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annihilation-fae · 3 months ago

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THIS IS SOO!!!!! AAAAAGGGHRHHJ

The First to Fall

A short piece for Day 1 of AU-gust. The prompt? "Canon divergence"! What happens when Nezuko isn't the first one to be discovered?

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Kyojuro wasn’t sure if he wanted to scream or vomit. Hell, he wasn’t even positive if he could breathe right now. The gruesome scene before him was something straight out of a nightmare, the blood painting the market street a rusty, scarlet color. Bodies, some already torn apart, lined the stalls as if they’d simply collapsed where they stood. As a hashira, he knew all too well what a demon attack looked like, but circumstances left him deep in denial.

The Rengoku estate was just minutes away. His father, Shinjuro, was sleeping off his latest hangover when Kyojuro left. He’d been worried; Senjuro had left more than an hour before to pick up a couple of ingredients for dinner. He should have come home ages ago, but there’d been no sign of his little brother.

How could it have some to this?

Amidst the gore, a single, trembling form gasped for air. Hair, nearly identical to Kyojuro’s, was tangled and matted, small fingers pulling at the ends. Saliva dripped from the boy’s mouth, clinging to his newly acquired fangs before puddling in front of him. When Senjuro finally met his gaze, the kind eyes he’d known were erased by a glimmering red hue.

Kyojuro’s mind swirled, grappling with this new reality. His years of training were lost in the mental fog. His baby brother, the one he had sworn to protect above all else, was a monster. Hot tears rolled down his cheeks. He hadn’t been there when Senjuro needed him most. He had failed, and now? There was only one thing he could do – one task remaining.

His hand went to his blade out of habit. His motions were slow and stiff, as if the nagging guilt in his heart dragged down his arm. Kyojuro had a duty as a hashira to protect the citizens hiding away. It didn’t matter what it looked like – a demon was still a threat to everyone. Yet, he couldn’t draw his sword.

“B-Brother…”

Kyojuro’s eyes widened. “Senjuro?”

The boy reached out to him. “Brother…” he repeated. His voice cracked as fear warred with hunger.

“My dear Senjuro…” Kyojuro fell to his knees and sobbed. “I’m sorry! I’m so sorry, Senjuro! I should have gone with you. I should have sensed it!” With tears obscuring his vision, he crawled closer to his little brother. “You never deserved this. What fiend did this to you? I swear, I’ll make that demon suffer!” By now, he could see the terror and horror in Senjuro’s expression and with what strength he could muster in his grief, Kyojuro intertwined their fingers. “Shh, it’s alright,” he whispered. “Your big brother’s here. No matter what happens, I won’t leave your side.”

There was a heavy moment of silence. Senjuro clung to Kyojuro’s hand, nearly cracking the bones with his newly developed power. He began to cry too, resting his forehead on Kyojuro’s knuckles as he softly wept. He knew what was happening to his body, Kyojuro realized. If only he had gone with him, instead of letting him wander alone!

“Can’t say I was expecting this, but it sure explains why the master was so worried.”

Kyojuro tensed, recognizing the voice instantly. His nausea spiked and while he refused to look away from Senjuro, his battle senses roared to life. “Shinazugawa.”

The Wind Hashira huffed. “Why haven’t you killed him yet, Rengoku? Did you lose your guts just because he’s your brother?” There was a thud behind Kyojuro, indicating Shinazugawa had leapt down from the rooftops. He was getting closer. “You think you get to hold back because it hurts? I thought you were tougher than that, Rengoku.” The steps stopped just behind Kyojuro. “Lucky for you, I won’t judge. Not this time. I should be furious, you know, but just this once, I’ll show you mercy. Consider it a sign of respect for all the work you’ve done.”

Kyojuro heard the blade leave its sheath. “Stand aside and I’ll kill him for you.”

Senjuro glanced up at him. His cheeks were damp and if Kyojuro squinted, he would have thought he was still the same sweet child he was this morning. It struck him as odd. Was he that blinded by sentimentality?

“I’m not waiting all night. Either get out of the way or I’ll slice you both down.”

Kyojuro let out a slow breath. “Shinazugawa,” he said, “your diligence is admirable. Thank you for understanding my strife. You truly are a kind man.” Finally, Kyojuro turned, tucking his brother behind him. “However, I’m afraid I can’t stand idly by while Senjuro needs me.”

Shinazugawa twitched. “Pathetic.” Suddenly, he roared. “Then die with him, bastard!”

The sound of metal striking metal rang through the empty street. Rubble scattered everywhere as two forces of nature collided. The hashira matched each other blow for blow, creating a violent dance as they predicted each step and swing the other created. It was like the chains of indecision had snapped for Kyojuro. There was only one mission for him – save Senjuro. Shinazugawa wasn’t yielding though. Every strike blazed with a rage Kyojuro had never seen, even from the temperamental man before him. The hatred of some dark secret was palpable.

Then, Shinazugawa’s gaze darted elsewhere. He ducked beneath Kyojuro’s blade before attacking, only this time, the typhoon wasn’t aimed at him. It twisted to the side, hurtling down the road.

“Senjuro!” Kyojuro dropped his sword – there was no time to think – and flung himself into the slice’s path. He felt the air tear through his clothes like paper, shredding him from every angle as he clattered to the hard ground. The world spun around him, blood loss leaving him dizzy. He stood though. Three more times, Shinazugawa silently hurled blades of wind in Senjuro’s direction, seemingly unaffected by the boy’s helpless stare, and each time, Kyojuro sacrificed his body in order to shield him. It was getting more difficult, however. His torn muscles and ligaments were beginning to fail him.

His reactions must have been getting sluggish too. In the blink of an eye, Shinazugawa vanished, appearing in front of Kyojuro in a flash. He kicked Kyojuro in the stomach, sending him flying. “Why couldn’t you have listened to me?” Shinazugawa asked. “You think I want to fight you? That I want to do this? I’m doing you a favor, Rengoku! What do you think the other hashira would do in my place? They’d expect you to do your damn job, to be the one reliable guy they can count on not to chicken out. I offered you a pass though. I wasn’t even gonna make you kill that brat because no matter how much everyone hates me, I’m not going to stand here and pretend I don’t get it. I want you to stay a hashira. I want you to be able to sleep at night without being haunted by this shit! Why… Why couldn’t you just stay put and let me deal with this alone?!”

Shinazugawa was screaming. Kyojuro couldn’t find the energy to lift himself from the dirt. He watched with fading vision as Shinazugawa raised a fist, aiming for his head. It would only take a blow or two to knock him out, he realized with dread. Not only would his little brother be slain, but he wouldn’t be able to join him in death. He’d be shipped back to the corps for punishment.

The punch never struck him though.

“What the hell?” Shinazugawa stopped. Despite his tears and quacking hands, Senjuro managed to wedge himself between the hashira. He shot a meek growl at Shinazugawa while he draped himself over Kyojuro’s battered form.

“Senjuro, what are you doing? Run! I’ll be fine. Just flee!”

He stayed still. Senjuro glared at Shinazugawa, even as the man lifted his bleeding arm. Kyojuro held his breath. Marechi blood was intoxicating, even to the fiercest demon. How was Senjuro staying so steadfast? Drool pooled from his mouth, but he neither lunged nor snarled.

Kyojuro’s heart sped up as darkness crept into his line of sight. He had to stay awake, had to think of something! It was a fruitless battle though. All too quickly, Kyojuro passed out, Senjuro and Shinazugawa locked in a never-ending showdown.

~…~

Despite his poor hearing, the thing that woke Kyojuro up was a shriek. He knew the voice, taking a moment to place it as Mitsuri. She was crying, but it was quickly muffled, as if muted by someone’s kimono. Iguro, perhaps? The two had always been close. What could have upset her? He hoped she wasn’t hurt…

“Ah, it seems Rengoku is coming to. I’m relieved. I thought you wouldn’t regain consciousness in time for our meeting.” Ubuyashiki Kagaya’s eloquent voice rang through his ears, despite the distance between them. Kyojuro slowly opened his eyes and the soft glow of candlelight greeted him. The large room came into focus with Ubuyashiki and his wife sitting in the center. “Kocho,” he said, “are his wounds healed enough that he may sit up?”

“Yes, master. Assuming he stays still, Rengoku’s injuries shouldn’t reopen. We made sure to use our strongest stitches.”

“Excellent work. I appreciate your expertise and assistance.” Ubuyashiki smiled. “Uzui, Himejime, would you support Rengoku for the duration of our meeting? The excitement might get the better of him otherwise.”

“Of course, sir.”

Two pairs of hands lifted Kyojuro up until he was resting against his friends’ broad shoulders. “Tengen?”

“Hush.” Tengen’s expression was serious, masked by a shadow of sorrowful sympathy. Himejime, meanwhile, was silent. The flickering embers of the fire reflected off his tears, as if the flames originated from him.

Wait, tears…

Kyojuro flailed. “Senjuro! Where is he? Please, tell me he’s not – “

Tengen’s grip tightened. “Damn it, hold still! Weren’t you listening to Shinobu? You’ll tear open your wounds if you keep thrashing about like that. Stop fighting and listen to the master!”

“I doubt he processed what you said,” Himejime replied.

It was true. Kyojuro was far too busy searching the room for Senjuro to care about Tengen’s concern. He was surrounded by the other hashira – as he’d thought, Mitsuri was curled up to Iguro, sniffling against his shoulder while he rubbed her back comfortingly. Off to one side, Muichiro and Tomioka watched the scene unfold with empty, solemn gazes. Shinobu merely flashed Kyojuro a sad smile. He almost didn’t see Shinazugawa though. The man had his own bandages, especially around one of his arms, and he stayed hidden in the back corner of the room. Unlike the others, he didn’t look at Kyojuro at all. He was unreadable…

“Tengen, please, I beg of you! Let me go! I need to find Senjuro. He could still be hurt. He needs me!”

A comfortable weight settled across his lap, making him freeze. Senjuro was stretched out, his head resting on Kyojuro’s thighs, as he stared up at his older brother. His bright red eyes were half-closed, and a strange scroll served as a makeshift muzzle, but otherwise he appeared healthy and well. Even the blood from earlier had been cleaned of his hands and face. He touched Kyojuro’s cheek before yawning around the rolled parchment.

“It’s early morning. I’m not surprised your brother is exhausted,” Ubuyashiki explained. “I wouldn’t be shocked if the lingering wisteria incense we used last night is also making him drowsy. We had to make accommodations for him at the last minute, I’m afraid.”

Kyojuro fumbled for the right words. “I… I don’t understand.”

“None of us do. We deserve an explanation.” Iguro hugged Mitsuri tighter to his chest, hiding Senjuro from her view. “What would possess you to allow a demon into our headquarters? I realize he’s Rengoku’s family, but that doesn’t erase the danger he poses to you and everyone here, sir.”

“Are we to slay him?” Muichiro asked.

Shinobu gave him a puzzled frown. “Obviously. He’s been turned into a demon, after all. Why here though? Surely, with two hashira on the scene, there should have been no problems killing him instantaneously.”

“Not quite. Listen closely, my children.” The room quieted for Ubuyashiki. “Your confusion is understandable. We’ve never experienced such an unusual situation before this. Yes, young Senjuro has been turned into a demon, but it appears he has yet to consume flesh. As such, he’s retained his wits and humanity.”

Iguro scowled. “Impossible.”

“Who says?” Tomioka argued.

Shinobu tilted her head. “That was oddly defensive. Is there something you wish to share?”

“No. I simply think it foolish to refute the evidence in front of us.”

“What evidence? That he’s sleeping?” Iguro scoffed. “That proves nothing and the only foolish behavior in this case is to let our guard down. Brother or not, that kid is our enemy and we shouldn’t risk lives just because we feel grief over his death.” He paused and sighed. “I’m sorry, Kanroji.” The girl’s body shuddered with another sob.

“A fair point, indeed,” Ubuyashiki replied. “However, I have reason to believe Senjuro might be a special case. Shinazugawa, step forward.” He obeyed Ubuyashiki’s order, kneeling before him as his comrades watched cautiously. “Tell them what you reported upon returning from the Rengoku estate.”

“Yes, master.” Head bent low, Shinazugawa took a deep breath. “As the current Wind Hashira, I vouch for Rengoku Senjuro. He not only rejected my Marechi blood, but also chose to protect the current Flame Hashira from harm, something I’ve never witnessed a demon do before. I’m not thrilled about saying this – it goes against everything I believe – but I’ve chosen to see what happens. Don’t get the wrong idea.” Shinazugawa turned sharply towards Kyojuro. “If at any point your little brother loses control, even for a moment, I’ll take responsibility and slice his head off. Got it? No second chances. This is the only warning you’re getting.”

Kyojuro understood far too well. “Thank you.” Pulling his arm free from Tengen’s hold, he ran his fingers through Senjuro’s hair. By now, the boy was fast asleep, clutching Kyojuro’s clothes like a lifeline. He looked so small like this, reminiscent of how he was during their mother’s death.

Her words echoed through Kyojuro’s heart. ‘The duty of the strong is to defend the weak.’ Well, that’s exactly what he’d do, he decided. He would never fail his brother again. “Master, what will you have us do now?”

Ubuyashiki closed his eyes, contemplating. “Continue on as you have. I trust Shinazugawa’s conviction in this matter; he’s not one to be swayed easily. Senjuro will be allowed to stay here at the mansion in the meantime. I have reason to believe we may come across resources to help him sometime soon. At the very least, he’ll be safe and comfortable. I’ll send word to Shinjuro at once.”

“Oh, thank goodness!” Mitsuri scrambled towards Kyojuro, pulling both him and Senjuro into a tight embrace. “Ren, big brother, I was so scared! I’m so glad Senjuro’s alive!” She wailed to the heavens and rocked them in her arms. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! I promise to help in any way I can. I’m just so thankful you’re both still here! What would I do without you two?”

“We’ll all help, me and my wives included!” Tengen added. “Don’t you dare hesitate to reach out to us, alright? Whatever you or Senjuro need, we’ll get!”

It wouldn’t be an easy road. Kyojuro had no clue what types of trials would await Senjuro now that he was a demon. A million questions stormed through his mind, answers to which no one clearly knew. He wondered though. Ubuyashiki mentioned resources… what all had he foreseen?

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