[And I'm back! Thank you soooooo much everyone for being very patient with me! I know I am definitely not a good writer and this is not the best fic out there, but the fact that I still get to somehow entertain you guys was something that really helped me through the last few months. I had severe back pain which I needed surgery for. I finally had the surgery and am now a lot better. Almost back to normal! Finally got to sit in front of my computer for more than a few minutes and write. Phew! Anyhow, this chapter ends Kyojuro Rengoku's route! Hope you guys enjoy and thank you once again for giving this your time!]
Days passed after Shinobu-san dropped by with the cure. Tanjirou and Zenitsu came and went, moving on to the last leg of their training. And Kyojuro and I were stuck in possibly the worst fight we've ever had. It was because of the cure.
After hunting, I returned to the estate with plans of cleaning up. Plates and bowls were piling up and I really need to wash them so the slayers wouldn't have to eat off their palms. They were still busy with Kyojuro by the time I arrived at the kitchen. Thank goodness to my demon strength as I could haul buckets upon buckets of water from the well by myself. It was easy to get lost in my thoughts as I busied myself. I did not like it. All I could think about was the fight me and Kyojuro had.
"Here, one for each of you. Tamayo-san said it will destroy the cells that make you a demon. It'll be painful, and it would take time. I'll leave you to it then… I'm sure you'd like to continue what you've been doing earlier." Shinobu-san then skipped away, acting very much herself.
"You should take it now, Y/N." Kyojuro said as he grabbed the box containing his dose. "Right now? But the fight… I highly doubt I could do anything as a human. At least as I am now, I don't have to worry too much. Besides, Shinobu-san said it would take time. Kibutsuji could make his move anytime now." Kyojuro took a deep breath, "maybe it'd be better if you stayed here. Kibutsuji clearly wants you… I can't just take you to him."
"But you're not taking me to him. I'll be fighting with you." I avoid fights, even when my brothers and I were younger and they were all really annoying I tried to be the sweet, big sister and keep the peace. But this… I can't just knowingly send Kyojuro to a battle this big! Besides, I did see… well, not myself but my frost under Kibutsuji. Frost covering the ground under him must've meant I'd be stopping him from digging underground. No one else amongst the demon slayers could possibly do that.
Kyojuro stepped closer to me, hands rubbing my arms up and down. A very comforting gesture from him. "The strongest demon moons would be there. Kibutsuji himself wouldn't be holding back, you said so yourself. It's too dangerous."
"I know that. That's why I can't let you go on your own!" I was scared. I truly was. We had an idea of who would die, and I hoped they all devised ways to survive – when we don't even know how they'd die – but… "Kyojuro…" I whined, feeling myself starting to tear up. "please. I don't think I can stand being away from you, knowing you're in danger. I already saw you almost die twice. I can't – I don't… please let me come with you." I was begging. I know it was absolutely selfish of me but I don't think my heart could take it. I'd drive myself crazy with how worried I'd be.
"What about my feelings then, Y/N? I promised you I won't let Kibutsuji take you. And then the ground just opened up and took you from me. You said I won't be taking you to him if you come but, I can't possibly knowingly take you somewhere that's completely his territory. Besides, I'm planning on taking the cure after the fight. I'd regenerate and heal right away. No need to worry." Of course, he'd make sense. He moved one of his hands towards my face, to caress my cheek in an affectionate matter but I turned away from him.
I dragged my futon away from his, stopping only when I was against the wall. Funny, we were just pulling each other closer moments ago. Just like that, I went to sleep and we haven't talked since.
"He'll come around." A voice jolted me away from the memory. "Rengoku-san? What are you talking about?" He sighed exasperatedly. "Everyone in this house heard your fight. It wasn't fun hearing you two bickering like some melodramatic, lovesick puppies." He said though I'm pretty sure we weren't loud, nor were we melodramatic. "Though, I prefer that over the other kind of noises you two make." Heat traveled from my neck to the tip of my ears, yet it felt like ice was flowing through my veins. Not only Shinobu-san and Senjuro heard us but also Rengoku-san. Oh, my goodness that's just embarrassing.
"I don't really care what you two do, even if it is under my roof. But couples fight. The two of you disagreeing on something is to be expected. What you could do is to try and see things from each other's perspective. Understand where you're both coming from and compromise." In what seemed like a ghost of the Rengoku-san that I knew from years ago, he smiled at me although it somehow looked rusty and he seemed like he was in pain. As if he was never used to smiling at all. "You two would work it out." He declared before grabbing a jug of sake and disappearing deeper into the house.
Compromise. How would we even compromise in this situation? I turned to my side on my futon, eyes landing at the pile of books Senjuro was keeping in his room. Yes… the fight was so bad that I've been staying at Senjuro's room as he does whatever he does in the mornings. I miss Kyojuro.
See things from Kyojuro's perspective… hmm? I know he wants me safe and far from Kibutsuji. But, the safest place for me is with him. Hmm. That was clearly still just from my perspective. Kyojuro wants me safe. To keep me safe, he probably thinks he needed to defeat not only Kibutsuji but also Akaza-san. And fighting them with me right there would probably be more of a distraction than support. I'd just be a burden. Maybe staying behind would be better after all. Ahhh! That meant I should also take the cure, so Kyojuro would come home and see me as a human for the first time.
But I can't help but feel scared. Sitting up, I took a deep breath. Kyojuro must've been feeling the exact same thing. He must've felt helpless when right after he promised me that he won't let Kibutsuji take me, I was taken away when the ground just opened up into the infinity castle. I think I understand. Bringing me along to a place that's completely under Kibutsuji's control… of course, he won't be happy about that.
"Ahhh!" I really, really want to stay by his side but Kyojuro's focus should be on fighting and defeating the upper moons and Kibutsuji himself. Thinking this over by myself made it obvious how we needed to work on this together. Decided, I stood and went over to the door determined to apologize to him.
"Ah! Y/N."
"Kyo-kun!"
A surprised Kyojuro was standing right outside my door. We just stared at each other for a bit before words came pouring out our mouths at the same time.
"I'm sorry – "
"Please, forgive me – "
A silent chuckle and I enveloped him in a hug as he wrapped his strong arms around me. "I missed you." I breathed into his chest, the sound muffled but he seemed to understand as he held me even tighter, kissing the top of my head. "I missed you, too. Will you go back and sleep in our room today?" I felt butterflies at that, and a rush of warmth blooming in my chest.
Once we were lying down and were looking at each other, we finally started talking about what we plan on doing. "You're right, Kyo-kun. Staying behind…" I sighed, "I'll be fine with staying behind. I trust you, and you're the strongest person I know. You'll come back to me. I believe in you." He graced me with his smile – oh, I've missed his smile and it's only been a few days. He grabbed my hand and brought it to his lips, taking his time kissing the tips of my fingers and knuckles.
"I'll always come back to you, Y/N." Still holding my hand in his, he rested it against his chest and feeling his heartbeat made me feel at home. "So uhh, about you staying behind; if you're sure about what you said, about staying, then that's alright. But I mulled things over and I think it's also okay if you do go with me." I searched his eyes, his sincerity rendering me speechless. "I've realized, if Kibutsuji desperately wants you he could do it anywhere. It's what he did last time. Besides, I think the two of us together are unstoppable. So, stay here or fight with me… I'm fine with both. It's your decision to make and all I could do is support you."
With my hand that was still on his chest, I grabbed at his kimono and pulled him closer. The touch of his lips on mine was truly something I could not get enough of. Pulling away, I whispered, "thank you,". Being able to make my own choice in this matter is truly something I appreciate. "I'll go wherever you go, Kyojuro." He laughed at that, kissing me again and again. "I missed this as well." He whispered as he began fumbling with my sash, and I knew then we wouldn't be sleeping anytime soon.
"Emergency summon! Emergency summon!" Shrieked Kyojuro's crow as it frantically flew over our heads. "Attack on the Ubuyashiki Estate!" Wordlessly, Kyojuro and I rushed towards the Ubuyashiki estate. Being demons seemed like a blessing then, as we both made it near the estate in record time, however, it still wasn't enough.
"Ah!" An explosion erupted from within the estate, fire engulfing the wooded area around it. The smell of burning flesh already suffocating us. The closer we got to where the estate stood, the louder the voices became. Shinazugawa-san, Mitsuri-san, and Iguro-san. Then Himejima-san's loud voice declared that Kibutsuji Muzan was there and that he won't die even if you cut his head off.
"That's him!" I said, rushing over. Kibutsuji was being held in place by thorns – blood demon art? All the other Hashiras seemed to have arrived the moment Kyojuro and I did, and they all went in to attack Kibutsuji. Of course, it can't be that easy. Several doors appeared beneath our feet, swallowing us all and separating us.
I opened my eyes to chaos. Several crows were flying around the place, voice echoing with their announcements. "Tanjiro and Giyu have collapsed from exhaustion." It announced. "And together with Kyojuro, they have defeated Akaza." After everything… I still felt a pang in my heart upon learning Akaza-san's fate.
Ah! How long was I out? What -? Another announcement followed, delivering the news of Doma-san's demise. "Nnngh…" The scent of blood was becoming stronger by the minute. As soon as I sat up, I felt a crow start to peck me. "Instructions from Kiriya-sama!" It uttered. "You must stay away from Kibutsuji!"
It was trying to tell me more, but the overwhelming scent of Shinazugawa-san's blood grabbed my attention and I soon found myself rushing in his direction. The effect of his Marechi blood, perhaps.
Blood and limbs were scattered in the area, Himejima-san carrying the bloodied Shinazugawa-san. There was so much blood that it was truly enticing. "Hime…jima…-san…" Genya? I turned towards the sound of his voice only to find him dissected and laying in a pool of his blood. He shouldn't be alive, but still was and was asking after his brother and Tokito-san.
I looked around and saw Tokito-san butchered. "No…" Useless. Me seeing who would die was absolutely useless. They were still only humans. "Y/N-san?" I turned, seeing Himejima-san laying Shinazugawa-san next to Genya. I walked over and saw Genya expressing relief that his brother was still alive. As I walked closer to them, Himejima-san nodded to me and moved over to where Tokito-san was.
Oh. It suddenly dawned on me, something I could do. "Genya, when you eat demons do you also get to regenerate?" He was still alive, but barely. His eyes seemed to shine with life at my question and he weakly nodded. I wasted no time hacking off my arm and offering it to him. It was a gruesome sight, but it worked. The both of us were regenerating and healing at the same time. It was a bittersweet feeling watching it happen. I was able to aid Genya but was too late for Tokito-san. Though, even if I did arrive earlier, I doubt there was anything I could do to help him.
"Genya!" Shinazugawa-san sprang up and held Genya close, watching as his wounds started closing. "You're alive…" Another bizarre sight – Shinazugawa-san being gentle and crying. The two of them started talking through tears, and I felt like I was intruding on a very intimate moment, so I left them to see Tokito-san.
Himejima-san felt me walk up behind him and declared, "this isn't over until Muzan is defeated." I hummed in agreement. "I think – " A sudden chill and dread took over my body. "Kibutsuji Muzan! He's…" I can feel his strength throughout the infinity castle, pulsing and threatening. "I think he has changed his form…"
"What are you talking about?" Shinazugawa-san asked, limping towards us as Genya held him up. A crow answered for me. It explained how Kibutsuji revived, absorbing Tamayo-san and eating several demon slayers. That's why I was told to stay away from him earlier – he might've absorbed me as well. This time though, we were told to gather and attack him.
As much as Shinazugawa-san wanted to run to where the fight was, Himejima-san suggested that he rest for a bit at least give his wounds time to stop bleeding. His face was in its usual angry state at that but did so at the urging of Genya. He also thanked me for saving his little brother. While I don't doubt he was genuine about it, he still looked like he'd rather stab me than thank him.
I decided to go ahead on my own, promising Himejima-san and Genya I'd stay far from Kibutsuji as I could. Aside from the crow's direction, the pungent scent that could only be Kibutsuji guided me towards where he was.
"Pillars of flames?" It was a strange sight – Kibutsuji's arms flying about like whips but sharp as blades as Tanjirou and Tomioka-san evade it while Kyojuro seemed to be using blood demon art and send pillars of flames underneath Kibutsuji's body. So, that was his.
Suddenly Tanjirou was down, hit by Kibutsuji. No! Encasing Kibutsuji's arms in thick frost, I willed it to shatter and crumble – his arms included.
"Y/N!" Kyojuro was the first to notice me, and he moved to where I was in a flash. His eyes spoke volumes – worry and relief. "We'll end this here." I nodded and took a fighting stance as we jumped in the deadliest fight we're ever going to be in. And hopefully, this would also be the last.
"Nghhh…" Golden sunlight was streaming from the window. I raised my hand in its direction, and the sight of it – seeing my skin kissed by sunlight after more than fifty years was enough to bring tears to my eyes. Sitting up on the bed, I looked around and found the room devoid of anyone else. Though, the sound of laughter coming from outside was clue enough to where everyone was.
The battle… the war against demons was finished and the demon hunters won. Humans won, but it was at a price. Himejima-san, Iguro-san, and Mitsuri-san passed away almost as soon as Kibutsuji was defeated. Them, Tokito-san, and several other demon slayers gave their lives so that demons would cease to exist.
As soon as we got back to the Butterfly estate, Kyojuro and I used the cure. Yushiro said it would take longer to work on me since I've been a demon far longer than Kyojuro, Nezuko, and Tanjiro have so I might spend days in a state where the demon cells in my body are being changed back into a human's.
Kyojuro promised that I'd see him when I wake up… and I could not wait to do just that.
"Y/N-san!" Genya and his brother were the first ones I saw as I walked out of the room. The windows were all opened wide, showering me with plenty of sunlight. The brothers smiled at the sight – even the grumpy Shinazugawa-san. "You're human again." Was his assessment. I almost didn't hear it as I was too taken by the soft smile he gave me.
Kyojuro's ringing laughter echoed from the yard and the brothers gave me a knowing smile before telling me to go to him. They didn't have to tell me twice.
They were laughing over something Inosuke said which was cut off when Tanjiro began sniffing the air and his eyes landed on me. "Ah!" His reaction made the others turn to me. And, wow. Kyojuro smiled at me as if I was the answer to his prayers. Not to be that person, but maybe I was since he's mine.
I took my first step bathed in sunlight and began walking towards them – him. He did the same, aiming to meet me halfway. I was not expecting to be lifted off the ground and spun around, yet my squeal of surprise turned into laughter almost right away. Bliss. It was unimaginable bliss.
"Marry me?" Kyojuro asked as if he didn't know the answer already. "Yes. You've asked me many times now and I've always said yes. I'll continue to say yes for the rest of our lives. And he kissed me to the whoops and cheers of the others around us.
"Nervous?" Kyojuro asked as I squeezed his hand for the hundredth time that day. I nodded, my throat feeling very dry. I decided to see my brother Yusuke before anything else. The morning sun was warm on our backs as we stand in front of my brother's house. Standing there, my mind was suddenly blank. What would I even say? Will my brother even remember me? What if –
"Uhm, can I help you?" The gate suddenly opened showing a middle-aged lady who looked a lot like me. Yusuke's daughter. She recognized our likeness and her brows curved up in confusion. "Yes. I uh…" I looked towards Kyojuro and he nodded in encouragement. "I'm looking for Yusuke-san." More confusion showed up in her face. "My father? Whatever for?"
What do I say? "Ah… I'm family. Could you tell him Yukiko is here?" She looked like she wanted to ask more, but what sounded like an old man shouted behind her asking her why she was still there and she should go help her husband and son at the ramen shop.
My heart started pounding harder and my hands felt sweaty. Honestly, if it wasn't for Kyojuro I would've bolted out of there. She proceeded to open the gate wider as she answered Yusuke telling him there was a stranger right outside. But my brother wasn't hearing any of it. His eyes zeroed in on me. And as if the sun was rooting for me, more rays of it shined on me proving to my brother that yes, I am human again.
"Yusuke, I – " I didn't get to finish. My brother threw his cane aside and ran towards me before enveloping me in a hug. "Nee-chan…" he whispered as I fell his tears fall onto my shoulder. I found myself sobbing when I found it difficult to speak. I could barely utter out "I'm sorry", when my brother told me there was nothing to apologize for. Needless to say, we needed to go inside and sit to the benefit of his very confused daughter.
I was humming to myself peacefully when it was broken by a child's wailing. For a child so small, it sure was loud. He is his father's son. I was about to set my knife down to see why my son Kenji was crying when I heard the bubbly voice of my daughter Chizuru saying she got it.
I can't help but laugh contently to myself. Yes. Content. It's been ten years since Kyojuro and I got married. Ten years and we have three children; the eldest Ryuuji, then our daughter Chizuru, and our youngest Kenji who was born just five months ago.
Strong arms suddenly wrapped around my middle from behind – sweet but wasn't very smart considering I'm holding a sharp knife while chopping radish. "What are you smiling about?" My husband teased, kissing me on my cheek. I set the knife down and turned to face him. "Hmmm…" I pretended to think deeply despite not having the need to, and wrapped my arms around his neck. "Well, I got a really good deal on this mackerel for our lunch today…"
"Was that all?" He asked, resting his forehead on mine prompting me to close my eyes. I could hear Ryuuji and Chizuru calming Kenji down and was already making him laugh, the sound only making my smile bigger. "What really were you thinking about?" Kyojuro prompted more, though I have the feeling that he already knew the answer. I say it anyway.
"You."
[Aww, I mainly wrote this because I liked Kyojuro's character so much that I didn't want him to die. I actually didn't want anyone to die but ehhh, it's not the power of friendship king of story. I wanted to keep everyone alive but could only work the flow to save just Genya. Ah, Tokito's death is still the worst.
Also, I chose to skip the majority of the final battle since it's mostly following the events of the manga.
Soooooo, there are a lot of holes in this since I'm trying to do this otome style, where one route would contain the answer to another route. That kind of thing. I have no idea if I'd be able to pull it off, but I'll try!
Anyway, I was thinking of doing Sanemi for the next route. Or Uzui... I really can't decide. We'll see, I guess..
-Thanks for reading!-]