𝔸 𝕋𝕒𝕤𝕥𝕖 𝕆𝕗 ℍ𝕦𝕞𝕒𝕟𝕚𝕥𝕪 - 𝕋𝕒𝕟𝕛𝕚𝕣𝕠𝕦 𝕩 𝕌𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕠𝕠𝕟𝕤

꧁༒☬𝓒𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓽𝓮𝓻 𝓕𝓸𝓾𝓻𝓽𝓮𝓮𝓷☬༒꧂

About time I updated; not going to lie...

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He was very acutely aware it was midnight by the time he'd stirred along the forest floor. How long he'd been lying about, it avoided his senses. All he was aware of, was the mission that was floating in his mind; Muzan's words that swam in a flurry. It honestly made him eager. With his itching boredom being locked away in the fortress, he couldn't help but take in a long breath. Feel how his lungs burned from the pressure of his joy as he filled his lungs full, coughing shortly after. He'd recovered swiftly, ignoring how the silence seemed so deafening almost momentarily before it settled in silence once more. 

As for him, he brought himself to his feet as he glanced around at the rather unknown area. He only really knew two places, them being Muzan's home, and his home of the past. So, being in a new place was thrilling, if Tanjirou had to place a name for it. He was truly excited to be somewhere that his mind willingly drank up sights, even in the midst of midnight. Somehow, the middle of the night always made him feel safe, though he was sure he understood the reasoning to why.

Clearing his mind, Tanjirou allowed himself to begin his trek through the woods. He remembered distinctly Muzan mentioning a group of spider Demons living in the area, but he wasn't even sure how far they were into the forest, let alone where he'd find them. Nakime normally placed him close to his objective, but it made him wonder if she'd sent him further out to avoid suspicion in case, he came in contact with Nezuko or other slayers. In the end he found fretting over it did him little as he simply carried on walking, basking in the moonlights glow. 

Truth was, it wasn't long until he found life. Or what would be considered close in comparison. One thing he understood, was that Demon's knew of his presence. Knew his value from the few meetings. Any Upper and even Lower moon knew of his worth and importance. Which was why he wasn't concerned when he'd cleared a patch of forest and found himself basked in the moonlight before a pair of Demon's. Both were patiently waiting, as if awaiting his arrival. Both glancing his way and offering the faintest smile. One was perched on a rock, whilst the other was closer to Tanjirou's current location.

It left Tanjirou bowing his head slightly, as a show of respect. He was human after all. Compared to Demon's, he supposed he was weaker. 

"You must be Tanjirou... Brother is awaiting you; just as Muzan asked of us." Those words left Tanjirou understanding as he nodded, watching the closest Demon begin to walk, their voice lingering to the other, who looked toward the horizon. "Mother; I shall return later."

The supposed 'Mother' gave a mere nod. Nothing more than acknowledgement as Tanjirou followed the other demon in silence. Simply let the excitement roar to life in his chest as he felt his boredom from before fade. Dangerous or not, he was ready for an adventure. One he'd take on his own two feet.

The walk itself was abrupt, leaving the peace to fade as Tanjirou took note of the small cabin like space. It was worn down, but that wasn't what caught his attention. It was the smaller Demon that had a faint marking in their eye. A Lower Moon; who had offered a respectful greeting as they gave a faint bow. 

It left Tanjirou to approach, his body taking up a spot along the porch as he viewed the Demon that had led him; having taken her own leave. It left him alone with the other, who joined him in sitting. 

"My Master has explained the situation. I am to help deceive the Slayer's, so that you can gain access to them. Are you aware of this?" 

"I am. He's explained it to me as well. What must I do, if you don't mind me asking?" The Demon thought over the question, offering a small smile as they rose to their feet. 

"You're to do nothing." Tanjirou raised a brow, tilting his head. Nothing? Had he heard it right?

Rising to his feet, Tanjirou took a step forward before he felt his body freeze. Felt how his limbs felt locked as his eyes caught the faint glimmer of webbing that remained attached to him. It caused him unease as he met the Demon's gaze, uncertainty in his eyes. 

"What do you mean nothing? What is this?" The Demon smiled, though Tanjirou saw the way it seemed saddened. An expression that made more question rise in his mind. However, his words were quieted as the Demon spoke once more. 

"This is the solution, Tanjirou. You must simply play the victim." Those words left Tanjirou opened his mouth before he felt his vision swirl. Felt how his legs felt numb as he collapsed, or should have, as the webbing held him up. Made him struggle to glimpse toward the Demon as he heard the faint words in a harsh echo. Felt his world swirl as his eyelids felt heavier and sealed him into a darkness that swallowed him whole. "Take care.

Not far off, eyes observed. Watched the encounter as night grew colder. As the forest itself seemed to gather life. Voices faintly shattering the silence. A sign Slayers were present. It left the observer to take a breath as they turned to leave, walking into the dense foliage before vanishing entirely with a whisper that cut into the evening. A ghostly voice that left an eerie fog on the forest itself. 

"Let the struggle begin, Kibutsuji Muzan."

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Wow, it's been a time. It's a short chapter, but it's a start. Hopefully you enjoy this cliffhanger and see you next chapter.

Also, not sure about the chapter's ending, so leave me feedback on it.