Over 100 years had passed since the battle against Muzan Kibutsuji. All the participants that fought in that gruesome war had all passed away during a time of peace from a world without demons.
Yet, one from that time is still around. Yushiro, a dem...
Yushiro's gaze fell upon the wall in front of him, where the eerie glow of luminescent fungi illuminated the dark, damp stone. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth and moss, which covered the walls like a thick, velvety carpet. As he read the words etched into the stone, his voice echoed through the chamber, sending shivers down his spine.
"Where shadows dance and secrets sleep,
the final path you shall now keep.
Trials met, and trust defined, now seek
the bond, of heart and mind."
The words hung in the air like a whispered promise, and Yushiro felt an inexplicable thrill run through his veins. As he finished reading, a soft, ethereal glow emanated from the cat in his arms, Bella. She suddenly sprang to life, her eyes flashing like emeralds in the dim light, and jumped from Yushiro's arms to the ground.
Yushiro instinctively covered his eyes, blinded by the sudden radiance that filled the room. "W-What?" he stuttered, his heart racing with excitement and a hint of fear.
The light dissipated, and the atmosphere in the room eased, as if the very air itself had relaxed. When Yushiro opened his eyes, he was shocked to see that Bella had grown to an enormous size, her fur fluffed up and her eyes blazing like lanterns in the darkness. She towered over him, her massive body radiating an aura of power and mystique. Two or three people could probably ride her like a horse, Yushiro thought, his mind reeling with awe.
Bella turned her glowing eyes towards him, and with a swift, lithe movement, she slashed her own fur with a claw, releasing a stream of dark, viscous blood that flowed freely down her leg. Yushiro's mind raced with panic, his heart pounding in his chest, but then, Tamayo's words resurfaced in his mind, calming his fears and guiding his actions.
He recalled sitting on a worn, wooden desk, surrounded by dusty tomes and scrolls, with Tamayo beside him, teaching him the ancient art of forming bonds with familiars. The word book lay open before him, its yellowed pages revealing intricate drawings of demons and their familiars, accompanied by cryptic notes on the bond-forming process. Tamayo's gentle voice echoed in his mind, patient and kind.
"The bond," Tamayo had explained, her soft tone soothing, "is not just a connection, but a sort of merging. Traditionally, the familiar becomes subservient, and only the master, the demon, drinks the blood."
"But," Yushiro's childish voice sounded in his memory, "what if I want us to be equals?"
"Equals?" Tamayo had repeated, her voice tinged with surprise, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "You really are something, Yushiro. Not many would think about becoming equals with their familiar. But...if both share each other's blood, you can then become equals."
Yushiro's eyes had shone with admiration and excitement, his face lighting up with a bright grin. "I can't wait to meet my familiar! But, then what? You share blood and then what?"
Tamayo had hummed, pointing at the symbols on the book, speaking in a patient, measured tone. "The demon drinks the familiar's blood, and unconsciously, they both draw a symbol on the floor with the mixed blood, representing their unique bonding symbol. But, you mustn't forget. To confirm the bonding, you must draw the symbol on both bodies and finally name your familiar."
With a deep breath, Yushiro steeled himself, remembering Tamayo's words. He looked at Bella, determination etched on his face, and slashed his own arm, letting a stream of purple blood flow freely. The cat seemed surprised, but then approached him, her eyes softening, and licked his cheek affectionately.
Yushiro giggled, surprised, and then they both looked at each other, smiling like old friends. He reached out, and Bella, understanding, lowered her head, letting Yushiro pat her head gently.
Yushiro retracted his arm, and, with a deep breath, presented it to Bella's waiting mouth. She nuzzled his hand, and then they both leaned in, their faces inches apart, and drank each other's blood, their eyes locked in a sacred ritual.
As they drank, they both knelt to the pool of mixed blood, their hands moving in tandem, drawing a symbol that looked strangely similar to the eyes on Yushiro's marked talismans. The air seemed to vibrate with an otherworldly energy as they completed the bond, their hearts beating as one.
Eyes focused again, Yushiro observed the symbol, his mind racing with excitement and wonder. He took a deep breath, and with a steady hand, drew the symbol on Bella's neck, repeating the motion on his own skin.
The room seemed to fade into the background as they shared a moment of profound connection. Bella transformed back to her smaller form, jumped into Yushiro's arms, and nuzzled against him, purring contentedly.
Yushiro kissed the top of her head, a warm smile spreading across his face. "We're equals,......Bella-chan," he whispered, his voice full of gratitude and affection.
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