The night air was thick—too still, too quiet.

You had been walking for hours, exhaustion gnawing at your limbs, but something felt off. Even Inosuke, usually the first to charge ahead without thinking, had slowed his steps, ears twitching like he could sense something unseen.

Zenitsu rubbed his arms. "I don't like this... it's way too quiet."

Tanjiro nodded, his expression tense. "There's something in the air... a scent I've never smelled before."

You opened your mouth to respond—

And then the music started.

A slow, delicate melody drifted through the trees. It was soft, soothing... almost too soothing.

Your body felt heavy. Your muscles slackened before you even realized it. Your eyelids drooped, your grip on your sword loosening.

"W-what is... this...?" Zenitsu mumbled, swaying on his feet.

Tanjiro's knees buckled. "A demon's Blood Demon Art..."

Inosuke let out a strangled growl, fighting to stay upright. "Ngh—stupid—song—

You struggled to keep your eyes open. The melody wrapped around you like a blanket, whispering for you to let go, to rest.

Your vision blurred.

Your past memories flickered in and out, mixing with the present. For a moment, you swore you saw your mother—her gentle hands tucking you in, humming the same lullaby—

No.

Your breath hitched.

This wasn't real.

You bit down hard on your lip, drawing blood. The pain jolted you back, just enough to register the figure emerging from the shadows.

A woman with long, silken hair stood before you, her fingers delicately plucking at the strings of a biwa.

Her eyes glowed a soft, eerie gold. "Shh... sleep now, little ones," she cooed, tilting her head. "You've fought so hard. Don't you deserve to rest?"

Her voice was warm. Comforting.

But the sickly sweet undertone sent chills down your spine.

Your heartbeat pounded in your ears as you forced your hands to move, gripping your sword.

Tanjiro was on his knees, struggling to keep himself from collapsing. Zenitsu had already slumped forward, his breathing even. Inosuke, even with his ridiculous stamina, was barely staying upright.

You were the only one still awake.

And the demon knew it.

Her gaze flickered to you, intrigued. "Oh? Still resisting?" Her fingers plucked a few more notes, and the melody curled around your mind like a gentle tide. "Why fight it? This world is cruel, filled with pain. Let me give you peace."

Your grip tightened. "You mean let you kill us in our sleep."

She smiled, a sorrowful thing. "Would that be so terrible?"

You gritted your teeth. You couldn't let the others fall deeper into this. You had to break this spell—fast.

"Fifth Form: Watery Waves!"

Your sword cut through the air in a smooth, flowing arc, slicing through the sound itself. A rush of water-like energy surged forward, disrupting the melody. The lullaby wavered, notes scattering like ripples in a pond.

The demon flinched, her fingers faltering against the biwa.

Zenitsu stirred, groaning. Tanjiro's eyes fluttered open slightly, his breathing quickening.

It was Working.

But the demon only sighed, shifting her grip on her instrument. "You poor, stubborn thing." Her voice softened. "You're so tired, aren't you?"

Your arms trembled.

She wasn't wrong. You were tired.

The exhaustion seeped into your bones, heavier than before. Your eyelids felt like lead.

No—No, you couldn't fall asleep. Not now.

The demon plucked another string, and the melody surged, wrapping around you in a crushing wave of drowsiness.

Your vision blurred. Your body swayed.

And for the first time—

You weren't sure if you could fight it.