Demon Slayer One-Shots (Part 2)

Bamboo (NezukoxZenitsu)

AU: A world in which nearly all of Tanjiro's family was slaughtered by demons. But when he and Nezuko came into contact with Giyu, he had an antidote provided by Shinobu. Tanjiro still became a demon slayer (only part-time). 

Summer in the mountains. 

"Tanjiro, how much time do we have left to plant the bamboo?"

Her brother looked up from his book. He had just gotten back from selling charcoal down in the village, and since their parents and brothers and sisters had been slaughtered, it had just been them. 

"About a month left, Nezuko. If you'd like, we could go out now and plant them." he offered generously. Nezuko smiled. 

Her brother was tired, the lines on his face providing evidence. He tried to wipe them away. He didn't want to look tired in front of his sister. 

"It's alright. I can go out by myself and plant them during the night."

"Nezuko, it's dangerous to be out at night." he warned. 

"I'll be careful," she reassured him. 

...

The crisp evening air was chilly in the evening, in their hut on the mountains. She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail. It was long and brown with orange tips, a result of the demon attack.

Grabbing her bag and a punch of bamboo seeds, she headed out, waving Tanjiro off before heading down the mountain towards a clearing that she had discovered. 

The fireflies were alive that night, and the sound of them buzzing provided a serene, quiet evening for gardening. 

It was already late at night. The moon was up in the sky, and the stars were twinkling brightly. A cool breeze nipped at her chin, and she shuddered. 

"Welcome."

Freezing up, she turned around, realizing that she wasn't alone. 

"A demon," the word breathlessly left her lips before she closed her eyes and braced for the worst. 

"How delicious. A girl," he smirked, looking as she helplessly backed away. As it came closer, she nearly threw up because of the scent it gave off. 

It was revolting, sickening. It was dark and horns protruded from its forehead, inviting anyone who tried to headbutt him to die. His eyes were broken, ripped into two pairs so that they looked reminiscent to that of a mutilated turtle. 

The demon crept closer, before placing a clawed hand on her neck and tossing her against the thick stalks of bamboo. She struggled to get up, the stalks firm in their stance. 

"Help!¨ she screamed, hoping Tanjiro would hear her and smell the scent of fear and blood in the air. 

No response. Not even the rustling of footsteps in the distance. 

Nezuko stared at the demon, the claws scratching her forearm, and she watched as blood dripped down her arms. A darkened look crossed her face, as she remembered. 

It was like trauma had been blocked from her mind. 

Rokuta's lifeless eyes as they looked at her, his body smothered in blood. His arms were broken off, and she remembered the screams of her family. Her mother, her brothers, and her sister.

They hit her with such force that she staggered backward. She remembered the dirty scent so clearly. 

"It's you. You're the demon-"

"I've come back to finish my prey." he snarled. Nezuko whimpered. She didn't dare give away her brother. He was the only one she had left. 

"What do you want?"