𝔸 𝕋𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖 𝕆𝕗 ℍ𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 - 𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕛𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕦 𝕩 𝕌𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕟𝕤

꧁༒☬𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 - Updated☬༒꧂

It was near midnight by the time Tanjirou reached the bend of the mountain that marked the houses' location. He had been enjoying the company present, leaving him less focused on the space before him. Even if he was oblivious to the signs present, Muzan had caught on. He smelled the awful scene that they would no doubt walk onto. In all his years, death never bothered him. But spending the time with Tanjirou, though short and abrupt; the truth bore such a dreadful weight. One that gnawed at him greedily. He so desperately wanted to guard the kind soul before him, the first human to ever bring him falling so close to feeling even slightly human once more. The first human to ever offer such genuine kindness without seeking something in return. A selfless individual. But the truth wasn't his to shelter. He had no right to involve himself, even if he was traveling the mountain with his own goals in mind. 

Not long after Muzan's expression seemed to fall, it was only then that Tanjirou smelled the awful scents. The heavy metallic odor that polluted the air. It made the males heart sink, panic setting in as he rushed forward, not paying mind anymore to the other that followed slowly. The basket that once was on the other's back was thrown aside, rolling along the snow as the last bits of charcoal hugged the white snow below. His checkered haori moved swiftly with every step as maroon eyes bore witness to the tragedy. To the bodies that lay soaked in their own blood, lifeless eyes gazing outward. The furniture was tossed about, destroyed completely. It left Tanjirou with thick tears that rolled along his skin, his legs buckling as he fell to his knees. His hands clung to his arms, sobs filling the space as Muzan remained silent. Simply observed the scene. He could make out faint breathing; leaving his eyes to wander. He may be heartless, but in that moment, something within him urged him to help. To aid the smaller male. So, Muzan stepped through the space, ignoring the smell and how red clung to his shoes. 

He slipped into the house, where he spotted where the sounds of faint breathing came from. An open wound was present, eyes slightly pained but growing weaker and dimmer with every passing moment. They seemed to recognize the crying that sounded from Tanjirou, bringing the woman to bring her voice forth. Her arms moved, even with her lacking strength, reaching out. It brought Tanjirou to focus as he rushed in, falling beside Muzan on the floor.

"Is that you? T-Tanjirou?" More tears swept along those soft cheeks, such scabbed hands pulling the females hand closer. She gave a short smile, even though there was no doubt she was in pain. Even through her own dying moments.

"Mom? W-what happened? I should have b-been here..." He sniffled as she found the strength to shake her head, those eyes shifting toward Muzan. Seemingly distant and if Muzan had it right; blinded with her lingering death. He had remained completely silence, respecting the space between mother and son. But his own silence had been broken when the woman spoke to him, her hand still held tightly by her broken son.

"P-please keep him... Safe..." Muzan felt himself freeze momentarily, his heart sinking for the first time. It made such an uneasy feeling.

"This was done by robbers, was it not?" His question drew Tanjirou's gaze, which was tinted red from crying. In response the woman nodded, struggling to exhale. Her complexion fell further, giving Muzan knowledge she didn't have much longer. Glancing toward Tanjirou, he placed a hand hesitantly along the male's head. Watched how he leaned even further forward, so engulfed in grief. He felt so caught between what to do. He was no one to show mercy, but this wasn't his doing. Humans had only shown they were just as bad as he himself. 

"Please... Please k-keep him safe..." Muzan took in a long breath. He felt the way Tanjirou trembled, leaving him more dead inside, if that was possible. In the walk to the house, he honestly felt alive. But this event left him seething. Left him so angered. Not at Tanjirou or the misfortunes, but at the humans that soiled the family. That tore Tanjirou's world into pieces. Though, the thought seemed a bit hypocritical as he solely come to the mountain to slay the same family. Shifting his gaze once more to the woman, he noted the determination. The desperation. It left him faltering, his eyes narrowing slightly. He trailed his hand along Tanjirou's hair faintly, giving a sorrowful smile. Even his tone had fallen.

"I will do this as your departing wish. Your son shall be safe, I assure on my own life." The woman smiled, the same smile that Tanjirou wore, though painted red and weak. It made Muzan feel a pain in his chest, such a foreign ache. He had watched the woman bring her hand to Tanjirou's cheek, her own words being brought to his ears. But Muzan didn't listen. He turned on his heels, slipping past the entrance into the outside. He wanted the two to spend the final moments together. He stayed just beyond the entrance, listening to the sobs. Listening to the pained cries that seemed to sting within his own heart. 

After a few minutes, he slipped just a bit away. Sneaking along the edge of the woodlands. He leaned along a tree, hearing the approaching footsteps that drew his cold gaze. His eyes seemed to halt over one his loyal subjects, pink hair vibrant as normal. Those eyes marked with a number seemed to notice the change in Muzan's expression, leaving not a word to be uttered aloud. The other simply waited for Muzan to speak, unsure what would be shared.

"I have an order for this evening, so it will be quick. Find the ones responsible for the slaughter."

"This is a rather strange order... Might I ask what's brought this choice?" Muzan shook his head, scowling. His expression alone allowed the other to understand.

"Not yet. I will explain in time but get this done. I am asking you, Akaza! Answers will be given once I return." Akaza nodded, shifting on his feet as he observed his master. Watched how that expression for the first time seemed so 'human'. It made him have numerous questions, but he kept silent. 

"I will see it done. I shall be awaiting your return soon, My Lord." The other nodded, shooing the pink haired male off. Watching him leave along the mountains trail, it left Muzan alone once more. He hurried back toward the house, leaning along the wall once more as he waited. Once more listening to those cries that felt like a blade impaling him. It truly was such a strange feeling; especially for him. A Demon King who never cared for a single soul. Yet here he was, accepting to take in someone's kid. It truly would be a change for him.

Whether good or bad, that was something for him to determine over time. 

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Hope you've enjoyed chapter three! Looking forward to continuing this story, so leave me feedback. Always appreciated and I always read every comment! So be honest~

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(Updated 02/08/2024)