Trapped in a Loving Prison

-6- Reunions

Tanjiro and Nezuko were both surprised and happy to see each other. Then, as Tanjiro pulled his sister into a hug, she began sobbing as if all the rage that had built up had disappeared, and there was only relief. Tanjiro couldn't help the tears pouring out of his eyes. He thought he had lost his family and felt indescribable joy when he saw Nezuko.

Nezuko was the first to break their hug. She looked into her brother's eyes with intense worry. "What happened to you?" Tanjiro explained how Muzan saved him, how they had fallen in love, and how Muzan turned him into a demon. Nezuko was astonished. "So this Muzan killed the demon that attacked our family and took you in after trying to save them?" Nezuko was doubtful of her brother's words trying to remember what happened during and after the attack.

Tanjiro could sense her natural doubt, given her life as a demon slayer. "I assure you, he is a kind person. You'll see when you meet him." Nezuko was surprised. "What do you mean when I meet him." Nezuko started tensing at the possibility of being taken to the demon lord. Tanjiro noticed her tensing up and patted her head to comfort her. "Don't worry, he won't hurt you; he tried to save you before. I doubt he would try to kill you now." Tanjiro smiled. 

Nezuko still did not like the idea. "How about instead you come with me to meet the leader of the demon slayers. He is a kind person, and I know you are not like the demons that eat humans." Tanjiro stopped smiling. "Nezuko the corps is why Muzan was forced to turn me into a demon. If it weren't for them, I would have been able to remain human." Nezuko didn't know what to say. "Muzan turned him into a demon because of something the demon slayers did?"

Just as Nezuko was about to ask what happened, Tanjiro grabbed her and evaded an incoming attack. Luckily he was able to dodge, but Rui was subsequently beheaded instead. Giyu faced the siblings in a battle stance, ready to strike again. "Giyu!" Nezuko shouted to him. Giyu pointed his sword at Tanjiro. "If you let go of Nezuko, I will give you a painless death." 

Before Nezuko could explain, Tanjiro evaded another attack from Shinobu. "It seems you are having trouble with this demon Tomioka." Shinobu taunted him. She turned towards Tanjiro, who was still holding Nezuko in his arms. "Sorry to interrupt your meal, but I will have to ask you to return that girl there." Shinobu readied another dose of poison while Giyu prepared for another strike.

Nezuko jumped in between them. "Stop; this is my brother!" Shinobu and Giyu were both shocked at her statement. At that exact moment, Giyu and Shinobu moved past Nezuko and attempted to strike Tanjiro. However, he stopped both their attacks by breaking their blades. Tanjiro struck their chests with his palms pushing them back.

"Nezuko, please come with me." Tanjiro beckoned her. However, Nezuko was still doubtful about what to do. Her experience as a demon slayer conflicted with her love for her brother, now a demon she was supposed to kill. Tanjiro could tell what was going on in her head, and he could understand how difficult the situation was.

Tanjiro was unsure of what he needed to do to convince her. Then he heard Muzan's voice in his head. "Tanjiro, I need you to return." Tanjiro didn't like having to leave his sister, but he didn't want to force her. "I have to leave now, but I hope you can come with me next time." Tanjiro hugged Nezuko, surprising Giyu and Shinobu as they witnessed the siblings' interaction. As Tanjiro looked back, he disappeared into the infinity fortress.