Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

There was an egg, glowing a radiant crimson, heat radiating off of it like fire. 

It was perched upon a pillar, a couple inches elevated from the ground. The surroundings were bathed in a red, eerie glow; and yet the environment held no negative connotation, not even apathy. It was calm, surrine, creatures of varying size would stay within the zygote’s vicinity because of the warmth flowing from it. It felt like hot mists against cool skin, or maybe warm waters of the hot springs seeping in and relaxing stiff joints. 

A light shone above the egg despite the cave ceiling it was planted underneath; illuminating the glossy mahogany color it saturated. Yet it was not overwhelming, demanding attention. In fact, the spawn was subdued, spiraling battens of blacks playing across the surface like strokes against a canvas aided the effect. 

From the way it glowed, how the patterns swirled, how the rich color complemented the heat radiated.

Some could even say it was art.

The cursed child remembers vividly of the day, of his final day, against the last person who still had meaning in his life. And yet, this person had thrown theirs away for strength, power, everything he had and more. His sibling had left everything, a loving spouse, children who adored him for everything he did, a brother who would go through the most execrable punishments for him and still. 

He himself with his frail old frame, stared at his brother, whose teeth were baring and his six eyes staring. Despite the appearance, despite the anger, the malice, the hatred coming off in waves, he still wanted to embrace his unhuman sibling, for at least one time in his final moments. 

Tears poured from his seeing but unseeing eyes, blindness long taken over. He had wanted so much, but it was too much to vocalize within the time he had left. He could feel his body weakening by the hour, minute, second. It was near the time of his death and Michikatsu knew of it, and even had the audacity to show up on a time like this.

Yes he was angry, livid even, but he also felt sorrow, sadness and even melancholic at times. These swirling emotions conflicted within his head, his heart; never truly understanding what to do with them since they were so foreign. They were all so much, and he didn't know what to do, so he stood there with an impassive gate, waiting for his sibling to make a move.  

And Michikatsu drew his blade, flesh and pink skin grafts were adhered to the sword, eyes staring vacantly from the weapon in an unmoving fashion. It was painful to even witness, even more so when he heard the cold, apathetic voice of his brother. It grated on his ears, and he wanted nothing more than to make himself deaf. 

Yoriichi, strongest among all, a child blessed by God, let go of all tranquility, letting all of his bottled up emotions against his own behest, gripping the unfamiliar tsuka of this foriegn blade with as much force as this old body allowed. Gently slipping the cool metal out of the saya with a steady grip, no tremors, no shakes. It was a steady force, like waves against a beach, or the pressure exerted from falling.

And, he remembers his heart giving out.

All motions became stagnant as landed his first attack.

Yoriichi wasn’t one for guessing, he just knew , but he believes that he had died right after his attack landed. It wasn’t a formal swing, not of a breathing technique he made, but one that would purposely miss the intended target. It was selfish, keeping the last person that knows of him alive despite being his enemy, but he was a slayer no longer, being banished from the core allowed him to forgo his former duties. The lives lost then would bare down on his soul, but at least he knows that his sibling will live on, reach his peak. His pride, love for his elder twin over weighed the guilt that acted almost as a pressure that reeked at the back of his mind. 

In sparing his accursed twin’s life, he expected to go to some sort of purgatory. He hasn’t really done anything wrong in his life; through the years isolated from the guilt bearing down on his mind, he had realized it was as much of his fault as other slayers who had tried to best Kibutsuji. Nobody was expecting him to encounter the demon, nor even the seemingly impossible task of killing him. Yes, he was the only one to survive the interaction, but that did not mean he was weak, worthless. Nor did the fact Michikatsu became a demon, Yoriichi is not his decision maker, he cannot choose what path his brother chooses. 

 It made him regret cutting ties with Sumiyoshi, knowing that he could have salvaged what was left of his life. Though, despite working through his problems about the demon slayer corp as a whole, his guilt still remained for the fallen still remain. Like when he thought about Uta and his unborn child, or the other Samurai that had died due to his delay, and even the demons he slayed as well. 

Yorrichi wondered, what's after death? A question that never really crossed his mind but was important either way. His mind was so focused on the trials and tribulations of life, that he never pondered on what's next. Usually he’d let events take their place, but right now, he is confused. 

He was surrounded in a void, nothing visible no matter how hard he tried to look. At first, he assumed that he was in some sort of purgatory, stuck with his own tormenting thoughts and regrets. It was a logical idea and sounded plausible enough to actually exist but…

He felt a pulse, a heart beat. Slow, almost unidentifiable from how long between beats were, and yet it was loud in his ears. The noise distracted him from fabricating any possible theories within his head, and yet; he was pretty sure the most logical explanation to his predicament is.

Reincarnation.

His mother had educated he and his brother about the topic; that when one dies, they could come back in a new form that could be alien from what they once was. But, that begs the question, what has he done to deserve this? Why can he still remember his past life? Why can he still think?

 He should be oblivious and ignorant, this form was not human, it was within an egg, akin to that of a reptile or bird, and yet he was able to form thoughts in his head as easy as breathing. Yorrichi cannot fathom why he was reincarnated, he knew it wasn’t something for him to understand, but why him of all people? 

Maybe because he had wasted his talents in his youth? Maybe if he was stronger, maybe if he trained like Michikatsu did, then he would be accepted and see Uta’s face again. And maybe, he could glimpse of the person his sibling was once before.

But to do that, he must escape, see the world and find his purpose, his meaning.

And maybe he would do it right this time.

Chapter Text

When the thought of his purpose crossed his mind, his body instantly reacted, lurching forward and headbutting something solid yet brittle. Cracks of light peeked through, and the urge to leave only grew, climbing in an exponential rate as he continued to bash his head against the surface. It was strange, having such a single minded reason in doing something, never had Yorrichi been so focused before in his life. Even during his fight against Kibutsuji, his mind was racing, thinking of possible outcomes for every action he and the demon could make.  

After the seventh strike upon the fragile wall, it finally gave through, the world exploding in light and overwhelming his eyes. Yorrichi’s momentum had him tumbling out of his concealer, crashing into the ground with a soft thunk. He blinked owlishly, having a sudden realization that an unfamiliar heaviness was clinging onto his head and weighed him down as he tried to sit himself up from off the floor. It was a struggle at first, but his total concentration breathing flared up in his chest, and gave him strength to sit straight up. Though, his head still lolled to the side a bit; obvious in the fact his neck was still unused to the constant weight bearing down on it. 

And yet, he didn’t let that stop him from trying to focus upon his surroundings, which were a bit dark, but his eyes were able to catch movement from within the transparent world. Something akin to butterfly’s wings twitching and the crawling of cat sized entities scaling up vertical walls. Although, upon further inspection, it might actually be larger than a feline, he supposed. Strangely enough, he couldn’t see any bones within the creature, it was as if it was a giant arthropod. The thought of a giant bug didn’t nearly unsettle Yorrichi as others might expect him too, he bears discrimination to no animal he comes across. 

Yoriichi twisted around onto a knee, and had a sudden dilemma. 

His leg, no, his body was covered head to toe with an exo-skeleton. He had no bones, just like the creature he had seen just seconds ago. Even through the sudden shock of seeing his body be so foreign, so inhuman , Yorrichi was able to compose himself quickly. The general population here was probably just like him in appearance, with dark toned plates hugging their frames. And if they werent, then it doesn't affect him in the slightest, as long as he does not fail this time, then he would be able to see Uta and the child he was denied. 

He mentally rid himself of those thoughts, he was far too young to be thinking about his purpose right now, he needed to see the world for himself to gauge what he would need to do. At least his body seemed natural, nothing he had seen so far had made him feel the same wrongness that came from Kibutsuji’s spawn, and for that, he was grateful.

Yoriichi stood, leaning on a pillar of similar height to himself, wobbling on slightly shaky legs, whose shape he was still getting accustomed to his stilted feet. Though they were not as hard to walk on as he imagined, maybe it was instinctual knowledge? Well it was irrelevant for the time being, he needs to explore, and to do that he needs to find a way out of this small cavern. He isn’t going to stumble upon the problem like before, he’s gonna hunt this thing down till it can’t run any longer.   

But to do that, he needs a starting point. Maybe he could find a blacksmith and ask them to forge a katana for him, though there wasn't a Demon Slayer corp that he could rely on, which meant he had to buy it for whatever currency this land takes. He admits, he and his wife were not rich in the slightest, in fact, they lived off of hunting in the wilderness for food, neither having the money to buy directly from a butcher. And at the time he was okay living like that, but now, and even during his time as a slayer, he can’t just wait around for fish to migrate towards him.  

Yoriichi spied a tunnel a couple feet away from his current position. Using the transparent world, he can see critters of varying sizes crawling across floors and walls in a prosaic fashion. They seemed simple minded, and can be easily hunted for some food. As much as he hated killing, he needed to live to be able to complete his goal, well at least they didn't seem sentient however. 

He slowly walked over towards the hole, peering down and searching for anything that could bring him down safely. While Yorrichi was able to use Total Concentration breathing constant, he isn't a fool to believe he could just make it down there by just falling. The body he inhabited seemed to be in an infant like state, the carapace still quite soft and the muscles aren't quite fully developed.

His eyes caught nearly imperceptible digits within the stones, ones that could allow his tiny fingers to latch onto. Be that as it may, he needs to time the jumps right, how hard he will need to latch onto, the position and rotation of how his body will move. Yoriichi was intelligent, even as a child. His mind was able to analyze straight down to a muscle twitch, his eyes allowing him to do so. 

So, when Yoriichi finished calculating all possibilities within his head, he breathed .

Suddenly, all thoughts went quiet as his presence completely vanished, his behavior suddenly becoming tranquil and focused.

Yoriichi launched himself downwards, moving like the wind as he tilted his body towards the right, sticking out his left leg so it could catch on stray piece rock that was a couple of inches out of place. He slipped off of the stone, flipping backwards and twisting around to land upon a slab protruding from the side with both feet. Letting himself fall backway, he gripped the small platform from upside down and swung to land on an exposed swirling fossil. 

The pattern stayed that way, Yoriichi folding his body every which way so he can reach other small surfaces, even if for a second. Eventually, he finally landed upon solid ground, the same pattern of stones coloring across the floor. 

Yoriichi carefully exhaled, and allowed his mind to wander once again. He checked his shoulders, arms and legs to see if he had accidentally damaged anything, which he was certain he did not. After checking that he himself was fine, he scanned his surroundings for anything of interest, though all he could see were the twitching of butterfly wings. Strange, but that might be worth exploring, it could possibly lead him towards some type of civilization.       

He began walking, step by step while observing his environment. Even if the colors were a dull navy blue hue, he still admired it, never had Yoriichi been in a cavern this massive. Spikes hung from the ceiling and protruded the floor, tiny chirps and whistles echoed from within the walls, tiny bugs of light buzzed around with assumed excitement as he walked passed. It was almost reminiscent of the forest he’d spent his free time in, it was calming to just be in the background with no burden racking one's mind. 

In the midst of his admiration, he spotted something within the transparent world. Normally, pin pointing something abnormal with TW(Transparent World) isn’t really something of value. His eyes are special, allowing him to see much more of the physical plane. But this place was unusually barren, so when he spotted something- no, someone walking upon two legs, he froze on the spot. 

Yoriichi looked closer at the transparent figure, seeing them move, tiny digits like fingers sifting through objects on a counter adhered to a wall. Flaps of some sort of offshoot material covering their legs like a dress, two antennae springing forth from their head and the same stilt like feet he possesses. The figure looked to be crafting something; charms perhaps? His own mother had crafted those earrings he once whore, maybe that is what they are doing? It is hard to see because of all the butterflies that surround their presence.

He has to establish contact with them, even if they are hostile. He won't realistically get anywhere if he doesn’t explore, meet new people. It worked last time, even if it ended in failure. People will help him achieve his goal, not that he isn't unable to put in the work himself, he just needs to test the waters.  

Fortunately, he doesn’t need to travel that far to reach them. Stairs, or a very loose term of ‘stairs’  were positioned to lead up and over a giant wall that separated him and the figure on the other side. The stairs were just a steep slope with flat ridges protruding from the sides, so it wasn’t that to just scale them like any other rock, the stones just made it easier. Which, he guesses was the point, it wouldn't make any sense to build something with the intent of convenience to be a struggle.  

After climbing two more flights of stairs, he made it toward the top where a blue luminance filled the cavern's dull atmosphere. It looked straight out of a fantasy, with those twitching blue butterflies he's seen and tiny wisps that even took the shape of an insect as well. It was strange for sure, never had he believed something of this absurdity could exist, but it was still beautiful all the same. 

Yoriichi took a breath in before leaping down the hole where the light is coming from, landing on a small platform connected to the side, hoisting a blue butterfly plant that nearly towered over himself. He dropped down to another, and down to another, keeping his breaths concise and controlled, not wasting any movements. 

After he landed on solid ground, filled with tiny blue petals and moss. He breathed out slowly, craning his and looking around for the-

Oh, they were staring at him.

Chapter Text

Stone glowed a brilliant white light as spindly chitinous fingers weaved brass colored string around an assortment of blue gems, all movements steady and even. The surroundings were quiet pardon the rush of a blue waterfall flowing and the gentle flapping of butterfly wings in the background. Serine was the word to describe it, soothing the mind and allowing clear thoughts to flow through one's head like a river. Perfect for the profession of Artisans and Craftsmen, allowing a deep focus while they work on their crafts, maximum proficiency with little to no distractions 

Joni’s face was scrunched up as her digits danced and weaved in between the fine linings of the azure gemstones, coiling the brass string around itself to make sure they fit perfectly. While Joni herself knew the finished product wouldn’t turn out perfect, she wanted this to be as close as possible. It was going to be her last gift before she passed, whether it’d be someone she knows, or a random stranger, she would still want a piece of her to remain. And besides, Joni could not remain herself, for she was slowly withering away; while Lifeblood had an incredible healing prowess, even able to rival the likes of soul magic, it couldn't heal everything. And no matter the amount of the liquid she consumed, her sickness will not go away. 

And that's why she had left Hallownest as quickly as she did once the banishment of Lifeblood came to be. She relied on the substance too much to be suddenly cut off from it. The circumstances of her survival would drop to dead zero, and obviously she couldn’t be the only one barred from the law. So it was between a couple of choices, either live in a place that the City sentries wont patrol, or leave Hallownest. She chose the latter option seeing that she couldn’t survive in places such as those. The Mosskin of Greenpath is known to be very territorial, and suddenly migrating with all of her plants would be seen as disrespectful to their ‘Mother’. And then there was Deepnest, which she didn’t want to talk about. 

So, collecting all of her plants and crockery, she fled the kingdom to live in the howling cliffs, where she had also learned the art of charm making through a wandering shaman. And the rest is history.

So far, her stay here has been significantly less stressful than it was in Hallownest. Working, paying bills, buying food while having to bear the weight of a sickness literally withering her insides, it was better like this where she had nothing to stress for other than food, which was conveniently easier to get than she expected. The LifeBlood market had apparently skyrocketed since its banishment from Hallownest. So the measly request of some non-perishable food for some of her now ‘exotic’ magic liquid was an easy deal for them. And since she had a supply that could last many times of her own life, she had no problem with things like that and mainly stuck to what she liked.

And, Joni would admit, she has gotten hung up on charm creation ever since the wandering shaman she had met had taught her how to forge them. It was just interesting, and so strangely symbolic. She could craft a charm forged from her will, something that would be remembered and not buried under a layer of ash and dust.

It would be her blessing, one that would linger onto those who would recall her in memory.

She sighed and put down her crafting kit, storing the supplies away in a pouch along with the charm, which was stored in a separate container. Joni placed the items inside of her work bench and rose from her seat, stretching her muscles as she walked over to a counter adjacent to her work bench, a few yards away from the waterfall that produced the ambient sound she liked. Rolling open a drawer, she pulled out a container full of the heavenly fluid that kept her alive, popping that cap open and taking slow sips of the LifeBlood. It was peaceful, just listening to the background noise of water sloshing while drinking her Vitality juice. 

…

Then, it was not so peaceful, for the sound of feet hitting the moss covered floor rang out through her home. 

Joni’s first instinct was to panic, hence the fact that this area of hers was technically on the border of Hallownest. She didn’t know if that counted as being in Hallownest by technicality, after all she was literally underneath the King’s pass, intercepting trade with her own stock so she could buy food. But anyone has yet to come and investigate, even after all the people she has come in contact with are trying to make their way into Hallownest. But now for this to happen? She didn’t know what to do once she was properly evicted from the Kingdoms entrance, if that is she isn’t immediately executed. 

She dreadiy stared in the noise’s direction, fear hormones unwillingly being released as she waited for her inevitable fate. A figure, extremely short, made their way towards her, taking even strides towards her. But what made her really freeze up was their red eyes that seemed to stare into her very core. They didn’t look to hold a weapon; maybe they were a mage? Well, it wouldn’t change the outcome either way, just a mere observation.

But, what had did, was when she was able to see her opposed executioner's face, which was round with youth, alongside their eyes. Crimson fuzz coated the exterior of their shell, though stopping around their face; the rest was a pure porcelain white pardon, a scarlet mark swirling out in a pattern unknown to her across the bug’s left eye. 

A spike of relief flooded her system, the cold feeling seeping into her veins and relaxing her tense muscles. 

It was only a grub, one that most likely wandered into her sanctuary by mistake. They were certainly too small and young to be one of hallownest’s guards. Though that does beg the question, how can a hatchling such as themselve make it so far without a guardian protecting them. It looks as though they haven't even been through their first molt yet! Shame whoever left a child that didn’t even look a month old at her front step.

Joni did not let her frustration bleed onto her expression, simply wearing a smile as she approached the tiny insect, trying her best not to look frightening. Well, it was both for the grub’s safety and hers as well, specifically eyeing those pointed claws on the end of their little hand.

“Hey,” she called, hoping to get some sort of reaction from their crimson eyed stare, but her efforts were in vain, but that did not deter her from trying to call out again. 

“Hey, -do you know HallowScript?” Joni inquired, hoping to get some sort of reaction from the word.

And surprisingly, they shook their head in response. It was a good sign since it was confirmed that they were at least knowledgeable of the concept of language, while they might be outside the kingdom, they were still within range of the Pale King’s field of understanding, or whatever it was called. But it did set her back a couple steps, she’d have to teach them how to speak first things first, and make sure that they were going to be safe while venturing Hallownest. She cannot within good reason send them into foreign territory without any preparation to go off. And she had to figure out what they would need to eat too, just any random stuff won’t do, what if they have an unforeseen allergic reaction? And she-

Oh Butterfly, she was going to be a parent now, wasn’t she? 

She froze at the thought. But, for Joni, she has a lot of time in her hands, besides charming making, she didn’t do much besides eating, sleeping, and waiting outside to catch a wandering trader selling some food. Maybe it wouldn’t be so bad taking care of a grub, teaching sounds fun, and a little helper would be nice, her deteriorating state made it a bit tougher for her usual routine. 

She mentally sighed in resignation, standing up  from her couch while backing up slightly, a gentle smile tugging on her shell. She gestured for them to follow with her arm, and they reacted almost instantly, following her deeper into her azure lit cave. Joni walked up to a chest, navy blue in color, and flicked up the lit exposing some supplies, specifically sheets and blankets. 

Joni was thankful that she had an extra sense to pack some extra blankets when she left Hallownest. She had wondered once, when she would be able to use the spares, but she was glad she did, just never had she expected this situation to come of it.

She led them over by the waterfall, laying down a fuzzy sheet that took a circular formation while ushering the grub towards the center of it, urging them to sit down. Joni carefully wrapped a much fluffier, more comfortable sheet around their small frame, making sure they had enough space so their spiracles could breathe properly. 

Joni looked at her little five-second nest and she cringed, going back and to lay a blanket over their fuzzy shell without blocking their vision. Butterfly, she really needed to get a parenting book some time in the future, maybe she can pick one up from the long line of traders that usually gather out in The Kings Pass. Though she would have to linger out on the outskirts in case any guards decided to do a light patrol across the area. 

She was shaken out of her thoughts by a sudden weight leaning upon her frame. Looking down, she saw the grub limply laying against her, black voids replacing their crimson eyes. She would have thought them dead if she didn’t hear the beating of their little heart within their chest. 

Joni smiled a real, genuine smile at the little thing wrapped up in her arms, she could get by this.

Chapter Text

Yoriichi couldn’t put a finger to what he was feeling, something between bashful and embarrassed; two emotions he had never felt around anyone other than Uta. 

Yorrichi knows that he himself is not a very emotive person, coming off as impassive and aloof. But he does in fact experience emotions like any other creature that walks upon earth, just hidden behind a mask of solumness. It was easier to remember all the times he did smile, whether it was with Uta, at Sumiyoshi’s house up high upon a mountain, or in Michikatsu’s presence. Though It had been difficult to feel anything since Uta’s death, he was grateful for Rengoku-san’s meaningless chatter to get it off of his mind. 

Last that Yorrichi could remember, he was traversing through a cave, where in an area full of butterfly-like plants he met a person, sentient and even had their dialect. It sounded vaguely Japanese, somewhere between a mix of clicks and chirps that composed a sentence barely intelligible to his ears. He responded accordingly, and the person seemed deep in thought for a moment before looking resigned, and then gesturing to him to follow them deeper into the azure cavern. They opened a chest which revealed some blankets and led him to a part near a waterfall, sudden wave a tiredness hitting him, and himself being secured by-

Yoriichi shifted his gaze to the women- bug? person that was behind him, her breathing low and clear. He was leaning upon her, chitinous arms wrapping around the blanket that covered him in a gentle grasp. It reminded him of his own late mother’s warm in embrace as a child. There was something about this creature, this being that just seemed so…motherly.

And, to be honest, he wasn’t so sure if he was against the feeling of being protected. 

He feels as though he shouldn’t be acting like a child. Yoriichi had already lived a full life as a swordsman, one that tore down demons with only the strength of his limbs and the edge of his sword. The only mercy he had shown to them was their blissful death under the pale moonlight. He’d heed their pitiful death throes no mind as they disintegrated, but he wonders if any had found peace. 

Especially to his dear brother. He wished that his elder brother forgives him, for whatever slight he might have done that tarnished their bond and made Michikatsu go down that wretched path. Yoriichi wanted to grasp why. Why did he throw away his humanity to become a demon? Why must he give up the life Yoriichi craved for just for strength?

Though, there is no way for him to know, not anymore. Yoriichi had died, and he should be at peace with the fact that this was his new life. The past was the past, and now he has the chance to start over, starting off with the form of a simple child. He will learn as life goes on, but he will not hesitate if another Kibutsuji dares to threaten his life again. He won’t make the same mistake twice.

Raising a child was easier than what Joni expected.

It’s been a few weeks the grub had wandered into her home, but even with the time they had spent together, she has yet to learn anything about the little guy. Just some things about them didn’t much much sense, for example their lack of presence. Sometimes she’d forget that there was another person in the den with her, and she would always jump when she caught sight of those crimson eyes staring at her.

Another thing was that she didn’t know what species they were in the first place. No books, texts, or other sources of information detailed what creature they were. For one, and the most eye-catching thing about them was the wavy strands of fur sprouting from all around their head besides their face. At first she had thought they were some type of bee or something similar, but nothing stated anything about red and black coloration of the hair.

But something that made her question if they were even a bug was the lack of spiracles on their body. It was obvious that they were breathing, but without a hole for respiration, it just seemed impossible. There was no mouth or other incision on their mask for air to go through, though it was obvious that they were alive. The grub’s chitin was warm to the touch, almost scoulding, and their breaths, even if quiet, were still obvious.

Though, even now after she properly got attached to the little guy, Joni still didn’t know what they were, but the whole purpose of the research was to find out if they were a danger to her or her home. 

With full confidence, she can say that they weren’t, not in the slightest. Even with their baby claws, they were always so gentle with everything. They never harmed any of the Lifeblood plants or stray butterflies that fly around. In fact, the butterflies often used them as a perch, and it was amusing to watch them sit so still to make sure they wouldn't fly away.

It was so cute. Joni wished she can frame the sight, but unfortunately she didn’t have the resources or reach to purchase those fancy new cameras city folk had. Maybe if LifeBlood wasn’t considered taboo, then she could probably bargain for one. However, she could definitely buy other things for them, such as children’s scrolls that contained Hallowscript. Some held the standard alphabet and basics for a conversation, others were more situational such as emergencies. 

However, after looking at the alphabet for a few days, Joni slowly sounding them out as they looked at the pages, the grub soon enough evolved to a whole dictionary. She has no clue as to why they’ve done so, but she indulged their curiosity by handing them the large scroll. 

But, she surely wasn't expecting that only a few hours later, the grub came back to her with a piece of silk paper neatly held in their hands.

She was sitting at her work bench, tinkering with sigils and other magical artifacts when a tiny finger tapped on her shoulder. Joni turned around with an instinctual, “What is it, dear?” In her usual soft tone.

The little grub’s eyes shone before presenting the peice of paper, almost proudly if it wasn’t for the constant stoicism they exuded. The paper was written with almost perfect handwriting, and each character was aligned to spell a word, but it wasn’t one she recognized.

“Oh, what’s that you have?” She asked gently, and they began pointing the paper, and then themselves, before repeating the after a few more times.

“Oh! A name?” She guessed, a bit hopeful. Joni didn’t know what to call the hatchling. She was already bad with names, so she had decided that they would name themselves once they were old enough to read, but apparently, she had little prodigy on her hands.

And like she suspected, they nodded, and she clapped with joy, pride and love swelling up in her chest. She wanted to swoop them up in a hug, but she refrained from doing so, instead taking the time to read out her child's selected name.

“Yoriichi”

It wasn’t anything she expected. But for certain, it was unique. It didn’t roll off the tongue like most other, however it possessed an elegant flare that really did fit with the child’s whole demeanor. She liked it.

“Yoriichi.” She said softly, and the grub’s eyes snapped to her in an instant. Despite the somber exterior, she saw the lost child underneath them, hardened by something she would never understand. Oh, how she wanted to know, but it wasn’t her place to speak on it, not yet.

Instead, she wraps her arms around them in an embrace, feeling the warmth of their carapace and pounding of their heart. She wanted to protect them from this cruel world… but…

Joni just didn’t have the vitality to do so. She wouldn’t live long enough to see their final molt. Though, she knows a way to keep them safe, even when she isn’t present.

So, after she pestered them that it was time for a nap, she began working on her newest creation.

Chapter Text

Yoriichi was conflicted with what he felt at this moment. Which, seemed to be a common occurrence with him living here.

Well for one, he was proud of himself for being able to communicate to the- woman his name. It was moderately difficult, with the unique symbols and strange meanings to each one, but he eventually mastered reading and writing within only a few days. Though, formulating a name that equated to his old one in the previous life was challenging. The pronunciation here was different, some syllables were completely missing from the common vocabulary, while others have been added, such as clicks and or hisses. 

Eventually he was able to find a combination that sounded like his name enough that it was recognizable. Some parts were different, as expected, however he reacted to it when the woman had said it for the first time.

It was… an unforeseen feeling, one that sent a pang through his heart and made it pump ever so faster. 

Yoriichi never realized that … he hasn’t heard a single soul utter his name in decades. 

Even during his final fight against the one he called brother, not one time did he use the name given to him at birth. In fact, the last time he had ever heard his own title was back when he had been with Sumiyoshi. 

He has isolated himself ever since he had gifted his Hanafuda earrings to the Kamado family. And since then, he hasn't realized the damage that loneliness has done to his soul. The crushing weight of guilt settling deep in a place no person could ever soothe, one so present that even now he feels the claws of shame sinking deep into his subconscious like the demons he was tasked to kill. He was supposed to be better than them, the strongest so those who he cared and loved for would stay breathing. And yet…

He is a weakling.

Yoriichi couldn’t protect his wife, the samurai Michikatsu lead, or even finish off the progenitor of all demons. He was a failure, and grew old alone in a temple in some far away grasslands. And the bittersweet irony that the last person he would see was the first person he had failed. 

Subtly, his body shook.

He- He needs to stop thinking this way. It wouldn't do him any favors.

Almost robotically, Yoriichi went over and sat on the soft leaves he called his bed.

He needed to meditate, his mind was a mess. He needed a hold over his emotions before they become more out of control than they already are. And, besides, there was no point dwelling over a matter that had already passed, nothing could be done. It only causes unnecessary emotions, just as Michikatsu says they do. 

He needed to breathe- the power of the sun seeping into his lungs and into his veins, into his blood and in his muscles. In through his mouth and out through his nose, eyes closed in concentration. Yoriichi breathes, the sharp of hiss of the wind audible as air is sucked into his mouth. He exhales, a peaceful resonance, like the silence after a battle, like the still and unmoving form of an enemy disintegrating into oblivion. 

Yoriichi breathes.

Yoriichi exhales.

He breathes.

He exhales.

Peace.

The Radiance was more displeased than usual, a sight that should be feared amongst those within her tribe and her enemies. However, in the dream realm where she is isolated and weak to the physical, there is nothing she can do but watch as the outside world flourishes under the Wyrm's influence.

It’s infuriating, she was supposed to be a goddess, one of dream, mind, and soul, and yet she was stricken down and placed in her own realm like a cruel containment cell. How dare that conniving bastard use his cheap tricks to banish her, it shows his cowardice, but soon enough, those jokes he calls spells wouldn’t work as he intended any longer. Her magnificence WILL be seen by all, whether they refuse or not. It was just all in due time, yet her patience was waning for the day she could act.

At this moment, she was limited to scouring through the minds of bugs who she believed were weak willed, planning her opening move. These bugs were vulnerable, easily manipulated into undergoing her spell. Almost pitiful if you ask her, but the strong crushes the weak, and if one isn’t strong enough to defend at least themselves, then they are deemed a weakling. And it was soon, oh so tantalizingly soon that she would be able to enact her revenge on that Pale blight. 

Just a few more months until she can initiate her plan, just a few more futile moons till she can plant the seed that would grow into something to ascend her back to the top.

Though, something was amiss within her sanctuary.

There was something in here, spying on her from a distance she cannot locate. She couldn’t sense or pin point whatever- or whoever this was infiltrating her domain, but she can certainly hear them, with their harsh sounds of breathing that resembled blades cutting through air, and the near gentle thrumming of heart in a direction she cannot identify. 

This… being didn’t seem to have a presence, or even a soul signature, which at first made her believe it to be that malevolent darkness from deep down below, coming back to consume her for good. However it lacked the overwhelming power that made the air feel heavy, have the pressure that seated upon her shoulders with chains attached to her legs. It just couldn’t be it, but if that were the case, then what? 

It has been making itself home in her dimension for longer than what she found acceptable, but no matter how hard she tries, she cannot locate this creature. And it was infuriating, such tedious work for someone so bleak that not even her senses could find them. It shows her weakness, not only as a god, but as a user of soul. 

The only reason for her to be searching for it still, is because of sheer spite of anger of the little shit that dares enter her realm without permission. It served no danger to her, a bug without a fighting spirit had to be weak, but she was sure to fry their brain to the point of no return, and make them tear open the shells of the ones they cherish. Then she would make them her puppet, a tool for destroying the lovely kingdom they held dear in their heart. Then-

There it was again.  

That sharp breath, like blades twisting in the air. The sound of flames roaring and the scent of ash almost present in the dream’s air. But- that just couldn’t be.

This was her domain, no one else, especially a mortal, had control over it. The Radiance expected Higher beings or even Gods to disrespect her to this degree, but not from a mortal of all things. One that still dares to breathe after lingering here for so long. What right do they have? What right? 

With elegance, she teleports to the damned creature, getting ready to shank the poor thing, but when she sees the size, its slow thoughts- she hesitates. 

This was a child…

The trespasser was barely bigger than a Gruz, with fuzz gracing the back of their head and cloak stretching past their legs. They were obviously not royalty or higher status, but carried this air about them. It was powerful, bright, and somehow felt like hers despite the lack of soul that flowed through them. Very intriguing, enough to maybe bring them under her thrall. They could be useful, as the moths she had given rise too abandoned her for that pale usurper.

Perhaps she can use this child as a vessel. Yes… It's unsuspecting and could aid in her revenge. This small creature has potential, and an opportunity like this shant be ignored. 

So, she softness her voice, coating it with sweet nectar.

“ Child? ”

Yoriichi blinked his eyes open at the sound of a voice, setting his gaze upon a mass of fluff, towering above himself and staring back at him toxic, amber eyes. 

Immediately he felt something wrong about this beings presence. This wasn’t normal person, through the transparent world from which he can see, this…creature wasn’t made of flesh and chitin akin that of Joni, but instead of some strange Dreamcatcher like particles. The amount of particles within its wings and head were much greater that it’s torso.

Silently, he kept that in the back of his head and instead focus back to what the tall- moth(?) was saying.

“ Are you lost? Did your guardian abandon you sweetheart?” the moth said in a faux motherly tone, and immediately he was suspicious. 

Had the moth assumed he was abandoned? Because clearly this wasn’t where he was previously. Soft golden clouds with stray chiseled platforms and giant arching horns within them, a place that once would call serine if it wasn’t the malevolence he felt within the air. 

“ Ah, the land you see before you is my domain, my child. A place where no one shall harm you, only peace exists here. ”

There was something in her tone, something dangerous and encapsulating, infectious and disturbing. It was disgusting, from what he could tell, a mere gut feeling of his and yet it told so much of what this was. 

“Relax your mind, child, we’re at peace.”

That sweet tone, too sweet for his ears and mind, like a sickening amount of honey in a cup of tea, too potent.

“Who are you?” Yoriichi asks, his voice small but tense as the Radiance look almost surprised by the question.

“ Your new mother of course, I’m sure I won’t do as good of a job as Akeno-chan.”

…

Akeno…

That was his mother’s name…

Akeno.

Such a bright and beautiful name for a person so burdened. A name that implies that the world was so beautiful, something of praise and gratitude for their child’s creation.

It was a wonderful name, one that had slipped his mind amongst the many years he had spent without her. And this…this being believes it can replace such a great and loving mother? 

“ Did that upset you? I’m sorry if it did, you’re just so full of grief sweetheart. I know how it feels to be betrayed too, no one deserves to go through that. ”

He wanted her to stop talking.

“ Michikatsu shouldn’t have done that. ”

But there was something-

“ If you just let me in, you could see him again, as a human. ”

About her words.

“ You could even see Uta again, and meet the child you were robbed of so long ago.” 

…that seemed so familiar.

“ Just let go. ”

…Kibutsuji. 

Another one, daring to taunt him again.

Never before, across his lifetimes has such anger consumed him. He felt pity before, for the Muzan when he had first made the man fall to his knees in a puddle of his own flesh. He’d thought nothing more than that in the moment, wondering if this man felt guilt for his sins. But this- this feeling of rage that was encompassing his entire being, it was something foreign and yet so personal. To feel indignant and outraged, to have his tranquility shattered by someone so vile. 

Kibutsuji was no doubt the same way. He remembers what that specific demon under him spoken, the abuse, the torture. But Yoriichi himself had never been through something like that, and he’d never understand it. Had all of the demons under him been through this? Had Michikatsu been through that?

…

“Have you ever felt guilty?”

She seemed to pause at the question, “ Whatever do you mean my child? ”

”Do you feel guilty of the other people you’ve done this too?”

She seemed to trill at the question, her glowing golden eyes curving into a smile, “ Oh! Oh! How intriguing, maybe you’re even more of a miracle than I thought! You were able to sense the spell, what potent ability! How powerful! ”

He just glared.

“ Well, I might as well indulge.”

…

“ No. ”