Akio's body was jostled. He was no longer lying in a puddle of his own blood and lunar rain. He was pressed against something firm and warm, hands securing him under his thighs. Something soft covered his head and though he wanted a better look at his situation, his eyelids were too heavy to open. His limbs wouldn't respond to his brain and he was left victim to who or what was moving him.

"Akio. You're an idiot." It was Giyu's voice that pulled his consciousness. He must be the one carrying him. Good, his blood demon art cooperated enough before he fainted. "I know you healed me. I don't know how, but I know it was you. I'm grateful, but you're a fool. You should have focused on regaining your strength. Your foot hasn't even regenerated yet." He huffed and Akio sighed. He knew his foot was still missing, but it would regenerate. He needed more moonlight first. "It's daylight, but the skies are gray. It's snowing and the sun is nowhere in sight, so you should be safe for now." As the last word left Giyu's lips, Akio smiled softly.

"Thank-you." Though his throat burned and his voice was scratchy, he did his best to articulate a response before his consciousness faded once again.

"Mushi!" Giyu's aggravated voice caught his attention. "Come on, you stupid cat." He muttered and Akio wasn't quite sure what happened after that as the darkness enveloped his consciousness once more.

Giyu's hands clenched Akio's thighs, his entire body tensing as he screamed. He fought his nightmares, trying to free his consciousness from them. His sister still haunted him, even after all these years. Her bloodied, jagged teeth and the vials of blood around her neck. His memory was plagued by these images. He dug his head into Giyu's back, his awareness slowly returning to him. His fingers grasped the collar of Giyu's shirt and he slowly relaxed them. It was only a nightmare. She can't hurt him anymore. He already learned from passing demons that she was slayed by a Hashira. He didn't need to be worrying about her anymore.

"I'm sorry." He whispered, his eyes slowly opening. They focused on the dark fabric of Giyu's shirt.

"Try not to move. My haori is the only thing protecting you from the sunlight. You're almost home." His voice was gentle and Akio tucked himself as close to him as possible.

"Let my brother go, you stupid slayer!" A girl's voice caused Giyu to pause and Akio sighed. It was Rieko. It had to be. Giyu side-stepped, Akio's body following the motion. He could only imagine what Rieko decided to attack Giyu with, but if he had to guess, it would be the bone dagger he had made for her. That was always Rieko's favorite. Giyu continued moving, holding Akio steady on his back.

"Rieko! Leave Giyu alone. He's helping me!" He tried to yell, but his voice just squeaked.

"Akio? Are you hurt? I heard screaming." Rieko shouted and Akio sighed.

"Yes. Can you let Giyu through so we can get inside? It's getting too toasty out here." He mumbled. Another blanket was tossed over him, the fabric stretching up to cover part of Giyu's head.

"I brought your favorite blanket, the one with the stars that your mom made. I figured it was big enough to help cover you. The sun came out a few hours ago. Mushi said you were traveling and I panicked." Rieko spoke softly, her hand pressing down on the top of Akio's head.

"Thank-you Rieko. Can you show Giyu the rest of the way?"

"I guess so. Come on." Rieko muttered. They walked in silence, snow crunching under their shoes. Just as Akio was about to drift back to sleep, the blanket and haori slipped off of him. His whole body tensed, his fingers digging into Giyu's shoulders.

"We are inside. It's okay." Giyu spoke softly, bending his knees to lower Akio. His eyes opened and he met Rieko's worried gaze. All of the makeshift curtains he and Rieko had made were pulled shut. The moment his bottom touched something plush, Giyu released him. His body relaxed into a pile of blankets and he leaned back against the wall. Giyu sat across from him and Rieko jumped to throw her arms around Akio. Giyu's hand snatched the back of Rieko's haori, holding her at a distance. "Control yourself. Akio is badly injured."

"You don't have a say here. Let me go." Rieko puffed her cheeks out, fighting against his hold. Akio sighed, extending his hand. He wiggled his fingers and Rieko lamented to Giyu's grasp. She extended her arm and her fingers entwined with Akio's.

"I'll be okay. We just faced a demon unlike any other I've faced before. I overdid it because I healed Giyu's wounds after the fight." He smiled sheepishly and Rieko's smile slipped off of her lips.

"YOU USED YOUR BLOOD DEMON ART?!" Rieko shouted, her body slipping out of her haori and launching forward as she slammed into Akio. She grabbed his shoulders and shook him. Akio just let her, his body relaxing to just follow the movements. Rieko was yanked off of him, her feet dangling as Giyu held her off of the floor. "You hardly know him! He's fine! Let me go!" Rieko grumbled, kicking her legs.

"Akio has sustained severe injuries. Think about him rather than your own emotions." Giyu muttered, dropping Rieko to the floor.

"You're one of those hot shot Hashiras, aren't you?" Rieko dropped to the ground, crossing her arms over her chest. Her face was scrunched and she wouldn't meet Giyu's gaze. Giyu turned away from her, eyes scanning the house. He wandered off, vanishing up the stairs. "That was rude." Rieko shouted after him and Akio laughed.

"He's the water Hashira. He's the one who spared Nezuko and sent Tanjiro to someone he trusted to train him. He's a good person, even if he is a little rough around the edges." He shrugged and Rieko sighed.

"Whatever. When is he leaving?" Rieko muttered and Akio narrowed his gaze at her.

"He is welcome to stay here as long as he wants. Why are you friendly with Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke, but not Giyu? They're all demon slayers."

"He's a Hashira. You always said they wouldn't hesitate to kill you. I don't trust him."

"Well he did hesitate, okay? So ease up." Akio mumbled. He lowered his body so he was laying in the mountain of blankets. His tense limbs relaxed as the recognition of safety processed in his brain. He could let his guard down now. He was in his home, safe and protected by Yushiro's spells and the makeshift curtains.

"I still don't trust him."

"I'm not asking you to trust him. I'm asking you to be a bit nicer. He saved my life."

"Only after you saved his life first." She retorted and Akio huffed.

"He spared my life first and we fought together. Hashira or not, he is still a human. I healed him of my own free will. I knew I would regenerate and heal my own wounds. He was under no obligation to hide me from the sun and carry me all the way home."

"Maybe he just wants to use you."

"Use me? He can handle himself. He doesn't even trust or like me, so your point isn't valid."

"He has to like you a little bit if he brought you home and protected you!"

"Or maybe he felt obligated! I don't know. Either way, it was a kind gesture and I am grateful for his help. He deserves kindness in return, from both of us." Akio snapped, eyes narrowing at Rieko. Rieko rolled her eyes, dropping down onto her back. She extended her arms and legs out, huffing in frustration. Akio turned his gaze to the door, noticing a black boot under the front window. Giyu had grabbed his boot for him? But that would mean…no. His eyes widened. He had pulled his bloodied foot out of the boot?! The thought nauseated him.

"I'm going to find him. He shouldn't be snooping around our home." Reiko decided, shoving herself up to her feet. "Rest up. I'll find your favorite candle from your room while I'm up there." Akio didn't particularly care if he was snooping around in his room, but he didn't feel like arguing anymore. He pulled all of the blankets around him and enjoyed the warmth. He closed his eyes and slipped into a deep sleep.

When he woke, he noticed two things. First, his foot had regenerated. He wiggled his toes and stretched out his ankle, smiling. Second, someone was sitting across from him. His eyes slowly opened, settling on a hunched figure. Giyu was leaning against the wall, seated on the ground. His sword was sitting vertically in his lap and his sleeping form had leaned around it. Akio studied his gentle face, eyes scanning over his dark hair and strong yet lean body.

"Stop ogling him!" Rieko whispered, her harsh tone louder than necessary. Akio's eyes were pulled in her direction. Rieko was sitting on the carpet in the living room, her journal laid out in front of her. The mahogany candle was lit beside her, the small flame flickering brightly in the dark room.

I wasn't ogling him. Akio opened the mental connection with Rieko, not wanting to wake Giyu with whatever nonsense Rieko was spewing.

Yes. You. Were. He's your perfect man. Brooding, handsome, strong, intelligent, fearless. I could go on and on. You need to remember that he is a Hashira. He's never going to trust you. You can never be friends. Tanjiro told us how all of the Hashira almost murdered Nezuko right in front of him. She's the sister of a demon slayer and had been traveling with a group of slayers and they still didn't trust her. While Rieko made valid points, Akio still disagreed with her. He narrowed his eyes into a glare.

I was NOT. I saved his life and he saved mine. That's the only reason why he is here. Giyu is different. He defended Nezuko. If she ever eats a human, he has to end his life. That's not to be taken lightly. I don't have to worry about the other Hashira. Giyu won't say anything to them and I will continue on with my hunts. You know I'm careful.

Careful, right. You let this Hashira find you. You could've died! Akio's eyes widened.

This isn't about Giyu…is it?

NO YOU IDIOT. Tears were running down Rieko's cheeks and she shoved herself to her feet.

"I almost lost you! If he had deemed you a threat, you'd be gone and I wouldn't even know what happened!" She shouted, gesturing to Giyu. One of his eyes opened, settling on Rieko. To his credit, he didn't speak or move. "You told me you would always avoid slayers and yet he still found you! A slayer that could actually kill you! And then something else happens that almost kills both of you! What if he wasn't there? What if you were alone? You would have burned out there into ash. A Hashira spared you because you saved his life. What happens next time? What if the bug lady who almost killed Nezuko finds you next? Or the really angry one who tried to force Nezuko to attack him? You shouldn't go on these hunts anymore. You need to just stay here." Rieko was shouting through her tears, her body trembling as her shoulders curled inward. She dropped to her knees. Akio pushed himself up and stepped forward.

"Sister. Look at me, please?" His hand cupped Rieko's cheek, tilting her face up to look at him. "We've talked about this. It's always a risk, Hashira or not. Even so, I can't stop hunting. With Rengoku passed on and these new demons making an appearance, the humans need me now more than ever. I can't promise anything except that I will fight to my last breath. I will do everything in my power to come back to you." It was a promise to his sister and himself. Rieko launched forward, throwing her arms around Akio's center. Akio folded his arms over the small girl, squeezing her tightly. Moments passed and Rieko sniffled, pulling away from Akio.

"Giyu." She stated, turning to face him. Both his eyes were open and focused on the pair. He waited for her to continue. "Do you swear that you won't tell the other Hashira about my brother?"

"I have no reason to tell them anything." He spoke simply and Rieko narrowed her eyes.

"Swear."

"I swear." He stated, his gaze slipping to lock on Akio's stare. Akio blinked, startled by the eye contact. "I should be going." He dropped his head down, bowing towards Akio and Rieko. "Thank-you for the hospitality and for healing me."

"Wait, Giyu." Akio had pulled him and Rieko up on their feet. Giyu had stood, but he paused. "At least eat something before you leave. I was going to make ramen. You both can have some oolong tea while it's cooking and then you can be on your way."

"I'll be fine." He turned and Akio bit his lip.

"You haven't eaten in at least two days and I know Rieko is starving. It won't take long." He insisted and though Rieko was giving him the side-eye, he pressed on. "I make the best ramen. You'd be missing out." He added as the front door flew open. All three tensed, eyes darting to the doorway.

"Did someone say ramen? Count me in!" Inosuke let himself in, followed by Zenitsu and Tanjiro.

"I'm very sorry for barging in . Mushi told us it was urgent, so we hurried here from our last job in the West." Tanjiro bowed his head before his gaze settled on Giyu. "Mr. Tomioka. It's so good to see you. How do you know Mr. Akio and Rieko?" Tanjiro bowed his head towards Giyu while Zenitsu and Inosuke made themselves at home in all of the blankets. Tomioka…? Akio's eyes widened and he covered his mouth with his hand. Why was he calling him Giyu? It had just come out so naturally and he went with it. Giyu hadn't commented on it, but still. He wasn't just a demon…he was a rude demon.

"Heya Reiko." Inosuke removed his boar head, his long hair falling to his shoulders. He smiled at her and Akio's eyes widened, all previous thoughts leaving his mind. The kid really was beautiful…Rieko wasn't lying. His eyes sparkled, his hair falling perfectly over his soft features. How in the hell…? His attention was pulled elsewhere as Nezuko rushed over to his side. She nuzzled up against him and Akio patted her head. The small demon had climbed out of her hiding place on Tanjiro's back before he even set the box on the ground.

"Hey Nezuko. It's good to see you. And Tanjiro, we talked about this. Please drop the formalities. You make me feel like I'm ancient." Akio chuckled as Nezuko pushed herself even closer.

"I'm sorry." Tanjiro bowed again and Akio sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose with his fingers.

"So, why'd we rush over here? The cat told us you were in danger." Zenitsu mumbled from the pile of blankets. His body relaxed, his once tense muscles easing.

"I was, but Tomioka and I handled it. Thank-you all for coming though. It means a lot to me." It was Akio's turn to bow towards his friends. Despite being a demon, this group cared for him. It's why he still had hope that he could lead a normal life after this was over. That's all he ever wanted.

"So, about that ramen…" Inosuke looked away from Rieko and stared at Akio. He rolled his eyes and nodded.

"I'm going, I'm going. Come on Nezuko. Wanna help?" He gestured for Nezuko to follow and the girl nodded, hurrying after him.

"I'll help too!" Tanjiro followed them into the kitchen and Akio gave them a list of ingredients he needed. The siblings got to work, finding everything in the pantry. Akio formed knives on his fingers, chopping up various vegetables while the noodles cooked. Nezuko was focused on Akio's fingers and she grabbed a pepper from the pile of vegetables. She used her sharp fingernail to slice through the pepper. She bounced as she lifted the piece to show Akio.

"Looks perfect Nezuko. Why don't you finish up the vegetables with Tanjiro?" Akio let his fingers form on his hands and Nezuko nodded, a determined look taking shape on her face. She got to work, checking each piece with Tanjiro. Akio placed a kettle on the stove before he stepped out of the kitchen and leaned against the wall. His energy was fading quickly. He had to make sure not to overdo it. It would be night soon and he could lay out in the moonlight. He just had to make it until then. He hadn't used his blood demon art in years and it heavily burdened his body.

"I am going to stay until you're recovered." Giyu's voice startled him and he pulled himself off of the wall, standing up straight.

"What? I'm fine. Nezuko and Tanjiro wanted to be in charge of the vegetables. I just stepped out to grab the tea I promised." He forced a smile before he bent down to grab a small jar off of the shelf. "Vanilla oolong. Made it myself." He held up the jar and Giyu sighed. "I can take care of myself." Akio huffed.

"I'd like to talk to you about the demon we encountered."

"You can do that now." He muttered, lowering the jar so it resided by his thigh. They simply stared at each other, neither of them making a sound or movement. He took the time to study the Hashira. His face. It seemed so familiar. Something about him put Akio's soul at ease. He had to have met him before…before he was a demon. A lot of his recent human memories were hazy and it had always bothered him, since he could remember his childhood clearly. Perhaps they met when he was still human?

"Food is ready! I think." Tanjiro called out from the kitchen and Giyu moved to block his path to the kitchen.

"After everyone eats. We need to discuss it. Nobody else needs to be involved...not yet anyway." His gaze was locked on Akio's wide eyes. He was going to lay out in the moonlight. He didn't really care if he sat out there with him. He nodded before side-stepping the Hashira and slipping into the kitchen. Tanjiro and Nezuko were bouncing excitedly, handing bowls of steaming ramen to Inosuke and Zenitsu. Rieko held a bowl in her hands already and she glanced over at Akio. Akio held the jar up and smiled as Rieko's eyes brightened. He maneuvered around everyone as the kettle whistled on the stove. He took out every mug they owned and filled them with freshly brewed tea. As everyone sat scattered across the floor, he handed out the mugs. Thank-you's were muffled between mouthfuls of ramen and Akio laughed. He placed a mug in front of Nezuko and nodded.

"You can drink it. It won't hurt you." He promised and Nezuko beamed, slipping the bamboo muzzle off of her mouth. She smiled widely, eyes shut. "Just don't try to drink other teas without talking to me first, okay? Some don't settle well." He placed his hand on Nezuko's head, ruffling her hair. She nodded, hair falling over her face.

"Thank-you." Her voice was soft and silence fell over the group. Everyone turned to stare at Nezuko as she sipped her tea. Akio smiled.

"You're welcome." He bowed his head before sitting in the only spot open, next to Giyu. He placed a mug of tea next to Giyu's ramen bowl before pulling his knees up to his chest. He leaned back against the kitchen wall and held his mug of tea close. Inosuke returned to shoveling food in his face, Rieko amused by the display. Zenitsu was busy hovering over Nezuko, a dopey look on his face. Tanjiro was seated on the other side of Nezuko, smiling at his sister while she enjoyed her tea. Akio's gaze landed on Giyu, who was busy playing with his food with chopsticks.

"M-" Tanjiro paused, a gentle frown on his lips. "Akio? Could we take some of your tea with us?"

"Of course. You can take the jar. I'll make more soon. Just be careful with Nezuko around strangers. We still need to work on controlling her urges." Akio nodded, sipping at his tea. The warmth swirled between his cheeks, the light vanilla flavor coating his tongue. "Nezuko?" He spoke softly, gaze falling on the drool pooling at the corners of Nezuko's mouth. Nezuko poked her head up, meeting Akio's gaze. "We are all family here. Focus on the tea." Nezuko nodded, her eyes flicking down to stare at the tea.

"I see. We will be careful. I trust Nezuko." Tanjiro nodded.

"Nezuko, you're so strong." Zenitsu cooed, staring at the poor girl.

"Give her some space, man." Rieko snapped at Zenitsu and he flinched back.

"Nezuko doesn't mind. Right, Nezuko?" He turned to look at Rieko before focusing back on Nezuko. The girl shrunk down a bit, hiding her face in her hair. "No! Nezuko, why?" He cried out and Tanjiro bopped him on the head with his fist.

"Lay off, Zenitsu." He muttered, his gaze narrowed.

"But…why?" Zenitsu placed his hands on the top of his head and shrank back.

"Because you're freaking Nezuko out! Let her drink her tea in peace. Stop being a heathen." Rieko glowered at him and he turned his head away from everyone in annoyance. Akio noticed the light behind the curtains had vanished and his body relaxed.

"I'm going to step outside. Feel free to leave the dishes in the sink and find a place to rest for the evening." Akio stood, bowing to everyone. He hurried outside, mug grasped tightly in his hands. He threw himself up onto the roof, his body stretching out on the tiles. His steaming mug was near his head and he would return to it in a moment. He breathed deeply, sliding out of his haori. The moonlight soaked into his exposed skin, settling across his bare chest, and a sigh of relief escaped his lips. He could sleep out here if he was careful. Perhaps Rieko could wake him before sunrise. Of course, there was another pressing issue. That tree demon. It used Giyu's water breathing to strengthen itself. He had never seen anything like it. What kind of demon was it and who was its master? Master Oden wasn't familiar to him at all. He only knew of Muzan, but perhaps there was another demon out there who could create demons. That thought terrified him. They would essentially be an entirely different species, one that the slayers may not be prepared to face quite yet.

"You really do recover in the moonlight…" Though he could sense Giyu nearby, he didn't expect him to be on the roof with him. His body flinched from the sound of his voice and he glanced over to see the slayer seated near his stretched out body. "Most of your wounds have already healed."

"I haven't lied to you." He spoke softly, letting his eyes shut as he stretched.

"You're a demon." Giyu spoke simply, as if demon was synonymous with liar. Before he could retort, the slayer continued. "Every demon has lied to me and every demon has craved the taste of human flesh and blood, even Nezuko. It's difficult to believe that you don't, that instead, you crave moonlight." A sigh escaped Akio's lips and he sat up so he could look into Giyu's eyes.

"I wish I could make sense of this, but I can't. I am the way I am and I'm grateful for it. I stopped digging for answers years ago, because it doesn't matter anymore. It's not worth chasing when there are demons to hunt and a leader to dethrone." He huffed, crossing his arms over his exposed chest.

"What if there are other demons like you?"

"There are. Nezuko, Yushiro, Lady Tamayo. None of them have eaten a single human, as far as I know. While I recover with moonlight, Nezuko recovers by sleeping. Yushiro and Lady Tamayo have medicine that she developed to assist with healing. We only share one commonality. None of us wish to harm a human. That's why the demon slayer way of attacking and asking questions later doesn't really work. You're not adding those like us into the equation." He did his best to explain it to Giyu, at least explain how he saw it.

"I wonder if the Master knows about Lady Tamayo and Yushiro…" Giyu huffed, his stare distant.

"He does. At least according to Tanjiro, he does. After Nezuko was pardoned, your Master told Tanjiro to give his regards to Lady Tamayo. I suppose they have crossed paths before." He shrugged, thinking back to what Tanjiro had told him. It wouldn't surprise him if they knew each other. The slayers' Master seems to know a lot more than they think.

"Is that why he was so quick to accept Nezuko?"

"I can't answer that question for you. It could be a combination of knowing Lady Tamayo and Yushiro and that letter from you and the retired Hashira who trained Tanjiro. I know the Hashira aren't really fond of you, but you still hold the same power and authority as the others." He shrugged, glancing up to look at Giyu's face. Giyu's lips pressed into a thin line, his gaze narrowing. Akio stifled his laugh, hoping to not offend him. "Sorry, it's just what Tanjiro told me. I shouldn't have said anything."

"How much do you know?" Akio's eyes widened, his head tilting in response.

"I'd like to think I know a lot. I grew up wealthy, so I was well-educated. I studied nursing and medicine up until I was twenty and then my parents thought I needed to be married off. They paired me with an awful woman who got off on getting demon slayers arrested, since the corps isn't recognized by the government. I knew of slayers and demons, but I don't think I ever experienced this world myself until my sister turned and slaughtered everyone we ever knew. Then I became a demon and studied herbs and spices to make medicines and teas for humans. I even found some tea for myself. Then I started my hunting trips after meeting Tanjiro and the others." Akio sat up, folding his legs in front of him so he could actually see Giyu clearly.

"About the demon slayer corps." Giyu clarified and a deep warmth spread from the tips of Akio's ears, to his cheeks, and stretched down his neck. He glanced away, scratching the back of his head as if that could hide the pink hues decorating his face.

"I know all about training and final selection. I know how you pick the ore you want to smith your sword, of course, I am just using whatever Tanjiro picked. Your sword can change color for…reasons. I'm not quite sure, but mine are light blue." He flicked his right arm out, the scythe blade glistening in the moonlight. Giyu was suddenly in front of him, squatting down so his eyes were level with the blade. He slid his own sword out, placing it level with his blade. "Wait…your sword is blue too. What does it mean?"

"What is your demon art? Your sister mentioned it earlier." He muttered, sheathing his sword and sitting down. Giyu was closer to him now and Akio let the blade dissipate, his skin returning around his arm and hand.

"It's rain-based. Lunar rain is what I used to heal you. It takes other forms as well. Some harm humans and others harm demons." He mumbled, unsure why that was relevant. Giyu nodded. "Does that have something to do with the color of my scythe blades? I know Tanjiro's is black, Inosuke's swords are indigo and gray, and Zenitsu's is yellow. I figured it had to do with their breathing techniques. Inosuke uses something called beast breathing while Zenitsu uses thunder breathing. Though, you and Tanjiro use similar breathing styles and yet your swords are different colors. Is it because you're a Hashira?" A sigh escaped Giyu's lips. His eyes shut and he bowed his head.

"These are Nichirin katanas. Mine represents water breathing. I am assuming that if you were a trained demon slayer, you would also use a form of water breathing for your techniques. Tanjiro's is different, yes. We don't know what it represents though. What else do you know?" He would have water breathing like Giyu and Tanjiro? Could he use the same attacks as them with his blades then? He had so many questions for Giyu, but knew that wasn't the point of this conversation.

"I know about demon slayer marks and the curse that comes along with them. Have you awakened your mark yet?" Giyu shook his head and he nodded. "Good, you shouldn't." Hid body shuddered, thinking about the book he read on the curse. It claimed the lives of slayers when they turned twenty-five, giving them no chance of a normal life.

"It's not a choice." He huffed and Akio met his dark gaze.

"Right, I'm sorry." He pulled his stare away to focus on the quiet village. He knew it usually appeared when slayers were on the brink of death and reached the true extent of their power. He was grateful Giyu hadn't experienced that yet. No one deserved that fate. "I know about all of the Hashira and the weapons you all use. Only a few of you have standard Nichirin katanas." He stopped himself from sticking hid tongue out at him. He would always just call them slayer swords, because to him, that's what they were. "Most use weapons that suit their fighting style. I know Kyojuro Rengoku was the flame Hashira and he fell to an upper rank in the Twelve Kizuki. Then there's Tengen Uzui, the sound Hashira. I heard he's…flashy. Then Shinobu Kocho, the insect Hashira and Mitsuri Kanroji, the love Hashira. I'm not quite sure what her breathing style is like. There's Obanai Iguro, the serpent Hashira and Muichiro Tokito, the mist Hashira who is quite young compared to the other Hashira." She paused for a moment, going through the list in her mind. "Oh, there's Gyomei Himejima, the stone Hashira and the really angry one…Sanemi Shinazugawa, the wind Hashira. Of course that leaves you, Giyu Tomioka, the water Hashira who was trained by Sakonji Urokodaki." He concluded, matching his stare to Giyu's wide eyes. "I don't think many other demons know any of that. Tanjiro and Lady Tamayo provided me with most of that information so I could learn how to protect myself properly. Though, I think if I came face to face with any Hashira other than you, I'd be dead." He stretched his limbs before pulling his knees to his chest.

"You wouldn't fight back?" Giyu was in disbelief and Akio expected that.

"No. I would only fight on the defense, like I did with you. I refuse to harm humans, even if they are trying to kill me."

"That's foolish."

"Maybe so, but it's the rules I live by. I can outrun most demon slayers or hide from them. Plus, Wisteria doesn't affect me, so I can use it to hide." Akio shrugged.

"That's quite interesting. I'm sure I could find a different poison that boils your insides." A gentle voice spoke on the other side of him. Akio's whole body tensed and he threw himself to the other side of Giyu, who was up and on his feet. His eyes fell on a short woman with deep purple eyes and butterfly wings in her hair. She wore a demon slayer corps uniform under her haori and based on Giyu's glare and the fact that neither of them sensed her, she had to be a Hashira.

"Kocho." Giyu muttered a greeting and the woman in question smiled sweetly. Shinobu Kocho, the insect Hashira. How did she find them? Did Giyu call for her somehow?

"Tomioka. I would say I'm surprised, but nothing you do truly surprises me anymore. Who's that demon hiding behind you?" She peered over Giyu's shoulder to study Akio. Akio suddenly felt like an experiment. He tucked himself behind Giyu, out of Kocho's line of sight.

"Nobody. He's none of your concern."

"This is where we have to disagree, Tomioka. He knows too much about us and the demon slayer corps. You know that we can't leave him alive. Let's not have a repeat of Mount Natagumo, okay?" Her voice was so sweet that it nauseated Akio. It was all a front. He could sense the fire of anger deep in the Hashira's soul.

Can I outrun her? Akio opened the mental connection with Giyu, praying to whatever higher power was out there that he knew it was him. He slightly turned his head, glancing over his shoulder to lock eyes with Akio. Akio nodded, tapping his temple with his pointer finger.

No. It was short and simple, but definitely Giyu. His voice sounded the exact same in Akio's mind.

So, what's the plan then?

She uses Wisteria-based poisons, so she won't be able to kill you. At least, not yet.

Okay, so…

"Tomioka, I think I have been patient enough. Work with me to kill that demon and all will be forgiven. I won't report your disloyalty to our Master. At least, not this time." She freed her katana from her hip. It was thin, the lavender-blue color shining in the moonlight. At the very tip, there was a small blade. There was no way that weapon could cut through a demon's neck.

Is there a place nearby that has been concealed like your home? A location popped into his head after Giyu said that.

Yes, there's a shack to the Northwest that Yushiro protected in case we ever needed to hide and not endanger the villagers. Rieko knows where it is.

Tell Rieko to send Tanjiro out. Have her tell him that Kocho is here and to pretend like he had no knowledge of my presence here.

"Tomioka…" Shinobu raised her blade, switching her stance as if she was going to pounce on them.

Rieko! Do not come out of the house. Send Tanjiro out. Tell him that Shinobu Kocho is here and he has to pretend like he didn't know Giyu was already here. We need a distraction.

Got it. Rieko responded instantly, not even questioning the request.

"Lady Kocho! Mr. Tomioka! It's so great to see you both in good health. Did your crows send you here too? Zenitsu and Inosuke are here, questioning the villagers. It must be a powerful demon to require all of us." Tanjiro was sweating, but he smiled brightly at the Hashira. Right as Akio and Nezuko made eye contact, Akio nodded and threw himself off of the roof. He tucked himself into the woods and ran. He zig-zagged his running pattern, hoping to make it more difficult to follow. He tossed his body into a tree, jumping from tree to tree for a bit. Branches scraped his skin, but he didn't care. He was being careless and sacrificing control for speed. He dropped back down from the trees and followed the river for a while. He and Reiko would come out to this river in the spring and summer. They would splash around and collect herbs and fish. Akio always made sure to go on less hunts in those months, knowing how much it meant to Reiko.

Can you still hear me? Giyu. His tone was strained and Akio nearly hesitated. No one had ever established a mental connection with him before. He didn't even think it was possible. He was certain that he didn't leave the connection open with him. Reiko always told him that it gave her painful headaches if it was left open too long, so he learned to close the connection.

Yes. Are you okay?

It's not the first time Kocho has stabbed me. Stabbed him? You shouldn't come back here. Is there anywhere else you can go? A frown formed on his lips as he slipped into the shack and locked the door behind him. The only other place he could go was Lady Tamayo's home. That was a long journey and it would be a difficult trip on his own.

There is one place, but it is far away. I haven't traveled out there alone before. I would have to send Mushi first to make sure I am welcomed. Yushiro doesn't like surprises. His lips formed a small frown as he thought back to the last time he dropped in on Lady Tamayo and Yushiro. They were in the middle of an experiment and Yushiro scolded him for the entire week he was there. That was the only time he spent in their previous home and it was the longest he ever stayed with them. I know you're familiar with traveling alone, but it's quite hard for a demon. I can only travel at night and I need to find shelter before the sun comes up or I burn to ash. Some people can sense that there's something off about me too, so it's always difficult to find someone willing to house me for the day. That's not even considering the number of demon slayers I might cross paths with.

It is worth the risk. Well, yeah. He knew that already, but that didn't make it any easier.

Can I at least come back to say goodbye? That's all he really wanted. He could pack a bag of his most precious belongings and tea. He needed to say goodbye to Reiko.

Goodbye. I wish you safe travels. Akio snorted, rolling his eyes before sinking into the mountain of blankets he left in the shack.

Not you. He refrained from calling him an idiot, even though he felt it justified.

Oh, I see. Kocho and the others were sent to a new location. It would be wise to wait until Kocho is far enough away. I suggest returning in a day. I will keep an eye on your sister until then.

Thank-you Tomioka. Do you mind if I tell you stories about my childhood? It brings me comfort.

That's fine. After that, he didn't hear from Giyu again until the early morning. He assumed he had fallen asleep at some point, so he ceased his storytelling. Pieces of his dreams poked through Akio's consciousness and he flinched the first time it had happened. He had never stayed mentally connected to someone for so long, but he wasn't willing to sever the connection, thus he left it all night and the following day, returning to his storytelling in the afternoon until the sun fell.

During your travels, tell me everything you know about Master Oden.

Well, hello to you too.

Hi. He huffed in Akio's mind. Akio snorted, folding all the blankets and stretching his limbs to prepare for his return. He kicked the door open as soon as the sun set and he kicked off, heading back towards his home.