Fluttering Lotus Petals

Chapter 10: The Essential Horticulture

[Name] shakily bid farewell to the two demons and flew off in a hurry. He just needed some time to think, and alone. Eventually, though, he landed and decided to continue on foot. He did not want to go inside his lotus lantern. The emptiness would close in on him and crush him.

He ran and ran, and ran some more. His head buzzed with tangled thoughts as he struggled to comprehend them.

He came across a forest on top of a hill with a clearing and he decided to stay there for the time being. In the middle of the clearing was a small pond with cattails, fireflies, and lilypads living in harmony. The grass was soft under body as he plopped down on the ground and stared into the night sky. Above him, the stars twinkled.

Every single interaction with Kibutsuji throughout his 200 years as a demon flashed through his mind like an album of photographs. It had been so long since [Name] had interacted with his biological father, him having died ages ago. What did a real father feel like, anyway?

Kibutsuji was the closest thing he had to father for centuries. And yet, Yushirou had a point. There was no warmth in his gazes, no affection in his speech.

And yet, he still favored [Name] above all of the rest of the Twelve Kizuki. He allowed [Name] to accompany him everywhere. He called for [Name] the most out of any demon.

But was that just because of his Blood Demon Art? No, no, it couldn't be...could it? Could it be that Kibutsuji only showed affection—if it could even be called that—because of his powers? Because he was useful, a powerful pawn he could use at will?

And Ubuyashiki. He was the opposite of Kibutsuji, even with all his physical similarities. The true affection that [Name] felt from him was overpowering and it stunned him when he first felt it. He cared for all of the Demon Slayer Corps, staying with the members that almost died until they recovered. He visited the graves of all the fallen, and memorized the backstory of every slayer.

Kibutsuji would never do that for anyone, not even [Name]. After the former Upper Rank Two was killed by Douma, Kibutsuji didn't care. [Name] was sure he forgot all about the demon's existence. He replaced demons easily and forgot about the fallen ones so soon.

Ubuyashiki couldn't be more different than Kibutsuji. Kibutsuji only favored him a lot after his Blood Demon Art developed, but Ubuyashiki welcomed [Name] and saw that he had a kind heart and pure intentions.

And Tanjiro did the same thing. He did not hate [Name] simply because he was a demon. He simply smiled and saw—or rather, smelled—that [Name] had no malice inside. He lit a fire inside [Name], burning brighter and brighter by the day.

He'd known for a while now that he loved Tanjiro, perhaps even more than he loved Hakuji the human and Akaza the demon. He was willing to turn his back on the Twelve Kizuki and Kibutsuji all together for him, but those lingering feelings of attachment were still there. He would have to get rid of them in order to support Tanjiro even more.

A swishing of a robe interrupted the serene lake scene and [Name] sat up to see who it was. A figure wearing a purple kimono and a sword at his hips stood a meter behind him.

"Michikatsu, why are you here?" [Name] asked.

Kokushibou didn't answer for a moment. "I felt like...you needed company. So I am here."

[Name] smiled. "Thank you."

The two demons leaned against each other, looking up at the celestial body that shared a name with Kokushibou's breathing form. Kokushibou pulled the younger demon close without a word, which wasn't unusual for the stoic demon. His six eyes fluttered shut.