Demon Slayer: Equilibrium (An OC Story)

Companions: Tsuzumi Mansion Arc

On his way to his mission, Yuraki spotted the Mist Hashira but something seemed amiss about him, and he wasn't sure what, he just decided to brush it off and keep traveling. As he was nearing his destination, Yuraki heard a vaguely familiar scream. They rushed over to see Zenitsu clinging onto a girl. A boy with red hair pulled him off and scolded him. Yuraki huffed in annoyance and stomped up to them. "Zenitsu, what do you think you're doing?" Yuraki said coldly. Zenitsu turned to face them and his eyes lit up. "Yuraki! Tell this hooligan that this girl is my fiance, and he should unhand me this instant," He said in a cocky tone. Yuraki walked up to the strange boy and bowed before smacking Zenitsu across the face. "You moron! Causing trouble for others! I am so sorry if he's bothering you, I'll take it from here." They said their voice laced with embarrassment that he knew this person. "But Yuyu! I know you know I'm weak. I need to get married now and this girl is so head-over-heels in love with me!" Yuraki rolled his eyes as he whacked him again. "Clearly not, idiot, if she looks at you like that!" He scolded. Zenitsu sobbed and kicked his feet. "Yuyu! You're supposed to be on my side! You stayed with me through that grueling nightmare that was Final Selection and you're gonna bail now?!" "I told you not to call me Yuyu!" The red haired boy interjected in an uncomfortable tone. "Um, do you know him?" Yuraki bowed once more and smacked Zenitsu so he would too. "Yes, I'm sorry," he bowed at the girl too. "To both of you." "Ah no need to bow. My name is Tanjiro Kamado. What are yours?" Zenitsu spoke first, "I'm Zenitsu Agatsuma and this is Yuraki Tomioka." Tanjiro scanned Yuraki after hearing his last name. "Are you by chance related to Giyu Tomioka?" Yuraki tilted their head and laughed a little. "That's my brother. Or well my adoptive brother, guardian, stuff of that nature. How do you know him?" "He saved me and sent me to Urokodaki to train. Vouched for me," Tanjiro's eyes showed thankfulness when he said that. Yuraki smiled and motioned southeast. "We better get going, you know we have a mission and we shouldn't be late," He grabbed Zenitsu by his ear and turned to leave. "Ow ow ow I can walk myself!" He shouted, swinging his arms at the slightly taller boy. Tanjiro chuckled at their dynamic and sped up to walk beside them. As they walked, Yuraki noticed a fourth presence that resembled one of a demon. It was odd, since it was midday and the cover of the trees was not enough to save one from burning in the sunlight. His attention was then focused on the large box that Tanjiro wore on his back. 'Is that where this presence is coming from? Didn't Giyu mention something like this, a boy traveling with his demon sister? That couldn't be Tanjiro could it?' By this point, their uneasiness in their thoughts was noticed by his two companions. A hand was felt on his shoulder to which he flinched, leaving his thoughts behind. "Are you alright? You seem..unnerved." Yuraki smiled, their worry being evident without them knowing it. "It's quite alright," they lied. The both of them decided not to pry in his personal matters. As they approached their destination, they spotted two children who looked to be in between the ages of 6 and 13. They were cowering in fear and seemed to be crying. Yuraki rushed over to them. "What's the matter? Are you both okay," He asked them softly. Tanjiro held Zenitsu's sparrow guide to them and it chirped at them. The girl laughed a bit at it. "Hey, what are your two's names?" The older boy spoke up, seeming to be calmer now. "I'm Shoichi and this is my sister Teruko.. And there's a monster in that house! It took our brother!" Yuraki and Tanjiro nodded at each other and listened intently to their story while Zenitsu was heeled over wailing out of fright. Shoichi was able to tell that the three teens didn't think he was crazy and explained the events that transpired before they arrived. Yuraki put his fox mask over his face and faced the building. "Definitely a demon. Right, Tanjiro?" Then suddenly the window was flung open and somebody fell out. Yuraki rushed to give him first aid, since he was severely injured but he passed away soon after the impact of the fall. Yuraki looked worriedly at the younger kids and Shoichi shook his head. "That isn't him. Our brother was wearing an orange kimono." Tanjiro and Yuraki decided to make their way into the house, much to Zenitsu's dismay. Their serious and disappointed demeanors is what got him to follow them into the house. Tanjiro left his box with Shoichi and Teruko and told them that if danger came what was inside would protect them, but to also protect the box because it meant the world to him. But the two of them followed after anyway, leaving the box behind.