⚜ Demon Slayer One-Shots ⚜ Requests Open ⚜

The Tides Of War

"Will you leave me behind, just as everyone else?" Tanjirou smirked, snickering as he shook his head. He grazed his lips along Giyuu's, leaving a soft sensation that stirred the Demon Slayer to reality.

"Never. I meant every word. You and I, the harbingers of death to those detestable humans!" There was a long silence, Giyuu biting lightly on his lips. His heart fluttered hearing those words. He'd always wondered what being loved felt like. To be treasured. It left a warmth that was like a drug to him. Roping him in. Pulling him further. "So? What is your answer?"

"I-" He exhaled, feeling a smile drift over his features for the first time in forever. His gaze met Tanjirou's, who wore his arrogance outright. Giyuu knew Tanjirou was aware the choice, knew he'd won this bet. The Demon had chuckled, waiting patiently. Finally Giyuu found the strength to speak up. To say his peace. To seal his fate for good. A fate he much preferred over the other one. "I will join. You and I, forever. That has to be a promise!"

"Hahaha, of course, Giyuu. I promise. Until the end, we will pave a path for success. We will bring about a change and crush those pathetic pests called 'human'~"

Months had passed since Giyuu's disappearance. Most had assumed he'd perished, but there were a few who held doubts. Always had. Kyoujurou had wanted to speak out on behalf of Giyuu during that meeting, to defend him. But it would have given him the same fate. He had decided to be selfish and protect himself. But it left a weight on him, weighing his every move. He'd never had so much doubt until that very moment. Kagaya had been the other to feel off. He'd known the truth, but too late. Word of a new Uppermoon had reached them after Giyuu's 'death', only giving evidence he had not been crazy. That was truly when the others came to reality, when they saw their flaws. They pushed a Hashira away and it was now affecting them. Some more than others, but that was simply how it was. Which led to current situations. They were all involved in a meeting, Kagaya present as those words brought the space to life. 

"We have sightings of a Demon of strong caliber a couple hours out. There was a massacre of new slayers, a message to us, no doubt. I want all Hashira to head that way and bring this demon down, understood?" All nodded, leaving their spots as they headed out. No one knew what exactly to expect. How could they.

The group had arrived by dusk, the sun low enough to permit Demons to roam. They moved through the thick foliage, simply keeping an eye out. They had no real description, but a Demon was a Demon. If they saw one, they would kill it. Simple as that. Or so they had thought. Most had frozen in place upon hearing two voices, laughter eliminating the silence the forest once held. Most felt the bloodlust, the air too thick to breath. Kyoujurou was the only one who felt a similarity. In truth, he'd hoped the truth wasn't as such, but life was cruel. Upon viewing that blue hair of a Slayer of the past, it made Kyoujurou finally grasp the situation. Months ago they had driven Giyuu away. His disappearance was no death, but his change. He'd willingly turned away from the Demon Slayers, who gave him nothing besides hate in his heart.

"Come on Giyuu~ Let's get a move on, before someone else comes by!" The other Demon spoke low, Kyoujurou spotting the finer details. The way the Demon held to Giyuu was not friendly, but seductive. It almost made Kyoujurou want to congratulate the other for such a find. To finally have someone close.  But that chance was hard to come by, especially with so many Hashira out for Giyuu's head knowing of his betrayal. Shinobu was the biggest Hashira seeking Giyuu's elimination. Truth was, Kyoujurou had no bloodlust for this fight. He felt this was expected, with how poorly everyone treated the other. But most were too egotistical to realize their true faults.

"Can't we stay a bit longer? I'm sure the message reached them~" Giyuu hummed, pulling the other Demon closer. They chuckled, the smaller Demon agreeing before those eyes glanced toward the direction the Hashiras stood. It brought all on edge, the Demons words colder then ice.

"I don't see an issue, seeming as we have new visitors. Are you all going to stay there, or make yourself known?" Giyuu had frowned, turning as well as most Hashira cleared the trees to the space. All of them were present, Giyuu wearing a sickening smile. He could taste the bloodlust from all, beside Kyoujurou that was. The Hashira was on the side, obviously not interested in this combat. Mostly interested in what had happened. To seek some sort of forgiveness from Giyuu, who had been wronged from the very beginning. "Seems your message got through, my love~"

"Indeed. I was expected a kinder reaction..." The smaller Demon smirked, scoffing.

"No you weren't. You wanted them here to seek out revenge. Friendship was never an option, least for most. I do have to admit, one of them seem hesitant." Giyuu nodded, his gaze shifted to Kyoujurou, who lowered his gaze. He closed his eyes, feeling the other Hashiras cold gaze as well. It brought the Flame Hashira to reality. His voice was low, but genuine. 

"I wanted to apologize, Giyuu. For the past. I can't apologize for them, but I genuinely believed you, but didn't defend you. I let this happen, even though it was wrong..." There was a low silence, most Hashira taking heavy offense. Even so, Giyuu spoke up before anyone else could.

"It's a bit late for apologies, but I forgive you. You were never against me. You were neutral from the very beginning, I do not hate you. But you realize your words have no doubt made them desire to treat you as I was?" Kyoujurou nodded, looking away as the other Hashira tried to speak up, but their voices faltered. The smaller Demon glared holes, Giyuu taking in a large breath. He whispered something to Tanjirou, who simply accepted it. "Since going back might be detrimental, how about a trade off. I wanted you all here to slaughter, but I will spare all but one, should you join us Kyoujurou. Going back will be a mark of treason they will no doubt twist, so come to a side that is going to win this fight."

"I-"

"Think on it. There is going to be fight otherwise." Kyoujurou bit his lip, his gaze wavering. He took a long inhale, releasing it as he sighed loudly. Giyuu had truth in his words. His apology had made him against the others. There was no intent from him to fight the other.

"I guess going back really isn't an option... I have felt guilty for so long, so maybe this will ease that weight. I really am sorry." 

"It's alright. Just do what's right, Kyoujurou. I'd hate to see someone so kind fall in line with those liars." Kyoujurou noticed the hand outstretched, the smaller Demon smiling calmly. It was a charming smile. He took a step forward, his hand reaching out. As fingers slid into the others, he flinched as metal flew through the air. It wasn't aimed at a Demon, but Kyoujurou. His body froze, but his eyes widened to the sight. The blade tore clean through Giyuu's neck after he'd protected their new ally. The head rolled, dissolving as the Hashiras showed their joy. It made Kyoujurou's skin crawl, but not as much as when that head regrew. It made them all freeze in place. The smaller Demon gave a low chuckle, Kyoujurou tossed behind the other as malice oozed into the air. The smaller Demons tone was deadly, venomous. 

"I'll be taking two heads now, instead of one. You dare to attempt to harm my lover? You've truly got a death wish!" Those blood red eyes bore into all, most feeling fear sweep them off their feet. It was the first time Kyoujurou was glad to be on the other side. That gaze alone could kill, if able. It only backed his choice, leaving him knowing that he was following the correct path. The path his heart carved for him. 

That encounter had ended with a massive casualty. Two lives were indeed taken and Kyoujurou was brought back. He'd given his services to Muzan, offering his loyalty. It brought another addition, strengthening the worlds enemy. The Hashira had taken a huge hit, feeling the loss. Hatred fueled them, but it was pointless. The difference was too large. It was the beginning to a one-sided war. A war that favored the Demons. Most believed good always won, but the good are corrupt as well. Nothing it perfect. Giyuu had learned that. Not everyone is as viewed. The heart can easily be tainted, roped into evil. In turn, that shifted the tides. The Tides of War.

It was time the Bad side finally got their sweet victory~