COME ON THUNDER BOY! — CHAPTER #11 — SHOW THEM WHAT YOU'VE GOT!

————————————
Little note:
(S/C) = Skin color
————————————

"(Y/N)!!!!! (Y/N), WHERE ARE YOU?!" Zenitsu was still looking for you. "(Y/N)... Tanjiro... Wild boar... Chuntarou... Where did you all go? I'm sorry for everything, okay?!" His tears weren't stopping. He was just so scared and he didn't had anyone to cling on. That's what he thought until...

"Chu!"

"Hgh... Huh? Chuntarou...?"

"Hmh!" Chuntarou scoffed like a tsundere girl.

"CHUNTAROU! YOU MEAN YOU CAME AFTER ME? YOU'RE SO ADORABLE! SECOND ONLY TO (Y/N)! I'M SO SORRY FOR EVEN PUTTING YOU IN THE SAME LEVEL AS NEZUKO! I'M SORRY FOR EVERYTHING! ALL RIGHT, LET'S GO LOOK FOR (Y/N) TOGETHER!"

—————————————————

Thoughts raced through your mind as you carried the girl, unsure of where you were going or what dangers awaited you. Fear gripped you as you contemplated the possibility of encountering Rui or other demons along your path.

"Um... You can put me down, I feel better now." The girl finally spoke, breaking the silence.

"Oh, okay." You carefully set her down, stretching your limbs while she seemed to be in turmoil.

'I lied! I'm still exhausted, but I couldn't stop my heart from racing! I was afraid she would notice! I'm so grateful! She saved me! And, and... she's pretty too! What the hell?!'

Realizing that you needed to keep moving forward, you were about to ask the girl her name when she suddenly enveloped you in a tight hug.

"THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SAVING ME! WITHOUT YOU, I WOULD'VE TOTALLY DIED! I CANNOT THANK YOU ENOUGH!" She exclaimed with heartfelt gratitude.

"Okay..." Your cheeks turned a shade of pink, feeling a rush of embarrassment from being hugged by such pretty girl and being thanked so profusely.

'She's blushing! She's... cute!' Her heart fluttered at the sight. As the girl released you from the hug and composed herself, she decided to introduce herself.

"My name is Ozaki. Nice to meet you!"

"Ozaki..." You repeated, finding her name to be quite pleasant.

"What's your name?"

"...(L/N) (Y/N)... Call me (Y/N)." You replied, a small smile forming on your lips.

'Holy shit, we're on a first-name basis now?!' Her mind couldn't help but race, realizing that her crush on you was making quite an impression.

"Me foreigner. Japanese not good." You said sadly, looking down with a pucker formed on your lips.

"Oh, that explains it! It's okay, (Y/N)."

"You hurt?" You asked, concerned for her well-being.

"My body is still not in great condition, but it's nothing I can't handle. Again, thank you so much for saving me! I know I've said it a lot, but I just can't thank you enough..."

"Okay." You smiled warmly at Ozaki, not fully realizing the effect your smile had on her. Swallowing her own newfound feelings, she gathered her composure, reminding herself to focus on the task at hand.

—————————————————

"(Y/N)! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"CHU CHU! (Y/N)! CHU CHU!"

"Fuck, where the hell are you? Tanjiro, Inosuke! Don't just leave me here all by myself in this terrifying forest!"

Unexpectedly, a weird entity made all the crows and birds back off the place Zenitsu was. This made him scream.

"AHHHHHHHH!" He looked behind. "What the hell was that?

He stayed quiet and clenched his fists. "Wait, you know what? This is starting to make me really mad! I'll find (Y/N) as soon as possible, and then it's so long, this fucking scary forest!"

"(Y/N)-"

*Crack*

He heard a sudden snapping sound behind him, as if a branch had been stepped on. His heart raced, and a surge of fear gripped him tightly. Clutching Chuntarou, he slowly turned around, his trembling hands clasped together in prayer. Every fiber of his being screamed with terror.

"W-Who's there?" He stammered, his voice barely audible. And then, he saw her—his angel, his savior, his everything—

In an instant, all exhaustion vanished, all blemishes disappeared, and all his worries melted away. It was as if a divine light had descended upon him, rejuvenating his spirit and lifting his burdens. His crops of despair were replaced with blossoming hope.

"(Y/N) / CHU CHU!!!!" Zenitsu's voice echoed with unbridled joy. Finally, after an arduous search, he had found the person he had been desperately seeking. Without a moment's hesitation, he leaped forward and enveloped her in a tight embrace, as if trying to merge their souls together in that fleeting moment of bliss.

"OH GOD (Y/N)! YOU'RE OKAY! I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU FOR SO LONG! I WAS FUCKING WORRIED! I'M GLAD I'VE FOUND YOU! I MISSED YOU!" He totally ignored Ozaki's existence.

"CHU CHU CHUCHU CHU CHU!" Chuntarou was glad too.

"Miss you... too." You tightly embraced Zenitsu, feeling the weight of his head against your chest. It was a comforting and intimate gesture, bringing you both a sense of solace and relief.

"(Y/N)!!!!!! I LOVE YOU!" His voice quivered with genuine love and joy, tears streaming down his face as he poured his heart out to you. Overwhelmed by his outpouring of emotion, you couldn't help but be moved. In that moment, time seemed to stand still as you held each other, cherishing the depth of your connection.

—————————————————

"So, (Y/N) saved you and after that, you two got separated from them?" Currently —Zenitsu, you Chuntarou, and Ozaki—(in that order) were walking together, searching for an escape route. The sparrow perched comfortably on your head.

"Yeah, it was terrible. We were all compelled to turn against each other under the influence of those invisible spider webs. Thankfully, I'm fine now." Ozaki shared, her voice carrying remnants of the ordeal.

"Good to hear..." Zenitsu replied, his tone filled with concern.

Silence fell upon the group for a moment, the weight of recent events lingering in the air.

...

"Um, can I ask you something?" Ozaki hesitantly broke the silence, her curiosity piqued.

"Sure? Go ahead." The blonde responded, his voice gentle and welcoming.

"Does (Y/N) usually hug you like that...?" Ozaki inquired, her observation highlighting the close physical contact between you and Zenitsu. His eyes widened, a blush creeping onto his cheeks. "No, not usually! But I'm not complaining at all! I'm so grateful that she's hugging me!"

While Zenitsu reveled in the unexpected display of affection, little did he know that you had a different motive behind the embrace. You had anticipated that a spider would soon bite him, ending up poisoning him. Being well-prepared, you had willingly taken the risk, ready to bear the venomous blow in his place. Your selflessness was driven by your desire to save time and assist the other characters, particularly your sweet Zenitsu. Just as expected, a sharp sting pierced your hand, causing you to wince in pain. "Ouch!"

The realization of your self-inflicted injury prompted you to release Zenitsu from the embrace, your hand cradled protectively against your chest.

"(Y/N), are you alright?" Ozaki expressed concern, her worry etched on her face. You responded with a reassuring thumbs-up, trying to alleviate any concerns.

"AGH! WE CAN'T FIND INOSUKE OR TANJIRO ANYWHERE! WE CAN'T FIND THE EXIT EITHER! WHERE IS IT?!"

They stopped as they saw there were two ways to keep going. "WHICH WAY IS IT?!"

"Zenitsu, is it me, or do I smell something weird?"

"I was going to comment on that too! It stinks a lot!" They all clenched their noses, even little Chuntarou with his wings. "Chu!"

"Oh god, it smells so much. I think I might cry!" Complained Ozaki.

"Right?! And this sound of spiders rustling around is so creepy! I'm sure these spiders are doing their best to survive, too, but still!"

*gigirigi*

"Zenitsu, be careful-"

"DAMMIT! SHUT THE HECK UP! JUST STAY STILL!"

"WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT / IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?!" Ozaki and Zenitsu screamed in fear.

"..." Your soul left your body completely.

As the group ran, you noticed Zenitsu taking extra care to assist you. He recognized that your stamina and speed weren't the greatest, so he stayed by your side, offering support. But it wasn't just your physical limitations that were hindering you; the poison coursing through your veins was gradually sapping your strength, making each step feel heavier than before. Struggling to maintain your pace, you pushed through the discomfort. Every breath became a laborious task, and your legs felt as if they were weighed down by lead. Despite the pain and fatigue, you refused to let it deter you from escaping this dire situation.

"WHAT WAS THAT!? THAT'S A SPIDER WITH A HUMAN FACE! WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?! WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?! PLEASE LET THIS ALL BE A DREAM!"

"ZENITSU, COMPLAINING ISN'T GOING TO FIX ANYTHING! AND THIS IS NOT A DREAM!"

"SHUT UP OZAKI! IM IN PANIC MODE, OK?! PLEASE, LET ME WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE!"

As the group approached the scene, a true nightmare unfolded before their eyes. Suspended in the air by intricate spider threads, a house dangled precariously, defying gravity with a sinister presence. The threads glistened in the dim light, weaving an intricate web that held the structure in a macabre embrace. Around the area, a haunting sight greeted them. The ground and surroundings were littered with lifeless bodies and corpses, a chilling reminder of the sinister forces at play.

'What the fuck is this?! Are these people turning into spiders? Is the house floating? It seems I could vaguely see... Are those threads? Plus, the stench is unbearable. What a pungent stench. If the master of smell, Tanjiro, was here, he would've died! The stench is so unpleasant that my throat hurts. My tears are falling. My eyes hurt so much.'

The house trembled ominously, its very foundation shifting as if awakened by their presence. Suddenly, the massive form of a grotesque demon spider emerged from within, its malevolence etched on its terrifying visage. The sight of the colossal arachnid sent waves of terror through the group. Ozaki couldn't believe her eyes as she beheld the immense size of the creature. Its monstrous form loomed before them, an embodiment of fear and horror. The sheer scale of the spider's presence was beyond comprehension, defying all expectations.

'It's... it's enormous! I can't believe something like this exists!' Ozaki thought, her voice drowned in a mixture of awe and terror. Even Chuntarou, usually brave and resilient, was overcome with fear, seeking refuge within the safety of your pocket. Without hesitation, Zenitsu took charge, his determination shining through his frightened eyes. Gripping both yours and Ozaki's hands firmly, he knew that escape was their only option. With a resolute determination, he led you away from the menacing spider.

"Running away is pointless. She has already lost." This said, Zenitsu couldn't help but respond back to the demon.

"What nonsense are you spewing? Listen carefully! Don't talk to us! I hate your kind the most!"

"You already know, don't you? Something bad is going to happen." The spider demon sadistically smiled.

"What do you mean?"

"Look at the pretty girl's hand."

"What? (Y/N)'a hand?"

"I'm going to pretend I didn't hear that." Said Ozaki.

"What's with her hand?" As Zenitsu reached out to grab your hand, a sudden shock of horror ran through his body. His heart sank as he witnessed the distressing sight before him. Your hand, once warm and vibrant, now bore a sickly purple hue, contrasting starkly against your (S/C) skin. A gaping hole marred your flesh, exposing the raw and gruesome insides.
A gasp escaped his lips as he recoiled instinctively, his mind struggling to comprehend the gravity of the situation. The sight sent shivers down his spine, a chilling reminder of the danger they faced. He could only imagine the pain and agony that you had be enduring, the torment hidden behind your brave facade.

"This is..." Mumbled Ozaki in disbelief.

"She's poisoned. She was bitten by a spider, weren't you?" He asked to you, with you in response to his question looked away.

...

'(Y/N)... was poisoned...?'

"The poison will turn her into a spider. In 30 minutes, she'll become my slave and crawl on the ground. Look. This is a clock." He showed a clock with a timing going on. "Do you know how it works? After the long hand moves around in one circle, she'll become the spider's companion. When the hand reaches here, her limbs will feel numb and painful. When it reaches here, she'll feel dizzy and nauseous. When it's here, she'll be in excruciating pain. Her body will shrink and she'll lose consciousness. After that, when she wake up... hehehe... HEHEHE... HAHAHAHA!"

...

...

"GYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! SHUT UP! DON'T TALK ANYMORE! I DON'T WANT TO HEAR IT!" As they scrambled to evade the relentless pursuit of the spider babies, you found yourself growing weaker by the moment. The venom coursing through your veins was taking its toll, sapping your strength and clouding your vision. Desperation etched across your face as you struggled to keep up with the others.

Noticing your faltering steps, Ozaki and Zenitsu made a split-second decision. They leaped off the tree they had climbed, abandoning their vantage point to shield you from the encroaching spider babies. With unwavering determination, they positioned themselves between you and the oncoming threats, ready to face the danger head-on.

"HAHA! THERE'S NO NEED TO BE AFRAID!" Said the demon, who was enjoying the show.

"STOP TALKING! SHUT THE FUCK UP, FUCKFACE!" After unleashing a fervent outburst towards the demon, his anger dissipated, and Zenitsu's attention shifted to you. His tense expression softened, a flicker of concern glimmering in his eyes.

"(Y/N)!" His voice wavered slightly, a mix of worry and determination evident in his tone. "Please, don't worry. I'll do everything to keep you safe. We'll find a way through this, I promise."

His words carried a genuine sincerity, even if his wavering confidence betrayed his own inner turmoil. The stress and anxiety weighed heavily on his shoulders, and yet, he refused to let it overshadow his resolve to protect you. Ozaki, too, bore the weight of their predicament. Her own face mirrored Zenitsu's mix of concern and anxiety. "Exacly! We'll find a cure and save you!"

...

You tightly grasped Zenitsu's hand since it was the one nearest to you, your voice strained and filled with effort. Despite the poison coursing through your veins, you mustered a gentle plea. "Don't worry...escape..."

Your words, laced with coughs, carried an unmistakable selflessness that resonated deeply within Zenitsu. As he gazed at you, a mixture of admiration and concern filled his heart. How could someone be so pure and kind, even in the face of danger and affliction?

"Don't be afraid! When the toxins spread until she turns into a spider, she'll lose her intelligence too!"

"No! Stop talking already! Why don't you understand?! I don't have friends or a lover, nobody likes me! Don't hurt her!" He was having a panic attack and covered his ears while closing his eyes.

"No wonder you're hated! You want me to poison her again so that she can turn into a spider faster, don't you?"

"I don't want that! I don't want the person I love to suffer!"

———————————————— Change of narration; ZENITSU'S POV

"Get it together! Don't cry! Don't run away! Your actions are meaningless. Zenitsu! Get down and continue with your training!" I remember how my grandpa used to yell at me for always complaining about stuff.

"No, I thought I was going to die! If I continue training, I think I'll really die!"

"This kind of training won't kill you. Get down now, you idiot!"

"Gramps!"

"Call me master!"

"But i love you, gramps!" He blushed.

The girl I liked cheated my money so that she could elope with another man. It was you who saved me from a lifetime of debt! But maybe it was because you wanted to train a swordsman.

"Actually, I want to meet your expectations too! But I can't do it! I feel like I have failed you! I have been practicing behind your back! I didn't sleep at all! But I achieved nothing in the end! What's going on? Tell me, what's going on?!"

"Calm down, Zenitsu! You have talent." Gramps tried to convince me.

"I'm already..." And unexpectedly, I was hit by a thunder.

"ZENITSU!!!"

I had enough of my life. I was even struck by lightning. My hair color changed. I'm grateful to be alive though. I'm the one who dislikes myself the most. I've always known I should try my best. But I'm scared. I'll run away and cry. I want to change. I want to be useful. But... Actually, I already tried my hardest!

As the spiders closed in on us, I instinctively reached out and grabbed (Y/N), but my heart sank as I noticed something disturbing. (Y/N)'s once lustrous hair was now starting to fall out, strands coming loose with every passing moment.

...

FALL OUT!? HER HAIR IS FALLING OUT ALREADY!?

HER HAIR IS FALLING...

HE NEVER MENTIONED THAT PART!

As i looked at him, he just laughed at my face...

But that's right,

(Y/N)...

She's been nothing but sweet to me. (Y/N) has always treated me with kindness and acceptance, unlike others who were often repulsed by my behavior. Her smile never falters in my presence, and she never grows irritated when I cling to her or seek comfort in her presence.

And yet, amidst all this chaos, she willingly took the poison. Why? Why did she have to be the one to suffer? I would have gladly taken her place, without a moment's hesitation.

The thought of losing the first person I have truly loved with all my heart is unbearable. I can't bear the idea of her slipping away, of her light fading from this world.

My heart literally does a "!!!!" When i see her!

Lately, my heart has been filled with an overwhelming sense of happiness. (Y/N) has become someone truly special to me, and every moment spent with her feels like a precious gift. I find myself adoring every little detail about her, from the way she smiles to the way she laughs. She has brought so much joy into my life, and I can't bear the thought of our time together coming to an end. I want to keep creating beautiful memories and sharing unforgettable experiences with her.

In the past, I've carried the weight of regret for many things I've done. But with (Y/N) by my side, those regrets feel distant and insignificant. She has a way of making me feel cherished and loved, like no one else ever has. And so, I am determined to give my absolute best for her. I will do everything within my power to protect her, to make her smile, and to bring happiness into her life. Not only for her sake but also for the sake of gramps and Tanjiro! (Fuck Inosuke)

I want become someone worthy of (Y/N)'s love and affection.

So that's why, I'll do my best to save her from any danger.

———————————————— Change of narration; SECOND PERSON

Zenitsu's behavior took a sudden turn, and you couldn't help but feel a mixture of confusion and nervousness. He stood there, a glimmer of determination in his eyes, defying the expected outcome. Your mind raced with thoughts, questioning  as to why the blonde boy hadn't fall asleep. Did you had inadvertently altered the storyline and caused a deviation from the original plot? Anxiety coursed through you, but Ozaki, sensing your unease, pulled you closer, assuming it was the battle that had rattled your nerves.

In a seemingly effortless motion, he moved forward, positioning himself protectively in front of both of you. He stood tall, a sense of purpose emanating from his every pore. With a swift and fluid motion, he unsheathed his sword, readying himself for the impending confrontation.

"Thunder breathing; first form." Zenitsu announced with conviction, causing the demon to grow wary. Sensing the danger, he spat a stream of poison towards him, hoping to incapacitate him.

To everyone's astonishment, Zenitsu defied gravity itself, spinning and twirling mid-air to evade the lethal poison. The demon, taken aback by this unexpected display of agility, couldn't help but question the extraordinary abilities of his opponent.

Maintaining his composure, Zenitsu struck a poised and confident pose, preparing for his next move. "Thunder breathing; first form." He repeated, his voice resonating with determination.

Meanwhile, Ozaki fought against the demon spiders offspring, determined to keep them at bay and protect you. However, the poison coursing through your veins was taking its toll, sapping your strength and leaving you increasingly vulnerable.
The realization hit you hard. 'The poison... fuck, it hurts so much. I can barely keep up with what's happening around me...'

As the battle raged on, the demon spider issued a desperate command, instructing its offspring to focus their attacks on you, hoping to exploit your weakened state.

"(Y/N)! Don't worry! I'll do everything in my power to protect you! Just rest!" Ozaki proclaimed, her voice filled with determination.

Struggling to endure the searing pain of the poison, you witnessed the relentless assault unfolding before your eyes. With each passing moment, the situation grew increasingly dire. The demon spider, sensing victory within its grasp, urged its minions to intensify their efforts, ordering them to inject even more toxins into Zenitsu. Fear gripped your heart as you watched the unfolding events.

'Huh?' Thought the demon. 'What's happening? Why is the air vibrating?'

Suddenly, Zenitsu's moment arrived. The very fabric of reality seemed to warp as he executed the Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash, Six Fold. In an instant, he vanished from sight, leaving the demon spider bewildered and disoriented. Its thoughts were a jumble of disbelief and confusion. 'Did I get hit? I felt the impact. It was him, someone like him. How... how could this happen...?'

As the echoes of battle subsided, the defeated demon spider crumbled to the ground, its reign of terror finally brought to an end by the indomitable spirit of Agatsuma Zenitsu.