Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

He knew it was the end

Gyomei knew death wasn’t far. He felt so cold, so…

Tired

He could barely keep up with everything around him, the ringing in his ears was so loud but just quiet enough to hear the cheers of their comrades, cries for medics, the sobs of their fallen comrades. They were faint. He could feel the hands on him trying to help him, he could feel the vibrations of the ground and dirt hit his leg as someone held his hand, a girl, telling him to hold on just a bit longer for medics.

But he couldn’t. They would be wasting their bandages and supplies on him when he was already on death's door. There are many others who need them, those who can still be saved. Besides, if blood loss didn’t kill him then his mark would. He would be dead anyway.

“No… Don’t waste medication on me… It’s too late for me. You would only be throwing away precious supplies… Please… it is my final wish…” His voice was getting weaker and weaker by the minute and he was slowly losing consciousness. All his senses gone leaving him in the dark again.

Only the warm hands holding his, he could feel her trembling and crying. But he couldn’t do anything to comfort her or anyone. He could feel his body was slowly and agonizingly shutting down. He could feel his blood spilled from his wounds, its sickening warmth crusting and itching.

The rays of the sun did little to warm him but rather it felt comforting, like a warm embrace. A warm welcome into death's arms. The hands on him felt so warm and for a moment he heard those familiar voices. Voices he had always wished to hear again. The children he had thought of as his own. The children he failed to protect that fateful night.

“Ohh…it's you all..”

“Sensei…”

For the first time since he was a child, he could see. It was bright. But it didn’t matter. He could see them. His children. Six small faces crying, surrounding him.

“We’ve always wanted to apologize for that day. We know we hurt you but we didn’t run away because we didn’t trust you.” “We wanted to protect you because you’re blind.” “I wanted to go outside for a farming tool to use as a weapon” “I wanted to call for help.”

Each child cried harder each trying to explain, regret and sadness on their faces, some already hugging Gyomei seeking his comfort and forgiveness. It healed that small hole in his heart. They didn’t need to apologize, they were just kids. They should have been living their lives, having families of their own.

Just like Genya

Just like Muichiro.

They shouldn’t have been fighting. Both young lives that were taken too soon. They were children full of life.

Muichiro was an airheaded child that had just learned to live again. To feel and laugh. To remember. It was hard for him to remember something tragic and persevere from it. He never let his age hold him back from becoming a hashira in such a short time. 

Then there is Genya, a troubled child that he had trained and took under his wing. Even though the boy couldn’t use a breathing technique that didn’t seem to stop him. He figured out how to fight in a rather unique way even if it was out of desperation to succeed. 

“We all love you sensei. So we’ve been waiting for you all this time” His children cry hugging him tightly.

Maybe they are also waiting for him. Maybe in the afterlife they are safe, finally with their families. Their souls are finally at rest.

A soft smile blooms on his face, finally closing his eyes as he speaks in his last breath.

“Now, let’s go… all of us… Let’s go…”

The warmth around him slowly faded and the world around him turned to black. He finally felt at peace.

Little did he know this wasn’t the end

This was just the beginning

Chapter Text

Pssst. author here

here are you keys to reading

'this is thoughts'

'this is them speaking in Japanese'

"this is speaking english"

anyways enjoy

Time seemed to be nonexistent. Just a void in darkness. The burning pain was gone but the faint stings still lingered. Phantom pain maybe.

The voices of people he once knew echoed in his head. Just trying to remember who they were. He could still feel the warm embrace of the sun's rays. It was hot.

Too hot.

Gyomei groaned, opening his eyes but instead of being greeted with the faces of his fallen comrades, his family, and his friends. He saw nothing. Just void. No light, not the faces of his children.

He slowly felt around himself trying to ground himself and feel where he was. Instead of feeling the dirt or rubble of a torn battlefield, he felt something smooth, rough…

Sand

Hot sand and stones.

He was somewhere he didn’t know.

‘Was this the work of a demon? A blood demon art? But with Muzan defeated, the demons he created would be much weaker and wouldn’t be able to use their demon arts too well, especially if it was sunrise. Any demon would be cowering away or go into hiding after their leader was defeated. But there couldn’t be a demon powerful enough to send him away from the battle. Was he hallucinating his children? Was the demon just playing a trick on him to get him away while he was at his most vulnerable?’

Gyomei felt a breeze that swept sand up and on him, he quickly brushed sand off his face as it stung his eyes but stopped feeling nothing, not the bleeding scar across his face from Upper Moon 1’s attack. His wounds seemingly non-existent or healed.

‘How was he healed? Why would the demon go through the trouble of healing him? Not even the demon, Yushiro, was that powerful, only giving him assistants to help him from bleeding out before sunrise and stop Muzan.’

Gyomei slowly rose to his feet with a groan, feeling around and sweeping the sand to sense the area around him. The small vibrations and sounds of the sand and stones gave him a small sense of the things around him.

More sand.

With a sigh he felt around his belt to grab his axe and flail just in case. He was in a new surrounding with no clue if a demon was just lurking around and waiting to strike while he was still catching his bearing.

The sand was making it slightly difficult to make sense of the things around him. But he made his way in the way he was facing. He could be walking into the unknown but he didn’t have much of a choice. He was alone and he couldn’t wait till night where any demon could strike.

He could feel the sun blazing down on him and it felt like it was right above him. Time was of the essence. He needed to move.

The sand seemed to be alive, every little movement made its own vibration and movement. Animals burrowing to escape the heat or running to catch its lunch. 

Birds flew circles in the sky over a lone figure. A person laying face down in the sand.

One particularly hungry hawk bravely landed by the body and pecked at it hoping to get itself a meal.

The boy gasped and screamed, swatting at the bird as it took off with a screech and scratched the boy with its talon, leaving a deep gash in the boy’s arm. He coughed and spit out sand and shot up dusting the sand off his clothes.

Cursing at the bird and checking his wound. Blood stained his uniform sleeve and dripped onto the sand at his feet. But the gash slowly stitched itself close.

He looked up but instantly regretted it as the blaring sun shined in his eyes, blinding him. He turned away and looked around rubbing his eyes. He saw sand. He was in a large desert. 

A desert….

“HUH!?” Genya jumped up taking in everything around him.

His heart was racing as he saw nothing but desert and mountains. It wasn’t the infinity castle. There was no six eyed demon wielding a sword. There was no muichiro. No Gyomei. 

No ‘nemi.

Everything felt crushing. He died. He was dead. In half. His nemi was there. His nemi was alive. Muichiro was alive. Gyomei was alive. They won, they were safe.

Then why was he here? He was with his siblings. He was in heaven, so why was he here?

‘Did they win? Was Muzan gone? Was everyone okay? Why could he be at peace? Why could he be with everyone? Their mom. Sumi. Teiko. Hiroshi. Koto. Shuya.’

Why?

A groan beside him pulled him from his thoughts.

A familiar face.

“Tokito?”

“Huh?”

Muichiro sat up staring up at Genya. Genya reached out a hand shocked. Maybe he was hallucinating.

Muichiro, equally as confused, grabbed Genya’s hand. Proving neither one was a hallucination. Both were very real. Both not realizing the other had died previously. Both believing the other survived their fight together.

Muichiro stared more closely and reached up fixated on a spot on his head. A faint scar that went down Genya’s face. From his forehead to his neck and down. Maybe a scar from the fight. Maybe a scar from Upper Moon 1’s raging attack.

Genya was also looking at something on muichiro. His slayer mark was still on his face, a little faded but still there. He was so focused on them until he caught sight of something behind him.

More like someone else.

“Himejima-san?” He spoke quietly as if questioning himself. It caught Muichiro's attention as he also turned to see the figure not too far away.

“Himejima-san!” Muichiro yelled out. Confirming they were both seeing the same thing.

Gyomie perked up, not only did he hear two familiar voices but he could see them. He could sense them.

“Genya… Tokito…”

Tears streamed down his face as he raced to them. They were here. They were alive.

Genya and Muichiro ran up to, meeting Gyomei half way. Gyomei hugged them tightly, squeezing the air out of them in a crushing bear hug.

They were here. They were real.

Although reluctantly he let them go.

“None of you are hurt, right?” Gyomei spoke softly. His hand hovering over the two like they would shatter if he touched them.

“No, just some aches.” Muichiro said.

“Yeah, just some aches and soreness. Are you alright, Himejima-san?” Genya said, feeling around for his blade and gun. He would feel safer knowing he had his gun just in case. Muichiro was also doing the same looking for his katana.

“I am fine. Just glad to hear you both are alright.” Gyomei stood back up focusing on the sounds of the boys beating hearts, calm but scared.

Muichiro’s katana was halfway buried in the sand and Genya’s gun was in his holster while his blade was much farther out reflecting the sunlight making it easy to spot.

But that wasn’t the only thing out there. A large sign was further out. Maybe it could lead them to a village. Better to get shelter before night.

“Himejima-san, there’s a sign not too far from here. There might be a village we can take shelter in.”

Muichiro said returning after retrieving his katana and putting it back on his belt. “It might also help us find out where we are. Maybe get food.”

Gyomei hummed and stood up holding his prayer beads close in his hands. “It would be best to see.”

And so the trio made their way to the sign, Muichiro and Genya in front of Gyomei. Gyomei stayed in the back to keep the boys within arms reach. He still didn’t know if this was all just a hallucination. He was scared that if he turned away for just one second they would disappear again.

He couldn’t fail them again.

He was so deep in his thoughts and almost walked straight into the sign but was stopped by Genya and Muichiro stopping him just in time.

“Are you sure you’re alright, Himejima-san?” Genya asked.

He glanced at Muichiro who was also concerned. Both boys were still recovering from their sudden resurrections. But they pushed their feelings down. They needed to be strong and on guard. The sun was getting lower and they would be vulnerable out in the open at night. Neither of them knew who or what else could be following them from the shadows just waiting to strick.

“I’m alright. Just thought I heard something.” Gyomei said, rolling his prayer beads in his hand while reaching out and feeling the hot metal sign. He was feeling slightly parched, crying more than usual, his own emotions seemed more heightened and he just couldn’t stop crying.

“What village is this? I can’t understand this writing.” Genya asked. He hadn’t been to every village or seen every district to know all their names, hashiras are mostly called all around to help fight or protect villages in secret so they might know where they are.

“Jas..per?” Muichiro slowly spoke, trying to pronounce the writing on the sign. Genya hummed looking at the sign closer.

“Jasper? Do you know it?” Genya asked, hoping that they were somewhere familiar.

But judging by Muichiro's and Gyomei’s confused expressions it was clear neither hashira knew the village.

“The sign looks English. ‘Jasper’? There are words under it but I don't understand what it says.” Muichiro looked behind the sign and saw the village a few miles away.

Safety.

Well the trio made it. 

To where…

They aren’t entirely sure. Jasper looked more like a small city rather than a village.

The boys were cautious but were also astonished by everything they passed. Flashy cars, big and small, sped past them, much more advanced and different from the cars they’ve seen.

A few people were around, in groups or just alone, with small devices in their hands or just talking and laughing showing each other things.

Stores with different signs and different things inside them. No booths with items on display or shop owners trying to get them to buy something from them. The streets seemed a bit barren. Everyone seemed to be in their own space. Every shop was also different. Food, clothes, furniture and metal machines that they've never seen before.

Even if there weren’t many people they still had to be on guard. Weapons hidden and low profiles. Demon slayers move in the shadows keeping demons away and people safe in secret. Even if the government doesn’t approve or recognize them as a legitimate corporation.

But that was easier said than done. Their unique appearances had drawn some attention from a few passers by. A giant scarred man with two boys, who looked exhausted and rugged, wearing similar outfits and looking very lost.

Genya was getting a bit pissed and annoyed hearing people whispering and pointing at them. He didn’t care about them talking about him, he was used to the stares and gasps when people saw him, the pity in their eyes like he needed to be saved or helped. But this was different.

They weren’t just talking about him, they were talking about all of them. Even if he couldn’t understand what they were saying, their bodies and faces told him everything. The disgust and mockery in their voices. Their high pitched laughs and gestures.

Gyomei could also hear it but only understood bits of it. It wasn’t enough to know everything they were saying but it was enough to know it wasn’t anything good. 

He reached out and gently grabbed the boys shoulders to pull them close, feeling something bad was about to happen. A cold chill ran down his spine as he felt and heard a small group of people approaching. He can hear their heart beating fast, they are anxious but determined.

“Hi there, I'm Shannon. I was just wondering if these kids are yours? They look exhausted and not to mention those nasty bruises on them. Are you kids okay? Do you know this man?” The lead woman asked, her voice sickenly sweet and fake sympathetic, making a grab for Muichiro.

Muichiro backed away from the woman, confused and turned to Gyomei and Genya. “Huh? What is this woman doing?”

Genya hummed and shook his head, misunderstanding the woman and thinking she was trying to offer them something.

“Oh no, Miss we're okay, just a bit lost. We are wondering if you could tell us where we are.”

But now the woman wasn't alone, there were three other women with her, all now believing the boys weren't safe and were trying to get the boys away from Gyomei.

Genya and Muichiro were obviously startled and confused, not wanting to be separated and not understanding what the women were saying only made the situation worse.

The women's commotion drew in a small crowd including a certain school girl and raven haired boy.

“Please stop. I am their guardian. We are lost and don't know where to go.” Gyomei anxiously spoke, trying to keep Genya and Muichiro close and trying to think of what to say.

“Stop it! Why are they doing this, Himejima-san?” Genya was starting to get overwhelmed by grabbing women. He was very much resisting them but they just wouldn't back down, circling around him and Muichiro after they managed to wrestle them away from Gyomei's hold.

Some tried to separate the women from the trio to get the full story of the situation but the women were not backing down and began throwing in allegations.

“Those kids are being abused, look at them.”

“That man obviously isn't their dad. I bet he took those kids from their homes.”

“Yeah. Look, that man's already crying cause he knows he's been caught.”

“Someone call the police! This man kidnapped these poor boys and he's holding them hostage!” The women shrieked and just to make the situation worse one of the women dramatically threw herself down on the ground with a cry when Gyomei reached out to grab the boys back.

“Help! That man attacked me! Help! Police!”

The trio was all overwhelmed, confused and scared. No one seemed to understand what they were saying or just couldn't hear them. Gyomie didn't want to let the boys go with these women.

Sirens were already coming their way and he could hear the boys racing hearts, they were scared. Scared of the women. Scared of being separated.

“Himejima-san!” “Tokito! Genya! Stay together and stay close. I won't let anything happen again. I'll find you both again."

The sirens were blaring loudly as finally two cop cars pulled up by them. Quickly making their way to the group, two officers went to the women who were still keeping Muichiro and Genya away from Gyomei, who had one officer questioning him and the fourth officer taking statements from the people in the crowd.

“Officers thank god you're here.” “Yes, thank god. That man kidnapped and hurt these poor boys and we stopped him from getting away.” “Yes. Arrest that man, he is dangerous and violent. He attacked me when we took those boys away from him.” The women cried over one another throwing slop and crocodile tears to the officers. One officer. took the boys away from the group of women to question them privately.

“Are you boys okay?” The young officer asked, having the boys sit on a nearby bench. It was obviously traumatizing to be taken or swarmed by the women even if they were trying to save them.

“Is Himejima-san okay?! Do you know where we are?!” Genya asked anxiously. Glancing back at the crowd trying to find Gyomei, which should have been easy but he couldn't. Neither of them could see him.

The officer trying to follow their gaze looked into the crowd but was also very confused and spoke into his walkie talkie about the situation and that they didn't know what to do with the language barrier.

“They can't even understand us… can they..?” It was so obvious and yet Muichiro hadn't even thought of it. They were in a new place, nowhere close to home, in a place no one could understand them.

The realization dawned on Genya as well. They couldn't do anything. He knew nothing about the language and neither hashira knew enough to speak it, only knowing the English alphabet from a book except Gyomei since he couldn't read and had help from Shinobu who was slightly more skilled but only enough to form small simple greetings and starters in a conversation.

Gyomei wasn't having any luck either with the questioning. The officer with him was attempting to detain him until they figured out what was going on but he didn't understand anything the officer said.

“Sir please. I am their guardian. I don't understand what is going on. I just need to make sure my boys are okay.” Gyomei was really trying, but it seemed like his best wasn't enough.

The officers weren't getting the full picture of the situation but with the crowd of witnesses they had a somewhat clear picture but with how serious the allegations of the women were they needed everything.

The young officer sighed knowing they weren't going to get much waiting and trying so he went over to his partner who took the witness statement from the crowd. He had an idea what to do and hoped it'd work.

“Alright can I get your attention please! Does anyone here understand what language these boys speak?!” *The young officer asked, hoping for an answer. The crowd stayed quiet, not giving an answer until a hand rose in the crowd.

“I know it.” The young voice said. Although another voice tried to protest, the person stepped out of the crowd.

A girl with mainly black hair and pink ends.

“It's Japanese. I can tell ya what they are saying.” The girl said confidently despite the whole situation. Although the officer was relieved, now that he had a way to communicate with everyone involved.

“Alright, come with me.” The young officer said, waiting for the girl to make her way through the crowd and follow him.

“What are we going to do? We’re too in the open and there isn’t anything we can tell them that can help us.” “I know but we have to trust that Himejima-san word. Well be.. okay.” Genya and Muichiro were in a deep conversation trying to figure out how to get out of this situation and back with Gyomei before the sun goes down.

“Hey there. My name is Miko, what's yours?” A new voice interrupted them. A girl around their age.

“Oh.. I’m Shinazugawa Genya.” “I’m Tokito Muichiro”

“Well I.. I mean we were just wondering what happened here? You guys know that big fella over there?” Miko asked.

“Yes. He’s our guardian. We are lost and we tried asking those ladies where we were but then they grabbed us and started yelling at him. Can we please just go to him? He’s blind and needs us.” Genya said loudly, clearly frustrated and annoyed. He knew Gyomei wasn’t helpless being blind but it clearly would make their situation go away faster by playing the sympathy card. Not that he liked to use it.

But it clearly worked as Miko translated what Genya said to the officer, who was very much not pleased with this new information. He thanked Miko and radioed his partner to let Gyomei go and go with the other officers to get the group of women who were now clearly the aggressors.

By now the majority of the crowd had left after giving statements making it easier for Genya and Muichiro to find Gyomei and the trio was reunited.

The officer apologized for the misunderstanding and told them they were free to go. Which Miko translated for them.

“You are all good to go. I’ve got to say that must’ve been scary, especially for you big guy.” Miko said sympathetically, looking up at Gyomei.

“You guys said you were lost, right? Well welcome to Jasper. Obviously not a great welcome but we can forget about that. What brings you all here? Passing by or took a wrong turn somewhere down the road?” Miko asked, turning to Genya and Muichiro.

“Ah yes we did. We got lost a few miles away. We walked all the way here.” Gyomei said, rolling his rosary beads in his hands,

“Miko! There you are. Come on, we've got to go.” A new voice came tho. A tall boy with raven hair.

“Oh come on, Jack. We’ve got to help them. They’re lost and we can just leave them stranded. Where's your compassion?” Miko said, leaning against the older teen, Jack.

Jack sighed in defeat and nodded, adjusting his backpack over his shoulder and nudged Miko, giving her backpack back. “Alright.. I guess we have some time to help. Are they hungry? We can drop by my job and get a bite.”

Miko perked up excitedly and nodded, grabbing Muichiro and Jack’s hands. “Great idea!! Let’s eat!”

In a blink Miko was dragging Muichiro and Jack to KO Burgers, Genya and Gyomei jogging close behind so as not to get separated and just hoping they were going somewhere with shelter.

“Slow down, Miko! Did you even tell them where we’re going?!” Jack exclaimed, trying to pull his hand free from Miko's crushing grip but with no use. He forgot how freakishly strong the girl was, already losing feeling in his hand, he can’t imagine how the other boy felt having his hand crushed in her grip.

Miko stopped abruptly. “Oh ye-

BAM

Genya had accidentally rammed right into the back of them, toppling over Miko and knocking her, taking Jack and Muichiro down with them. Gyomei stopped just in time to not trip or topple over the kids. He knelt down carefully picking up Genya from the pile and helping him stand before doing the same with the rest of the kids, making sure they were okay.

They were. Just a little frazzled and scratched but okay. 

“Thanks, big guy. Should’ve warned ya I was stopping. Sooooo…. y’all hungry? It's on him, our treat. Figured we’d help you guys around.” Miko said, pointing to Jack with a mischievous smile, taking clear advantage of Jack not being able to understand them.

Maybe this is how Raf and Bee feel like talking to each other. She was really going to enjoy this. She's gonna abuse this so much to her advantage. Jack won’t know what will happen.

“I guess we can stop to eat. Thank you, Miko. That is very kind of you.” Gyomei said, his prayer beads clicking together in the man's hands. A small smile on his face and he was still crying, happy tears this time. Not that it didn’t make Miko and Jack feel just a bit worried about the man’s persistent crying. They haven’t seen the man stop crying since they met him.

“Hey, is he okay? He's been crying for a while.” “You’re right. Big guy, I’m not being mean, but you’ve been crying for a while there. Are you thirsty? Do you need a tissue? Anything?! Are you hurt? Do we need to get you help?!” Miko asked worriedly, grabbing Gyomei’s haori, shaking it dramatically.

“Woah Miko you’re gonna make it worse. Look, we can talk more when we eat. And he might be crying because he’s overwhelmed after today. They almost got arrested and separated from his kids by a group of karens.” Jack said, prying Miko off of Gyomei and apologizing. 

But this only made Gyomei cry more. More happy tears. Not that the others knew.

‘This girl is certainly bright and passionate but she's careless and adventurous. She reminds me almost like sanemi and tengen, a strong spirit with no fear, nothing holding her back from doing anything’. 

Gyomei thought to himself, whispering his prayers. Prayers to protect these children, to keep them far from demons' harm and their jaws of terror. To keep this city safe and away from any dangers.

“Namu Amida Butsu... Namu Amida Butsu… Namu Amida Butsu.”

Genya and Muichiro dusted themselves off and simply nodded.

“We could eat. Thank you for the offer.” Muichiro said with a slight bow of appreciation, followed by Genya doing the same.

“Sweet. They said yes Jack. Hope you don’t mind using your work bonus for lunch.” Miko said, grabbing Muichiro’s sleeve and dragging him along, Genya and Gyomei trailing along, leaving Jack processing what she said.

“Wait what?”

The newly formed squad/ group made it to KO Burgers and Jack voluntarily (more like forced) got the group's food, 5 burgers and fries with a medium soda of their classic Kola. Simple for the small price of $20, with the 50% off from Jack’s work discount.

Miko simply chatted and questioned the trio about themselves, noting how cool their scars looked and how unique their attire was, not something people usually wear on a daily basis. In fact she doesn’t even know of a time she’s seen someone wear something like them. Specialized uniforms according to Gyomei which made Miko more curious.

'Just where were these guys from.'

“Alright calm down, Miko. Lets let them eat in peace. Who knows how long they’ve been out in the desert or where they came from?” Jack said, putting the tray of food in the center of the table. The farthest table from anyone and under some shade.

Word of these new arrivals had gotten around their small city. Obviously they didn’t want another incident to happen so it was best to be far from others, not like there was anyone else around since most were home or elsewhere. Just another quiet day at KO Burgers.

Miko quickly unwrapped her burger and scarfed it down eagerly, acting like she was starved.

Muichiro and Genya were curious about the food, having not seen or smelled anything like it. Following Miko’s example they unwrapped their burgers and took a bite.

Both lit up tasting the amazing flavors of the burgers. Genya reached for a fry and was again blown away from its taste. Muichiro and Genya both began scarfing the food down as well, eager for more of its savory taste and happy feeling of eating it.

Genya, who sat on Gyomei’s right side, unwrapped the burger for Gyomei and held it for him.

“Here Himejima-san. It's been a while since we ate. But it does have some meat. Is that okay or maybe we can ask Miko for something with vegetables?” Genya asked. He was aware of the vegetarian diet as a buddhist monk but there were a few times he’d eat meat such as fish he’d eat after training or if he was given meat as a gift.

“Thank you. This is fine, it is a gift from our new friends. It would be rude to turn it down.” Gyomei said, taking the hamburger from Genya's hand. The burger looked small in the man's hand.

Miko wondered ‘Will the burger and fries be enough for the large man, was every normal meal small for Gyomei? Did he need extra? Triple? How long has it been since they ate?’

But Gyomei didn’t complain, praying before eating the burger in just three bites but took long breaks between bites, savoring every bite. He finished it without any complaints and thanked Jack and Miko again for the food. 

“No problem, big guy. You guys needed the food. It must’ve been a pretty long way through the desert to get here. Hope we can make up for your not so happy welcome.” Miko said sincerely.

Gyomei smiled, tearing up again at how thoughtful Miko was being to them, strangers.

But the tender moment was interrupted by a loud long car honk and headlights flashing at them from a bulky green SUV. 

A large muscular man steps out of the car looking both angry and worried.

“Miko, what are you doing here? You were supposed to be at school and wait for me to take you to…” Bulkhead stopped himself midsentence seeing Muichiro, Genya and Gyomei sat by Miko and Jack. He needed to be cautious with his next words to not get them involved. 

“.. to take you back to our house. Neither you or Jack answered your phones and you made us worry. Raf is already back home and who are these people?”

Miko and Jack looked at each other confused before Jack caught on to what Bulkhead meant.

“Oh right. Uhh sorry we got caught up. We got out early and saw these three being harassed by a group of women. Miko stepped in to help and we thought we could help them since they are kinda lost.” Jack explained gesturing to the trio across from them on the table.

Miko nodded, taking a sip of her soda. “Yeah, they are from Japan and I couldn’t just let them get harassed by those middle-aged bleach blonde women. They tried to get the big guy here taken away from his kids.”

The man seemed to calm down but he was still pretty upset with the two.

“Well that was very nice of you Miko but you should’ve told us where you were.” Bulkhead said, firmly grabbing Miko and Jack’s shoulders to get them up.

Genya and Muichiro were a bit worried about Miko’s departure but they couldn’t stop her from leaving with her guardian. However, Gyomei shot up, grabbing hold of Miko and Jack's other arm. A look of worry on his face as he turned to Bulkhead's voice.

“I’m sorry but I can’t let you take these children. Demon.” Gyomei said sternly. His grip on Miko and Jack tightening.

Chapter Text

HI JUST THE KEY AGAIN

'This is thoughts'

"This is speaking in Japanese"

"and this is speaking English"

You got all that good

here is your prize  -->🏆 

now enjoy this chapter.

"I’m sorry but I can’t let you take these children. Demon.” Gyomei said sternly. His grip on Miko and Jack tightening.

Bulkhead looked at Gyomei confused, not understanding what he said but he certainly didn't like how he was holding Miko and Jack back, preventing him from taking them.

Miko and Jack looked up between Gyomei and Bulkhead, confused and worried.

“Hey, big guy? What are you doing? Bulk is our… uhmm.. uncle. He's not a demon.” Miko said, trying to move out of Gyomei’s grip. But he didn’t let go, only tightening his grip on them. He could sense her lie. Both of their lies. But why lie? Was this demon manipulating Miko and Jack to lure them away?

Muichiro and Genya quickly caught on but were also conflicted with this new situation. Bulkhead was in the sun. He walked in the sun. Although they were under shade now, he walked from a car that was…

IN

THE

SUN

The only demon that has been in the sun was Kamado's sister, Nezuko. The only known demon in thousands of years to conquer the sun. Her conquering the sun was one of the reasons they began training other slayers to grow, to hopefully unlock their slayer marks and prepare for Muzan’s inevitable attack on the Demon slayer Corp.

The first demon to conquer the sun and the demon sightings dropped before the infinity castle.

‘Did this demon not eat humans like Nezuko or was there another reason this demon could walk in the sun? What even allows demons to walk in the sun? How did it get so far out without notice? Did Muzan not have control over his own demons and locate them? Why was it not trying to run away? It's been discovered why isn't it fleeing?  Just exactly was this demon's goal?’

Too many questions and no answers right now. Right now they were at a standstill, the tension growing thick as it looked like Bulkhead and Gyomei were about to start butting heads.

But Genya was the first to strike, a strong surge of energy jolted through his body as he jumped over the table to make Bulkhead back away from Miko and Jack. Gyomei pushed Miko and Jack down, ducking under Genya’s attack before yanking them back and behind him, his hands moving to his waistband feeling the cold metal of his Nichirin chains.

Muichiro quickly followed suit, getting in a low stance and clenching his katana handle. Taking a deep breath, he locked his sights on Bulkhead, a clear path to Bulkhead now that Miko and Jack were out of the way.

“Mist Breathing First Form: Low clouds, Distant Haze.” In the blink of an eye he was in front of Bulkhead, his katana unsheathed and pulled back about to strike. His demon slayer markings burned brightly on his face, greatly enhancing his strength and speed.

He swiped his blade, aiming for the man's neck just mere centimeters away from decapitating this demon. But they was faster, stumbling back without a scratch, not even a tiny one despite how close he was to his neck.

“WOAH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!? ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL HIM!?” 

“WHERE DID YOU GET A SWORD!? WHAT IS GOING ON?!” Miko and Jack yelled, shocked and scared. They didn’t even see Muichiro move and tried to stop them. Gyomei held his arms out, stopping them from getting closer as Muichiro swiped at Bulkhead again. Everything was happening too fast they couldn’t keep up. To them it was like he was teleporting from one place to another.

Bulkhead kept backing away more as Genya and Muichiro began cornering him, each one pushing him back closer to a wall. They attacks seemingly having no affect on the demon as he kept backing away, although they swore they must've hit them at least once yet the demon had no wounds. This could be a powerful demon if it could heal its wounds faster than they can attack.

Genya leaped with a roared, lunging forward, swiping his sharp talons at Bulkhead. Fully in effect of his demon form, the same form he fought upper moon 1 with, was pretty annoyed Bulkhead wasn't even slightly hurt or wounded from their persistent attacks, his gun already mutated with his blood demon art. He didn’t even know he shifted, it was almost subconscious. He felt the power burning through him, he was faster. He cleared over the table and was face to face with Bulkhead.

Genya and Muichiro kept pushing Bulkhead back, forcing his back against a wall, boxing him in. Muichiro was backing up Genya's attacks and waiting for an opening to go for the kill.

“HEY! STOP IT! HE’S OUR FRIEND! NOT A DEMON! WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING!?” Miko yelled, trying get past Gyomei to get to Bulkhead. But Gyomei wouldn’t let her, holding her and Jack back, no longer going for his flail and axe.

He wouldn’t let these children get hurt by this demon. He failed his children before and he wouldn’t let these kids die because he couldn’t protect them.

However…

He sensed something off with this demon.

It was obvious the others were seeing and fighting this demon yet he couldn’t see or sense them. It was like they weren't there. He could hear the demon but he couldn’t see anything there, he knew it wasn’t his senses or the transparent world failing him since he COULD see the kids and sense them.

A thought came to him about this demon, it this an illusion. 'Was it the demon's blood demon art? Was the demon here a fake that came to them. Maybe it followed them while they were distracted. If so, where is the real demon? Where is the demon's real body?'

He kept his hold on Miko and Jack, ensuring they wouldn’t run into the fight and get hurt. He looked around them and spotted it. It was faint but it was there. The source. The demon’s true body.

It looked very different from the souls and body of regular demons, but he knew he found the real body. It looked smooth and worn but he knew it couldn’t be good. It didn't look human. No flesh or muscles. Yet he knew it was a threat and he needed to strike before it knew he was aware of them.

Gyomei dropped Miko and Jack and quickly unraveled his axe and flail; he was aware of the few people around which made it easy for them to attack this demon without casualties or police intervention.

He couldn’t let this demon run away and hurt someone else.

He spun the chain of his spiked flail and launched it at the source, aiming directly for its core. It was heavily armored but if he used enough force he could break it down and strike its core with his axe. Drive the demon out of its shell and behead it.

“Namu Amida Butsu!” Gyomei roared out as the spiked flail flew at Bulkhead’s car form. The car's engine roared to life and its tires screeched in reverse, nearly avoiding the spiked flail. The spiked flail slammed into the parking lot ground, shattering the concrete and sending small chunks flying, hitting and scratching Bulkhead alt form.

The small sounds of clicks and clanks of the small concrete pieces hitting the car helped Gyomei pinpoint and shape and size of Bulkhead. His hand tightened around the chain of his axe and spiked flail ready to strike again.

Bulkhead's holoform disappeared in a flash returning to the car, but now both Genya and Muichiro looked to the car that was seemingly driving on its own. Now they knew where the real demon was.

Genya whipped out his mutated shotgun and aimed it at the car, his finger tight on the trigger about to shoot but Miko jumped in front of his shot and in that instant

Time fell slow.

Jack lunged forward, reaching out for Miko to pull her out of the way, crying out her name. Gyomei turned to the sounds, he heard and felt the fear and terror in their hearts before he could see them. Muichiro dropped his katana, lunging at Genya to push the gun away from Miko. Genya yanked his gun upward, his finger already squeezing the trigger and shot up into the sky.

The shotgun shell exploded in the air, sprouting roots before it came crashing down and landed on their table, shattering it, the same table they all sat on moments ago and ate together, the roots dug itself into the ground.

The air fell still.

“Stop it please! What are you guys doing!? Bulkhead is our friend! Why are you attacking him?!” Miko yelled at them. Her arms out to block the trio from attacking Bulkhead again. Fear and confusion written all over her face.

Jack was frozen in place, horrified at Miko’s action, stepping in front of a gun to protect Bulkhead. He would do anything to help the autobots too but this was different. The trio were humans, not any large metal bodied Decepticon. They were flesh and blood with sharp, dangerous weapons that could kill them. This wasn't a Warfield, it was their city, their home.

Miko’s actions also horrified the trio. Especially to Gyomei. She was using her own body as a shield to protect this demon.

It was like what the other demon slayers did during their battle against Muzan. Their comrades jumping in front of Muzan's destruction to protect them from devastating attacks. Their young comrades used their own bodies to protect them with the hope they would defeat Muzan.

Their souls dying out with their broken, torn bodies, their last moment praying to any god that their sacrifices would help win the war.

Tears stung in Gyomei’s eyes as he looked at Miko, a young soul willing to protect this demon with her life. They must mean a lot to her and it was something he could not ignore and continue fighting.

Gyomei yanked his spiked flail back and rewrapped the chain of his axe and flail. Muichiro and Genya both did the same following Gyomei’s example,Genya holstered his shotgun and Muichiro picked up and resheathing his katana. Both were hesitant but did so, not wanting to hurt Miko if she intervened again.

Jack ran up to Miko and shook her violently. “Never do that again! You could’ve been killed! I get you want to protect Bulkhead but don’t you think he wants you to die for him like this! What about everyone else? You think we won't be sad if you die?! You're so wreckless!”

Bulkhead's holoform flickered back to life and also hugged Miko, fear in his face.

“He’s right, kid. Never do that again. You’re too young to be doing this. I don't think I’d be able to go on without my partner in crime. Besides, I could take the hit, you know that.” Bulkhead tried joking to lighten the mood, despite how shaken up he was. He had seen many younglings die during the war and it never got easier. But this felt much different.

Miko let out a big breath of relief, melting into Bulkhead’s embrace, her heart beating out of her chest. She jumped in front of the gun without thinking. She saw her life flash before her eyes, all her fears and regrets, her new friends and new family.

Gyomei stepped closer and stopped three feet away from Bulkhead and Miko before bowing. “My sincerest apologies. We have misunderstood you as a threat. We are sorry for the damage we have caused you, Jack and Miko.”

Bulkhead looked at Gyomei confused before Miko translated what Gyomei said.

“He says he’s sorry and that they thought you were a threat. Maybe that's why he called you a demon. You don't look like a demon tho?” 

Bulkhead was still very upset about the attack on him but he was also a bit confused about what to do in this situation. They had somehow seen through his holoform and figured out his true body just by glancing at him. To any other normal human he was just a normal car and his holoform had no mistakes or give aways that he wasn’t human.

He couldn’t just leave them since they figured out about them, well not everything about them but he will definitely have to take the trio with him to base.

‘Do I even have enough room for all of them? Ratchet and Agent Fowler are NOT gonna be happy about this.’ Bulkhead thought, a million different things going through his head about these new people and how exactly he was going to explain this to Base.

“Hey!” A new voice interrupted. Pulling Bulkhead out of his thoughts. The group all collectively turned to the source of this new voice, a certain young officer from before and he certainly didn't look too pleased and he wasn't alone...

Turns out the group wasn’t as alone as they thought they were.