Warning- scenes of loss and violence ahead.
Gyutaro was finishing eating his hunt, blood dripped down his chin and he exhales. The iron taste numbs his hunger, he was satisfied. Grabbing his sickles, he approaches the tight alleyway, not bothering in cleaning up the gruesome mess he had just made. His yellow eyes scan the area, the streets were busy, people walked aimlessly and their chatter carries out into the evening. He narrows his eyes to the crowd. Vermin, all of them, none deserve to have mercy nor sympathy thrown their way. It's what they deserved after treating him and Daki like they were worth nothing when all they were doing was trying to survive. He would never show them any pity.
His thoughts are interrupted with a small child running after her ball, the light jingle guides her and she is giggling happily. The ball gently hits his feet and she pauses scanning the mysterious figure. He was still hidden in the shadows, the girl looks at him curiously, her eyes deciphering who the figure was, a smirk clouds his lips and he gets an idea.
He grabs the small toy, emerging out of the darkness, his own shadows towers her and he crouches down, arm stretched presenting the ball. The girl is stunned and stares at him with her mouth wide open. He starts chuckling, he was ready to see her cry and run away in fear, he had no interest in hurting her but the fact he could taunt her, entertained him.
Small hands grab the toy and his chuckle stops, he looks back at her and sees that she is smiling, slowly she takes her toy and bows to him.
-Thank you sir!
Gyutaro creases his eyebrows in confusion and glares at her, but the girl doesn't move, she is still smiling at him and her soft voice breaks the silence.
- Why are you hiding?
He scratches his neck in annoyance and sneers at her. Just who was this kid and why is she asking him questions!? Wouldn't she have ran away by now after seeing something as horrendous as him?
- Why do ya care?!
She doesn't flinch but looks at him sadly.
Are you lonely?
Gyutaro is stunned, face blank and mouth hung open, he was still covered in blood and clearly wasn't human, why the heck wasn't she scared of him? And why did she care if he was lonely!?He turns around and glances at her sideways.
- You shouldn't be talking to a demon kid...go home...
He starts walking back into the shadows but destiny had another plan for the upper moon.
- But...demons can be friends...
He halts and stares back at her fully, she was staring at her tiny feet.
- Mama said...Mama said that not all demons are bad and I don't think you are a bad demon sir!
He crouches back to the girl and hangs his head sideways, clearly baffled.
- What makes ya think that?
She looks back up at him and grins, the gap from her missing front tooth made her look silly but she was still adorable.
- Because you just help me get my toy! You decided to be nice and help!
He chuckles giving up, clearly entertained by the kid's own naivety, he tussles her hair and gives her a small smile. She giggles in return, standing on her tippy toes showing the same action, gently petting his head.
- (N/A) we are leaving!
- Coming Mama!
She runs back to the voice calling her but stops turning back to him, she waves gently and grins again.
- Take care mister demon!
He waves goodbye seeing the girl embrace her mother, she was talking enthusiastically and the mothers eyes scan the area where her daughter came from, but no one was there.
He wakes up groggily, long arms searching for your sleeping form, but you weren't next to him. He lifts his torso clearly more awake and scans the dark room, you weren't there either. He calls out your name but there's no response, he is starting to get worried, standing up he calls out again louder. He opens the shoji door and notices that it was still daytime, he quickly covers himself back into the dark room and his gaze lands on you. You were sitting in front of the sun, the shoji to the back garden were open, your hair swayed with the light breeze and your eyes were shut in content basking in the heat of the sun. He never saw you in the daylight, the highlights in your hair were prominent and he takes in the scene. There you sat, rubbing your stomach humming a lullaby, you looked at peace. Gyutaro was ready to get back into bed but feels your warm arms around his waist.
- Sorry did I wake you up?
You were so warm from sitting in front of the sun, it was such a nostalgic feeling, how many centuries has it been since he last felt the sun heat up his own body?
- I was thinking about the plants for our new garden.
He turns around, arms wrapped around your shoulders and hugs you.
- Would you like to share those ideas with your husband then?
Your eyes sparkle and you gasp. Your small form approaches the shoji, sliding one in, you grab the curtain and cover the sunlight some more, you then bring two zabuton cushions for the both of you, you guide him to sit down and exit the room. Gyutaro is sitting waiting for you confused but your cheery entrance makes him melt at the scene, your were holding a tray with two cups and some warm tea. It is settled gracefully in front of him and you pour him the green tea, he drinks it welcoming the warmth of it all and you sit back up, excitement swimming in your eyes shinning from the sun hitting your form.
- So where do I start?
He laughs and then begins listening to your ideas for the garden, your arms move as you name all the plants that you'd like to get, he nods and the two of you talk and share laughter until the sun sets.
- Maybe in the next life I can open up a flower shop.
He smiles, you were on his lap and he was rubbing your belly.
- What about you Gyu?
He ponders, his hand holding his chin as he thinks about his answer, he smiles back at you happily.
- I'd like for Daki to find someone good and live a peaceful life, as for me...I'd love to live a honest life maybe one where you could sell your flowers and where I can come back home and be greeted by you and our small family. We'd eat together and share our day, on our days off we could take the kids out and watch them play and make friends. Then we would have a picnic, probably making sure they wouldn't make a big mess, haha.
You laugh with him, rubbing his back, his gaze lands softly on you, the small smile on his face indicating his wishful thinking.
- We would head back home carrying them, once we arrive we would lay them in bed and then just spend time together...just like this...
He tucks the strand of hair behind your ear and kisses your forehead.
- A life where you, me, Daki and Kokoro could be at peace.
You kiss his cheek and sigh.
- I know that will come true.
He glances at you curiously, you pump your fists in the air and giggle.
- Lets work hard Darling!
He laughs and pumps his fist in the air with you. Both your fingers intertwine forming a pinky promise.
- It's a promise!
Night time had arrived and your husband lands back in Yoshiwara, you couldn't help but feel sad leaving your soon to be home, it felt as if you wouldn't return but you shake the feeling and remind yourself that you both had made a promise for your future peaceful life, one away from Yoshiwara, from it all. Gyutaro gently lets your feet touch the ground, you were back home, he fixes your hair from the wind and you laugh lovingly at his doting. You would have to leave soon to work, you grab your satchel and kiss his lips.
- I'll be home soon darling!
He holds you tightly, for some reason he felt uneasy letting you go, but he didn't want to worry you.
- Please be safe sweetheart.
- I'll come back to you Gyu, no matter what, please be safe.
He kisses you and you leave your home waving back at your husband.
You were finishing up a commission, it was a young Oiran who had just started, you gave her reassuring words and made sure to show her how amazing she looked, she bows thanking you for your service and kindness and you feel yourself proud with your job. You exit the house and begin to make way to your other commission, you spot a vendor selling takoyaki and your belly begins rumbling.
- Hungry sweet Kokoro?
You chuckle and ask for one order for yourself, the vendor nods and begins making the delicious treat, your mouth waters at the smell coming out and you couldn't wait to dig in. He hands you the delicious treat and you happily reach to grab it.
BOOM
Screams can be heard, people start running from the distance and you gaze at the place where the explosion happened. Smoke is coming out and you squint your eyes.
- What's going on?
Another loud boom explodes and you could swear you see what looks like water swirling around, more people run away from the same direction, they all seemed frightened. The crowd around you were murmuring confused, even you were perplexed. A man shouts but no one could pin what he was saying, until he shouts again and everyone realises the terrifying truth.
- DEMON! RUN!
Your heart stops and your worst fears comes to life, the crowd around you starts frantically running away, even the vendor was long gone a third crash happens and it's getting closer, this time fireworks takes place in the smoke.
- Gyutaro! Daki!
You run the opposite as everyone else, you clutch your satchel and you push against everyone.
This couldn't be happening, please gods no, don't let them be hurt!
You fall and scrape your knees, you hiss in pain but you feel an arm pulling you up, to your surprise it was Koinatsu.
- (N/a)- san are you okay?!
- Koinatsu-san...
She holds your hand and re directs you away from the explosions.
- We need to get away! The demons are upper moons but the hashira's are fighting them!
Your eyes widen at the news, you pull yourself from her and try to run to the commotion but her grip his firm and she looks back at you confused.
- (N/a)-san?
- My husband! I need to help my husband!
You desperately try to loosen your grip from her and Koinatsu's eyes wide in realisation, she had saw the male demon before Tanjiro had saved her and she remembers what you said months ago.
He is tall, looks mean but is kind...
She then remembers another detail that completes the puzzle.
He is a good older brother
The demons were siblings and Koinatsu stares back at you in horror, your wide teary eyes clock her realisation.
- Your husband...is him?
Tears flood down and you nod, Koinatsu let's go of your hand, how could someone as kind as you be with someone as evil as him, she couldn't understand. That would also mean that your child... She was ready to shout at you in anger but you were bowing to her on the ground and she is taken back.
- Koinatsu-san please forgive me...forgive my family...
It was Koinatsu's turn to cry and she can't help herself but hug you.
- Koi-chan...please forgive me my dear friend...
-(n/a)-chan...please don't go!
You hug her tightly and grab her face.
- My family needs me...I know what they did is inexcusable but their my family and I need to help them. All I ask is for your forgiveness!
Koinatsu nods and hugs you. The both of you stand up and you give her your satchel, the young woman looks at you confused, you smile sadly at your friend and nod for her to take it.
- My satchel has my treasures and if I don't come back please make sure they are safe!
She nods and lets her tears spill some more, the two of you hug and you walk backwards smiling at her for what looks like the last time.
- Koi-chan let's be friends in the next life too!
She nods and smiles back.
- Lets!
You turn around and run towards the smoke, Koinatsu grips your satchel tightly and runs the other direction.
- Please be safe (n /a)-chan
More crashes and explosions occur and you avoid the people running away, you were starting to hear pleas for help and shrieks of despair, but you did not dare take your focus off from ahead, your legs were burning from the running but the adrenaline was helping you going forward. You hold your stomach.
- Kokoro hold on, Mama needs to help Papa and Auntie!
A fury of fireworks and blood demon art clashes, Uzui and Gyutaro were fighting, frustration apparent on both their faces.
- Some flashy moves, you think you better cause you got looks!?
Uzui laughs and swings the sickle out of his way.
-Jealous cause you can't get some?
Gyutaro barks a laugh and dodges the shinobis bombs, landing on a pillar smirking.
- Can't complain, wife treats me good!
Uzui looks at him deadpan.
-You? Married?
Gyutaro cackles, smirking at the hashira with evil intent.
- And guess what?
Shinobi readies his blades.
- She beats all three of your hags!
CLASH
A crash lands near you and you duck from the debris, coughing violently you stare at the person, it was a young boy, Sumiko? He stands up and notices you, quickly he runs to your direction and grabs you saving you from another debris that fell on where you stood.
- Thank you...
He looks back at you, his kind eyes were filled with sorrow and you were confused.
- Tanjiro!
You look back and see Hinatsuru running your way and you look back to the young boy.
- I'm sorry...
You break free and jump down, you begin ducking and running into the broken labyrinth they had created, you could feel them after you, your lungs burned but you weren't going to let them catch you without a fight.
- Please! We just want to live in peace!
A crash breaks next to you but you duck last second and run inside the broken houses, you peek back and they were close. You cry in desperation and you grab a samurai sword that hung on the wall. Turning around they abruptly stop, you point the blade at them, you were shaking from nerves but your face was stern.
Tanjiro walks slowly to you but halts when you swing at him.
- Stop! Don't make me hurt you!
- (n/a)-san, please! You can't let your child live as one of them.
You shake your head, you were not having it.
- SHUT UP!
Tanjiro pleas at you one last time, he understood your pain but they had no choice, your eyes plea back at him and his heart breaks, he remembers Koinatsu talking about you, how kind you always were with everyone around you. She gloated in how happy she was that you were expecting, ever since the loss of your family, your life was blessed with a new one and it pained him more than anything to be the same person to strip it from you again.
- Please...I beg of you, let my child live, let us go and live in peace.
Tanjiro can't do it, you were begging just like he was for Nezuko, why would he get a chance and not you?
- He is just a baby...please...
But before he could agree, Hinatsuru had already punctured the antidote in your neck. You stare back in shock and scream in agony. It was wisteria, you begin vomiting falling on your knees, you couldn't move, it was beyond painful.
Tanjiro worriedly runs to you.
- (n/a)-san!
He stares back at Hinatsuru and the woman was holding back her tears, she didn't want this either but they had no choice, the baby was part of not just Gyutaro, but Muzan himself. If he knew he would use the poor child for his own evil deeds, he would be taken from you and live a lifetime of pain. Blood seeps down your leg, you pass a trembling hand on it, staring at your bloody palm in horror and with a pained wail you shout in desperation.
KOKORO
Gyutaro stops, snapping his head to where your shout came from and he realises what they had done to you, to his son. His eyes bulge in rage and he lets out a loud growl that shakes the floor. He runs in an inhuman speed to you, crashing against the wall, one of the slayers was touching your sobbing bent form.
- DONT FUCKING TOUCH HER!
He kicks Tanjiro through the wall and grabs you, sprinting away, if it was up to him he'd torture the kid but he knew he was being followed by the hashira, he runs scanning the area hoping to find a safe spot to hide you in.
- K-kokoro...
He looks down, your eyes were shut, cheeks stained with tears, the lost pained expression kills Gyutaro inside, he tries not to breakdown with you with the loss of their son, he lets tears fall but stays focused on the task at hand. He finds a small caved in house and softly lays you making sure you were properly covered, he kisses your head.
- I'm so sorry sweetheart...I promise I'll be back...I'm sorry..
You try grabbing his hand but he was gone, your arm stretches to him begging him to stay, suddenly the exhaustion of it all drapes on you and you fall asleep.
Memories invade your mind, you were smiling with your parents but images of them slaughtered haunt you, you try running away but Hanako's screams ring down the long hallway, burnt arms clutch onto you from the walls and you desperately try to break free, then you see Kokoro cry out to you. You were sinking in the ash as you shout out to him, darkness greets you and it's cold, you were all alone, everyone was gone. All gone because you were too weak to protect them, it was all your fault. Soon they would take Gyutaro and Daki too but you couldn't do anything, you hear shouts and sneers humiliating you.
Pathetic Daughter, Weak Friend, Horrible Mother, Stupid Wife
Then a deep cold voice silences it all.
- Despair, pain, it can all go away.
A clawed hand grips your face, claws digging in.
- Accept the hate and unleash it all.
Gyutaro clutches Hinatsuru's face, the woman stares at him in fear, his eyes glow menacingly, only the yellow sclera's could be seen in them.
You...
She grips on his hands, body shaking.
You killed my son...
His hand clutches tighter, face close to her own, he hears Uzui shouting out her name and he sneers at her.
I'm going to end you right in front of your husband
Water flows around them and his hand is cut off, it was the same slayer that seemed to not give up. There's no way that he can still move like that! He growls at both of them, fed up with this whole ordeal
- Either way, you're going down!
He clashes his sickle on the slayers sword but to his surprise the hashira's exclaim finally caught him off guard.
- Kamado Tanjiro! You have my gratitude!
He was behind him, the thread connecting the blade to his neck reappears. No! It can't be!
But before the cold metal could cut him the hashira's blade is struck away, landing next to its owner.
Take your filthy hands off him...
Gyutaro gasps, you were now in between him and the other three, your hair was black and it's tips were grey. The upper part of your kimono was ripped off, the bandage being the only fabric adorning your chest and in your hand there appeared to be thin long needles. Tanjiro is shocked, how could this be happening? Even Gyutaro was taken back by it all, he had never shared his blood with you nor have you ever showed any signs of being a demon, so why now?
Uzui eyes quickly scan you, analysing your body for any weak points. Your laugh interrupts his concentration and the wicked smirk on your face contrasts your previous sweet smile.
- Staring at a married woman with your wife beside you? Dear gods, what a pervert!
Tanjiro is distraught, yet another innocent person fell victim to Muzan's powers, he grips his katana tightly shaking his head.
- Oh...don't like what you see sweet one?
He looks back at you in sorrow, your eyes lacked any life in them, they were grey and lifeless, he could smell the loss and despair from your new form, it nearly makes him tear up, it was too much.
You smirk again, pointing your claw finger at Tanjiro.
- You sense it right?
He grimaces, body shaking from the pain of the previous fight and the overwhelming sadness dripping down from you.
- Good...
Your needles glisten in the moonlight and you position yourself ready to attack.
- I'll make sure it's quick!
Swiftly you start attacking Uzui and Tanjiro, your small form allows you to be as quick as both Daki and Gyutaro, needles fly and Uzui dodges them, one landing an inch from his foot.
- Hmm~ I'd be careful if I were you~~
- How the hell did you turn into one of them!?
You giggle, hands griping his blade that was directed to your neck, with a low voice you taunt him with your answer.
- My son had his fathers blood right?~ And who else does my husband share his blood with?
The life on Uzui face drains, no. You nod laughing, your own needle hitting his thigh.
- Oh but yes~ What a foolish mistake indeed!
You twirl your fingers and his leg begins moving on its own, so this was your power.
- Tanjiro! Watch out with her needles, if they touch you she can control that area!
- Ahhhh yes~~ The puppet has turned into the puppeteer, now...scream!
The muscle in Uzui thigh cramps up and he feels some of its tissue rip, he screams in agony but frantically tries to stay focus, he sees a thin line float and cuts it, the pain stops and you glare signalling him that he had found your weak point. Tanjiro was behind you, katana quickly reaching your neck but he his kicked away, Gyutaro was now behind you instead. Tanjiro jumps back next to Uzui prepared to fight back.
You turn to Gyutaro and he analyses your face, your eyes had lost all its colour, you caress his cheek and smile lovingly at him. You were still there, ever so slightly and he acknowledges that you were still the woman he loved. Even if you were now a demon. His feelings for you would never change but why did it pained him so to see you like this?
- I told you that I would come back to you, right?
He smiles, kissing the palm of your hand, he swings his sickles and smirks at the two hashiras.
- I'm going to enjoy eating you once we're done!
You laugh jumping on his arm, he swings you up in the air and you spin gracefully, needles start to form out of your finger tips.
- Die!
You begin fighting Tanjiro and he dodges each needle you threw his way, you bend and turn avoiding his katana from even slightly cutting you and Gyutaro was busy handling with Uzui. Tanjiro tries breathing in but gags, his body was stiff and giving in.
Demon Blood Art, Red String
A needle hit's Tanjiro and red string begins wrapping around his arm. Cackling like a mad woman you begin to twist your hands, he screams in pain, it felt like his arm was about to rip off.
- Pathetic!
Tanjiro remembers what Uzui had explained before and sources the line, he finally sees it and cuts it, his arm is beyond swollen from the pain, any second longer and he sweared it would have been severed off. You sneer at him, kicking his stomach and grabbing his hair, you inch his face closer to yours.
- You will pay for what you did!
Uzui throws his blade at you but Gyutaro dodges it, he grabs your arm and places your body on his back, Tanjiro stands next to Uzui and the two of them charge. You cackle, needles embedding into Gyutaro's sickles and blood begins to dance around the blades.
Demon Blood Art, Blood Bond
Rings of blood swing at the slayers way, Uzui stops one ring but red strings begin circling around his arm, Tanjiro cuts off the string but the ring ties their two arms together, you jump off Gyutaro's back, the threads connected to your fingertips pull them towards him and he readies his sickles for the blow, but the shinobis bombs cloud your vision and Gyutaro's sickle pierces a log instead.
-What?!
You are kicked away, crashing onto the other side, you manage to land on the roof and Tanjiro was running towards you. A growl of frustration leaves your throat, his attacks were swift but you were holding your ground. Swirls emit from your clashes but his sword manages to pierce your chest and you look back in shock, an image of a woman comes to mind, her blue eyes pull on your heart, an open chest wound covers her body in blood. You were gripping on his sword, eyes wide in fear.
Mother...
Tanjiro grabs your hand and looks at you.
- (n/a)-san...please...you're not like this...you're not a demon...
You are taken back and a loud noise rings in your ears, you scream freeing yourself from his blade.
Please stop!
You shake your head and notice he was already trying to slice your head off, but you manage to jump backwards. You scrunch your eyebrows glaring at him, you attack him again and the two of you end up on the ground.
- (N/a)-san please stop!
- Shut up!
You slash his cheek with your claws and he cuts your leg off, you smirk at him and it grows back.
- That all kid?
You kick him and he hits a wall far away, you were walking to him slowly, hand ready to pierce through his heart, but the ringing returns and you scream in pain.
Wake up!
You shake your head, why was this happening?! You scan and notice he was still trying to get up but the ringing gets louder and you fall down.
Stay on your path
You growl loudly and run towards Tanjiro, you were going to end this fight and get the revenge you wanted, you were going to torture him and show what true pain felt like, you would feast, you would-
He looks at you and guards another girl? You halt your hand an inch away from the two and look at him confused, you grab him by the collar and notice it was indeed a small girl.
- Please don't hurt my sister!
Please?
Flashbacks from you holding Hanako run through your mind, you have a hard time recognising her however, wait who were you? You gaze at your hand, the dried blood pulls on your memory.
- That's what I said...
Tanjiro looks at you, you had tears falling down your cheek but you seemed unaware of it.
- I begged for you to spare his life...but...
Flashbacks of your parents hits you this time, but you can't remember their faces, you grip your hair, pulling on it in frustration. Laughs echo and taunt you.
- Gone! They are all gone!
You fall on your knees and your head begins to throb from the ringing, you sob hitting your fists on the ground.
- Why!? Why them!?
You notice a small puddle next to you and you finally have a glimpse on what you had become, grey foreign eyes look back and you pass a hand over your face, your hair was no longer the colour you were used too, it's as if the very essence of what you knew was drained.
You didn't like it, no, you didn't want this.
You begin clawing your arms, scratching your skin off, hoping you could turn back to normal, Tanjiro notices the desperation in your eyes.
- I didn't mean this! I didn't mean to lose them! I'm sorry! PLEASE BRING THEM BACK!
His palm rests on your hand and you snap your attention towards him, his embrace leaves you stunned.
- It's not your fault.
You raise your hands, pulling him away, you didn't want his pity, you just wanted to wake up from this nightmare, you wanted to go back to when everyone was alive, to when you were at peace.
Peace? Was this the price for peace?
You try to wrap your brain onto what made you want to give up your humanity but you can't find the answers. Small fists gently hit Tanjiro's back and you finally give in, hugging back.
- It's okay (n/a)-san...
You sob on his shoulder, not caring if he could kill you, you had enough.
- It must've been painful for you to lose your family that way, to lose your son...I'm so sorry...
You wail even louder, all the pain, the loss, the despair, it was coming out and you let Tanjiro see pass your walls. You cry, for your mother, your father, Hanako, the maids, for your son and for yourself. Emptying the pain through your tears and you could feel yourself getting lighter. As your cries die down, you gently pull back from him and look at the young boy.
- It seems we all carry heavy burdens...
You glance at his small sister sleeping soundly and you look back to him.
- Some more than other's.
Tanjiro is touched and bows to you, you stand up helping him but a voice stops you.
-What? You're still alive?
It was Gyutaro, he quickly checks on you, with his hand caressing your face to his relief you had no wounds, sighing he kisses your lips, he breaks the soft gesture and laughs back to the boy with a mocking smirk, you worriedly look back at Tanjiro. What would he do to the poor boy?
- Everyone is pretty done now, you know?
He slouches down towards Tanjiro and taunts him some more.
- That hashira was pretty weak, eh?
You tried stopping Gyutaro but Daki embraces you.
-Nee-chan! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Did this disgusting pig give you a hard time?
You shake your head and Gyutaro nods.
- Ahh~ That's right, you were there when you hurt her...
He glances at the box behind Tanjiro and laughs.
- I assume she's your family. I can tell.
Tanjiro begins gasping for air and he looks back at Gyutaro.
- Nezuko...she's my little sister.
Gyutaro continues taunting him, chuckling at his pathetic weak state, he pets his head, holding his hand and then suddenly breaks his fingers, you wince, breaking free from Daki's arms.
Stay on your path
- Gyu! Stop!
He snaps his head back to you, an incredulous look harbours his face, you grab his hand and kneel besides him.
- You don't have to hurt him...he's just a kid...
Gyutaro is shocked.
- Huh? Did you forget? This is the same kid that killed our son!
He begins smacking Tanjiro's head.
- Hey! Why won't you move your pathetic body? Come on, chop my head off! DO IT NOW!
You stand in between the two and Gyutaro gets up, he was annoyed, why in hell were you defending this scum?!
- Gyu...please stop, we don't need to hurt anyone else!
You clutch your stomach, head hung letting your tears pour down, Daki is taken back but Gyutaro was unreadable.
-... Isn't this enough?
Everything around you was destroyed, innocent peoples homes were now rubble, some falling victim of their own battle. How many more lives would they destroy? You gently grab his hand, resting it on your face and his eyes soften.
- Please let's just leave, we can go to our new home and live peacefully...
He caresses your face, could they actually leave? Could they finally start a new life? Forget all the pain that this god forsaken town has showed them?
He looks at you and remembers how you were when the sun was out, singing soft lullabies to your belly, expressing how excited you were to be a mother. His heart breaks, the beautiful colour of your eyes were no longer there, you were voided of any life in your demon form. You could never be under the sun, you could never bear any children, you were now one of his minions. No longer free, a bird clipped from its wings. All because of them!
He couldn't forget, he would never forgive!
Tanjiro runs away, you look at the young boy and pray he would escape but your husband's laugh crushes your hopes. He chases him and you beg for him to stop.
- Nee-chan?
You stare at Daki, the poor girl seemed conflicted, you hold her face and kiss her forehead.
- It's okay! I'll talk to Gyu and we can leave. Please stay safe, I'll be back, I promise!
You run to the two, to your relief, you manage to find them easily but something was off, you gasp, Tanjiro was ready to cut Gyutaro's head off and your husband was struggling to move.
-GYUTARO!
Everything is in slow motion, you desperately run as fast as you can towards him and his vows from your wedding begin to echo.
"(N/a), since as long as I can remember, my own existence even as a kid plagued my mind. People were cruel and easy to dismiss a child who just wanted to be loved."
Gyutaro struggles in reaching the kunai that paralysed him.
"I cursed the world, ripping any sort of life that came my way. Like flowers pulled from their roots, nothing beautiful could ever surround my world."
The nerve of this slayer, he cursed him, like hell he would lose to the likes of him!
Gyutaro spots you running to him, your were crying out his name.
"But destiny decided to let you in and with just your touch, my world was full of life. You embraced me as I am, showing me the love I always craved for, becoming the most beautiful gift I ever received with open arms."
Last thing he notices, is you shielding him.
"And as your husband, I'll love you till the next life, then the next and next. All over again."
Slash
Your head rolls off and your limp body falls, Gyutaro looks back at your severed head wide eyed.
- Darling...I'm sorry...
Your form starts to disintegrate, his shocked eyes are glued on you.
- Your wife has always been a stubborn one, heh...
Tears finally fall down his eyes, your body is nearly gone, he disregards the kunai and tries to desperately reach you.
No, please don't take her from me! Not her!
- Gyu...thank you for coming into my life, for showing me just how beautiful it could be with you and Daki as my family...
Gyutaro sobs still struggling to reach you, tears fall down your face but you still smiled lovingly at him, the same smile that blessed his dammed existence.
Please, spare her! Take me instead!
- I wish we could have planted all the flowers in our garden...
- (N/a)...
He finally touches your cheek and you close your eyes, nothing hurt and you weren't afraid anymore.
- I wish you could have seen our son...
Gyutaro shakes his head, tears falling onto the ground.
- Bet he was a rascal, eh?
He chuckles sadly and you grin sweetly.
- He had your beautiful blue eyes...
Gyutaro tucks the loose strand of hair behind your ear and tries not to sob, his forced smile was trembling.
- As long as he had your smile sweetheart, heh...then I'd be the happiest...
You open your eyes again, you couldn't speak anymore as your mouth was now gone but you let your eyes fall on your husband one last time.
Gyutaro, I love you
Gone. You were gone, just like that. Where you laid was now empty, the same emptiness creeps onto Gyutaro and he is taken back when he first saw Daki burnt to the crisp, he screams in desperation and it echoes through the whole of Yoshiwara.
It was dark, you open your eyes and you were back being human, you gasp staring at your hands, they weren't stained anymore.
- Mama!
You turn to the voice and cry out.
-Kokoro!
You both run to each other and embrace, you clutch to him for dear life and you finally feel complete, you had your son back in your arms, the little boy kisses your face and you laugh in pure happiness.
- My sweet Kokoro.
He then guides you to the light, there you saw your parents, Hanako, her mother and the maids waving at you. You begin to cry waving back, your son pulls on your hand but something stops you. You feel Gyutaro's presence, the red string glows showing you the way.
-Mama?
You kneel down to him and kiss his head.
- We have to see Papa first.
Kokoro nods grinning at you.
This was it, he stares at Daki, she was wailing out to him. He was speechless, they lost, of course they did, they never won anything in this pathetic life, but...that wasn't true was it? He found you didn't he? Daki vanishes and the realisation hits Gyutaro, he was going to disappear without leaving his families mark. He swallows his pride and addresses Tanjiro.
- Up a hill away far away from here, in the depts of the forest, there is a small house...please, put our shrine there.
Tanjiro nods and Gyutaro closes his eyes, letting darkness swallow him. He feels something warm and he opens his eyes, it was you holding a boy similar to him. He clocks and hugs you both back, he cries and lets his pain all out. His son pets his head and Gyutaro looks at the young boy.
Pain, pain go away...
You caress Gyutaro's cheek finishing Kokoro's sentence.
Let Papa smile today
Gyutaro kisses his sons head and then your lips. He embraces his family but he knows it's temporary, you couldn't go to hell with him, Kokoro needed you.
- I'm sorry I couldn't give you a normal life...I'm sorry I couldn't make you happy...
You caress his face, letting your tears flow, he rubs his forehead against yours, wishing this moment could last.
- You made me the happiest and luckiest person...I'm proud to say that I was your wife.
Gyutaro finally smiles at you and lovingly rubs his cheek on his son.
- Protect mama for me little one.
Kokoro nods and holds you both.The two of you begin to fade, you grab his hand and Kokoro does the same.
- Let's be a family in our next life.
Gyutaro grins, nodding his head.
It's a promise!
Tanjiro places a flower on the shrine he made for your family inside the house in the mountains, next to him was everyone else. Koinatsu places your setsuka hairpin and both photos of your parents and of you, Daki and Gyutaro. She kneels down and prays, a small smiles adorns her face and soft tears fall down her face.
- Be at peace with your family (n/a)-chan.
Present Time
A small snowflake lands on your desk, winter was here, class had finished and everyone was getting ready to head out. You walk out to the hallway saying your goodbyes to your classmates, suddenly a voice calls behind you and you smile at Koinatsu.
- You heading out (n/a)-chan?
- Hm! I have some plans for this afternoon.
- Awwww man!
Hanako approaches Koinatsu, wrapping her arms around the girl, she was pouting at you.
- Guess (n/a)-chan would rather spend time with her boyfriend then with us~
You wave your hands frantically at your two friends.
- That's not true!
Hanako chuckles and sticks her tongue out to you cheekily.
- Just kidding~
- Haaaanaaaaakooooo.
You pout this time and Koinatsu chuckles.
- You're one to talk Hanako, hasn't Ume been dragging you out during lunch to have some alone time?
Hanako blushes, mouth agape, you laugh pointing at your childhood friend, Koinatsu was also giggling.
- Koi-chan! No fair!
You wave goodbye to your friends, you pass by the nurses office and wave at your mum, she was bandaging a student and you wince when he yells in pain when she ties too hard while distractingly waving back to you.
You go down the stairs and bump into Ume, she winks at you locking her arm with yours.
- He is waiting outside for you, ya know?
You laugh and grin at the girl.
- Lemme guess...no scarf again?
She nods but smirks at you.
- Oh, but I'm sure you have one for him in your bag~
You blush and avert your gaze.
- Mayyybeee...Oh! Hanako mentioned how you two wanted to read this manga.
You hand her the book and Ume squeals in delight.
- Oh my god! The latest Demon Slayer chapter! YASSS!
You wink at her and before you were out of earshot you turn around and stick your tongue out cheekily.
- Just don't get too distracted with my cute bestie.
Ume whines, blushing madly and you run away giggling. You reach the gates and scan for your boyfriend, you finally see him, he was leaning against his motorcycle, scaring the students away with his cold stare. But all that iciness melts when he spots you, instead, a soft smile takes place and you wave at him.
- Gyu!
You walk up to him, letting him kiss your head, you tug on his collar and scoff.
- I told you to wear your scarf, it's cold and I don't want you to get sick!
You wrap the scarf that was in your bag around his neck and he chuckles.
- Maybe I left it at home on purpose so I can see just how much you think of me.
He winks at you and you playfully slap his arm, you pretend to be annoyed and feel him holding you, calling out your name. You snicker and Gyutaro laughs.
- Cheeky girl~
The two of you kiss and you sit behind him on his motorcycle. Holding onto him, you notice a small family walking by, Gyutaro looks at the same direction and smiles softly at you.
- One day, that'll be us.
You smile lovingly at him putting on your own helmet, he starts the engine and he has to double take on what you said.
- What sweetheart?
Kokoro
-Huh?
- I want to name our child Kokoro.
- ...Heart?
You nod and he laughs, lightly bumping his helmet with yours.
- Sounds good...better start practicing then!
-Gyu!
Your laughs echoes to the sky, the snowflakes dance in the wind, passing through the tall buildings, then the trees, an old runned down house comes into view, it was covered in all sorts of flowers and inside a small shrine could be spotted. An old setsuka pin glistens, next to it, two very old photographs. The snowflake lands softly on one of the photos, it was of a small family, a beautiful young woman was grinning holding a man's arm, in front of them another young woman that was smiling whilst sitting down, behind her the same handsome man had a loving expression as he gazed at the both of them.
Thank You
