Raised by the darkness ||Kny FanFic|| - Chapter seven: Dread of the future (2024)

He can't deny it anymore. There's something about Tanjirou that brings out a softness in him that he thought he'd lost long ago.

Kokushibo doesn't know why. Maybe it's Tanjirou's fearlessness, his unwavering determination. Or maybe it's his innocence and naivety, his childlike curiosity and brightness amidst the darkness of the world.It's a mystery to him, this strange tenderness that only seems to surface when he's around Tanjirou. The boy brings out a part of him that he thought was long gone, a part that he had buried deep within himself.

Tanjirou is a human.Kokushibo is acutely aware of this fact. Tanjirou is mortal, and no matter how much Kokushibo tries to protect him, the boy will grow up, grow old, and eventually die. It's an inevitability of life, a cruel fact that he has no control over.He looks down at Tanjirou, his eyes softening slightly as he takes in the boy's youthful innocence and naivety. It's a painful reality, knowing that Tanjirou's life is fleeting, and that one day he'll have to say goodbye to him.

"And what exactly would you do once the child dies?"

Muzan's words echo through Kokushibo's mind, a cold reminder of the reality he faces. What will he do once Tanjirou dies? Will he simply move on, his heart cold and unfeeling?The thought is strange to him. The idea of moving on once Tanjirou has passed. The boy has become such an integral part of his life, the thought of him being gone forever is painful.

He closes his eyes for a moment, trying to push the thought away. It's a question he doesn't want to answer.

Kokushibo tries to push the thought away, but it stubbornly lingers at the back of his mind, like a persistent thorn in his thoughts. No matter how much he tries to ignore it, the truth of Tanjirou's mortality nags at him, a constant reminder of the inevitable.He glances down at Tanjirou again, the boy blissfully unaware of the dark thoughts that plague his mind. He wishes Tanjirou could stay this innocent forever, untouched by the harsh realities of the world...

He knows he's being foolish. Getting so worked up over the fact that a human child, a mortal being, will one day grow up and die. It's a part of the natural order, the cycle of life and death. It should be no concern of his.But he can't help the way he feels. The thought of Tanjirou leaving this world one day is like a sharp pang in his chest, a pain he can't ignore no matter how hard he tries.

Kokushibo takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. He glances down at Tanjirou again, the boy blissfully unaware of his inner struggle.He knows that Tanjirou is only four years old, and that he still has many years left to live. Decades, even. And he can take care of the boy and ensure his survival, that's within his control.The thought is a small comfort, but it does little to allay the underlying anxiety that gnaws at him.

Kokushibo finds his mind wandering back to the wishful thinking of Tanjirou simply staying the way he is, as a small and innocent child.

Kokushibo wonders if this is what all parents experience, the bittersweet feeling of watching their children grow up and leave the safety of their embrace. He can't help but compare his feelings towards Tanjirou to his own children. Why didn't he feel this way towards them? Why is he so protective and caring towards this human child, but not his own?It's a question that has gnawed at him for some time now. He doesn't have an answer, not yet, at least. There's just something about Tanjirou that makes him feel things he thought he had lost long ago.

He looks down at Tanjirou again, the boy's head resting against his chest. The child seems so small, so fragile in his arms. He can feel the steady rise and fall of the boy's breath, the warm and rhythmic thump of his heart. It's almost like holding a delicate bird, so fragile and vulnerable, yet so precious and irreplaceable.He tightens his hold on Tanjirou, a protective instinct taking over him. He wants to keep the child safe, to shield him from the harsh realities of the world, to keep him innocent and protected forever.

The irony is not lost on Kokushibo. He's a demon, a creature that feeds on humans, that kills without remorse. Yet here he is, feeling something protective and caring towards this small human child.He glances down at Tanjirou again, his gaze softening as he takes in the boy's innocent and peaceful expression. It's strange, this feeling of protectiveness, this tenderness towards a being that is supposed to be his food.

Kokushibo can't deny that Tanjirou has a certain charm about him. He's seen how the boy can effortlessly win over people just by being himself. The villagers in the Ujiwa village were practically smitten with the child, immediately going all gushy around him.Perhaps that's the reason behind his protective feelings. The boy's innate charm is too strong to resist.

Tanjirou was clearly not aware of the effect he had on people. He was just naturally friendly and warm, not realizing that his cute charm had its grasp on everyone around him. Perhaps that's why he was so naturally outgoing; he hadn't encountered someone that wouldn't just melt or get cuteness agression when seeing Tanjirou.

Tanjirou's perception of the world was so innocent and naive, seeing the good in everything and everyone. It's no wonder he wasn't scared of Kokushibo like most humans would be. In his eyes, the world is filled with nice people, so why should he fear someone who looks different?

Tanjirou's sweetness and innocence are practically off the charts. He's like a ray of sunshine in a dark world, radiating joy and positivity everywhere he goes. It's hard to believe that someone so pure and kind really exists, but there he was, sleeping soundly in Kokushibo's arms.

The idea of Tanjiro staying innocent and small for all eternity is a strangely tempting one. It would mean that the boy would be safe, away from the darker aspects of the world. No pain, no suffering, only endless years of blissful ignorance.

Kokushibo reminds himself for God knows how many times that as a human Tanjirou will eventually die.

Kokushibo does know a way that could keep Tanjirou the way he is...

The thought flashes through Kokushibo's mind, but he immediately discards it. It's a reckless idea, something he shouldn't even be contemplating.Still, the thought lingered, refusing to be forgotten. Kokushibo quickly shakes his head, as if to physically rid himself of the absurd idea. It's a forbidden path, a dangerous one. He won't let himself entertain such thoughts again...

The thought of turning Tanjirou into a demon is a tempting one. The boy would be immortal, staying small and innocent forever, and Kokushibo would be able to provide him with meals without any trouble. It's a win-win situation...

But the risks are still high. It's a fifty-fifty chance that Tanjirou will survive the transformation. Not to mention how he'd react to it. Would he accept it? Or would he resent Kokushibo for turning him into a monster?

Kokushibo pushes the thought aside and refocuses his attention on the present moment. Tanjirou is safe and sound in his arms, and that's all that matters right now.

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