Through Time She Returns

Chapter 7

Her eyes were shut so she didn't need to focus on how uncomfortable her stomach curled. It helps little how Douma had her trapped in his arms. Her head was tucked into his shirt so as not to look up.

"Kotoha~, Kotoha~." It takes her a moment then she sits up sharply, pushing her hands against his torso. Douma's eyes were bright when he leaned in, their surroundings dark.

"Kotoha~, I know you must be comfortable but it's morning now. I must get ready for service."
"Eh?!" Kotoha cries when the door slides open, a lantern at the side of the man who kneels before the door.

"Gracious- Oh! I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had company. Should I call for a delay in service?" It was at that moment, that Kotoha realized her position.

She was currently in Douma's lap and on a beanbag like that of a gamer's room. Expect from what she can tell it's much more firm because they aren't sinking that deeply. But no, the way with Douma is leaning over and Kotoha's hands are pressed against him-

Douma only pouts when her hands push his face away and she tumbles off his lap.

"Gracious founder-!" Douma waves him off, fixing his hair and focusing on the man.

"It's quite alright, just wait for a few more minutes. I need to get my guest settled. She has had a very long night." The man is quick to nod and then shuts the door. Douma sighs, shaking his head before looking at Kotoha. His ears could pick up how quickly her heart was beating but he wasn't going to spoil the gift Muzan had given him. It is not every day that Muzan of all demons should spare a human. You would have better luck with a newborn demon sparing a human when it's hungry.

He slips off his shoes before stepping onto the floor. Approaching Kotoha and then kneeling, offering her a hand.

"Now Kotoha-chan, let's get you a room shall we?"

She is hesitant to take his hand, but she does in the end.
—
"Good morning, leader."

"Good morning Gracious one!"

Douma would wave and reply to the bowing people that they passed as they walked down hallways and in the view of a garden that would show off the morning dew as morning arrived. The pond was filled with lotuses and fish that glided under them.

It was all tranquil.

"What is this place?" Douma looks to her, likely thinking of something behind those eyes for a moment as they continue on their way.

"This is my temple, Kotoha-chan." The soft thump of their footsteps was something she concentrated on. Much like the beat of her music or heart.

"A temple?" Looks wise, it must be a pretty large and well maintain building. Since this is the Taisho era, then this would make it a relic of the Reiwa era. She doesn't recall anything this big, social media influencers would have spoiled it.

Douma smiles before replying once more.

"Hai, it's my temple where people come to seek Paradise. The Eternal Paradise Faith, welcoming all." Kotoha thought for a moment.

.
..
...

"This is a cult isn't it?" Douma laughs softly and opens one of his fans.

"I guess you could say that."

Oh Kami, how did she end up in his company?

—

"GGGGGRRRRRRRHHHHH, WHERE DID THE RAINBOW EYED BASTARD GO?!" Inosuke had been running back and forth all across town, people not getting a wink of sleep.

The ice would disappear as soon as the Kizuki was gone, along with their friend.

Inosuke would use his breathing form to try and locate the demon and nothing comes of it. Zenitsu had been running around also, asking where the beautiful woman was.

"Kotoha!!" Running across the rooftops as he cries out.

Nezuko would watch, having shrunk back down near dawn. Tanjiro's shoulders would lower, his sword finally being sheathed.

It was clear the demon wasn't going to return.

The demon's scent was odd though. Unlike other demons that were aggressive in their approach and presence, he didn't seem to carry one.

Not till he came into contact with Kotoha.

Tanjiro had gone back to the garden the demon had gotten his hands on Kotoha. It seemed as though..he was happy.

It was bizarre. Not like a thrill to eat but like how Nezuko was excited to see him the few times she simply crawled from her box to enjoy his company.

Tanjiro gets the straps on his shoulders, the sun finally hitting him as he does.

He doesn't think the demon would devour or hurt Kotoha.

For now, all they can do is report and hope she can escape.

For now, they've been asked to meet the Sound Hashira for a mission.
—

Inosuke would take his mask off in frustration, sliding down a tree as he did.

"Uppermoon Two." He thought more, about how terrified Kotoha had been, her hair whipping behind her as the demon took her.

"Inosuke! Please live!"

Inosuke crunches his brow, shaking his head, not understanding these flashes. Why was Kotoha in his memories? Wasn't she from the future?

There's no way she was a part of his past.

But-

His fists curl as he remembers those eyes that had turned to look back at him, making him feel a rage deep with him. Much like when people underestimate him and his skills as Lord Inosuke.

Those rainbow-colorful eyes...why were they so familiar? The rage that built in him unknowingly could melt the ice the Kizuki bastard wielded.

—
Kami was she exhausted.

Kotoha slept deeply, the kimono she had been given was soft. The room was dark, closer to the center than other rooms.

As she slept, claw hands would set down a tray with water and food. Taking a seat next to her, Douma watches as she sleeps.

His eyes would follow each breath she took and then twirled a lock of hers in his claw.

She was back.

His colorful eyes brighten as he gets up, to get ready for his next service.

Perhaps Kotoha would like to talk about her own grievances of her time. He would be invested to hear what she has been up to.