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Akaza was surprised.
First : after his encounter with the Rengoku Family , no one ever came after him to kill him.
So , he continued putting some herbs and bandages on the Engawa for Kyojuro.
He didn’t dare coming inside now , knowing fully that maybe some slayers were inside in case the upper moon 3 wanted to try anything (which is not going to happen.)
Second : his contact with Muzan was a bit defective for now.
He didn’t know why , but he wasn’t going to complain : he was much more free !
It was again another night , and he was , as usual , by the front porch putting down some medical stuff.
When he sensed someone.
It wasn’t very strong ,but it sure was familiar.
He met a lot of people in 133 years. So , it did took a moment for him to pinpoint which battle spirit it was.
And it was confirmed when he felt something , or someone on his back.
“HA ! Caught you in the act !”
Akaza was pretty sure he was half deaf now.
“What the hell is that about ?” He asked.
He turned his head to see a familiar young girl , looking up at him with deep blue eyes , full of mischief , and a toothy grin.
“Just wanted to surprise you ! You came again to give Kyou-nii things ?”
“Yeah...”
“Well ...” She let him go. “He awoke earlier today !”
Now THAT was some good news.
“That’s cool. How is he feeling ? Considering my proposition ?”
He tried to joke.
But apparently , the small girl took his joke literally.
“Nope! But he is very angry right now , but that’s not surprising.”
This joyful ball of sun ? Angry ? Not surprising ?
What the hell ?
“What do you mean not surprising ?”
“He is ALWAYS super angry when he wakes up ! I’m glad I wasn’t in the room !”
That bad ?
“Oh ? What’s he like when he wakes up ? How angry is he ?”
Maybe he could have his fight with an even more angry Kyojuro !
“Let’s see...” she brought a finger to her chin.
“He is pissed , he complains and legit growl at everything and everyone , he glares at everyone , he really dislikes being around people in the morning ... Things like that , You know ?”
He chuckled.
“Sounds like my master on a daily basis..”
And he was followed by the girl- Mana , was it ?
“So.” He finally managed to start. “Why exactly were you waiting in those bushes ?” He pointed out.
“To catch you ! Miyu-nee-san wants to talk to you.”
That’s bad. Right ?
“Why ?”
“Didn’t tell me !”
Okay , he’s doomed. Well... He knows he might be badly scolded or maybe threatened or trying to be killed , but honestly , with all the damages he’s done , he could come out alive of this. And he’s also stronger than them both so , he shouldn’t be worried.
But he is.
He felt something tugged at his arm.
“Hey don’t pull that hard !”
“Come oooonnn !”
“Let me make a choice !”
“You choices don’t matter !”
Apparently, the noises alarmed the youngest Rengoku , since he was peeking his head from the big front door.
Akaza really thought for a moment that this was not the same kid from last time. The shy , fearful and weak kid he encountered the week before, because the very same kid came rushing in and started to pull too at his other arm.
“Oi !”
“Come inside !”
“Please !”
After a long battle ...
The Upper moon three lost (he choose to of course ! ) and was dragged Inside by the two kids.
After passing some corridors (recognizing Kyojuro’s room) , they arrived in front of another room. Akaza had noticed how empty it was. How tense the tension was , and , for the first time in a while , he felt threatened by nothing.
The household on it’s own gave a sense of insecurity. Of danger. As if no one was safe in these walls.
Not from demons , but from the eldest Rengoku.
Akaza despised that.
“Miyu-nee-san ! We fetched the demon !”
Exclaimed the lava Tsuguko.
Weird way to explain but sure ?
The door opened revealing the lava Hashira still in her usual uniform.
Akaza still remembers when she was a child.
She was so thin and so bruised , but now , she was a beauty.
He was proud of her to have survived this long.
“Alright , thank you Mana. Although I will have to ask you both to leave us alone, please.”
The two youngsters left , leaving the Hashira with the Upper Moon.
The sworn enemies.
The best fighters of their sides.
But , there was no hostility between them.
The brown haired moved out of the way.
“Come in and have a seat..”
If Akaza had to be honest: he was NOT ready for the hospitality, or the gentleness.
Few months ago , the three of them were fighting to death , and now ...
He was invited in the Rengoku’s Household to have some tea.
Casually.
He just sat down , looking at the cup of tea in front of him.
And so did the brown/red haired.
Akaza didn’t know how to start the conversation, but luckily , she did.
“Mana told me what happened. Between you and Rengoku-Sama. And what you also did for Rengoku-san all this time.”
What was her point ? He was scared to find out.
“Even though you almost killed him- no..Scratch that. He was SUPPOSED to die that night. I’m very glad he survived. But that’s not my point. Even though you almost killed him , you still treated him at night. You defended Senjuro-Kun and Mana against Rengoku-Sama, without killing him. I have to thank you for all of this. So..”
she bowed before him.
A. Hashira. Bowed. Before. A. Upper. Moon.
Just that.
“Thank you for protecting them.”
Akaza nearly felt insulted by this gesture.
“Get up. You’re a Pilar. A Pilar shouldn’t show such weakness before a demon. You are NOT a weakling. Don’t act like one.”
She has NEVER been a weakling. And will never be.
Like Kyojuro.
Never will neither of them.
She straightened up, looking down.
Was she about to cry ?
The demon sighed and patted her head.
“Hey , why’re you crying ?”
Although he meant : “you’re strong , so why the hell are you crying ?”
She smiled , quite sadly, but still replied :
“Sorry ...Lately have just been a bit too much... Mostly with Rengoku-san. I’m just really happy he is alive..”
“That‘s understandable.”
He retracted his hand and finally said the things HE wanted to say for so many months.
“I feel like I should apologize. I am glad too that Kyojuro survived, but , as surprising as it is , I feel guilty for what I’ve done.”
He slightly bowed his head.
“Sorry for nearly killing him , and hurting you quite badly in the process.”
He didn’t expect to be forgiven , and it’s fine , he would understand !
If he was a Hashira and an Upper Moon apologized to him for nearly killing them ,he would either take his chance to kill them or take advantage of the situation to torture them.
That’s what he would do.
But instead of a blade or insults , he just felt a soft freezing hand on his shoulder.
It felt so..Familiar. But not quite the same context ?
He got flashes.
Flashes of a girl with black hair and pink eyes. They looked like flowers... Something inside of him instinctively said “protect this person” , but... He doesn’t know her , but she seems oddly familiar. And so are the feelings in his stomach , almost like butterflies. It wasn’t painful or uncomfortable, it was actually soft ,warm , and gentle.
When did he feel that ? How many decades ? Was he already a demon ? Or was he still a human ?
Nonetheless , he also saw her in their fight... Who was she ?
“You only did your job , and so we did. But , you are controlled. That’s what makes the difference.”
He glanced back at the person with orange cat like eyes. A far and rough contrast with this pink eyed girl.
“Do you remember anything from when you were human ?”
What kind of question is that ? He doesn’t. But why would she need to know that ? What’s she plotting ?
“I...Don’t ..?”
She nodded.
“I’m not surprised. You were forced to become a demon. You never had a say in it.”
“How would you know ?”
“As surprising as it may be , I actually listen to what demons says. And I noticed that those who had no choice to become demons forgets their human self while those who had the choice and still became one still remembers their human past. So , I theorized that Kibutsuji might make those who didn’t have a choice to become demons amnesiac so they won’t go up against him.”
That would be a good theory , but , why is she telling him all of this ?
“Just spit it out.”
“Alright alright. I just want you to understand that you were forced to become a demon. You never had a choice. And , from what I’ve heard...”
She looked at him right in the eyes. No hesitation. No fear. Completely serious.
“You were an amazing person. You were strong , you fought and you’ve killed , but , you always cared deeply about some people, namely your father , father in law and fiancée. You were also quite the stubborn type , but that didn’t change much.”
That put a smile on his face.
He didn’t really recognize himself , well , beside the stubborn thing (he sometimes pissed off some slayers until he knew their names before killing them), but... Out of all people in this world : she would be the one to know that kind of thing.
She has always seen dead people after all , so , getting information must be easy.
And how HE would know that ?
Well.. Like said before , he used to visit her a lot when she was a child (nothing creepy here , just a normal uncle/niece relationship ) , so , he would notice her meowing at empty spot or saying creepy things when she FINALLY could talk like “you’re fiancée is nice.”
AND HE SURE DOESN’T REMEMBER HAVING A FIANCÉE ! EVER !
“Okay , but what IS your point in all of this ?”
“Well... You proposed to make us demons , but that’s a big no , so , I’m just going to revert the question. How about you become a demon slayer and fight with us against Muzan ?”
Akaza deadpanned.
She was totally serious about it.
“Excuse me..Mind repeating that again ?”
“I asked if you would be interested in becoming a demon slayer, and fight with us. You don’t have to answer right now , you can have as much time as you need. It’s just a proposition.”
How can he answer to that ? Like “no sorry as you may know I have literally HIS BLOOD IN ME AND KNOWS EVERYTHING I DO ?!”
“You...Do know that-“
“That he knows exactly everything you’re doing ? Yes. If you accept , it will take sometimes but I’m sure you can break free form his hold. Think about it. You want to be stronger , correct ?”
Akaza nodded. He should be surprised that she knows this , but he isn’t.
“You cannot get stronger if he has total control over you. You cannot become stronger if you’re not free. Plus , you could help us kick Doumass.”
He sneakered at the nickname.
HOW COME HE NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT IT BEFORE ?!
“Nice one. Can I use that to call him ?”
“You can , it’s on the house. I also came up with “Doumbass” but it is quite bad..”
“I don’t care , they are nice.”
“And you could also fight against Michikatsu.”
“Who ?”
“Upper 1 ?”
Oh ! That guy ! Yeah...
“You mean Kokushibo-dono?”
“Yes ! Him ! The breath of the moon user ! With the sixteen forms ! Who kinda looks like a spider !”
Well.. Akaza won’t disagree. He DOES look like one. It’s the six eyes.
He always told those two that he would kill them. If he DOES join the slayers , he could help kill them.
And that is a VERY interesting aspect of the proposition.
“I’ll think about the proposition.”
The slayer smiled and nodded her head.
“That’s great. Thank you.”
He felt very comfortable here. Maybe a bit too much ?
Well....He is having a nice chat around a cup of tea , that neither of them touched.
“I think the tea might’ve cooled down enough , if you want to drink that is.”
“Yeah , I’ll drink. It doesn’t have any Wisteria ?”
“None at all. If there was, it wouldn’t be enough to kill you.”
“Oh great ...”
But he still took a sip.
“Tastes like ...Nothing.”
“Yes , sorry , tea is not my field ...But at least it’s better than last time”
“Something that taste like nothing is better than usual ? How bad it is normally ?”
“Undrinkable.”
After all that serious talk , they just started to talk about more mundane things , normal things except fighting and training (Akaza didn’t have much to say sadly. Except fun funfacts about some demons , and he found out that she had a few books where she wrote every demon she knows and fought).
It was pretty fun.
“Hmm..The sun is going to rise in a few hours. I think it would be better for you to leave now.”
“You might be right..”
He got up and headed to the door.
“Wait up , I’m accompanying you to the door. Just in case.”
How thoughtful !
“Okay , appreciate it.”
And few seconds later they were waving at each other in the darkness of the night.
The next night , Akaza came by again.
Well..Like each night , but this time he was eager to come , more than usual.
He was honestly excited to have another talk with the lava Pilar , but , it won’t go as planned.
While walking casually down the street , with some ointment on him (just in case-) , he saw someone sitting in the engwa.
And by the look of this person , it’s either Kyojuro or his poor excuse of a father.
Wary at first , he started to walk more slowly , like a predator stalking it’s prey.
Then , when he saw it was just Kyojuro he relaxed.
Wait.
Kyojuro.
The man he almost killed.
Is it okay to GO AWAY AS FAST AND FAR AS POSSIBLE ?
Despite this , the Upper moon swallowed his nerves and approached the blond man.
Seemingly alerted by the footsteps, the flame Pilar raised his head from- whatever he was doing , to see the demon.
“So you finally showed up ?” He asked.
He was waiting for him ?
“Yeah , here I am. Here”
He handed over the ointment.
The man looked at it , wary , before looking directly in the upper moon’s eyes.
“Why ?”
“In case. You don’t accept ?”
He sighed and reluctantly took the ointment.
“Thanks.”
Now both of them entered a deep and awkward silence.
Akaza’s thoughts were going crazy.
Was he supposed to apologize right now ? Is he aware of the deal his colleague made to him ? Is he okay with it ? Will he accept his apology ? Probably not. But what could go wrong ? The worst thing that could happen is a “no” or a blade on his neck !
Putting his self-consciousness aside , he decided he was going to apologize for what he’s done.
“Kyojuro ? I... I’m sorry , for...Y’know , the fight and all of this. I.. At first , I meant to do that but... I don’t know it never happened before but.. I felt guilty. I understand if you still want to kill me , after all I’ve done to you , but just so you know , I really am sorry.”
That wasn’t the best he could do right now , but , it was hard to think when you’re panicking.
The answer he got ?
Strangled. And he KNOWS that this guy’s grip is a vice : it won’t be easy to be let go.
“After all you’ve done... You still have the guts to apologize ? I’m not dumb , demons don’t have feelings. They don’t know guilt. Not regret. What are you trying to do by doing this ? What is your plan ? Huh ?! IF YOU ARE NOT HERE TO FINISH US OFF THEN WHY ARE YOU TRULY HERE !”
Akaza was taken aback. Well , he should’ve expected this kind of reaction , he just didn’t prepare for it.
And now , talking without thinking would be a bad decision.
But when was the last time he actually thought before acting ?
Yeah , he’s not sure either.
“Honestly I would’ve finished you off if I wanted. I could’ve turned you both into demons if I wanted but guess what ? I DIDN’T ! Why do you ask ? BECAUSE I ACTUALLY FEEL REMORSE EVEN THOUGH LAST TIME I FELT THAT WAS OVER 15 FUCKING YEARS AGO ! I RESPECT YOU BOTH AND SORRY BUT YOU ARE DUMB FOR NOT REALIZING THAT ! WHY WOULD I WANT TO MAKE YOU DEMONS IN THE FIRST PLACE ?! I COULD’VE TEARED MIYU-CHAN’S ARM AND PLUNGE MINE INTO YOUR STOMACH TO FINISH YOU OFF ! BUT WHAT HAPPENED ?! OH YEAH RIGHT ! I DIDN’T ! ALSO : I DIDN’T EVEN HARM YOUR LITTLE FAMILY WHEN I COULD’VE ! WHAT DO YOU NEED MORE SERIOUSLY ?!”
Now it was the blond adult to be surprised. Well... Akaza guess it’s surprise because of his expression.
But it was quickly replaced by a scowl and a glare.
But at least the warm , calloused and strong hand was now away from his neck.
The flame Pilar sat back down , and now he could see what he was doing : he was just drinking Sake.
“If you want to seat down then you can.” Finally said the quite handsome man, in a defeated , almost monotonous tone. Which was quite out of character.
Now out of fight , Akaza could now admire the other man’s beauty : tan skin with no scars , or hidden by the cloths , seemingly smooth and soft to the touch , fluffy sun-colored hair with red tips (no going to lie , his front hair made him look like an owl , it was quite cute.) , gorgeous eyes- he has never seen eyes like that ! They looked like sunset colored topazes.
Just his face was a work of art.
He couldn’t help but imagine the body underneath all these clothing : a broad and muscular body , strong without a single gram of fat, tanned a scarred with all these years of training and fighting demons until he was so strong to fight against an upper moon- Himself !
But there was a little something Akaza also noticed.
“What’s that ring ?”
Rengoku looked at his hand , then smiled and just answered.
“A gift from a friend !”
On the Pilar’s Pinky , because the ring probably wouldn’t feat on any other fingers , was a silver ring with what seemed like Ruby and diamond. The thing looked expensive as hell !
He knew no one that would give such a huge amount of money to get real stones like those for a friend !
“Are these real ?”
“Yes they are ! Shiro-Chan gave it to me on my birthday ! It was in her family for a few generations apparently !”
The upper moon snapped his head at him.
“Wait , you two are married or something ?”
That wouldn’t surprise him : they fought together , put both of their lives in the line for one another. From what he’s seen at least.
But by the surprised look from the blond , then the red blush on his cheeks , and the mouvement of his hands , Akaza might be wrong.
“No no no ! We’re nothing like that ! We are only very close friend !” Then he rambled about friendship between a man and a women , that they weren’t interested like that in each other etc..
But the pink haired had to be honest : that was kinda suspicious.
“Kyojuro , you’re rambling , you’re hiding something-“
“ANYWAY DO YOU WANT SAKE ?!”
Akaza wasn’t ready for the loudness of the question.
“Darn I might end up deaf here ! But yeah , sake would be great.” So Kyojuro gave him a bit of sake in a sakazuki (little plate to drink sake in it ).
“Here.”
“Thanks.”
An awkward silence followed , where they would sip some sake , and occasionally just ask to have more (on Akaza’s part).
But , the silence was seriously getting a bit way to heavy for the upper moon.
He is used to fight , the tension , the bloodlust ,that kind of thing !
Not....Awkward silence with a man he almost killed.
Around a cup of Sake.
So , he broke the silence.
“How’d you two meet ?”
The question definitively perked the blond attention , since he looked up to the sky with a very fond expression on his face. His eyes were as soft as his smile.
“It was on a mission two years ago. It was raining. At the time I wasn’t a Pilar yet , but I was patrolling since demons have been reported around the area. I saw a white cat and followed it , something told me to follow it , and she just brought me to Shiro-Chan. Well , it wasn’t the best condition to meet a new person , ever , she was half bleeding to death , and it was hard afterwards to gain her trust but it eventually worked out well ! We went on a couples of missions together after that ! I remember being surprised by her strength for a Mizunoto , the lowest rank ! Ah ! Good memories indeed !”
The man was beaming and shining. Even though it was night , it sure felt like it was day by how bright he was.
''And do you have any other relationship with other pilars ?''
The taller man , turned to him with a wary expression.
'' Aren't you trying to get more information on other pilars ? If so I'm definitively not answering !"
"What do you think I am ? A weakling ? I wouldn't dare pull something like that ! I'm just genuinely curious about the others !" He defended. It was true , they were true fighters , it would just be an insult to learn about them beforehand and their weakness ! He wants a fair fight !
Glancing up at those fierce eyes , Akaza saw that he was somewhat... Trusting ? Was that the word ? He doesn't really know anymore. Being alone most of the time really does things to your language , and your communicating skill.
"You seem honest ... Just know that I won't be giving valuable information about them , so don't try anything." Kyojuro said sternly. He felt like child somehow , and he hated that feeling. He felt weak.
"Okay ! That's fine by me ! Whom do you want to start with ?"
The flame Pilar looked at him , amused.
"Whom ?"
"Hey don't make fun of me for using a correct dialect !"
The man laughed. If he thought that he couldn't be more bright , well he just did !
This man was a sun. He didn't know how much he could stay beside that wonderful man before dying.
"Alright , alright , apologies."
"apologies accepted , don't worry."
A few seconds of silence passed by , with the flame haired thinking.
"I guess we could start of with the water Pilar."
Akaza has killed many , many water pilars. So , he won't be very impressed , probably.
" He's quiet , but he works hard ! Even created a 11th form to his breathing-"
he was cut off by the demon , who nearly jumped on him.
"11th ?! I NEED TO MEET HIM ! What's his name ?! I need to know !! I want to fight him !!"
Strong pilars are his weakness. Well , not in a physical way , but he adored them. Their names are still in his mind.
Kyojuro calmly grabbed his shoulders and made him sit again.
"No fighting Tomioka-san."
" Understood..."
Well at least he got a name.
"Then there's Kochou ! She's the insect Pilar ! Although she is disadvantage she still fights ! She created a poison against demon ! She deserves respect !"
He stopped short , then asked Akaza.
" Her older sister died by the hands of an upper moon , the second I think ?" Kyojuro didn't have time to finidh his sentence, Akaza already knew what he was going to ask.
" If your searching for information about Douma-dono , I'll gladly provide ! I hate this bitch with all my guts , and if I could kill him , it would be already done ! Everyday I'm willing to ask myself what I'll be doing and put up with , but NOT THIS FUCKING BITCH !" He ranted.
The look of surprise on Kyojuro's face was memorable at least.
"Wow , never though demons could hate each other , especially Upper Moons."
"Well duh , we still have emotions you know ? Well... Not Doumass but who cares."
The man laughed at this and said in between laughter something among the lines of "glad to meet someone who hates him as much as Kochou !"
The man cleared his throat.
"Next we have the sound Hashira !"
Akaza never met a Soud Pilar. He didn't know they even existed.
" He's also a shinobi ! I've never seen a Shinobi before ! I also really like his breathing techniques ! Very unique ! He also have too many wives !"
"At least he won't be bored." Joked the demon.
" What ? You already did that kind of thing ?" Asked the pilar , amused.
"How ? With what do you want me to have intercourse with ?"
"Don't know , with a pilar or something ?"
Alcohol really do wonders...
Akaza gagged at the though. With him , Pilars end up dead , so him with a dead body... WHAT ?!
" NO !! That's disgusting , I wouldn't fuck a dead body ! I HAVE BOUNDARIES KYOJURO !!!"
"Wait really ?"
The worse is that Rengoky sounded truly surprised.
"What kind of image do you have of Demons ?"
" Hey don't be like that , I was just joking !"
The blond laughed and gently punched the demon's shoulder.
"You better..."
"Now onto the love Pilar ! I actually trained her ! She's a cute and creative Kohai ! I'm proud of her !"
Okay , that was cute , very wholesome.
"Quick question , what is wrong with your generations ? I mean , Insect ? Sound ? Love ? Is there any more wierd breath that I should know about ?"
"Mist , sky , and serpent."
Akaza was confused , but to no end at this point.
"But why ?!"
"We also had a Flower Hashira , a Ice Hashira and a Time Hashira."
The Upper Moon just put his face in his hands , shouting in it :"BUT WHY ?! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOUR GENERATIONS ?!" While the Pilar just laughed.
"You still want to hear another one ?"
"NO"
"He's stronger than me."
The demon lifted his head , then turned his body to face the Pilar. He was listening.
"Is that a thing about you ?"
"Hush , Just tell me who it is."
The pilar giggled.
In truth , Rengoku was still somewhat fearfull towards the Upper Moon. He nearly killed him once after all, he shouldn't be trusted , yet , his master was intrigued because of Mana's report, and this demon also apologized to him. He was a strong and respectful opponent , in his own twisted way. If he's a true warrior , a honest one , he wouldn't pull seach a dirty trick.
Rengoku thinks , for now , that he shouldn’t trust him , but not being completely cold towards him neither , despite the nightmares and psychological scars the demon made on him. And , maybe , if he's worthy , he might as well think of him as a friend , or companion. But until then , they would still be on a wierd truce.
Secretly, he was having fun , even if he was his enemy, he couldn't find it in himself to say that he didn't like the company.
After a few hours of telling each others some fun stories and having good laugh , they eventually bid their farewell.
And that was just the beginning of a new adventure, a different fate for many, and a new path for them all , towards the end of Muzan , and a peace between some demons.
"Are you here to report Akaza ?"
The cold and harsh voice of his master brought reality to his mind.
"Yes I am master."
The child like person tuners towards him , gaze cold , and made Akaza feel like he was nothing.
"Although you still have no information on the blue spider lily , I'm still quite pleased with the fact that you manipulated two humans into thinking you were their friends. Where did that idea come from ? Douma ?"
He was wrong , it wasn't manipulation , he truly wanted to be friend with the lava and flame pilar , maybe joining the demon slayer corps wouldn't be so bad after all.
"A Pilar proposed that I join the Demon Slayer corps."
He said , trying to keeps his voice even.
"This pilar must be stupid , or extremely naive. But , this bring quite an interesting plan. Join them , I'll tell you the plan later , we will end the Demon Slayers. Understood Akaza ?"
He didn't want to betray everyone , there has to be an alternative , there has to be !
"Yes master."
"Perfect , now go."
And with that , The Upper moon three left the mansion where Muzan was staying.