♪───Ｏ（≧∇≦）Ｏ────♪
Day 1 ~ 10:03 a.m.
Kyojuro was pacing anxiously in front of the hospital ward of the Butterfly Estate.
It wasn't his nature to get so worked up like this, but he couldn't help it. As depressing as it may sound, he's lost many people to demons.
Admittedly, Kyojuro did his best not to associate himself with others. It was the fear he'll get attached and when that person would leave, it'll only hurt more.
It was a mistake to take in six others into his home.
It was a mistake to approach you after the Pillar meeting.
It was a mistake to see your smile.
It was a mistake to hear your laugh.
It was a mistake to notice that you bite at your nails in deep thought.
It was a mistake to notice that you often try to hide your beautiful smile whenever you laugh.
It was a mistake to notice that your accent was just too cute whenever you spoke Japanese.
It was a mistake to think about asking for permission to court you once you got back from your mission.
It was a mistake to think about how much fun it was going to be to get to know you.
It was a mistake to think about how much you can change him into a better man.
It was a mistake to think about making you his bride one day.
Not... that he's ever actually entertained the idea or anything.
Why did you touch him the way you did before you left? Ruffling his hair lightly, then running your hand through his curly locks.
Unconsciously, Kyojuro had started to play with his hair the same way you had before you left, providing him with some type of comfort.
Why did you touch him as if he was the greatest thing?
Why did you have to get kidnapped by Akaza?
Why didn't you run when Sanemi told you to?
Why didn't you just listen?
Why did you have to get kidnapped?
Why?
Why?
Why?!
"Rengoku."
The blonde stops pacing and let his hands fall to his side.
Shinobu had finally come out of the hospital ward: "Shinazugawa is okay, you can speak with him now."
Not too long after Sanemi and Sekido passed out cold, a few Kakushi had arrived at the scene. They treated Sanemi since Sekido had fully healed by then. They put the tiny Sekido back in his box, and saw your backpack there as well. They actually used some of your supplies from your bag to clean up Sanemi's wounds.
After that, they rushed back to the Butterfly Estate. Sekido went to the Pillar meeting in Sanemi's steed since the Wind Pillar was still unconscious by the time it was held that night.
Sanemi received an immediate report to the town. When he arrived, there were six Demon Slayers who were murdered. They were missing before, that's why Sanemi was there as a Pillar. But they had shown up right when Sanemi showed up.
The plan was to bait the demon the next night, but it was all a set up to get a Pillar out. Akaza showed up, though he must've made an immediate change in his plans. He planned on taking you instead once he knew you were there.
Sekido didn't have enough energy to go after you since he used a lot to heal. And Sanemi had suffered a serious head injury as well.
That was the report given.
Himejima, Uzui, and Kyojuro (And subtly, Ubuyashiki as well) we're visibly stressed at the thought of an Upper Moon having taken hold of you.
(Aside from Kyojuro, they were stressed that they might try to learn about the manga.)
Kyojuro was verbal about his distress.
Now, it was the next morning, and Kyojuro wanted to visit Sanemi and Sekido to ask them why Akaza took you.
Oh, and to ask if they're okay as well.
"Thank you, Kocho," Kyojuro smiles, "And how are Shinazugawa and Sekido doing?"
"Well, since Sekido is more used to using his energy despite not eating humans, he's recovered pretty quickly with some sleep," Shinobu informs, "He's also in the room with Shinazugawa. The curtains are closed since bright lights will hurt Shinazugawa right now. He had a moderate concussion, but he should be just fine."
Kyojuro lets out a sigh of relief, but his tense shoulders were still very present.
"I'm sure we'll find (Y/n) very soon, Rengoku," Shinobu smiles.
"It's really ironic, now that I think about it," Kyojuro forces out a laugh, "She told me not to worry, and she'd be back very soon."
Shinobu's smile dropped a bit: "Don't lose hope already, Rengoku. I'm sure she'll be just fine-"
"-Uh, Kocho?!" Sekido opens the door just a bit to not get hit with any sunlight from the hallway, "Something just happened!"
"What's the matter, Sekido?" Shinobu drops her smile at the frantic tone.
Sekido shows them his bare left hand, "The mark is gone! I-I didn't notice it, but I just checked and it's gone!"
"What does that mean?" Shinobu asks.
"Well, she's either too far for me to use my blood art to contact her, or..." Sekido looks down, "Or she's dead."
Kyojuro felt something shatter.
"She'll be just fine, huh?" Kyojuro mutters monotonously.
————
Day 9 ~ 8:55 p.m.
"Excuse me, Aniue," Senjuro hesitantly opens the door to his older brother's room, "You haven't eaten breakfast or lunch, you should at least eat something now."
Kyojuro looks up from his hunched position over his desk. He puts a box down and smiles at Senjuro.
"Yes, thank you, Senjuro," Kyojuro straightens his posture, wincing at the audible cracks in his spine, "I'd probably starve without you."
Senjuro slides the door open more to carry the tray of food inside. He gets inside himself and closes the door before carrying the tray to Kyojuro. Kyojuro picks up the box and sets it to the side so Senjuro could set the tray down.
Kyojuro prays and says his thanks before digging in. It's been over a week, but Senjuro can never get used to his big brother being quiet during his meals.
"Um, Aniue, what is that? You've been fiddling with that box for over a week now." Senjuro points towards the black and red box.
Kyojuro swallows his food before answering.
"(Y/n) made it herself and given it to me," Kyojuro smiles before picking up the box, "She calls it a puzzle box. You see these steel parts?"
Senjuro nods as he watches his brother push and pull the tiles of steels with his thumbs.
"I have to organize all these tiles to unlock the box. (Y/n) said there's something inside, so... I've been trying to unlock it to surprise her if we ever find her again." His tone turns bitter and quiet towards the end.
"When."
"Huh?"
Senjuro shakes his head, "When we find her, Aniue. Not if."
Kyojuro looks down at the box, "I don't want to get my hopes up. We're Demon Slayers. We lose people all the time, Senjuro."
"I don't know (L/n) as well as you do, since our interaction was brief. But I don't think (L/n) wouldn't appreciate you assuming she can't handle things by herself," Senjuro smiles slightly.
Kyojuro couldn't help the grin.
Senjuro is right.
—
"Tanjiro, sweetums," You pose, making an L with your hand and holding it to your chin, "Do I look like the type of person who dies?"
—
"Yeah, she'd probably yell at me, telling me she's not the type of person to die." Kyojuro chuckles at the memory, "I still can't help but worry about her. She never took the Final Selection, and even though her blade did change color, she's inexperienced in battle."
"Your food is getting cold, Aniue." Senjuro comments, very concerned that his brother would just dismiss his meal.
Kyojuro looks down at his tray. It was his favorite: sweet potatoes and a side dish of salt grilled bream.
Kyojuro scrunches his nose before going back to solving the box.
"I'm... not hungry. Sorry, Senjuro, I'm sure you spent a lot of time preparing it, but..." Kyojuro didn't bother to finish his sentence.
Senjuro sighs, "You really do love (L/n), don't you, Aniue?"
Kyojuro's face burns. But for what reason? Was he flustered at the sudden claim? Was it in embarrassment at being caught?
But being embarrassed for being caught would mean Senjuro was right. But that's ridiculous!
"I-" Kyojuro tries to laugh it off, "-I wouldn't call it love, Senjuro. I mean, I've hardly spoken to her, and I don't know her personally either. Love is too strong of a word as of now."
"Maybe," Senjuro hums in amusement at his brother's quick reaction to deny everything; he takes the food tray, "Maybe you don't love her right now, but it's inevitable that you will, Aniue."
Kyojuro doesn't say anything.
Senjuro stands up with the tray of cold food, "I'll bring you something smaller to eat. And I expect you to eat it all, Aniue."
"Senjuro."
Senjuro stops in his tracks and turns to his brother in question.
"Thank you for being the best brother anyone can ask for," Kyojuro grins, "I really appreciate you listening to me complain."
"It's no problem at all, Aniue," Senjuro smiles, "Of course, I'll be telling everyone you cried like a girl."
"I did not!"
—————
Day 17 ~ 4:19 p.m.
"You knowwww," Sekido starts, "Before we left, (Y/n) said that if she ended up going missing, and if we put her weight on her missing poster, she wasn't going to come back."
Zenitsu and Inosuke slowly turned to their right to look at Sekido with the 'Why the fuck would you say that?!' face.
They were all outside for their training with Kyojuro. Sekido was sitting in the shade on the engawa. The other two were resting in the shade as well for their small break.
The Flame Pillar went inside to try and get Tanjiro out of his room to participate. The redhead had stayed in his room most days since you've been gone. Kyojuro had given them permission to rest while he was inside.
They were sitting against the wall in a lineup; in order was: Sekido, Zenitsu, and Inosuke.
"Why-Why-Why would you say that?" Zenitsu shakes his head.
"If (Y/n) knew I wasn't using this opportunity to make jokes about her unfortunate circumstances, she'd slap me," Sekido reasons.
"I don't think that's true," Zenitsu scrunches up his nose.
"Wait, just think about it!" Inosuke took off his boar's hide, "Socretes might be right about that!"
"Who the hell is Socretes?!" Sekido snaps.
Inosuke ignores the demon, "We have to respect (B/n)'s legacy! Bro Code Number 4!"
Sekido bursts into laughter, "What?! Who taught you that?!"
"(B/n) did!"
Zenitsu lights up: "Right! Bro Code 4: Bro's before hoe's-"
"-How is 'Bro's before hoe's' relevant to this?!" Sekido laughs.
"(B/n) might be a girl, but she's still a bro," Inosuke says, "And that hoe, is death."
Sekido buries his face in his hands while Zenitsu nods in agreement with the boar kid.
Where's the brain cell when you need it? Did you take it?
"Yeah, fine. Whatever." Sekido chuckles in defeat.
"Hey, Sekido," Zenitsu leans forward to look at Sekido's hand, "The mark is back."
CRASH!
Sekido and the others jump and snap their head to the left.
Tanjiro and Kyojuro had come outside with trays of water and a pitcher. Though at the sudden news, they dropped them in shock.
Tanjiro's eyes and nose were slightly pink, he's been crying. And from Kyojuro's slightly puffy eyes, he's been crying too.
Both sunshine boys rush to Sekido's side to inspect the small, blue, spider lily mark that appeared on Sekido's hand.
"She's-She's not-She's-Can you-"
"-Tanjiro! Breathe!" Sekido panics, "This means (Y/n) is close by! Let's go inside so I can use my Blood Demon Art to contact her. I have-"
"-Well, get up already!"
"-Contact her, Tepido!"
"-Sekido, my boy! Hurry up!"
"-Come on, Sekido!"
Zenitsu, Inosuke, Kyojuro, and Tanjiro pulls Sekido on his feet, rushing him to hurry.
"Hey! I'm going! I'm going-Ow! Watch the horns!"
They all quickly entered the house and made sure there was no sunlight so Sekido could just do it there.
Sekido sits down on the floor cross-legged while the other four in front of him. The demon's skin turns dark as stars decorate his body. Sekido's eyes go white in an attempt to contact you with forced telepathy.
——•_•_•_•_•——
You open your eyes and immediately had to close them due to the sudden onslaught of pain. Your back was sore and your right ankle was throbbing in uncomfortable pain.
You hiss through your teeth as you slowly try to push yourself up.
The place you were in was a dark room, much like last time Sekido used his Blood Demon Art.
"Hey, it's fine," It was Sekido, "You can stay down, don't strain yourself."
"Sekido?" You whimper as you push yourself to sit up anyway, "What-How-"
"-The mark is back, so I can use forced telepathy," Sekido sighs, "But you're not close enough for me to show up in front of you. Sorry about that."
"It's fine," You lay back down, "Guess I really didn't need to get up then."
Sekido laughs, "Yeah, but uh-ahaha-I didn't really come for small talk. Where are you?"
"Um," You furrow your eyebrows, "I don't actually know. Akaza and I never stay in one place, we're constantly moving every few days."
"Well, can you describe the place you're at now?" Sekido asks.
"I-It's like a cave? Not really, it's a cliff that kind of curls in on itself? It's not deep enough to be called a cave though," You struggle to explain it when you're uneducated on nature, "We're in a forest, but this place is in a clearing."
"Well... at least that sounds pleasant." Sekido shrugs.
"Yeah. You know, strangely, all the places Akaza and I stay at are really pretty places," You hum, "We should come find these places when I'm not in immediate danger."
"Why haven't-Why can't you run away?"
You groan in annoyance, "I sprained my ankle pretty bad that night I got kidnapped. I can't risk it walking on it too much otherwise it won't heal properly."
"I think freedom is more important than a sprained ankle!" Sekido screeched.
"In this fucking world where demons wanna eat me, I think I need a good ankle than freedom right now!" You scoff, "Besides, every time Akaza thinks my ankle is getting better, he forces me to run."
"Oh, and it just fucks up your ankle more." Sekido pouts, "But can Akaza really force you to do shit? You're so... intimidating when you want to be."
You feel your blood run cold: "We made an agreement. If I listen, he won't devour any humans. He's always by my side, so I know he's not lying to me. It's been 15 days, and he hasn't eaten a single human."
"Oh, yeah. Um, good job then, I guess." Sekido replies awkwardly.
"Hey, make sure you guys find me during the day or something," You mumble, "If Akaza plans on staying by my side forever, I don't want-"
"-(Y/n), I'm so sorry, I have to go," Sekido rushes out, "Akaza is trying to wake you. If he forces you out of it, you'll go brain dead."
"Uh, okay! Wait, I-"
——•_•_•_•_•——
Sekido opens his eyes once he cuts off the connection.
Kyojuro, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Senjuro were sitting close to the demon.
Shinjuro was standing by the doorway, pretending to look uninterested.
"Hey," Sekido starts, "Do you know about any weird caves in a forest?"
—————
Day 31 ~ 5:46 p.m.
"(L/n) (Y/n) has been located!-"
Tu Cielito squawks as she flies over-head Kyojuro and the Kamaboko Squad + Sekido and Senjuro. They were all outside, taking a break from training.
"-(L/n) (Y/n) has been located by the waterfall at the North forest!"
Everyone felt a rush of adrenaline.
"Emergency Pillar meeting!" Tu Cielito squawks as she continues to fly in circles above hem, "Emergency Pillar meeting for (L/n) (Y/n)'s rescue!"
Kyojuro feels the weight on his cheat repeatedly lift and sink.
This is it.
This is it!
—————
Day 32: 7:13 a.m.
"We're going the wrong wa—y!" Uzui sings.
"How do you know? You've never been here before!" Sanemi snaps.
"You've never been here before either!" Uzui points out.
"Well, I'm not the one telling people we're going the wrong way!" Sanemi retaliates.
"... Shut up."
"Hah?! You shut up-"
"-You know what? Why don't we all shut up? How about that?" Kyojuro sighs in annoyance.
Sanemi rolls his eyes before reaching back and knocking against the box on his back, "You still awake, Sekido?"
"Yeah... you know, there's a very fine line between not listening, and not caring..." Sekido's small voice could be heard from the box, "... I like to think that I walk that line every day of my life."
"And the mark?" Uzui asks.
Sekido hums, "It's pretty big now. (Y/n) should be-"
"-Kyojuro? Hey! Kyojuro! Uzui! Shinazugawa!" You emerge from behind a cliff side on the left with a visible limp, "Hey... Hey!"
"(Y/N)!" Kyojuro shouts, his voice cracking with overwhelming emotions.
Kyojuro makes a sprint towards you, enveloping you in his embrace in less than a second.
Something inside of Kyojuro shattered when you went missing, but the moment you were in his arms, Kyojuro finally felt put back together.