[The laugh that chases Akaza's words is a gentle and quiet one. Not quite the booming noise from back in the Grove, but that's only to be expected considering how careful they have to be in this place.]
You were preoccupied, Akaza. [A silent squeeze to his hand.] I merely wanted to tell you, to put your mind at ease.
[Much as Kyojuro doubts that the man had thought particularly hard about Senjuro, he's equally as certain that some worry had lurked within his heart when it came to Aira. The good news was meant to be a balm more than anything.]
[truthfully, akaza has been trying to memorize the names of everyone kyojuro appears to get along with; it's a good place to start for the new list of people he should protect. those two are the ones he'd most be concerned about, both considered family on some level. knowing they're safe is reassuring.
getting the opportunity to speak and think about the living, those they can still look after, almost makes akaza feel like he can forget the horror they just walked away from. but just as the slightest sensation of relief settles in his mind, they turn a corner only to stand within meters of a new monster.
this one would be an exact mirror to kyojuro, if not for the same funeral cloth over the face, and the fact that as soon as they lay eyes on this creature, it radiates a bright, warm light like that of the sun. the beast stands tall and proud, magnificent... then in the next instant, it is keeled over, its light has dimmed significantly, and instead, blindingly bright red blood pours from two endless waterfalls out of its left eye and the very center of its torso. the monster stumbles toward them, reaches for its waist, and extends an offering toward akaza just as the previous one had: a nichirin blade as red as the blood the creature is losing, with a familiar flame-shaped guard.
for his part, akaza is shocked rather than accepting of its presence, his lips ajar and his eyes wide. he isn't even sure how to begin to process this, especially not with kyojuro standing right beside him --
unless kyojuro moves to get a tighter grip, akaza's hand will slip from his, toward this offering as well.]
[It is a strange sight, looking at what is essentially a mirror. In many ways, it's jarring to see just how truly ruined he had appeared in those final moments. He feels the sharpest pang of empathy not just toward Akaza, but to Tanjiro, who also would have witnessed a familiar sort of sight.
Startled as he is, he doesn't realize that Akaza's slipped through his grasp until the man is several steps ahead of him. A rather irritable sigh leaves him, not toward his companion, but the wretched facsimile that has saw fit to manifest before them.]
[Thus far, he has made a point to not swing at Akaza's manifestations, not since he was first scolded back in the circus that is. But this is an affront not just to Akaza, but to Kyojuro himself. He will not stand for it.
First form is easy enough, even at his weakest. And it has been weeks since his last injury, after all. Yes, he's pushed himself to some degree, but never to the point of hindering his progress. And right now, this is a worthy sacrifice. Akaza will make it only a few feet before Kyojuro has shot past him, leaving smoke and heat crackling in his wake. His blade sinks into the neck of his doppelganger, then clean through, leaving it to crumble into ash and mist. He twists as his feet hit the ground once more, turning to look at the rapidly disintegrating form.
Rage burbles up within his voice, gaze rapidly shifting toward the sky beyond those impenetrable whorls of fog.]
You will not use me to harm others. Do you hear that, you wretched creature? Throw what feeble monsters you wish at us, twist our minds as you like, but do not dare use me as your weapon.
[even after the monster disintegrates, its shed blood still lays in a stream of puddles along the ground. in the chill of the fog, it steams, hot as the moment as it was spilled. to akaza, it even smells identical to kyojuro's blood. he shakes from this half trance-like state as well, meeting kyojuro before the last traces of the beast.
regardless of kyojuro's defiance toward the forest, or of his blade in hand, akaza reaches for the bandaged hand he'd fed from. kyojuro had said he'd safely be able to wield his sword, but not use breathing techniques for a while. for the first time tonight, akaza appears almost as fierce as usual, canines slightly bared as he turns kyojuro's hand over to inspect his palm.]
Why the hell'd you do that? [yes, despite his speech two seconds ago.] I told you... [well. he'd told kyojuro that hakuji's family wouldn't hurt him. he actually... doesn't know if that thing would have.]
[The silent command is obeyed without protest. He splays his fingers out, open for Akaza to take in. The wound, while still a touch raw, has patched itself up nicely. Perhaps it is a testament to just how much time has passed since that day, even if their minds can't seem to process it properly.
The irritability in the voice of his companion is not lost on Kyojuro, but he breathes out with a faint sense of amusement all the same. He just gave a whole speech about this, didn't he? But if Akaza wants him to elaborate, he will. It's only fair.]
That creature wanted to extinguish your flame. [He shakes his head.] That is an unacceptable aberration, when all I want is to see you set your heart ablaze.
[After a few moments, though, he does bow his head, expression shifting to something almost apologetic.]
I know you said your monsters would not harm me, just as I know that I assured you I would not raise my blade against them. But this my friend, was personal.
[the blue tips of his fingers ghost over the wound, examining without any pressure. it does seem much better off than he would have expected, but still, he scrunches his nose ever so slightly at kyojuro.]
Relax. I'm not going to hold it against you. [he's far more worried about the possibility that kyojuro will yet again be injured because of him. this time, akaza is the one who takes his wrist and pulls him forward. he deliberately makes as wide a path around the blood as he can. the sooner they get to the safe area, the better.]
[At first, Kyojuro stumbles. It isn't from the motion itself. No, as Akaza's cooler fingers wrapped around his wrist, something both warm and electric seemed to crackle up the span of his arm. Though his legs quickly managed to right themselves and catch up, he found that his gaze could not be torn away from that point of connection.
Had Akaza felt it too? Was it yet another trick of this strange place? His gaze drifted away finally, in favor of searching for any signs of a threat. Difficult as it was to parse out anything through the fog, nothing felt particularly sinister.
... Weren't they talking about something? Shame on him for getting distracted.]
How kind of you! [A current of delight took shape within his voice. Whatever had come over him, it didn't seem keen to linger.] I would have expected a thorough scolding for my efforts.
[when he misses a step, akaza's head snaps back to make sure he's okay. nothing seems to be wrong, except that kyojuro is just staring at their hands. but akaza just did that, too, didn't he? is the human just surprised that he's finally reciprocating touch? surely it can't be deeper than that, right?
he looks forward again at the same time kyojuro goes back to assessing their surroundings. akaza takes some time to consider his response, and finally makes a grumbling noise.]
I admit, I am still a bit surprised that it ranked so highly within your mind.
[It being his death. When he was with Aira, they had pieced together that this place seemed to be feeding on their resentments, their shadows, their fear — or at least some amalgamation of all of that. While he knew Akaza regretted what had happened in the end, it's a bit jarring to know that Kyojuro's own death lingered so heavily.
But still, it feels a little personal to press about. It's the only reason Kyojuro adds a playful little jab at the end, for fear of making things too heavy between them when they were already shouldering so much.]
[at first, he isn't sure how to respond to that. his face feels hot despite the cool air, and his heart heavy in a much more unpleasant way. time to deflect.]
What else am I going to think about? The giant lizard in the river?
[It's an effective technique that Akaza employs. Any sort of teasing that he might have considered is thoroughly derailed by thoughts of lizard, lizard, lizard. That meme was made in a factory for him, thanks.]
[akaza can only roll his eyes at kyojuro, not even disagree with him.
unfortunately, the town must be bitter that kyojuro has managed to pull akaza away from his monsters thus far, and angry that they are on the way to a somewhat lighter mood. as soon as they come into view of the next break between buildings, there is a stone well nestled in the gap. before it stand two figures -- one like a young woman, similar to the beast they encountered in the labyrinth, and a large middle-aged man in a white gi and black belt. their funeral shrouds are dripping red and inky black from the mouth, and down over their chests. the man carries a wooden pail filled with the dark, vile-looking substance, and the girl holds out a serving ladle of it toward -- akaza. of course, only to him.
this time, it doesn't take kyojuro snapping him out of it, though he does freeze for a moment. before akaza can allow himself to consider the offering, he yanks kyojuro's wrist and keeps walking.
the next alleyway they pass houses the same scene. and the next, and the next. he snarls, pace ever quickening, as if the display is something he can simply outrun.]
[At this point, the only thing that surprises Kyojuro by the sight is the fact that his won demons do not accompany the ones haunting Akaza. Each gap they pass by houses the same man and young woman. He does not have to guess at the former — the gi gives it away. The young woman is also familiar in her own way — Kyojuro had found himself even wondering when she might appear.
It is a relief that Akaza does not have to be coaxed into pulling away, at the very least. Or it should be. But whatever sweetness Kyojuro may taste at the thought of his friend finding his own resolve is swiftly dashed by the scent that drifts past his nose.
White Lily had said that her refuge could be found by the smell alone. That was all well and good, save for the fact that the breeze carries the scent through one of the gaps, refuge barred by the faces of the dead.]
Akaza - [He laments pulling on his wrist, forcing him to stop even as he'd managed to find the strength to forge ahead.] Do you smell that?
[it's absolutely pitiful, when a human's senses outcompete a demon's. even if he's managed to evade his monsters thus far -- with help or not -- akaza has certainly succumbed to them mentally. they're all he can think about, to the extent that he doesn't notice the scent of lilies until kyojuro stops him and points it out.
... of course the monsters are in their way. of course the opening is too narrow to just avoid them.
his gaze travels back the way they just came, and farther down the road. it's as if the buildings moved closer together while they weren't looking; no one alley will grant them any more space.
akaza looks to kyojuro, then to the monsters. at his sides, his hands shake.]
[Realistically, he knows they don't have to take shelter with Lily. There were still plenty of buildings in decent enough repair. But they wouldn't be able to linger long. And without her barrier, any of their monsters could just as easily creep their way in.
They both needed their rest. Akaza in mind, Kyojuro in body. So really, there wasn't a choice. Not in the long term, at the very least.
Kyojuro takes a step forward, finally releasing Akaza's hand. His steps take him until he's just scant feet from both man and girl. Only then does he kneel before them, keeping his head low. Every instinct in his body rails against such a vulnerable act, knowing what a threat his own monsters have been. But Akaza's word had held true thus far. He has to hope that will remain the case.]
It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Keizo. I was wondering if you might grant me the honor of taking me in as your student.
[So far, the monsters have paid him little mind. Even this plan feels like a risk. But if nothing else, even if they don't respond, Kyojuro has at least placed his body between Akaza and them. If he can hold their attention for just the slightest bit longer, maybe all will be well.]
[if nothing else, these things are certainly a crash course in akaza's training that they'd discussed what feels like months ago. he watches in disbelief as kyojuro prostrates himself before the monsters as if they're truly who they claim to be.
something about that makes akaza's blood boil.
his footsteps feel heavy as the earth itself as he drags himself to kyojuro's side. his hand alights on the man's shoulder, firmer than he'd like, but still restrained. the message should be clear enough, that there is no need to treat this thing like a person. even so, it still takes akaza a moment to find his voice.]
That thing is not my master. [but when he does, it carries weight. it's final. is he doing well, he wonders? is this the right thing?
assuming kyojuro will take heed, get up and out of the way, akaza ignores the girl, for a number of reasons. the labyrinth is too fresh, he still hasn't come to terms with her, he could never do to her what he is about to do...
next, akaza speaks to the monster wearing keizo's skin.]
He would forgive me for refusing to allow this mockery of him.
[before the monster, he crouches down, as he might when activating his technique development. but after all, he chooses not to. no, this creature he decides to vanquish not using blood demon arts, but a thoughtfully executed soryu strike. from his position, he uses his coiled body's momentum to kick sharply upward, the contact to its head so singularly powerful that the entire monster explodes into ash in the blink of an eye.
what akaza doesn't expect is for the other creature to react. given akaza's choice for violence, or perhaps the attack on its partner in crime specifically, the girl-shaped monster warps into something with claws just as the thing in the circus had, and lashes out at him.]
[Akaza has always been impressive, even when Kyojuro thought the worst of him. His fighting stye was as elegant as it was terrifying. Each movement seemed so sinuous, bleeding into the next as he seemed to calculate his opponents attacks before they'd even came into being. But all of that was to be expected, given the sheer power of a blood demon art. At passing glance, one would be forgiven for thinking the power in their blood fueled them forward, rather than any sort of true training. It was there that demons and slayers differed.
But Kyojuro does not feel the blood demon art in this moment. As Akaza shifts and then strikes, there is nothing but sheer human will driving him forward. There is no denying there is demonic strength in the blow itself, but the form? That was entirely Hakuji, of that Kyojuro is certain.
But any sort of grim admiration he might have held within himself is interrupted by the movement beside Akaza. In an instant, the picture of a young, sweet girl is marred by the monstrosity that lurked between each and every creature they'd come across so far. Kyojuro moves in an instant to combat her, sword sliding from its sheath effortlessly.
He does not, however, strike to kill. He cannot. Despite what is clearly a monster, it is still too difficult to cut through the human visage it wears. All Kyojuro can do is brace the flat of his sword against his left palm and press forward, knocking the girl to the ground and pinning teeth and claws down against the ground with a single, fluid motion.
The girl flails, but for the time being, cannot seem to move.]
[before he can even react -- because just like back then, he wouldn't, he couldn't -- kyojuro has the monster pinned. akaza can only watch in hesitation, refusal to act, as it tries to flail wildly, fight back.
there's only so many choices he has. he holds fast to his request that kyojuro not hurt her, and they're stuck here. he makes kyojuro release her and allow her to hurt him. he forces kyojuro to do what he can't. none are good, and some kyojuro would outright refuse.
why can't he just act? he knows it isn't really her. she didn't have claws, she would never try to hurt him or anyone. it should be easy to pretend, with the cloth covering her face, but oh, gods, that fucking thing only reminds him of the worst night of his life --]
Hakuji, help! [the voice that comes from beneath the shroud pierces him with its familiarity.] He's hurting me, Hakuji, please, you have to kill him --
[the next moment, his fist is buried in the dirt where its head just was, and there's a second cloud of ash. akaza stares at the empty space with wide eyes and shuddering breath. sweat drips down his forehead and neck despite it being entirely unnecessary to him. maybe -- he isn't certain, but maybe tears join the sweat on his cheeks.
he doesn't have the strength that kyojuro did, to raise his head and his voice in defiance. akaza only snarls to the very earth.]
Don't. Don't you ever -- ever insult her like that again. She would never do that. She would never say that.
[It's a good thing that Akaza acts when he does. Kyojuro's grip had just begun to loosen. It isn't fear of Akaza that drives him, but of his own actions. Under normal circumstances, Kyojuro understood his own strength even on a subconscious level. After all, he'd managed to hold the child that attacked him on the train at bay, all without crushing her windpipe. But his actions had been desperate, and the girl was so small, it was easy to believe he had pushed too hard.
And then, all at once, only ash remained in her wake. Kyojuro is left holding his sword in the empty air, staring at the straining muscles of Akaza's arm, and listening to the quake in his friend's voice.
Clattering metal announces the fact that Kyojuro has dropped his blade. Before he's even processed it, he's turned to Akaza. His hand lifts, cupping his cheek carefully and angling his head both upward and away from where the remains of someone he so clearly cared for now lingered.]
Akaza. [He effortlessly marries both firmness and warmth into the timbre of his voice.] Look at me.
[when kyojuro forces akaza to look at him -- not force, not really, he's actually quite gentle, if firm, about it -- he can no longer deny that his eyes feel wet. this keeps happening, it seems like, and only around kyojuro. it's humiliating. still, he can barely process it after what he's just done. he knows it wasn't her, he knows, but still --
he meets kyojuro's eye to show he's listening, but unable to verbally summon even so much as a "what?"]
[It feels like Kyojuro's fingers move without permission. He sweeps a thumb beneath Akaza's eye, carefully collecting the tears that had gathered there. The expression the other man wears feels entirely too fragile for the man Kyojuro had come to know. It's enough to nearly crack his heart in two.]
I am here. You are not alone. [How many times has he said this now? It didn't really matter, did it? He would say it until he was blue in the face if he must.] I know you need time to process, but we must keep moving, lest anything else try and find us.
[But even as he says this, Kyojuro himself doesn't move to leave. He won't, until Akaza makes the first attempt. Being there for his companion meant moving at his pace, after all.]
[after a moment, akaza nods. he heaves a deep breath and pulls his hand free from the ground to stand upright. the other, he offers to kyojuro.
when they're safe, when he has had that time, he needs to thank kyojuro. for a thousand things, really, but mostly for being so goddamn persistent in both action and word to stand by him.
he waits for kyojuro to stand and sheathe his sword if need be before continuing on their way.]
We're almost there. [he can smell it. something so superfluous as the scent of fresh flowers has never been such a relief.]
[It takes no time at all, for Kyojuro to gather himself. His fingers wrap around the hilt of his sword, sheathing it in one fluid motion as he rises to his feet. When he turns to face Akaza, he doesn't need to spare even a single, second thought to taking his hand. His fingers squeeze around him once again, always offering the pressure of assurance.]
We are.
[He speaks with no small amount of relief in his heart. He would face these battles a thousand times over if it meant pulling Akaza through. But that didn't mean he wouldn't welcome safe refuge.]
I know this has not been easy. To say that I am proud of you would be a grevious understatement.
[the look akaza gives kyojuro is nothing short of grateful.]
I'd be dead without you. Three times over.
[it doesn't seem fair, that kyojuro has saved him, time and again, after akaza took his life. but there's nothing he can do about that now -- almost nothing, anyway, he's cooking up something -- besides keep kyojuro safe the same as he does.
if those monsters couldn't stop him from getting "his pet demon slayer" to safety, akaza reasonably thinks that nothing will.]
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sticksandbones2025-10-03 12:37 pm
no subject
You were preoccupied, Akaza. [A silent squeeze to his hand.] I merely wanted to tell you, to put your mind at ease.
[Much as Kyojuro doubts that the man had thought particularly hard about Senjuro, he's equally as certain that some worry had lurked within his heart when it came to Aira. The good news was meant to be a balm more than anything.]
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[truthfully, akaza has been trying to memorize the names of everyone kyojuro appears to get along with; it's a good place to start for the new list of people he should protect. those two are the ones he'd most be concerned about, both considered family on some level. knowing they're safe is reassuring.
getting the opportunity to speak and think about the living, those they can still look after, almost makes akaza feel like he can forget the horror they just walked away from. but just as the slightest sensation of relief settles in his mind, they turn a corner only to stand within meters of a new monster.
this one would be an exact mirror to kyojuro, if not for the same funeral cloth over the face, and the fact that as soon as they lay eyes on this creature, it radiates a bright, warm light like that of the sun. the beast stands tall and proud, magnificent... then in the next instant, it is keeled over, its light has dimmed significantly, and instead, blindingly bright red blood pours from two endless waterfalls out of its left eye and the very center of its torso. the monster stumbles toward them, reaches for its waist, and extends an offering toward akaza just as the previous one had: a nichirin blade as red as the blood the creature is losing, with a familiar flame-shaped guard.
for his part, akaza is shocked rather than accepting of its presence, his lips ajar and his eyes wide. he isn't even sure how to begin to process this, especially not with kyojuro standing right beside him --
unless kyojuro moves to get a tighter grip, akaza's hand will slip from his, toward this offering as well.]
1/2
Startled as he is, he doesn't realize that Akaza's slipped through his grasp until the man is several steps ahead of him. A rather irritable sigh leaves him, not toward his companion, but the wretched facsimile that has saw fit to manifest before them.]
Oh, dear.
2/2
First form is easy enough, even at his weakest. And it has been weeks since his last injury, after all. Yes, he's pushed himself to some degree, but never to the point of hindering his progress. And right now, this is a worthy sacrifice. Akaza will make it only a few feet before Kyojuro has shot past him, leaving smoke and heat crackling in his wake. His blade sinks into the neck of his doppelganger, then clean through, leaving it to crumble into ash and mist. He twists as his feet hit the ground once more, turning to look at the rapidly disintegrating form.
Rage burbles up within his voice, gaze rapidly shifting toward the sky beyond those impenetrable whorls of fog.]
You will not use me to harm others. Do you hear that, you wretched creature? Throw what feeble monsters you wish at us, twist our minds as you like, but do not dare use me as your weapon.
no subject
regardless of kyojuro's defiance toward the forest, or of his blade in hand, akaza reaches for the bandaged hand he'd fed from. kyojuro had said he'd safely be able to wield his sword, but not use breathing techniques for a while. for the first time tonight, akaza appears almost as fierce as usual, canines slightly bared as he turns kyojuro's hand over to inspect his palm.]
Why the hell'd you do that? [yes, despite his speech two seconds ago.] I told you... [well. he'd told kyojuro that hakuji's family wouldn't hurt him. he actually... doesn't know if that thing would have.]
no subject
The irritability in the voice of his companion is not lost on Kyojuro, but he breathes out with a faint sense of amusement all the same. He just gave a whole speech about this, didn't he? But if Akaza wants him to elaborate, he will. It's only fair.]
That creature wanted to extinguish your flame. [He shakes his head.] That is an unacceptable aberration, when all I want is to see you set your heart ablaze.
[After a few moments, though, he does bow his head, expression shifting to something almost apologetic.]
I know you said your monsters would not harm me, just as I know that I assured you I would not raise my blade against them. But this my friend, was personal.
no subject
Relax. I'm not going to hold it against you. [he's far more worried about the possibility that kyojuro will yet again be injured because of him. this time, akaza is the one who takes his wrist and pulls him forward. he deliberately makes as wide a path around the blood as he can. the sooner they get to the safe area, the better.]
no subject
Had Akaza felt it too? Was it yet another trick of this strange place? His gaze drifted away finally, in favor of searching for any signs of a threat. Difficult as it was to parse out anything through the fog, nothing felt particularly sinister.
... Weren't they talking about something? Shame on him for getting distracted.]
How kind of you! [A current of delight took shape within his voice. Whatever had come over him, it didn't seem keen to linger.] I would have expected a thorough scolding for my efforts.
no subject
he looks forward again at the same time kyojuro goes back to assessing their surroundings. akaza takes some time to consider his response, and finally makes a grumbling noise.]
That thing surprised me as much as it did you.
no subject
[It being his death. When he was with Aira, they had pieced together that this place seemed to be feeding on their resentments, their shadows, their fear — or at least some amalgamation of all of that. While he knew Akaza regretted what had happened in the end, it's a bit jarring to know that Kyojuro's own death lingered so heavily.
But still, it feels a little personal to press about. It's the only reason Kyojuro adds a playful little jab at the end, for fear of making things too heavy between them when they were already shouldering so much.]
Do you think of me that often?
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What else am I going to think about? The giant lizard in the river?
no subject
[It's an effective technique that Akaza employs. Any sort of teasing that he might have considered is thoroughly derailed by thoughts of lizard, lizard, lizard. That meme was made in a factory for him, thanks.]
no subject
unfortunately, the town must be bitter that kyojuro has managed to pull akaza away from his monsters thus far, and angry that they are on the way to a somewhat lighter mood. as soon as they come into view of the next break between buildings, there is a stone well nestled in the gap. before it stand two figures -- one like a young woman, similar to the beast they encountered in the labyrinth, and a large middle-aged man in a white gi and black belt. their funeral shrouds are dripping red and inky black from the mouth, and down over their chests. the man carries a wooden pail filled with the dark, vile-looking substance, and the girl holds out a serving ladle of it toward -- akaza. of course, only to him.
this time, it doesn't take kyojuro snapping him out of it, though he does freeze for a moment. before akaza can allow himself to consider the offering, he yanks kyojuro's wrist and keeps walking.
the next alleyway they pass houses the same scene. and the next, and the next. he snarls, pace ever quickening, as if the display is something he can simply outrun.]
no subject
It is a relief that Akaza does not have to be coaxed into pulling away, at the very least. Or it should be. But whatever sweetness Kyojuro may taste at the thought of his friend finding his own resolve is swiftly dashed by the scent that drifts past his nose.
White Lily had said that her refuge could be found by the smell alone. That was all well and good, save for the fact that the breeze carries the scent through one of the gaps, refuge barred by the faces of the dead.]
Akaza - [He laments pulling on his wrist, forcing him to stop even as he'd managed to find the strength to forge ahead.] Do you smell that?
no subject
... of course the monsters are in their way. of course the opening is too narrow to just avoid them.
his gaze travels back the way they just came, and farther down the road. it's as if the buildings moved closer together while they weren't looking; no one alley will grant them any more space.
akaza looks to kyojuro, then to the monsters. at his sides, his hands shake.]
no subject
They both needed their rest. Akaza in mind, Kyojuro in body. So really, there wasn't a choice. Not in the long term, at the very least.
Kyojuro takes a step forward, finally releasing Akaza's hand. His steps take him until he's just scant feet from both man and girl. Only then does he kneel before them, keeping his head low. Every instinct in his body rails against such a vulnerable act, knowing what a threat his own monsters have been. But Akaza's word had held true thus far. He has to hope that will remain the case.]
It is a pleasure to meet you, Master Keizo. I was wondering if you might grant me the honor of taking me in as your student.
[So far, the monsters have paid him little mind. Even this plan feels like a risk. But if nothing else, even if they don't respond, Kyojuro has at least placed his body between Akaza and them. If he can hold their attention for just the slightest bit longer, maybe all will be well.]
no subject
something about that makes akaza's blood boil.
his footsteps feel heavy as the earth itself as he drags himself to kyojuro's side. his hand alights on the man's shoulder, firmer than he'd like, but still restrained. the message should be clear enough, that there is no need to treat this thing like a person. even so, it still takes akaza a moment to find his voice.]
That thing is not my master. [but when he does, it carries weight. it's final. is he doing well, he wonders? is this the right thing?
assuming kyojuro will take heed, get up and out of the way, akaza ignores the girl, for a number of reasons. the labyrinth is too fresh, he still hasn't come to terms with her, he could never do to her what he is about to do...
next, akaza speaks to the monster wearing keizo's skin.]
He would forgive me for refusing to allow this mockery of him.
[before the monster, he crouches down, as he might when activating his technique development. but after all, he chooses not to. no, this creature he decides to vanquish not using blood demon arts, but a thoughtfully executed soryu strike. from his position, he uses his coiled body's momentum to kick sharply upward, the contact to its head so singularly powerful that the entire monster explodes into ash in the blink of an eye.
what akaza doesn't expect is for the other creature to react. given akaza's choice for violence, or perhaps the attack on its partner in crime specifically, the girl-shaped monster warps into something with claws just as the thing in the circus had, and lashes out at him.]
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But Kyojuro does not feel the blood demon art in this moment. As Akaza shifts and then strikes, there is nothing but sheer human will driving him forward. There is no denying there is demonic strength in the blow itself, but the form? That was entirely Hakuji, of that Kyojuro is certain.
But any sort of grim admiration he might have held within himself is interrupted by the movement beside Akaza. In an instant, the picture of a young, sweet girl is marred by the monstrosity that lurked between each and every creature they'd come across so far. Kyojuro moves in an instant to combat her, sword sliding from its sheath effortlessly.
He does not, however, strike to kill. He cannot. Despite what is clearly a monster, it is still too difficult to cut through the human visage it wears. All Kyojuro can do is brace the flat of his sword against his left palm and press forward, knocking the girl to the ground and pinning teeth and claws down against the ground with a single, fluid motion.
The girl flails, but for the time being, cannot seem to move.]
Akaza!
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there's only so many choices he has. he holds fast to his request that kyojuro not hurt her, and they're stuck here. he makes kyojuro release her and allow her to hurt him. he forces kyojuro to do what he can't. none are good, and some kyojuro would outright refuse.
why can't he just act? he knows it isn't really her. she didn't have claws, she would never try to hurt him or anyone. it should be easy to pretend, with the cloth covering her face, but oh, gods, that fucking thing only reminds him of the worst night of his life --]
Hakuji, help! [the voice that comes from beneath the shroud pierces him with its familiarity.] He's hurting me, Hakuji, please, you have to kill him --
[the next moment, his fist is buried in the dirt where its head just was, and there's a second cloud of ash. akaza stares at the empty space with wide eyes and shuddering breath. sweat drips down his forehead and neck despite it being entirely unnecessary to him. maybe -- he isn't certain, but maybe tears join the sweat on his cheeks.
he doesn't have the strength that kyojuro did, to raise his head and his voice in defiance. akaza only snarls to the very earth.]
Don't. Don't you ever -- ever insult her like that again. She would never do that. She would never say that.
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And then, all at once, only ash remained in her wake. Kyojuro is left holding his sword in the empty air, staring at the straining muscles of Akaza's arm, and listening to the quake in his friend's voice.
Clattering metal announces the fact that Kyojuro has dropped his blade. Before he's even processed it, he's turned to Akaza. His hand lifts, cupping his cheek carefully and angling his head both upward and away from where the remains of someone he so clearly cared for now lingered.]
Akaza. [He effortlessly marries both firmness and warmth into the timbre of his voice.] Look at me.
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he meets kyojuro's eye to show he's listening, but unable to verbally summon even so much as a "what?"]
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I am here. You are not alone. [How many times has he said this now? It didn't really matter, did it? He would say it until he was blue in the face if he must.] I know you need time to process, but we must keep moving, lest anything else try and find us.
[But even as he says this, Kyojuro himself doesn't move to leave. He won't, until Akaza makes the first attempt. Being there for his companion meant moving at his pace, after all.]
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when they're safe, when he has had that time, he needs to thank kyojuro. for a thousand things, really, but mostly for being so goddamn persistent in both action and word to stand by him.
he waits for kyojuro to stand and sheathe his sword if need be before continuing on their way.]
We're almost there. [he can smell it. something so superfluous as the scent of fresh flowers has never been such a relief.]
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We are.
[He speaks with no small amount of relief in his heart. He would face these battles a thousand times over if it meant pulling Akaza through. But that didn't mean he wouldn't welcome safe refuge.]
I know this has not been easy. To say that I am proud of you would be a grevious understatement.
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I'd be dead without you. Three times over.
[it doesn't seem fair, that kyojuro has saved him, time and again, after akaza took his life. but there's nothing he can do about that now -- almost nothing, anyway, he's cooking up something -- besides keep kyojuro safe the same as he does.
if those monsters couldn't stop him from getting "his pet demon slayer" to safety, akaza reasonably thinks that nothing will.]
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