❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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The plan had been simple for Kokushibo to follow and process. It still brought far too much worry. Muzan was at his worst, risking so much should this plan go south. He could only hope it wouldn't. This was for his brother, his real family. If Yoriichi saw danger, Kokushibo saw no reason to doubt his own brother. Never once had he been wrong on suspicions. Which brought Kokushibo to his current situation.

He slipped beyond the woodlands, the dark sky overhead to signify night had arrived. His hands held the attire, laced in dried blood and some more fresh from a newer face. He'd run over his speech countless times, finally feeling assured he won't stutter at the worst points. Tapping his foot, he'd waited for the Biwa's tune, the sound so calming. The ground shifted, revealing a sliding door that opened up for Kokushibo. He took one more long breath before dropping through, his own stomach twisting as his mind played his worries out for him. He landed on the platform where some of the lowermoon were present, the newest gathering. After Muzan's slaughter, he'd appointed a whole new group. There was always the same expression, no matter the Demon. The gaze and glimmer of fear. 

Kokushibo had remained silent, hoping not to disrupt. But that was simply impossible, especially with his mission he'd been tasked. He held so much guilt in the end, but always dismissed it as something needed. That his brother would truly be in danger. Of course, he never thought about if the truth came to light. All he could do was pray it never came about. That would be the only point when Kokushibo would have no choice. He'd no longer be able to guard his brother.

"Glad to see you back Uppermoon 1. I hope you've come with something of use." The Uppermoon nodded, watching Muzan motion to Nakime, who dropped the Lowermoon elsewhere. It left the room nearly empty, Muzan rising from his seat. He moved gracefully, but that façade all but fell upon his lingering gaze. Kokushibo had held the clothes close, to his chest. It was to portray a loss. That the Uppermoon was wounded within his heart. He was more than happy that it worked. That Muzan had seen the false fear and sorrow within Kokushibo and believed it as a truth. "I- ... What happened? Where did you find this?" 

"I went out toward the South, searching the woodlands. I'm sorry... This was all I found." Muzan stumbled forward, his eyes narrowing as he bit along his lip. It was a first for Kokushibo, to see Muzan seem so broken. So... Human. 

"He can't be d-"

"His blood is on the clothes, where the spots are torn. There is a large gash along where his chest would have been. Even he'd not survive that wound... My own brother, murdered..." Those words were gut wrenching, a true fear Kokushibo had. He held out the clothes, allowing Muzan access to them. The great Demon King, forced into an image of nothing. Those crystalline tears, rolling down his pale complexion. It was the first time Uppermoon 1 felt remorse. Felt guilt and heartache. He knelt low as Muzan crumpled to the floor, startling Nakime as well. "I'm sorry... I wish I'd been there sooner..."

"Did he at least die with dignity? He was always a fighter..." Kokushibo nodded, feeling Muzan lean into him. It took him by surprise, to see someone so superior and great hold a desire for comfort. To be so lost. It only made Kokushibo ponder whether this was truly the right option. Wiping the thought away, Kokushibo glanced to Nakime. He frowned, speaking softly. Muzan was still a leader, so there was a risk to show this weakness.

"Nakime, take us to his room. I'll be sure he rests, okay?" There was a nod in response, the biwa ringing out. The two were silent, slipping from the main area before landing within Muzan's own chamber. The same place he'd spent with Yoriichi. It only made the Demon King break more. Kokushibo steadily helped Muzan into his bed, sighing as he watched the other curl up, those fingers clawing desperately to the clothing. "I'll check on you later. Please rest, after all, you're a leader." 

There was no response, leaving Kokushibo to dismiss himself. He left the room from the door, slipping into the hall as he closed the door silently. He'd wandered for a bit, simply thinking. His brother had feared the worst. That Muzan would have hurt him. But Muzan was devastated. It was far too late to go back, but there was one sure fact Kokushibo was aware of. He'd always feel guilty. So he'd bare a promise. Not one aloud, but to himself. Should the truth ever come to light, he'd personally take the punishment. He'd bare the guilt and bare it alone. He was a brother as well as a loyal servant. It was two sides of the same coin, linked by fate itself. So he'd value and guard both. Should blood need to be shed, he'd willingly offer his own.

Stopping somewhere within the hall, he leaned along the wall, resting the back of his head along the surface. He exhaled a long breath, watching the endless ceiling. 

"I am truly sorry; My King, Muzan. For the lies and my foolish brother. I do hope someday you find peace. Both of you." His words were so soft and quiet, mostly due to him not desiring to be heard. It was an apology to everyone. His own betrayal. His lies. The hidden truth. It was all he could do to lighten the weight of his own guilt. His own quacking heart. Today was the beginning. A new beginning built from a lies foundation.

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I hope you've enjoyed the chapter. A bit of angst, but next chapter begins to pick up. Lady Tamayo will become relevant within the story, so be looking forward to that. Either way, leave me feedback. Always appreciated and I do view the comments. 🖤