Chapter Text
A few hours ago, Kyojuro Rengoku enjoyed the meal in front of him, in a small but cozy shop, completely unbothered.
It was dusk, the late sun shining brightly into the shop through old windows, steam filling the space.
Kyojuro was in a particularly ravenous mood after completing a large list of duties, low on sleep and without much time to eat, so he ate the hot meal enthusiastically, his brain working overtime as his energy slowly replenished and he thought about many things.
Kyojuro’s attention was then drawn from his food, to a young slayer calling his title. The man was in uniform but did not look near as out of place as Kyojuro knew he himself did. With his bright hair and stark white, flame-like cloak it was hard to not glance at him, and he knew he wasn’t exactly the quiet type, so he often drew a lot of attention.
Kyojuro brushed off the thought, he needed to focus on what the young man was saying! Not get distracted like he often did.
“-Forgive me for interrupting your meal.”
Kyojuro caught the last of the man’s sentence. The slayer bowed respectfully, and Kyojuro smiled in return, only thinking it right to invite his fellow slayer to eat with him, at least until they both had to go separate ways once more.
“It’s quite alright! Here, take a seat.”
The young man hesitated, even asking Kyojuro if he thought that was okay. It confused him, why wouldn’t it be okay? But he brushed the thought aside, encouraging the man to sit and eat.
“Of course it’s okay! I’ll even have another bowl myself!”
Kyojuro said with much enthusiasm, asking the man running the shop for two more bowls of noodles. Said man was quick to prepare the bowls, but as the two Demon Slayers waited, Kyojuro sparked conversation, trying to get the young slayer more comfortable.
He was embarrassed to admit that he forgot the young man’s name, usually that’s how it went, he was horrible at remembering names, but he still felt bad. Even so, they both remembered their recent mission together and decided it would be a good topic to talk about.
“So, Flame Hashira, your work last night was stellar.”
The young slayer started, complimenting Kyojuro’s work on the field the night before. Kyojuro had to disagree though, he got to the area too late and the demon had already fled, it was a mistake on his part, and he still felt sour about it.
“No, it was after the demon fled, after all.”
Kyojuro said, not meeting the slayers eyes, smile still present.
“How’s the injured woman doing?”
Kyojuro was quick to change the topic, not wanting any more praise for a mission he did not complete properly. Taking the hint, the young man continued, answering Kyojuro’s question.
“According to the doctor, her wounds won’t leave her with any scars.”
The Slayer replied with a smile as the shop keeper worked behind them on their meal, the smell drifting through the air.
“I see. Good thing she got treated early!”
Kyojuro said, the smile on his face widening as he thought about it. He’d have felt horrible if the woman had been left with scars, she had some injuries to her face, and she was incredibly beautiful, it would be cruel if a demon had scarred her.
“Yes, it’s thanks to your heroics.”
Kyojuro’s smile faltered slightly but he quickly fixed it. He did not feel he deserved such words, he let the demon get away after all, but he supposed if the young man felt like saying them, Kyojuro could not stop him, even if it made him feel a little awkward, as they were words he felt were wasted in him.
The thought was suddenly pushed aside when the shop keeper came over, replacing Kyojuro’s bowl and giving the young slayer his own, full of steaming food.
The shop keeper was an older man, face showing signs of aging, brown hair with a few grey strands, and some wrinkles ,but by the looks of it he was still hard at work, running his shop so late in the day.
Kyojuro realized that the older man had left something else for them on the table, someone had not asked for, so with mild confusion he asked about it.
“What is this?”
Kyojuro said, head turning to the man as he walked away.
“My treat, Appreciate it!”
Kyojuro smiled brightly at the man’s kind gesture, it was always heartwarming when someone did something nice just because they felt like it, and the food looked good too. He didn’t know what exactly it was, but he wasn’t picky, and after pulling another all nighter, Kyojuro didn’t really care, as long as it tasted good.
The young slayer took a bite of his meal, eyes immediately lighting up.
“Delicious! Hey sir, I bet you’d really thrive if you set up shop in Uneo!”
The slayer said excitement evident in his words, however they seemed to tick the man off slightly, but even with that it brought up a new topic.
“What do you know about it?”
The old man replied with a little sass.
“Mister, how’s business these days?”
The young Slayer replied.
“How’s it look to you?”
Kyojuro looked around, and the man was right, only one other soul resided in the small shop, and the poor man looked knocked out from alcohol, or just sleeping, he wasn’t sure. However, normally a place with such good food would be busting, even at such an hour, especially for farmers and other workers that worked late into the day.
“Thanks to all the talk about the slasher being at large around here, people have just stopped coming at night or early hours in the morning.”
The man said, flipping through a recent newspaper.
“I even had to let my workers go.”
He paused, before continuing.
“They say that a conductor got killed the other day. On top of that, do you know the Mugan Train is out of service now? Rumour has it… that around 40 of its passengers just disappeared without a trace.”
Kyojuro’s brows furrowed, an all to well known dread forming in his chest.
“Oh… that does sound ominous.”
The young slayer trailed off, before quickly turning his attention back to Kyojuro, a new expression on his face, one more serious than the last.
“Flame Hashira, getting back to why I am here… we’ve located the Mugan Train. We’ve received word that it was secretly transported to a certain train shed.”
Kyojuro listened intently, thinking about what he should do. The Mugan Train, all the disappearances, and the dead conductor, we’re all no doubt a demons doing.
It bothered him that if had not been looked at sooner… so many lives maybe lost…
Kyojuro took a bite out of the mystery food, eyes lighting up as she shouted, UMIA, it was just so good! He couldn’t help himself. Realizing he had once again lost his train of thought, Kyojuro stood from his seat, before thanking the shop keeper for the food, and heading out.
“Will we be heading to the Mugan train?”
The young Slayer asked behind him as the last bite of light faded from the sky and they walked down a darkening road that was all but deserted.
“Yes! But first, let’s inspect the station where the conductor’s body was found.”
Kyojuro replied, walking forward slightly faster. He had to get as much intel as he could as fast as possible! after all, the night only lasted so long.
So, Kyojuro tried to use his time wisely. It did not take long for them to reach the station, where Kyojuro sent a team of skaters to scout the area, but after finding nothing amis he grew distracted by the yelling of what sounded to by a young woman or teen.
Kyojuro turned his attention to the girl, she was far ahead of him but still close enough that he could clearly hear her bickering with what looked to be her grandmother in front of a food stall.
Kyojuro overheard the girl talking about demons, but not in a worried light, instead out of annoyance…
Because in her eyes demons, did not exist.
Kyojuro heard a few other words from her but they were all but forgotten as Kyojuro thought to ask them a few questions. The ladies had most likely been their a while a very well could have seen something, it would be a waste not to ask!
Kyojuro’s bright smile grew on his face as he walked over to the two. They did not notice him at first, too busy talking amongst each other, however as soon as he spoke his eyes met the purple irises of the girl who had claimed demon did not exist and he was gained their attention.
“Well, good evening! The moon is quite exquisite tonight, is it not?“
Kyojuro spoke loudly and after, being rather blunt, he asked the girl if she’d seen the demon he was looking for. In return, all he gained was a strange look and the accusation he was crazy, the girl was even about to drop her precious bean paste bun! that she held in one hand, arms shaking.
commenting on it only resulted in the bun being thrown directly at his face, though he didn’t mind, quite the opposite in fact! Kyojuro took the bun from his face and took a bite.
Delicious!
It was all he could use to describe it.
In the end, Kyojuro did not get anything helpful from the two, however he did not leave empty handed, buying all the bento the two women had for sale! How could he not? It smelled amazing and his Demon Slayer friend could no doubt pass it around to his colleagues, all so hard at work, they must be hungry!
“Um… excuse me, Flame Hashira…-“
Kyojuro cut the boy off without even realizing, the slayer just staring at him as he held dozens of bento boxes.
“That’ll be a splendid gift for the other Corps members! I’ll be leaving you alone now, thank you for all your hard work!”
Kyojuro then turned on his heel, his own stack of bento in his hands before he began to head out, saying a quick goodbye as he hurriedly found his way onto the leaving train just outside. He did not pay for a ticket, nor did he ask to hitch a ride, but! He supposed as long as he minded his own business, it wasn’t a big deal.
He walked down the aisle, picking his seat and sitting down. A sigh left him as his body finally got the chance to rest after walking for hours, his body still desperately low on sleep, and by the way his mission was going, he had a feeling he’d be pulling the second all nighter in a row.
A door just ahead of him slammed open and his eyes drifted to a heavy man who’s face was covered in shock and confusion, and considering Kyojuro saw no other living soul on the train as he boarded, he could assume his presence was shocking.
“Who-Who are you?!”
The man came scurrying over to him, a slight sweat beginning to form at his brow. Kyojuro had the perfect plan though! He wasn’t a fan of lying, but as a Demon Slayer and a Hashira, sometimes in was necessary to keep the peace! Especially when people questioned his occupation.
“I’m a bento vendor as you can see! I am in no way suspicious!”
The man looked at his bento then met Kyojuro’s eyes with a strange look, brows furrowing.
“…But this train is heading to the shed now.”
Kyojuro nodded.
“Right! I’m aware of that. I heard that’s where I can find the Mugan Train. That’s the one I have business with.”
He smiled at the man, who’s eyes grew even more confused.
“The Mugan Train?…if that’s the one you’re looking for, it’s no longer in the shed.”
Kyojuro’s eyes widened a little, smile leaving his face. The Mugan Train had moved? It sent a small flash of annoyance through him but Kyojuro could blame that on lack of sleep as something so minor would never cause such a reaction from him.
“Is that right?”
The man nodded, continuing to explain.
“It was transported to a well-equipped maintenance facility this morning.”
The man then pointed out the window.
“That one over there.”
“Ah”
Kyojuro then stood from his seat, startling the young man beside him. If the train he was on was taking him to the wrong destination, he had to get off! So Kyojuro walked to the back of the train, train worker running after him.
Once outside, at the very end of the train, Kyojuro braced himself as he prepared to jump. How else would he get off right?
“Alright! This is where I get off!”
Kyojuro’s words gained quick reaction, one of disbelief and worry, however he paid it no mind, he had duties to complete hopefully before the night ended after all!
“What!? What do you mean get off?!”
Kyojuro bent his legs, and jumped.
Wind battered against his body and he angled himself forward lest he get caught in the trains strong drift, getting crushed instantly under it, and that would be quite an unpleasant way to end his night.
Kyojuro then landed as lightly as he could on the ground before he darted towards the new building where the Mugan Train resided. As he entered and spotted the mighty metal beast he felt a sigh of relief escape him as he finally felt like he was making progress on his mission.
Now, time to investigate.
-
The Mugan Train was officially back in service! Kyojuro sat eating his Bento with great enthusiasm, savouring every bite, however he could feel lack of sleep finally weighing on him as he sat on the Mugan Train, eyelids heavy. He hadn’t gotten proper rest in three days and because he was still not done with his mission, day four was creeping ever closer.
Kyojuro tried to ignore that thought though, no use welling on something he could easily regain as quickly as he lost it! It was still daylight out anyhow so once he was done his meal maybe he could get some much needed shuteye.
Looking down at the many boxes still left and feeling his ever burning appetite his eyes drooped. Yeah, maybe.
Kyojuro continued eating.
-
Genya took one more calming breath of the wind rushing around him before he went inside the train, along with Tanjiro, Inosuke and Zenitsu, and air of warmth immediately hitting him.
Inosuke ran ahead, yelling and acting like an animal, Zenitsu desperately trying to stop him from bothering people, while Tanjiro stood beside Genya, looking around at the passengers and in particular, looking for the Hashira, Kyojuro Rengoku.
A voice rang out, one loud and full of energy. Genya tried to see who was yelling, noticing many of the passengers awkwardly staring off in the direction the voice was coming from.
“Do you think that might be him? I think I’ve heard that voice before…”
Tanjiro nodded.
“I think he’s just over there, so we can see for ourselves!”
Tanjiro replied with a smile.
Tanjiro took the charge, walking forward, he stopped quickly, the voice even louder. Genya made his way beside Tanjiro and his eyes widened. Sitting in one of the seats was the Hashira they were looking for, yelling out about how tasty the food he was eating was. His voice was definitely not the only reason to attract attention though, his bright coloured hair and strange eyes caught a few stares as well. And The sheer amount of bento boxes the man had, some empty some still full, was insane.
“Is… is that the Flame Hashira guy?”
Zenitsu came up beside Tanjiro and whispered, looking weirded out by the guy, and if Genya was being honest he didn’t blame him.
“…yeah.”
Tanjiro responded looking rather bewildered.
He then stepped towards the Hashira, Genya taking a step back to provide more room in the already tight space.
“Um, excuse me..”
The Flame Hashira did not respond, still too engrossed in his meal.
“R-Rengoku?”
Genya sighed, wanting to pinch his nose but unable because of his fox mask, so he settled for running a hand through his hair.
Rengoku’s head whipped towards Tanjiro, his wide eyes having Tanjiro’s full attention now that he was done doing… whatever he was so focused on in his head Genya supposed…
“Ah, sorry to bother you Rengoku. We are the swordsmen that were stationed to help you with this mission.”
Tanjiro spoke a little awkwardly, rubbing his neck.
“Ha! I recognize some of you! The demon boy and you’re the kid from that night at the Master’s!”
Genya cringed hearing Rengoku say he was a demon so loudly. It wasn’t something that was just outwardly said, especially on a train full of people who probably thought demons didn’t exist, and even if they did… he highly doubted anyone would be thrilled to find out he was one. Genya let out a stress filled sigh as he noticed a few eyes going to him.
“Yes, we are..”
Tanjiro said, sending a nervous look to Genya.
“I’m Tanjiro Kamado, and this is Genya-“
Tanjiro paused, looking at Genya, a contemplative look in his eyes. For a moment, Genya didn’t know why, until he remembered he technically had two last names, and Tanjiro didn’t know which one to use.
“Um, this is Genya Shinazugawa, or Kamado, I don’t know which her prefers… a-anyway, these are my fellow Demon Slayers, Zenitsu Agatsuma, and Inosuke Hashibra.”
Tanjiro smiled as he introduced everyone.
“I see! And inside that box there…”
Genya’s gaze went to the box, and he found himself answering the question.
“Yeah, Nezuko is sleeping in there right now.”
The Flame Hashira nodded, sending a strange look Genya’s way.
“Right! That demon we saw along with Shinazugawa that day huh? Since the Master’s acknowledged them, I won’t say anything for now.”
Genya was a little confused by the man’s words, but he got the message enough. Rengoku still did not like the idea, or even except that the Master had allowed demons into the Corps, but because of the big respect he held for the man, he would keep his opinion to himself and work with them for the mission.
A silent little pact, they work together so the mission is completed, nothing more nothing less.
Genya could work with that.
“We should find seats. Tanjiro? Do you think Nezuko could join us? She’s been cooped up for a while.”
Tanjiro’s attention was drawn away from Rengoku as Genya asked the question, and Genya could guess by the way the man’s eyes twitched he wasn’t a fan of two demons being awake and out on a train, but Genya didn’t care, he was asking Tanjiro’s opinion, not Rengoku’s, and on top of that it was for Nezuko’s well being, not others.
Before Tanjiro could respond, the door on Nezuko box creaked open, and she peaked her head out, waiting for an opening when no one was looking, before sliding out of the box and onto the floor, quickly growing to her normal teen size.
“Nezuko!”
Zenitsu immediately yelled, making her jump.
“I think that’s a yes.”
Tanjiro said, an amused but fond tone behind his voice.
“Kamado boy! Why don’t you sit here, the yellow boy and the boar boy can sit together, and the two demons can accompany one another?”
Genya watched Zenitsu grow more and more confused as he realized he’d been called “yellow boy” and his growing anger as Nezuko came to stand beside Genya, everyone working with the groups the Flame Hashira selected.
“Of course! That’s works wonderfully… Zenitsu and Inosuke might fight though…”
Tanjiro trailed off but was already being urged to sit, along with Zenitsu who was trying to get Inosuke to calm down and sit for the ride like everyone else.
Genya sighed, jumping slightly as Nezuko grabbed his hand, dragging him to sit behind Rengoku and Tanjiro, a blush creeping onto his face without him even realizing.
The seats were comfortable enough that everyone sunk into them, exhaustion finally becoming apparent. Because Genya only took those little pills Tamayo had made, he still required regular sleep just like Nezuko, but… she was wide awake.
Genya sighed, looked around and decided it was safe to slip off his mask, unless anyone went out of their way to look at his face it would be fine to show it, at least while in Nezuko’s company.
“Hm!”
She tried, an excited noise that confused him. Genya looked over and saw that Rengoku and Tanjiro were in deep conversation so slipping Nezuko’s muzzle off for a moment wouldn’t hurt…
“Nezuko, would you like me to take that off so we can try and talk?”
Nezuko eagerly nodded, turning her head so he could take the muzzle off. Part of him wanted to crush it beneath his fists, but at the same time he knew Nezuko had less constraint when it came to human blood. Even so Genya hated that she had to wear it… he knew if she asked with her own words, if she could take it off Tanjiro would gladly let her… so maybe that was what they should try to do.
Genya untied the Muzzle and it fell off, landing in Nezuko’s lap. She stretched her jaw, fangs on full display, then she smiled at him, a warm soft thing that made butterflies dance in his stomach, and in that moment, Genya remembered the morning glory he still had. He’d put it in one of his pockets, and hoped it hadn’t gotten crushed.
Genya dug around to try and find it for a moment, and a sigh of relief escaped him as he found it, completely unharmed. Pulling it from his haori, Genya looked the delicate thing over. It wasn’t as wilted as he thought it would be, still a gorgeous shade of pink and quite lively. Genya then handed it towards Nezuko, who’s eyes widened and a look of delight filled them, a soft smile growing on her face, one much more aware than others he’d seen from her.
“I saw it when I was walking to the train station. It reminded me of you and well… I just thought you’d like it.”
Nezuko met his gaze before looking back down at the morning glory. She bit her lip, like she was thinking, before she opened her mouth and to Genya’s shock, replied.
“I…I do.”
Her words made Genya go beat red and he tried his best to hide it, but Tanjiro glanced at him, and both his eye brows raised, a strange look appearing on his face, only making Genya even more embarrassed.
His embarrassment was soon forgotten as a man, who looked to be the train conductor came walking down the aisle, a hole puncher in his hand. Genya’s heart stoped as he realized he didn’t have a train ticket for said man to punch a hole into, and if he came by and found out Genya didn’t have one he’d be arrested!
As Genya was silently panicking Nezuko pulled something from her kimono, tapping Genya gently on the arm, pulling him out of his momentary panic.
“What is it Nezuko?”
Genya asked wondering what she wanted. Nezuko then grabbed Genya’s hand and placed a small, orange shaded train ticket into it and he felt a sigh escape him. The train conductor stopped at their seats and Nezuko held out the piece of paper. A hole was punched into it, and she recoiled her hand. Genya did the same thing she had done, holding the ticket out to the man. He once again punched a hole into it, and Genya was in the all clear.
Then the man walked off over to Kyojuro and Tanjiro, punching their tickets as well. The longer Genya stared at the man though, the more he realized just how out of it he looked, deep bags under his eyes and deathly pale skin, and air of misery wafting off him in waves.
It was strange. Very strange
Genya watched as the man left, attention going to the train lights as they flickered, he furrowed his brows watching it… they shouldn’t be flickering so badly…
Genya brushed the thought off as a sudden wave of exhaustion hit him. He was already tired, but this was on a new level. His eyes drifted to Nezuko who also looked to be on the verge of passing out, even when she’d looked so lively only moments ago.
His eyes slowly slipped shut, his mind drifting deeper and deeper into sleep as the minutes passed…
.
.
.
Genya slowly opened his eyes, being welcomed by a cold yet almost calm darkness. As his eyes adjusted he realized that the trains lights must have gone out, however he brushed any concern away as he looked out the window remembering it was night. He could guess that they turned the lights off so people could get some sleep. It made perfect sense.
However something felt… off. And irking feeling of dread so strong it made him nauseous filled him, and he didn’t know why.
Rengoku was seated with Tanjiro, both out cold, and even Inosuke was asleep along with Zenitsu.
Genya blinked.
And they were gone.
His stomach instantly flipped, his heart plummeting. Genya’s eyes darted around, desperation clear in his gaze. Where the hell did they go?! He looked to his side and Nezuko wasn’t there either. Genya shot to his feet, eyes scaling across every surface.
But no matter where he looked he couldn’t find them…
“Tanjiro!?”
He called, but he was given no response. The train’s walls seemed to contort, becoming darker, closing in on him, and a voice, one he thought he’d never hear again, chilled him to his bones, body freezing stiff as he shakily turned around.
“Genya?”
Genya turned, and his eyes flooded with tears he never got the chance to fully shed as he stared at the people he missed so dearly, people that had been ripped from him far too early.
… “m-mom?”