Reincarnated
prompt - you remind Azaka of something…of life he lived.. of someone who he shared that life once with.
content warning - fighting, teasing, blood.
Part 4
Akaza suddenly found himself in the infinity castle—abruptly so. typical of the master to summon them like this. Akaza glanced around already sensing upper four and five somewhere near him. he never cared to remember the names of anyone lower than him. His skin prickled at the voice behind him, calling out so annoyingly at him.
"Akaza, hmm--what's this?" Akaza's ears honed in on the sound of nail tapping metal and he turned his head over his shoulder, eyes widening ever so slightly at the snowflake pin in Doumas hand.
His body moved before his mind could register what he was doing. Douma's hand was thrown in the air, separated from his wrist blood spraying outward as Akaza's fingers tightened around the snowflake pin—grounding himself. He only glowered at Douma who giggled at him—what was this? upper three had a special item.
"Ash Akaza don't be like that. What is it, c'mon show me" Douma scooted closer to Akaza in an attempt to see the pin again but Akaza only blindly swung out at him in anger, growling as he did so.
He gritted his teeth reaching out to wipe that smirk off Douma's stupid face, veins bulging and fingers curling when the ground beneath them shook.
"Akaza" Immediately he stilled hearing his name called—by Upper One. Akaza's back straightened almost immediately, so did all the other demons. He glanced, seeing upper one in his peripheral—his jaw hurt from how hard he was clenching it.
"Akaza, if you have an issue with the ranking then challenge him, stop with this petty fighting" Kokushibu continued, making the smaller demon curl his fingers into his hand.
"aw no, he wouldn't embarrass himself like that. He was just annoyed because I took his little hairpin" Douma teased with a giggle. Akaza's hand dripped with blood—the hairpin in question slicing through with how tightly he gripped it, chest heavy with deep breaths as he tried to keep himself grounded.
why did he even keep this stupid thing?— it didn't mean anything to him. you didn't mean anything to him. h-
"Now--" Muzan was here and immediately they all bowed and readied themselves for whatever reason he summoned them.
...
strum!
Akaza landed on soft grass at the sound of the Biwa. The hairpin still clutched tightly in his hand, staring down at it. Muzan gave orders to lower four and five for the swordsmanship village. Akaza just gritted his teeth more and struck his fist through the tree beside him. He felt--off, something felt wrong, he didn't know what. His body felt strangely warm, a feeling lost to him decades ago. He has felt this way ever since he met you.
what was wr—
Akaza yelled aloud and gripped his head fingers curling into his hair at the sudden pain that ripped through it, stumbling blindly through the bushes as he groaned eventually crumbling to his knees--images flashed unbelievably quick before his eyes of something, someone? what was happening to him, was he dying?.
he tried desperately to piece together the images, string them along to find some sort of understanding within. He was seeing something bright--the sun! it only made the pain in his head worsen, why was he imagining the sun? no--not just the sun. He could see a figure, was it a memory? one of Master Muzans? No. This memory felt too much like him. It was becoming clearer but as it did the pain became worse. Akaza's head was bleeding from where his fingernails dug through the skin, teeth almost cracking under the pressure of one another.
A girl, he was looking at a girl the sun making her glow so bright. Akaza squeezed his eyes tight. He couldn't focus on her but she was moving towards him, hair blowing slightly in the breeze. Her hands found his face and he choked out a gasp at how real it felt. It broke whatever pain came upon him as he swatted his hand out to grab at the girl—but when he did everything vanished. The only thing lingering was her voice and what she said.
"Hakuji"
Akaza fell back hands scrambling in the dirt to support himself—what the hell was that?!. He feverishly looked around for someone, anyone that could have done this to him but he sensed no one around him. He swallowed dryly and slowly picked himself up from the ground on weak legs--weak? Akaza was not weak. He glanced down at the hairpin in the dirt thinking to himself for a moment but he picked it up regardless and began forward with one thing on his mind.
Who the hell was Hakuji?
...
You found yourself seething as you marched forward, sword swinging angrily through the thicket. That upper three completely embarrassed and mocked you by running. He clearly didn't see you worthy to fight! you?! Renguko Tsugoku's, the next to take a place among the hashira. Yet you apparently were not worthy for him to waste time fighting.
Snagging your sword in a bush you only huffed in frustration. You were currently heading to the third Dojo within the area you last fought Akaza. You hoped you weren't too late, you had camped out at that last Dojo for a day hoping he'd return but he didn't and you figured since he obviously did not find you worthy he would head somewhere else. You looked down the hill at the glowing lights of the town below, it was turning dusk and you wanted to find something to eat. One thing you remembered of your former master was how much he liked to eat. A small smile ghosting your lips as you recalled the many times you shared food.
This village you were passing through was the one that was holding the firework show, something you were excited to see. You wandered down and found a hot food stand, grabbing something quick and spotting a flyer on the post beside it. Your eyes reading down the information--tomorrow, the fireworks would take place tomorrow. A smile forming on your face as you found somewhere to settle for the night, still keeping an ear out for any trouble that could come when night fell.
..
You had found the next Dojo it was just on the outskirts on the other side of this town, waiting for nightfall would be best and luckily the hill before the Dojo would give you a good view of the firework show. You settled down, sword on the ground beside you on the grass. The sun was just setting. A sigh fell from you mouth and shoulders sagged forward. You hadn't slept well at all since Rengoku passed and it was beginning to take effect on you during the day. That boys name was all that had been on your mind, repeating constantly like a mantra. You couldn't push it out.
Hakuji.
Akaza's ears tingled at the sound of breathing nearby. He had come to the final Dojo in the area. He had done this for countless years, destroying them, then waiting until they rebuilt themselves. He always came here last to enjoy the fireworks—Akaza never knew why but he enjoyed watching them, almost as much as he enjoyed devouring humans. He stood atop the hill, glancing over and—still, Akaza's whole body became still as he recognised the haori. Your back was to Akaza. His body slowly turning, breathe caught in his throat as he watched your hair pick up in the breeze.
like that girl he seen in his head. The one who called him Hak--
Akaza's knees bent backwards arms flaying out to steady him as the tip of your sword just missed his chin but you didn't falter twisting it mid grip and stabbing it downwards to his chest. Akaza gripped your blade in his hand, slicing it open as he stopped your attack. You glared down at him, bent over top of him as you continued to put all your weight into your sword, watching it slowly slice further down his hand. The tip almost touching his chest. Akaza's other hand that was steadying him reached for your waist and in turn you both fell. He kicked your stomach, flipping you over him and onto your back as he picked himself up.
You were just as quick and he couldn't help but grow excited, as much as something within him opposed to fighting you he just couldn’t help it. Akaza loved a strong opponent—especially with a strong fighting spirit. He pushed the feeling of ache in his chest as far down as he could, if he could just finish you off then he wouldn’t feel like this anymore. He laughed as you charged again yelling loudly, your sword glowing.
You were even faster! Akaza couldn’t help but get jittery as he pummelled fist after fist at you. You were quick to dodge, little fireworks of your own igniting under quick feet. You had managed to slice him a few times but no where fatal—well there is only one fatal place anyways. You, however were bloodied. Your lip split open and dirt smudged up your cheek from when he flipped you into the ground again.
“Become a demon with me please! You’re too strong!” Akaza grinned—if you became a demon then maybe you could figure out his troubles together!
You just shook your head with a growl digging your heels into the ground and charging at him once more. Akaza took a fighting stance burying his feet into the ground, toes curling into the fresh dirt—readying for your move when you jumped mid way through your charge.
Seventh form— Sky symphony
Akaza’s breath hitched, heart stilled and spine shivered at the way you danced through the air, with every flip and slash of your blade fireworks exploded behind you. His pupils were big, the number upper three barely visible. You caught him off guard—again he let himself become entrapped in your breathing technique, like a moth to a flame. He dodged but just barely and you caught just the edge of his neck—his dodging forcing you to instead slice through his shoulder down to his abdomen.
Akaza’s head throbbed at the searing heat through him. His hand coming and taking hold of your arm, throwing you from him as he jumped away. You flipped mid way and landed on your feet huffing, hair falling messily over your face. You had lost your hair pin in your last fight with him—another reason why you were so furious. It was a gift, a gift from re—
Your hairpin!
It glinted at you from underneath a piece of Akaza’s torn shirt. The pale blue reflecting the moons light. You two hadn’t even noticed the firework display had already started—too caught up in battle. Your eyes widened still staring at it when you snapped into motion, why did he have your hairpin?
Akaza realised just as quick what you were going for and moved too. His body just forced itself forward, cogs in his mind stuttering and unsure as to why. The loud whistle of a firework screaming in the air as you raced against each other, reaching the hairpin at the same time. You swung your sword out at his outstretched palm but Akaza just grabbed it with his other hand. A struggle between you two, almost butting heads as you let go of your sword entirely in favour of grabbing your pin. Akaza did the same—your hand grazing the top of his. He was just that bit faster as he snatched it up and fired himself back—away from you.
Boom—the screech of the firework finally stopped and it dazzled in the air, bright colours erupting in the night sky beside you. Akaza couldn’t help himself from glancing over. You huffed out a growl—frustrated at him. That was your hairpin! It belonged to you. Your fingers just curled tighter around the swords handle.
“Give that back! It doesn’t belong to you!” You yelled across at him—boom another firework went off just as you charged at him.
Fifth form—blazing comet!
Akaza’s own body readied itself for your attack. The look of determination on your face, hair messily strung around you as fireworks lit up in your wake. His eyes meeting your glaring ones, hands coming up in a stance to defend and attack you once more—now, you were close eno—
“Hakuji!”
Akaza’s body moved before his mind could keep up blocking your sword and sending it flying upwards and out of your grip. A startled gasp leaving your mouth when his fingers curled around your haori, heart stabbing into your chest at how close you were—this was it! You were going to be devoured! His hand came up and in a fluid movement jabbed the back of your neck. You slumped forward into him immediately.
He was breathing hard, heavy shallow breaths as he held you in his arms. Your head lolled on his shoulder, knees buckled beneath you. His eyes were wide and he felt feverish from how warm your body felt against his—what was he doing? Why did he do that. He could have just ended you! Did you say that name?
No—your mouth was taut when you brought your blade down, so who did? Who called out that name and why did it make his skin crawl. Akaza focused back down on you—you the demon slayer, ever since the first encounter he’s been having these issues, is it something to do with your technique? No, demon slayers don’t have long lasting effects unless it’s poison. So why—why did he feel this way—
“Mr. Hakuji!” Akaza’s heart dropped to his stomach as he stared straight past your drooped head, at a girl across the grass.
Her dark hair matched yours pink haori adorning her body. She was smiling at him? Why was she calling him Hakuji? Who was that?. Akaza’s mouth grew dry as he took in all her features, skin, mouth, nose, cheeks and then her eyes—her eyes! They were a match for yours, in fact she looked so similar to you. Were the two of you related? His feet began to stutter forward still holding you tightly to him when she began to almost fade—what? Was this a hallucination, did you do something to him during the battle.
Akaza’s eyes took her in as she faded, stopping dead on the glinting metal in her hair. A snowflake hairpin, the same as yours. Who was she?. You stirred a bit in Akaza’s grip and his head snapped back down to you, lowering you down gently onto the grass. He found a seat beside you. The firework display was still going—Akaza’s body was hot from where you slumped into him, head lazily sat on his shoulder slow breaths rising in your chest.
His fingers twirled the hairpin between them chewing on his lip. You were seriously bloodied from his battle but nothing fatal—you were strong that was clear to him. The smell of your blood lost in the wind it didn’t make him feel any sort of hunger. Akaza just sighed his own shoulders slumping—what was happening to him?
Why did he feel this way towards you?
The last firework went off with a bang—snapping you from your sleep you jumped up almost immediately. The demon!—where was he?!. You whirled around frantically, eyes searching for him but he was nowhere. Stumped you paused as your eyes caught your sword laying beside you, hair pin neatly set on top of the hilt. He gave it back?—your hairpin, he returned it? What was wrong with this demon. He could have easily devoured you but instead he spared your life?
Was he like that young boys sister?.
No—he couldn’t be not whilst being upper three. He couldn’t have a change of heart now. This must be a game he is playing with you, nothing out of the ordinary for these sick creatures—yet your heart stuttered as you picked the hairpin back up—why would he return it.
Why was he so familiar to you?. That boys blurred face flashed into your mind every so often but you could only ever make out his hands and arms that held your own, thick black bands encircled his forearms. You shook the image from your mind and grabbed your sword, pinning your hair back you looked down onto the Dojo. The night wasn’t over yet and neither were you—he had to be there.
Something was telling you so.
..
And Akaza was right where you said—dead center in the middle of the Dojo’s floor as multiple men charged at him. He was angry—huffing with every breath as he defended off their meek attacks but the blows he landed in retaliation were not fatal ones, no—Akaza couldn’t bring himself to totally kill any of the men instead only dealing enough damage to render them unable to move, breaking arms, legs—He was distracted.
He didn’t know why he gave you back your pin nor did he know why he sat with you for so long, maybe he was worried of another demon sneaking up on you whilst you lay unconscious bur why? Why did he harbour these feelings for you! A demon slayer—someone he swore to always kill every-time he met one. Akaza sent another man into the wall to his right a sigh leaving clenched lips. His head was growing sore again, tension heavy across it.
He was too engrossed in his thoughts on you and that girl he’d seen— hallucinated more like. That he didn’t pick up on the Dojo door sliding open or your footsteps as you came at him from behind. It was only when you yelled that he snapped back and unfortunately did not dodge your blade as it lodged itself through his shoulder. He stumbled forward with a cough giving you time to rip it upwards slicing through the bone. He turned seeing you standing before him. Your hairpin fixed neatly, keeping messy strands out of your eyes.
“Is this some sort of game to you? Am i not worthy of even being devoured?” You raged at him and Akaza’s eyes only widened. You not worthy? No you are more than that—to him he wanted nothing more than to continue this dance forever with you.
“Of course you’re worthy! Your strength is amazing! Become a demon please!” He begged you once more—please, join him. He wanted you by his side forever, he couldn’t link his mind to his feelings but his heart yearned to have you near him. He wanted to feel your warmth.
“Enough of this begging! How many times do I have to tell you!” Your eyes were jumping between him and all the injured men around you. You needed to get them out of here first.
Sixth form—Dancing Dragon
Akaza watched you take a deep breath and jump forward, bracing himself for it but you avoided him?. Flying straight by him he spun round just as quickly watching you jump each injured man, grabbing and taking them to the exit of the Dojo, putting them behind you, as you did sparks erupted each time, little firecrackers dazzling in your wake.
You found yourself back in front of Akaza. All men accounted for behind you—good, you could really fight now. Akaza was growing frustrated—so torn in two at the sight of you. A part of him did want to kill you, tear you up but it was loosing the battle—the other side wanted nothing more than to just stare at you, take in all your features, feel your hands in his. You were fired up once more and Akaza could sense your strong fighting spirit, just as you inhaled, hilt tightly held in your hands he spoke—pausing you.
“Have we met before? Be—before our first encounter?” Your brows raised in a sudden shock—what? What was he going on about?. It caught you off guard entirely. He asked with no malice, no ill intent. You had spoke to demons before, fought more educated ones and some of them you felt pity for when they lost—hearing their cries for their old life haunted you in a way.
When you remembered your own.
“Do you have a sister?” He continued taking a small step forward that had you tensing your body. Akaza paused with a frown, why wouldn’t you answer him?.
What was he doing—was he stalling? Trying to distract you? For what?. You couldn’t sense any other demons presence except for his but with their blood demon art that didn’t mean anything.
“No we haven’t met before and I don’t have a sister” You gritted out. “Now stop asking these stupid questions and die!”
You took off quicker than Akaza expected. He always found how quickly you could move impressive, almost as fast as that last hashira he faced—Rengoku, did you know him? Probably. Your sword clashed against Akaza’s hand as he blocked your attack on his neck. You weren’t wasting any time going for any other limbs this time, straight for his neck. Akaza just continued to defend your barrage of attacks, some caught him but he regenerated in time for your next swing.
He watched you bounce back to the Dojo’s entrance huffing at him. He was evading and blocking, making no move to attack you. Why? Why was he doing this again. Your head was growing thick with pain now, frustrated at your skills—could you not even defeat an upper rank? Muchiro defeated one and so did Kamado when they attacked the swordsman ship village. That young boy has faced two upper demons and aided in both of their deaths.
Yet—you almost a hashira couldn’t even get an upper rank to fight you. Why?. Your body was warm, clammy with sweat as you twisted your sword and charged once more at him. You couldn’t let these thoughts make you falter. If you didn’t kill him tonight you’d at least protect these men from him.
It’s what your former master would do—Rengoku. All he preached was how the strong should care and protect the weak, inspiring you to use your own strength to protect those who cannot protect themself. You wouldn’t let anyone die here tonight. You charged forward once again but Akaza just grabbed the hilt of your sword with his hand as you stabbed it through his abdomen—letting you, letting blood spill onto the floor. His cold fingers brushed yours. Your teeth gritted in a snarl as you glared into his yellow eyes, upper three.
But he didn’t flinch nor choke. He just moved his free hand and you noticed—the same movement to jab at your neck but you caught it. Your fingers curled around his wrist holding it mid-air. This made him flinch—warmth seeped from your hand into his, down to his bones. You continued to glare as you tried to shift your sword out but he held it firm, moving his fingers atop of yours—you stayed entrapped like this and he spoke once more.
“Look at you! Unwavering in my face, please join me. I have to know who you are” he asked once again, this time softer. His eyes were wide, cheeks stretched in a grin.
“I don’t want to become a demon. A cold, lifeless being. I love being human!” You retorted and managed to twist your sword in his gut. This made his body jerk slightly. Your head was getting worse, was it his demon art? The closer you were—longer you stayed here the worse it got.
It felt like something was cracking it open. Your eyes screwed shut for just a split second and when you reopened you pulled back suddenly, surprising Akaza who let you go—along with your sword. He came after you this time. You both jumped around the Dojo, damaging walls as you avoided his touch. He wanted to feel your warmth again. Your body was growing heavy—what? Theres no way you’ve reached your limit already. You aren’t even that injured. Were you sick? What was going on.
You tripped over a plank and fell backwards smacking the back of your head off the corner off a table. Your sword falling from limp hands as you tried to force yourself back up but it was too much —too late, blackness pulling you in. Akaza was quick to grab at your haori and pull you up—what happened? Did you die. His breathing began to pick up, heart rate grew in rate. What was this feeling? Why was he so—
So anxious?.
His hand grabbed at your cheek tapping it lightly. His other arm wrapping around your shoulders, shaking you gently. You groaned, brows furrowing as your eyes blinked open just slightly—gaining enough conscious to do something. A faint smile graced your lips and Akaza held completely still as a weak hand found his own cheek. His heart was going to rise out of his throat as you stared into his eyes.
“Hakuji—i’ve missed you” It was so quiet, so soft and breathy but there was no mistake. You called him Hakuji.
The same name he was called in his memory—the same name that girl called him earlier. The one that looked like you, with the hairpin. But just as quickly as your eyes cracked open they closed and you slumped back into his hand. He gently lowered you against the wall and looked outside the Dojo. He could see the sky beginning to turn bright. He had to leave—had to leave you. He didn’t want to, everything he thought he knew about himself felt foreign. He turned to see one of the men stumbling up and walked over, picking him up by his uniform.
“If anything happens to her. I’ll come back and devour you all” His words were cold and inflicted fear into the man who quickly and vigorously shook his head in agreement.
Akaza tossed him down—giving you one last look over his shoulder before departing.
How did you both know each other? It couldn’t be from when he was a human for he has been a demon for over one hundred and thirty years.
