slayer: The Hinokami Chronicles OST]
Suddenly they heard a noise and everyone got alarmed.
Natsuki: I don't like this sound…
Tanjiro: What is this sound?
Murata: There it is again. It's this sound again! I heard this sound and the next thing I knew, everyone started killing each other!
Tanjiro: Where's it coming from?
[Po Town - Pokémon Sun & Moon OST]
When it appeared another sound, they turned their head to the direction of the noise and they saw more Demon Slayers, hobbling towards the groups.
Female Demon Slayer: You have to go and bring a higher ranked member…! I-If you don't, I'll end up killing everyone. I beg you… please!
Exclaimed a female Demon Slayer, she was afraid and in pain. Suddenly, one of the Demon Slayer attacked Murata, luckily, he dodged it. Then other Demon Slayers started to attack Inosuke, Tanjiro, Natsuki and Lucario, but they dodged their attack.
Inosuke: Haha! These guys are morons, or somethin'? They dunno that it's taboo for us Demon Slayers to fight each other!
Natsuki: I don't think they do it on purpose.
Tanjiro: She's right! That's not it! They're acting odd! Like… Like they're being controlled by something…!
Inosuke: I'm gonna slash them to ribbons!
Said Inosuke as he took out his swords.
Natsuki: Don't do it!
Tanjiro: She's right. They're alive! Some of them are still alive! Besides, we can't harm the corpses of our teammates!
Inosuke: Stop denying me at every turn!
Rotom Pokédex: Then stop being an idiot!
The Demons Slayers continued to attack the group as they continued to dodge their attack. Then Natsuki and Tanjiro noticed some threads that are attached on one of the Demon Slayer.
Natsuki: Tanjiro, are those… threads? The same ones that the other Demon Slayer from before had.
Tanjiro: Of course. Threads! Inosuke, they're being controlled with threads!
Tanjiro, Inosuke and Murata took out their swords.
Inosuke: I already figured that out!
Rotom Pokédex: No, you're not, you idiot!
Inosuke: What did you say to me?!
Natsuki: It must be a demon controlling them! We should free these Demon Slayers first and I know someone who can do it!
Natsuki then took out a Net Ball and threw it in the air.
Natsuki: Leavanny, I choose you!
From the Net Ball, Leavanny appeared. Murata was shocked to see the Bug/Grass type Pokémon coming out from a little ball.
Natsuki: Leavanny, these people had threads on their backs, use Slash to cut them off. Just be careful of their swords.
Leavanny nodded, she jumped, and with a great speed she raised her claw-like leaves as they glowed white and she started to slash the strings. All Demon Slayers were free.
[End of Po Town - Pokémon Sun & Moon OST]
Natsuki gave Lucario some medicinal pills and she told him to give the wounded people. Lucario nodded, they run towards the Demon Slayers and they put the pills in their mouth. Just like what happened to the other Demon Slayer, all of them no longer felt any pain.
Female Demon Slayer: Thank you!
Murata: Incredible…
Natsuki: Hurry now. Leave this place. We'll do the rest.
All the Demon Slayers nodded and they run as fast as they could.
Murata: What did you gave to them?
Natsuki: I gave them a pill full of special Medical Herbs. I created them. Now, I really want to explain everything, but right now we don't have much time, we have a mission to complete.
Tanjiro: You're right.
Murata: What are we gonna do then?
Natsuki: First, we have to find the source of these threads and that means someone control these strings. But the question is where is it?
Tanjiro: I think these strange small spiders are responsible.
Said Tanjiro as he took off on his arm two small spiders as they were crawling over it. Tanjiro suddenly felt his arm being subsequently pulled, he cut the threads on his arm, freeing himself.
Somewhere in the forest, a female Demon Spider pulled some spider threads. She is the one who is responsible for the strange threads that the poor victims have on their backs.
Female Demon Spider: Mhm… That's strange. Why can't I feel any of my dolls move?
Back to the group, as the teenagers try to figure out, a gust of wind blew the stench towards Tanjiro. When he felt it, the burgundy-haired boy covered his nose.
Tanjiro: Ugh, this smell again!
Natsuki run towards Tanjiro worried. The burgundy-haired boy told her to not worry about him. Then he turned to Leavanny, curios about her appearance.
Tanjiro: You said that Pokémon is called Leavanny, right?
Rotom Pokédex: Leavanny, the Nurturing Pokémon. A Grass and Bug type. When Leavanny finds a small Pokémon, it makes clothing for it with its arm cutters, using leaves and sticky silk.
Murata: Whoa! That is so cool!
Tanjiro: Yeah, I know. Natsuki's Pokémon are awesome.
Suddenly more small spiders were crawling towards the group's leg. They jumped out the way of the spiders.
Natsuki: Argh! I wish the crow told us the details this place. I hate this place! Let's find this demon as soon as possible, so we can leave this place once and for all!
Inosuke: So, all we gotta do is kill those damn spiders, huh?
Tanjiro: That would be impossible! Those spiders are tiny and there are too many of them! We gotta find the demon who's controlling them instead! This disgusting smell is all around us… My nose isn't going to work like this!
Inosuke didn't listen to Tanjiro and he started to stab at the spiders on the ground.
Rotom Pokédex: Didn't you hear what Tanjiro say?! He said that it won't work!
Tanjiro: Inosuke, listen, if you have some kind of power that can pinpoint the demon's location, that would really help!
Tanjiro turned to Murata.
Tanjiro: Murata
Murata: Yes.
Tanjiro: The two of us will take care of people being controlled! In the meantime-
[The Smell of Fear - Demon Slayer OST]
Tanjiro gasped as he noticed that above them there was a demon. A Spider Demon, standing on the threads. This demon has the appearance of a little boy. He has milky white skin with red dots that are located in some spots on his face (above his eyes instead of eyebrows, below his left eyelid, ending above his nose, and lastly a vertical one running the length of his right cheek). He has pale lilac hair that resembles spider legs. His eyes were pale blue with red sclera. He was wering a white, oversized kimono that had spider webs etched on the sleeves; he also has a plain, white juban underneath. Everyone noticed that he wasn't wearing any shoes, he was barefoot.
Spider Demon boy: I will not let you disturb my family's peaceful life.
Tanjiro: He's floating?! No… he's standing on the threads!
Spider Demon boy: Mother will be sure to make quick work of you all.
Tanjiro: Who's mother?
The Spider Demon boy noticed Leavanny and Lucario standing protectively in front of Natsuki, who was shaking in fear.
Spider Demon boy: Those two creatures… I sense strange power. Why are they protecting that pathetic human girl? Unless…
The Spider Demon boy snapped out of his thoughts. Suddenly Inosuke jumped off the back of Murata and launched himself towards the Spider Demon. He tried to slash him but he missed.
Spider Demon boy: I won't let anyone get in our way. The five of us are going to live in happiness, as a family. No one on this mortal plane will tear us apart.
The Spider Demon boy started to walked away, glancing one last time at Natsuki, and he continued to walk. Inosuke was frustrated and he stomped his foot on the ground.
[End of The Smell of Fear - Demon Slayer OST]
Inosuke: Damn you! Where the hell do you think you're going? Fight me! Fight me!
Tanjiro: I don't think he's the demon who's controlling our people with those threads. We can't focus on him now.
Natsuki: Why did he show up, anyway?
Tanjiro: I don't know. But let's forget about him now. Inosuke, if you-
Inosuke: Rrrrraaaaagh! Okay, okay, okay! I get it, all right?! You want me to go find the one who is. Shut up about it already!
Inosuke sticked his swords into the ground, he took a deep breath.
Inosuke: Beast Breathing, Seventh Form, Spacial Awareness.
With his Breathing Style active, Inosuke felt his way through the forest, finding the location of the Spider Demon.
Inosuke: I found you! You demon!
Tanjiro: Did you find it?
Murata: You found the enemy?
Inosuke: Yeah! That way! I'm picking up a powerful vibe from over there! They can't hide from me!
Natsuki: Great job, Ino!
Tanjiro: That's amazing, Inosuke!
Lucario: Luca! Rio! (Good job)
Murata: Then go on ahead! I'll try to find the other Demon Slayers on the other side of the forest and save them!
Tanjiro/Natsuki: Huh?!
[Why All of Sudden - Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon OST]
Everyone turned to Murata.
Inosuke: Big talk from the guy who pissed his pants!
Murata: I never did any of that, you stupid boar! I wasn't even talking to you, so boar out!
Rotom Pokédex: Yeah! Tell him in the face!
Murata: I know I wasn't very brave back there, but I'm still a Demon Slayer! There have to be people who are under even greater control near the demon! We have to help them!
Tanjiro: Understood! We appreciate this!
Natsuki: Thank you Murata! Let's go Leavanny, Lucario!
Tanjiro: Let's go, Inosuke!
Tanjiro – pulling Inosuke along as he stopped him from hitting Murata again – Natsuki and her two Pokémon started to run, separating from Murata, who went to the other side of the forest.
Inosuke: Hey! Let go of me, dammit! I wanna pound that guy's face first! Who's he calling "a stupid boar"?!
Exclaimed Inosuke angrily as he tried to free from Tanjiro's grip.
Murata: Oh shut up! Stop messing around and go!
Inosuke: I'm gonna make you see stars when I get back! Mark my words!
[End of Why All of Sudden - Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon OST]
Tanjiro, Inosuke, Natsuki and her Pokémon kept running further into the forest. Inosuke was still angry at Murata.
Inosuke: Dammit! I'm gonna punch that guy if it's the last thing I do!
Tanjiro: Stop talking like that!
Natsuki: You have to calm down Ino!
Inosuke: He called me "a stupid boar", Monjiro, Nakumi!
Tanjiro: "Tanjiro"! It's "Tanjiro"!
Natsuki: It's "Natsuki" actually!
Tanjiro: Anyway, we're heading the right way, right?
Inosuke: My senses never lie! But…
Inosuke noticed some spider strings and he swatted them.
Inosuke: …What the hell are these annoying threads?!
Tanjiro: That's how close we're getting to the demon! Come on!
[Daybreak Ridge - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
Before they could move, more controlled Demon Slayers appeared in front of them.
Inosuke: Here's another bunch.
Demon Slayer 1: No… Don't come any closer… Please summon someone of higher rank! Otherwise, everyone will get killed! Please… Please!
Then all the controlled Demon Slayes raised their sowrds and started to attack the group.
Demon Slayer 2: I'm being controlled, so my movements aren't my own at all! We were never this strong!
Suddenly, the strings on the back of one of the Demon Slayer were pulled tighter and Tanjiro, Inosuke, Natsuki and her Pokémon heard their bones breaking.
Natsuki: Arceus! I heard the bones!
Demon Slayer 1: P-Please kill me. My arms and legs… The bones are piercing my inner organs! Every time I'm forced to move, the pain is intense! I can't take it anymore! Either way, I'll die. So please help me!
Demon Slayer 2: Please finished us! Put us out in misery!
Inosuke: Sure, I'll do it!
Natsuki: No, Inosuke! I have an idea! Gardevoir, use Psychic to block them!
Exclaimed Natsuki as she took out a Love Ball and she threw it on the air. From the Love Ball, it came out a Gardevoir, who was wearing a necklace with a Mega Stone. Listening to her Pokémon Trainer's order, Gardevoir's eyes glowed blue and all the controlled Demon Slayer were blocked by the Pokémon's move.
Natsuki: Okay, cut all the threads. Hurry!
Tanjiro and Insouke raised their swords and Leavanny used Slash, and the three of them cut all the threads on the controlled Demon Slayers.
[End of Daybreak Ridge - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
Natsuki and Lucario run towards them, they took the pills and put them in their mouth.
Demon Slayer 1: Wait… I don't feel any pain!
Demons Slayer 4: We're saved and cured!
Demon Slayer 3: I don't feel any broken bones!
Demon Slayer 2: Thank you! Thank you so much!
All the Demon Slayer bowed down in front of Natsuki.
Natsuki: Please, raise your heads, you don't have-
Demon Slayer 3: Are you an angel who was sent to save all of us?
Natsuki: Ehm… No. I'm actually a normal person. Plus, I didn't do all the work. My friends did.
All the Demon Slayer turned their heads towards Tanjiro, Inosuke, Leavanny and Lucario.
Demon Slayer 2: Thank you for saving us!
Demon Slayer 1: Thank you!
Tanjiro: You're welcome.
Natsuki whistled loudly, and in a few seconds, Pidgeot came and landed on the ground.
Natsuki: Gardevoir, keep using Psychic to keep the Demon Slayers while you ride Pidgeot. And Pidgeot, take Gardevoir to the exit of this forest and after that let go of these people. Make sure none of the Demon Slayers nor you Gardevoir fall down.
Natsuki turned to the Demon Slayers.
Natsuki: And you guys, when you are at the exit of this forest, leave immediately and don't look back!
Everyone nodded. Gardevoir hopped on Pidgeot's back and the Bird Pokémon flew again, leaving the Pokémon Trainer, Tanjiro and Inosuke.
Tanjiro: Who was that? The one who made the controlled Demon Slayer floating?
Natsuki: That was Gardevoir.
Rotom Pokédex: Gardevoir, the Embrace Pokémon. A Psychic and Fairy type. Gardevoir has the ability to read the future. If it senses impending danger to its Trainer that has made a deep connection with, Gardevoir will use all of its psychic energy at full power to protect its Trainer.
Tanjiro: Whoa…
Natsuki: Yes, she's a great Pokémon. She saved me once when I had almost got hurt from someone.
Tanjiro: You don't stop amazed me Natsuki.
Natsuki smiled at Tanjiro.
Tanjiro: Let's go.
Inosuke: Yeah, good idea.
Natsuki: Yes, let's go and find-
Suddenly some threads appeared on the back of Natsuki and her Pokémon. Then they were immediately pulled away. Tanjiro and Inosuke were shocked.
Tanjiro: Natsuki! Leavanny! Lucario!
A few minutes later, Nastuki and her Pokémon opened their eyes and they noticed that they were trapped in a web. They tried to free themselves, but in vain. Suddenly they heard a voice. A feminine voice.
?: So, you must be the one that Rui told me. I must say, you three are really… peculiar.
They turned their heads – as they hissed for the pain – as they tried to find the person. When they looked down, they saw a female Spider Demon. She has milky-white skin, teal eyelashes and nails and circular, red facial markings. Her physical appearance consists in a short and curvaceous physique. She had bushy eyebrows and long, white hair parted down the middle of her face which was tied with teal orbs into two, thick strands. She was wearing a lengthy, layered kimono (maroon on the inside layer and white on the outside layer) that exposed part of her chest and was tied with a patterned obi. She also donned a beaded necklace composed of teal and purple orbs and decorative anklets. Natsuki and her Pokémon noticed that the Spider Demon was barefoot and has black nail polish on her toenails and the lower front of the kimono is open, exposing her legs.
Natsuki didn't say anything, she was too scared to talk. As for Lucario and Leavanny, they just glared and growled a bit.
Female Spider Demon: Can't talk? Never seen a demon before?
?: Mother.
Suddenly, another voice was heard. When everyone turned around, Natsuki, Leavanny and Lucario saw the same Spider Demon from before. The female Demon Spider known as Mother looked in fear at the little Spider Demon.
Mother: R-Rui! Ehm… I-I caught the h-human girl and the b-beasts just like you told me to.
The little Spider Demon known as Rui walked past to the Mother and he looked at Natsuki.
Rui: I know who you are. You're the one that my master told me.
Natsuki's eyes widened in shock, but she couldn't say anything. Rui turned to Mother.
Rui: Bring them down and then freed them.
Said Rui. Mother reluctantly nodded and she started to bring down Natsuki, Leavanny and Lucario, but slowly. As they were down, Mother took out the spider threads. Natsuki wanted to take advantage of this, but she couldn't because she knew that if she tried, they will probably kill her and her Pokémon. Natsuki lifted her head and she saw Rui standing in front of her.
Rui: What are those creatures and why are they protective to you human?
Asked Rui as he pointed to Leavanny and Lucario
Natsuki: Y-You mean my Pokémon? Well, it's because they're my friends.
Rui: Friends? Pokémon?
Natsuki: Yes. These creatures are my friends. They're called Pokémon and they are beautiful creatures with extraordinary abilities. Not only that, but they're also wonderful friends and family.
Rui: Really?
Natsuki: Yeah. They always protect their Pokémon Trainers and they stay by Pokémon Trainer's sides.
Rui: I see.
Natsuki: Pokémon and humans live together, they support, help, love and protect each other. They would do anything to not lose each other.
Rui stayed in silence for a bit, until he brought down Natsuki and her Pokémon.
[Desperation Hyper Heavy Arrangement - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
Rui: I want your Pokémon.
Natsuki: What?
Rui: You heard me. Give me your Pokémon. They will be new members of my family. I saw how they were protective towards you. I sensed even their powers.
Natsuki: But why do you want my Pokémon? You already had someone that took care of you.
Natsuki pointed to Mother.
Rui: You said that Pokémon are loyal to their friends and family, right? And you also know that family is about protecting and loving each other. Mother and Father love each other and protect their children. Older brothers and sisters protect their youngest siblings. Your bond with these creatures is very strong that it is exactly is just what I wanted. So, hand me over your Pokémon, I want to create a bond with them!
Natsuki: No.
Rui: What?
Natsuki: I'm sorry Rui, but I won't give you my friends. Not now or ever.
Rui: I don't care. Hand me over them. Now.
Natsuki: I think you don't understand what I meant, do you?
Mother gasped and Rui glared at her in angry.
Natsuki: Creating a bond with Pokémon is just like creating with a person. Creating a real one requires time, trust, love and patience. It's true that I created a bond with different Pokémon, but it took me to create them for seven years. But Pokémon are as lucky as mine. There are some Pokémon that they don't to create a bond with Pokémon Trainers because of humans' actions. Many Pokémon were abandoned, abused, used, and at some point, they stopped trust in humanity and they didn't want to be catch by someone.
Rui didn't say anything, he just stayed in silence and glared at the black-haired girl. While Mother was shocked for some reason, she didn't understand, but she felt something in her chest.
Natsuki: So, Rui, I won't hand you my precious friends and you can't force me. And you know why? Because I won't let you force my Pokémon to have a bond with you. This is not how a bond works. End of the discussion.
Suddenly Rui scratched Natsuki's left cheek with his spider threads. Leavanny and Lucario gasped and they were about to attack Rui, but Natsuki stopped them, saying that she didn't want them to get hurt. Rui turned to Mother.
Rui: Mother, you better hurry up to kill her friends Demon Slayer. If you didn't kill the Demon Slayers, I'm gonna tell Father.
Mother: No, I-I can do it! I'll kill those Demon Slayer! So please, don't tell your father!
Rui: Good. Now, hurry up!
Mother jumped from tree to tree, returning to her place where she controlled her "dolls". Before he could leave the place, Rui glanced at Natsuki and her Pokémon and she noticed Lucario's paw and Leavanny's claw-like leaves holding the black-haired girl's hands on each side. The two Pokémon were comforting their Pokémon Trainer. Rui felt something, almost like he regretted what he did to the black-haired girl, but he shook off the feeling and he walked away.
[End of Desperation Hyper Heavy Arrangement - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
As the two Spider Demons left, Natsuki could feel tears coming out from her eyes. She started to cry in silent. She wasn't cry because of the cut. She was crying because she was scared. Natsuki hadn't been this scared in a long time, not even when she met Team Rocket or when she faced Lusamine when she fused with the Ultra Beast Nihilego.
[Theme of Hope - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
Leavanny and Lucario noticed, then the Aura Pokémon started to search in Natsuki's bag some medical supplies. Lucario find the special cream made of Revival Herbs and Orange Berry. He gave it to Leavanny and the Nurturing Pokémon put it on Natsuki's cheek. The girl noticed this as she stopped crying.
Natsuki: G-Guys…
Said Natsuki in a low voice. After a few seconds, the cut disappeared. She touched the spot and looked at her two Pokémon. She smiled at them and hugged them.
Natsuki: Lucario, Leavanny, thank you. Thank you for helping me. You did great. Now, come on, let's get out of here and find our friends, before one of those Demon Spiders come back.
The two Pokémon nodded and the three of them started to run.
[End of Theme of Hope - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
After a few minutes of running, they started to feel tired and they haven't found any of their friends.
Natsuki: Guys, let's take a break.
As they sat on the ground, catching their breaths, but then they heard strange noises. As they were thinking it was either Tanjiro or Inosuke or another Demon Slayer, or worst a demon, they were alarmed. When they were looking around, trying to find the source of the noise, they saw Pidgeot and Gardevoir coming in their way. They landed on the ground.
Natsuki: Pidgeot! Gardevoir! You're here!
Exclaimed Natsuki as she and her two Pokémon hugged Pidgeot and Gardevoir.
Natsuki: I'm so happy that you're here! I'm also happy to know that you made sure that those Demon Slayers from before were out of this place. Here, take this Pokè Puffs, you too Leavanny and Lucario, you four deserved these treats.
Natsuki took out in her bag four Poké Puffs Fancy. Leavanny and Gardevoir had Poké Puffs Fancy Citrus, while Lucario and Pidgeot had Poké Puffs Fancy Mint. After they finished to eat, they heard a scream, they looked at each other and they started to run.
Sometime later…
Natsuki and her Pokémon arrived at the place and they saw Tanjiro and Nezuko lying down on the ground and Rui's head getting attached to his body. The burgundy-haired boy was heavily breathing as he was crawling forward.
Rui: You thought you defeated me? Poor kid. Did your pathetic delusion bring you joy? I cut off my head myself with my own threads… before you could chop it off.
Tanjiro: Urgh…
Tanjiro and Rui didn't notice Natsuki and her Pokémon. The black-haired girl silently motioned to her Pokémon to get closer and she whispered in their ears. Meanwhile, as Tanjiro continued to crawl, Rui's head was finally attached to his body. The Spider Demon was very furious at the burgundy-haired boy for some reason.
Rui: Enough. I'll kill both you and your sister. I haven't been this enraged in a long time. But I wonder why you're not burning up. It was only me and my threads that caught fire, right? I don't know if it's your sister's power, but thanks for getting me super annoyed. Now I can carve you up with no regrets.
As Rui was preparing to use his Blood Demon Art on Tanjiro, it was Natsuki's moment to intervene.
Natsuki: Pidgeot, use Twister!
The Bird Pokémon pinned his body around, creating a massive tornado that surrounded Rui.
Natsuki: Alright! Now Gardevoir, use Psychic to bring Tanjiro and Nezuko here!
Gardevoir's eyes glowed blue and Tanjiro and Nezuko were brought were Natsuki was. Tanjiro was happy to see his friend alive, he was worried sick when he saw her being taking away. He thought he lost her. He thought that he broke his promise to protect her. Natsuki then walked in front of Tanjiro and Nezuko, while her Pokémon went in front of their Pokémon Trainer. Rui, after the "tornado" from the move Twister ended, looked at Natsuki and he was shocked to see how she was protective to the Demon Slayer and the girl demon, while the Pokémon were protective to the human girl.
Rui: You're protecting those two siblings. Do you know that the girl is a demon?
Natsuki: Yes, I know and I don't care. I got to know Nezuko and she was nothing but sweet and kind to me. My Pokémon also love her.
Rui: If I were you, I would leave. This is none of your business.
Natsuki didn't say anything, she started to walk slowly towards Rui, but Tanjiro stopped her.
Tanjiro: Natsuki… don't! He's… Lower Moon… Five… he's one of… Twelve Kizuki!
Natsuki noticed the Spider Demon's eyes and she noticed the kanji. She was shocked. She met for the first time a demon from the Twelve Kizuki of Muzan. But for some reason she wasn't scared. Natsuki turned to the burgundy-haired boy and smiled.
Natsuki: Don't worry. I'll be careful.
[Prayer - Pokémon Anime OST]
Natsuki walked towards to Rui along with her Pokémon and she kneeled to him. She slowly raised her hand and she patted Rui on the head. Rui was shocked. How can this human be gentle to her? Isn't she afraid of him? Rui could feel something warm through Natsuki's hand. And he liked it.
Tanjiro, as he was seeing the scene, was also shocked to see Natsuki being gentle to the demon. He knew that she was kind to other people, but demons? He had never seen her offer any kindness to man-eating demons.
Natsuki's Pokémon knew that their Pokémon Trainer has a heart of gold. She did save many Pokémon from Pokémon Hunters, Pokémon abusers and natural catastrophes. They decided to follow Natsuki's act. They surrounded Rui and gave him a hug, surprising the Spider Demon.
Rui: Why?
Natsuki didn't say anything, instead she hugged him. Rui was taken aback by this action. The hug was very nice and warm.
Rui: Why are you doing this to me? I hurt you and I tried to take away your Pokémon. Just... why?
Tanjiro was shocked when Rui said that. Natsuki didn't say anything, she just kept hugging him. Surprisingly, Rui hugged Natsuki back. Rui felt something inside of him. Something that he didn't feel for a very long time. Warm? Yes. Love? Probably. Happiness?...
[End of Prayer - Pokémon Anime OST]
Suddenly, behind Rui a person appeared as they raised their sword aiming for Rui. Lucario stopped them, using Bone Rush and the mysterious person got surprised by the sudden attack that they jumped and landed in front of Tanjiro. As Natsuki was hugging tightly Rui, she took a good look of the attacker.
He was a tall young man with light skin, black hair tied up in a low messy ponytail at the base of his neck, sapphire blue eyes and thin eyebrows. He was wearing a dark cyan-tinted Demon Slayer uniform with buttoned white leg-wrapped kyahan and a pair of white zori with dark blue straps and tabi socks underneath being the same cyan color as his uniform. His haori was presented with two different patterns: the right one a solid dark red, and the left one geometrically patterned with rhombi of green, orange, and yellow.
Young man: Get away from that thing. You do realize that it's a demon?
Natsuki: I won't get away from him. He's not a thing. His name is Rui. And yes, I know he's a demon.
Young man: Then why are you defending him?
Natsuki didn't say anything, she just kept hugging Rui.
Young man: Total Concentration… Water Breathing… Eleventh Form. Dead Calm.
Tanjiro: Elevent form?!
Natsuki: Don't. You. Dare. Touch. HIM!
Exclaimed Natsuki as the black-haired boy started to walk towards them. The young man rose his sword, ready to decapitate Rui. Natsuki continued to protect Rui, until suddenly a dazzling light appeared, blinding everyone that they were there. After a few minutes the light went out and everyone reopened their eyes, except for Natsuki as her eyes were still closed.
Rui: Natsuki. I feel strange.
Natsuki opened her eyes and she raised an eyebrow as she was confused by Rui's statement.
Natsuki: What do you mean by- oh. My. Arceus!
As Natsuki broke the hug, everyone was shocked at what they saw.
Tanjiro: Natsuki… Did… Did Lower Moon Five turned into… human again?
Said Tanjiro in shock and surprise and he was right. Rui wasn't a demon anymore. He was human, he turned back to human again like he was before turning into a demon.
Rui has light skin, black hair styled in the same spider-like hairstyle she had in her demon form and bright blue eyes. He still wore the same outfit of his demon version and he was still barefoot. The little boy looked at his hands and he noticed that he doesn't have white skin anymore.
Rui: I'm… human and I remember everything. Natsuki… Did you do this?
Asked Rui at the black-haired girl. She didn't know what to say.
Natsuki: I-I don't know. If Rotom Pokédex was here… Wait. Tanjiro, where is Rotom?!
[Touched by Kindness - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
Rotom Pokédex: I'm right here.
Rotom Pokédex flew over them and Natsuki grabbed Rotom and hugged them.
Natsuki: I'm so happy to see you, my friend!
Rotom Pokédex: Me too!
Rotom Pokédex and Natsuki broke the hug.
Rotom Pokédex: Are you okay Natsuki? I was worried about you when that demon took you away!
Said Rotom Pokédex as they pointed to Rui.
Natsuki: I'm okay. Also it's rude to point to people. But what about you, are you okay?
Rotom Pokédex: Yes, I'm okay. You know after you were separated to the group, Tanjiro was able to defeat the Spider Demon that was responsible for controlling the Demon Slayers. Then, me, Tanjiro and Inosuke met a huge and ugly Male Spider Demon, he called himself as Father, me and Tanjiro were thrown away by him, leaving Inosuke alone with that monster. Then, we saw the spider demon hitting on another Spider Demon as he called her Sister. He tried to take away Nezuko from Tanjiro, but he refused and they started to fight. I recorded everything.
Natsuki: Really? Even the strange light?
Rotom Pokédex: Yes, the light came out from your crystal Natsuki!
Natsuki: Really?
Tanjiro: Natsuki, did you know about this, didn't you?
Natsuki: No. I swear to Giratina that I didn't know that. My parents never explained to me about my crystal's powers. But theres's something that
[End of Touched by Kindness - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
The young man turned to Tanjiro and Nezuko and gasped in shock.
Young man: Aren't you two…?
[Theme of Shinobu Kocho - Demon Slayer OST]
Suddenly, many butterflies and flowers appeared out of nowhere. The young man stepped protectively over Tanjiro – as he brought closer Nezuko to him – and deflected someone's attack. The attacker seemed to be a woman.
She was a petite young woman with a slender short build and light skin. She has large, purple bug-like eyes, short black wavy hair that fades into dark purple at the ends, styled at the back of her head into a flat yakai-maki bun, fastened with a white, turquoise and light purple butterfly ornament. She was wearing a dark purple Demon Slayer uniform with gold buttons, consisting of a dark-purple tinted straight-lined black jacket and matching colored tabi socks and hakama pants, tucked into white butterfly patterned Kyahan fading into pale turquoise then pink around her lower legs, fastened with white ribbons. His haori resembled the design of a butterfly wing that fades into a pale turquoise then pink color on the sleeves and hem which are cuffed with a black and white dotted trim. She was also wearing a white zori sandals with purple straps for footwear, with a hidden blade in one of the heels.
Young butterfly woman: Oh my! Why would you get in my way, Tomioka? And after you told me we could never be friends with demons to say… This kind of thing is exactly why no one likes you.
?: Oh Shinobu, that wasn't very nice to say to Giyu.
Said another voice who appeared to be another female. Another young woman as she landed on the ground besides the young woman known as Shinobu.
The young woman appeared to have a slender build, she had long, straight, black hair that reached just below her hips, worn down with two shorter clumps over her shoulders, and arched, ear-length bangs on either side of her face. Like Shinobu, she had violet bug-like. She was wearing a dark purple-tinted Demon Slayer uniform with gold buttons, tattsuke hakama pants as well as a piece of black fabric around her calves and zori with pale purple straps. On each side of her head, she had a pair of green and pink butterfly hairpins. She was also wearing a white butterfly-patterned haori that fades to pale turquoise then pink toward the cuff and hem like.
Shinobu: Oh, but Kanae, my dear sister, isn't it true?
Said Shinobu as an irk appeared on her head, but she was still smiling. Natsuki could see that Shinobu's smile is fake and she is just hiding her anger.
Shinobu: Now then, Tomioka. Would you please move?
Giyu: People do like me.
[Stop of Theme of Shinobu Kocho - Demon Slayer OST]
Said the young man known as Giyu Tomioka as this made everyone shock by his response.
[Re-start of Theme of Shinobu Kocho - Demon Slayer OST]
Shinobu: Oh, dear. I do apologize. You're only jus hearing about this now, then? I'm sorry, I didn't mean for you to find out this way!
Kanae: Shinobu…
Shinobu: Boy!
Tanjiro: Yes, ma'am!
Shinobu: What you're protecting there is actually a demon. So please move away before you get hurt!
Kanae: You should know that protecting a demon is a violation and goes against the Corps rules, young one!
Natsuki: You're both right and wrong! She's indeed a demon, but she's not a threat!
Tanjiro: Y-Yeah. You're mistaken! Well, you're not mistaken. But she's… She's my little sister! She's my ì sister, and that's why-
Kanae and Shinobu gasped.
Kanae: Your… sister?
Shinobu: Oh my, is that really true? You poor thing. In that case, so she won't suffer, I'll use a gentle toxin in order to kill her.
Natsuki: Girl, isn't a little dark?
Rotom Pokédex: A little? That's messed up, and how can you still smiling after telling this woman?!
Exclaimed Rotom as once again on
Giyu: Can you move? Even if it's difficult, you need to go. Take your sister and run.
Natsuki: I'll keep an eye on Tanjiro.
Said Natsuki as Giyu nodded at the black-haired girl. Tanjiro got up from the ground as he picked up Nezuko.
Tanjiro: Tomioka… Thank you! I appreciate this!
Shinobu: Did you just break the rules of the Corps?
Tanjiro, Natsuki and Rotom Pokédex started to run through the forest with Nezuko and Rui in a tow, Tanjiro picked up Nezuko's box. Little did they know, someone was following them and then they landed on the burgundy-haired boy's back, hitting him, which in result the boy dropped Nezuko and Natsuki and Rotom Pokédex stopped their tracks, worried for their friend. When they stopped they saw Tanjiro's attacker.
It was a girl of short stature, with large dark lilac eyes, short, thin black hair, tied into a ponytail on the right side of her head and fastened by a pink and green butterfly ornament. She has a straight fringe and two loose, chin-length strands that curve downwards from above each of her ears. She was wearing slightly purple-tinted Demon Slayer uniform with a knee-length pleated skirt. She was also wearing a short white cloak, fastened on one side by a dark pink triple knot, and sporting knee-high lace-up white boots with tan soles, heels and toes.
Then Kanae arrived and landed besides the little girl.
Kanae: Good job, Kanao.
Said Kanae to the little girl known as Kanao as she nodded to the young woman. Kanao drew out her sword, ready to attack Nezuko. Tanjiro, as he was still conscious, Tanjiro grabbed Kanao's cape and flung her away from Nezuko.
Tanjiro: Run, Nezuko! Run! Make a run for it!
Nezuko started to run away.
Tanjiro: Don't get caught, no matter what! Hurry-
Suddenly Kanao planted a kick on Tanjiro's head, knocking him out. Kanao started to follow after Nezuko. Natsuki wanted to follow Kanao to stop her from attacking Nezuko, but she was stopped by Kanae who went in front of her.
Kanae: Don't even think about following them. You do realize that you will be put in charge of protecting a demon?
Kanae said with a smile, but you can see a dark aura surrounding her, which made Natsuki, Rui and Rotom Pokédex shivering in fear. Kanae's eyes widened when she saw Natsuki's crystal.
Kanae: That crystal… Are you-
[End of Theme of Shinobu Kocho - Demon Slayer OST]
Suddenly a Kasugai Crow appeared and screamed as flew in circle.
Kasugai Crow: Message! Message! Caw!
Everyone looked up to see the crow.
[Touched by Kindness - Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity OST]
Kasugai Crow: Tanjiro, Nezuko and Natsuki are to be taken into custody and brought back to headquarters alive! Caw! Tanjiro, Natsuki and the demon Nezuko are to be taken into custody and brought back to headquarters! Tanjirou, with a scar on his forehead! Nezuko, a demon girl with a bamboo muzzle! Natsuki, a girl with a crystal necklace! Bring them back! Bring them back! Caw!
Natsuki: I wonder how does that crow can be annoying? At least my Pokémon is well-behaved.
Kanae: Wait, what…
Then some kakushi arrived, looking at Tanjiro, Kanae and Natsuki.
Female Kakushi: He does have a scar and she does have the crystal.
Kanae: Please, be gentle with them, especially you Goto.
Said Kanae to the kakushi know as Goto.
Goto: Of course, Miss Kocho, All right, let's bring them in.
Female Kakushi: Come on, let's get going. Everyone else is already starting to clear out. The battle for this mountain is over.
Nastuki: You have no idea…
Sometime later…
Morning came, Tanjiro was lying down asleep on the ground. He was also tied up.
Goto: Hey! Come on! Get Up! Are you gonna sleep the whole dang day?! Just wake the hell up already, will ya?!
Tanjiro woke up and in front of him with a shock on his face.
Goto: You're in the presence of the Hashira!
Taisho Secrets
- The Demon Slayer – the one Pidgeot saved – thought Natsuki was an angel
- Murata was shocked to see Natsuki's Pokémon
- Murata wanted to talk to Natsuki, it seems that he's attracted to her
- All the controlled Demon Slayers, after coming to the headquarters alive, wanted to thank Natsuki and her Pokémon by giving them gifts
- Rui regretted for hurting Natsuki
- Rui wanted to ask to Natsuki be her big sister (secretly Natsuki wants her parents to adopt Rui)
- Tanjiro was sad when he failed to protect Natsuki
- When they saw Natsuki's crystal, Kanae and Shinobu were shocked that they started to remember someone with the same crystal as her in the past