Shadows of the Moon

Chapter 13: A Sinister Bargain

Tanjiro POV

As I opened my eyes, I found myself trapped in a nightmarish realm. The eerie forest enveloped me, its thorny branches preventing any escape from the small clearing I stood in. Moonlight cast an unsettling glow, illuminating the twisted, leafless trees that stood like sentinels of the macabre. Whispers echoed in the distance, haunting and indistinguishable. I couldn't shake off the growing unease that coursed through my veins.

Suddenly, a blood-curdling screech shattered the fragile silence, sending shivers down my spine. I instinctively reached for my sword, only to realize it was absent. Panic gripped my heart as I stumbled backward, accidentally grazing a thorn with my finger. The prick drew crimson blood, but to my horror, it turned black, spreading slowly as if a venomous poison coursed through my veins.

The screech resounded once more, followed by a chilling voice that sent chills down my spine. "Tanjiro," it whispered with a twisted, haunting tone. "I have come to offer you a deal." I stood frozen, my mind racing with confusion and fear. Who was this entity? Why did it seek a pact with me? I couldn't fathom the intentions behind its sinister proposal.

"If you give me your body," the voice continued, "I will spare those who are dear to you. Refuse, and I shall inflict torment upon them, making you witness their suffering." I stared at my hand, paralyzed by the dark encroachment crawling up my arm. Desperation gripped me as I contemplated the weight of the choice before me. Why would I accept such a vile bargain? But the silence that followed my thoughts filled me with dread.

The voice interrupted my inner turmoil, reminding me of the passage of time. "It has been almost three weeks since I cursed you," it hissed. "You must make your decision promptly. Meet me in the same place we now reside, but in the realm of reality, in three days' time. I will be waiting for your response."

Before I could voice my objections, my body succumbed to the advancing darkness, consumed by agonizing pain. It was as if I was being turned to stone, my existence crumbling into fragments under this malevolent curse. A gust of wind swept through, dispersing my crumbling form into dust. And then, I awoke in my room, drenched in cold sweat. The moon's luminance pierced through the window, casting an ethereal glow upon the scene.

A profound chill coursed through my veins, but it was accompanied by a sinister craving—a desire for human blood. I fought against the insidious hunger, desperately attempting to resist its allure. Yet, something within me yearned for the taste, threatening to overpower my resolve. Fearful of the harm I might inflict upon my companions, I made a difficult decision.

Quietly, I gathered my belongings, my hands trembling with a mix of trepidation and determination. Each step towards the mansion's entrance felt heavy with the weight of impending doom. As I reached the threshold, there stood Giyuu, an enigmatic figure bathed in moonlight.

The emotions welled within me, a whirlwind of sorrow, fear, and uncertainty. Meeting Giyuu's gaze, I could see concern etched upon his face. It was as if he sensed the torment that plagued my soul. Silently, he stood as a pillar of strength, an unspoken support in the face of my inner demons.

The moon bore witness to my departure, illuminating the path ahead with an ethereal glow. With each step taken, I knew the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and sacrifices. But I couldn't bear the thought of endangering the lives of those I held dear. I embarked on this treacherous journey, driven by a desperate desire to find a cure and reclaim my humanity.