"I'll do it instead! I can hug you! I can even kiss you too! I'll do anything so long as you stay happy and leave Nezuko alone!" Tanjiro's cheeks began to burn a fiery red as his words began to settle in.
"Have me instead, Zenitsu!"
(Sorry, I'm not...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
(Chapter 7: Have Me Instead) •°•°○●○°•°○●○°•°•
Tanjirou laid, once again, in a vast body of water. The ocean waves brushing over him, guiding his body over the cool surface.
His eyes were closed, his nose inhaling the salty aroma as the sun continued to kiss his face, warming him up just right as wispy clouds swam in the sky carefully and peacefully alongside the gentle wind.
It was soothing.
The ripples in the water as small petals began to fly by, some landing in his hair, and beside him. Some far away, disturbing the tranquility of the ocean as they disperse far and wide.
But Tanjirou knew better. He'd had this dream multiple times, and he knew of the inevitable. This was only the beginning.
As always, the smell surrounding Tanjirou became rotten and dangerous.
A rushing wave came crashing down onto Tanjirou, his eyes snapping open at the pressure placed upon his chest as he plunged deeper into the ocean blue. The light began to fade as the dark wrapped around him.
He couldn't breath.
His lungs burned and his heart clenched while his vision was overtaken by black.
Tanjirou was now alone.
With his thoughts.
And with his emotions.
What a scary place to be stuck in.
His constant doubts and his petty fears. They'd arrive soon. To taunt and torture him to tears. Showing him the dead bodies of his mother and younger siblings. Nezuko hovering just above them, a crazed look in her eyes with her hands and lips covered in blood. The sound of bones snapping and as the crimson red hit the floor and walls as she messily ate.
The screams.
The screams grew louder as she turned towards Tanjirou, a rough growl rumbling in her throat as her body tensed. Her claws sharpening while she grew in size before lunging forward, her mouth wide open.
For a moment, for this single moment, Tanjirou was the weak, and utterly useless boy from 2 years ago. His hands trembled as he fumbled with his sword to protect himself. He closed his eyes shut as she neared, the noise of a sword pericing through skin ringing loud through his ears as Nezuko fell to the ground. And as he'd open his eyes, a deafening cry would leave his lips as he'd wake up.
