"Whoa. This place looks like…" Inosuke said, eyes wide as he took in the scenery.
"Home," Zenitsu finished, a rare look of awe softening his usual anxious demeanor.
They stood amidst rolling hills, deep valleys, and sparkling rivers that shimmered under the bright sun. The air was thick with an ancient, powerful energy that seemed to hum through the earth itself.
This was Skye, a land whispered about in the legends of Demon Slayers—a place brimming with untamed power and forgotten magick.
"Where is Kuri?" Tanjiro demanded, his voice tight with worry, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of her.
"Calm down," Reiko said, her tone gentle but firm. "She's doing what she must."
Tanjiro clenched his fists, frustration radiating off him. "I don't like leaving her with those demons alone. They could hurt her like they did Nezuko and the kasugai crows."
Nezuko, now free from her confinement, sat nearby with a soft grunt of agreement, her eyes gleaming with both worry and defiance. Though she couldn't speak, the look she gave her brother said enough: I'm okay, big brother.
"Um, if anyone's interested, I'm fine," Zenitsu said, brushing dirt from his haori. His voice carried a nervous energy as always. "They didn't hurt me or Nezuko, just held us. I think they were just following orders. My guess is Kuri's trying to find out who's behind this."
"Funny that you'd mention enchantment," Reiko said, her eyes flickering with a knowing light as she looked at Nezuko.
Nezuko tilted her head in curiosity.
"Why?" Zenitsu asked, looking between them, confused.
Reiko smiled softly. "Ever since we came to Skye, everything Nezuko's touched has been infused with life. That's enchantment. I know because it's part of my power."
Nezuko's eyes widened in realization, and she placed her hand on the ground. The grass under her fingertips glowed faintly and grew taller, blooming into wildflowers.
"Whoa, so Nezuko can grow stuff now?" Inosuke said, half-impressed, half-jealous. "Teach her, Reiko!"
"Oh, I will," Reiko promised, a hint of excitement in her voice.
Before anyone could say more, a shadow fell across them, and Kuri landed heavily on the ground, her uniform torn and splattered with blood. Tanjiro was by her side in an instant, wrapping his arms around her as she swayed on her feet.
"I'm so sorry, Kuri," he whispered, guilt and relief mingling in his voice.
Zenitsu's eyes darted around, panic setting in. "We should have never left her alone," he said, the regret plain in his tone.
Kuri's eyes, filled with exhaustion and determination, met Tanjiro's. "It's not over," she said, her voice weak but resolute. "I know who's behind this now."
Nezuko reached out, touching Kuri's arm with a look of silent solidarity, the glow of her newfound enchantment flickering between them. Reiko's eyes gleamed as she watched, knowing that whatever lay ahead, they now had the power of Skye—and each other—to face it.