Spider Guardian

Chapter 2 (The Trainer)

It was the next day. Tanjiro had gone to get something that he could carry Nezuko in while continuing to travel during the daytime. Hence, Nezuko is left under the care of Rui in a small cave.

Rui had no problem being under the sun because he wore a huge straw hat over his head. The hat also has flowing white silks that prevent sunlight from touching him.

While waiting for Tanjiro, Rui took the opportunity to bond with Nezuko. For odd reasons, Nezuko is not hostile towards Rui. In fact, she didn't growl or glare at him during the whole day yesterday. When the sun started to reach the cave entrance a little bit, Nezuko promptly panicked and dug a hole in the cave ground and hid in it.

Rui signed a bit and reached into the hole, patting Nezuko's head." I know it's scary. To know that you will die if sunlight touches you. But after surviving for over 30 years, I got used to it. You will, too."Rui said in a calm, soothing voice.

Nezuko looked at Rui with admiration and care. She reminded him of his own little brother sometimes. Though he was adopted, he and his little brother were inseparable. Too bad that his work separated them. But Rui promised to come back when everything was over. To Nezuko, Rui was also like one of her brothers. That's why she doesn't see him as a treat, rather as family.

It was silent for a few seconds before Rui sensed Tanjiro's arrival. He turned to see Tanjiro with a basket, some bamboo and straws."Nezuko." He called out.

"She's in here, Tanjiro. She dug a hole here to shelter herself from the sun." Rui said. Tanjiro looked closely and saw that Rui was right. He had a look of guilt on his face.' Poor Nezuko, she does not look happy.'

"Don't worry, Nezuko. Hold on a minute." Tanjiro said as he got to work. He cut the bamboo into straps and weave them on the basket while Rui helped him weave the straws into two straps like a backpack.

"Nezuko,.can you get in here? I would like to continue our journey during the day. I will carry you." Tanjiro said as he pointed to the basket." Get in here, in the basket."

Nezuko slowly got out of the hole and tried to go inside the basket but failed." It seems like she can't." Rui commented.

Tanjiro nodded in agreement. Then he remembered something." Oh, Nezuko, previously you grew up a bit and became a woman. Can you reverse the effect and become smaller?"

"Come on, Nezuko, get smaller for me." Tanjiro encouraged her. Nezuko pushed the basket upward, gradually shrinking as she got inside. Tanjiro was concerned at first, but that faded quickly.

"Wow, amazing. You did so well, Nezuko." Tanjiro said as he pat Nezuko's head. Rui nodded in agreement. He reached into his bag and pulled out a large white cloth." Here, Tanjiro. Use this to cover the basket."

Tanjiro took the cloth from Rui. "Thank you." Tanjiro said as he wrapped the cloth over Nezuko and the basket, making sure that their is a gap so that Nezuko could breathe. He gently strapped the basket over his shoulders.

"Alright, let's go." Rui said as he put another white cloth over his body and wore his Kaza hat. Tanjiro nodded as he and Rui departed on their journey again.

While the two walked, some people looked at them and whispered among themselves. Tanjiro knew exactly why. The way Rui dressed made him look like a Straw Hat Ronin. He was concerned for Rui's safety. He wondered if someone were to attack Rui, he wouldn't be able to defend him and Nezuko at the same time.

It was as if Rui had read Tanjiro's mind as he said,"Nezuko is your sister. Protect her first. Don't be concerned for me."

Tanjiro turned at Rui,"No, Rui-san. I have to be concerned. I couldn't protect my own family. So, I-" " I'm sorry"