Scattered Petals (Giyu Tomioka X OC)

Chapter 6

Misaki's P. O. V:

I start feeling beads of sweat down my face the longer I stare at the crimson blood blood dripping down Shinazugawa's right forearm.

My heart was beating in my throat and my demonic urges were threatening to rise up.

I take deep breaths to try to calm myself.

I squeeze my eyes closed and inhale deeply once more. My heart finally settles enough for me to look back at Shinazugawa and tell him while holding my hand out to him and turning my head away in disgust, "Keep your blood! I don't need it. I'll have you know that I regain my strength by sleeping."

Everyone except Giyu stares at me in shock and gasps.

Kagaya smiles proudly towards me. "There, you see? Undeniable proof that Misaki can deny human blood and withstand sunlight."

"There's still no guarantee she won't attack one of us!" Snaps Shinazugawa. He grips his sword in his right hand and I look back at him. "Forgive me, Master, but we must eliminate her! We've already lost so many of us to her kind."

I just gaze back at him dully. "If you wish to kill me that badly, then go ahead. I'm sick and tired of this! I hate being a demon and not being able to eat normally. But why do I bother wasting my breath when none of you will believe me?"

Shinazugawa smirks as he says, "Then I'll put you out of your misery!" He then swings his sword for my neck in a vicious arc.

Time seems to slow as I just close my eyes and remain where I am, not wanting to fight anymore. I gave up fighting my demonic fate a long time ago.

He's right. They never know when I will go berserk... it's better this way...

I feel the sword slicing through the air towards my neck.

"Stop, Shinazugawa! She's innocent!" Giyu yells desperately. "... I'll protect her!"

Shinazugawa's sword stops inches from my neck at that and we all jerk our heads to the Water Hashira. He was looking at me and Shinazugawa desperately, teeth clenched.

"You'll... protect her?" The white haired man inquires dubiously. He scoffs. "She must have you under a spell!"

"That's not my Blood Demon Art!" I snap at him.

"Whatever! Like I care what your Art is! You're still a threat to us!"

"I haven't eaten anyone! Or are you hard of hearing?" I sneer at him. Shinazugawa snarls at me. He goes to attack ne once more but is stopped by Kagaya.

"Enough, Sanemi. I believe Misaki is telling the truth." He turns to where Giyu is. "You're willing to protect her, Giyu?"

He nods vigorously as he replies, voice steady, "I am. She saved my life and as we traveled here, Misaki never once tried to eat any humans. She's different from the others. I give you my word."

There's a long moment of tense silence.

Finally, the Ubuyashiki speaks up. "Very well. She's pardoned since you both strongly claim Misaki has never devoured a single human." The others gape at him.

"Oyakata-sama...!" Shinazugawa protests.

"But she's your responsibility, Giyu. You must make sure sue doesn't eat a human or there will be a price to pay. Can you do that?"

We gaze at the Water Hashira as he gazes back at me with pursed lips.

"I can, Oyakata-sama," He finally says unwaveringly. I stare at him in disbelief.

Kagaya smiles as he nods towards Shinazugawa. The purple eyed man scowls angrily at me before bowing in respect to his master and stepping back into line.

Giyu is also released and he glares at those who held him back.

"Now that that's settled," Says Kagaya as I face him, "Misaki, will you help us in the fight against Muzan Kibutsuji and the 12 Kizuki? You've heard of them, correct?"

"Muzan was the be who turned me in the first place," I spit.

"You've seen Muzan?" Ponytail guy exclaims. Shinazugawa suddenly grabs my shoulders and roughly shakes me.

"Tell us everything you know!" He demands.

"St-Stop shaking me!" I stutter. He's pulled back by Giyu who glares at him. I give him a grateful look before looking back at the others. "I have seen Muzan but I don't really know anything about him, other than the fact he can turn people not demons. That's all I know."

Shinazugawa scowls.

I look back at the master with a steady gaze. "But, if you spare my life and give me a chance to prove myself, I will help you fight against Muzan. He took everything from me. I want revenge."

Kagaya seems satisfied and smiles at that, nodding his head. "Very well, then. It's settled. We will commence the Hashira meeting, but Misaki, will you join us?"

I was surprised before I bow slightly in respect and say, "It will be my honour, sir."

                        🌸🌸🌸

The Hashira meeting feels like it went on forever before we were finally dismissed. I didn't say anything but just sat and listened to the other Hashira speaking. Giyu also didn't say anything.

We walk to his estate later that day, in the Thousand Year Bamboo Forest. We reach a large building after walking in through the gate and enter the house.

It was big on the inside but everything was neat and tidy.

"Your house is nice," I say.

"Thank you," He mutters, standing behind me a little.

I purse my lips as I think back to the trial and ask in a quiet voice, head lowered, "Why did you do that?"

"Huh?"

"Why did you say you'll protect me, a demon? Aren't I supposed to be your enemy?"

"..... It's because you saved my life," Says Giyu unwaveringly. "I feel like this was the only way I could repay you."

"Even if that means I could lose control and you're forced to commit seppuku?!" I demand hotly as I whirl to him. Giyu starts at the frown on my face.

".... I can see you're different from other demons, and you saved me. I had to repay you despite knowing the consequences," Says Giyu.

I feel like crying. I end up bursting into tears, surprising Giyu. "It's been so long since anyone's showed me any kindness the way you have! I've forgotten what it was like. And even though there's a chance you could die because of me... you're still willing to protect me—even from your fellow Hashira."

I drop to my knees as the tears continue to flow.

I hear Giyu kneel before me but don't look up even as he murmurs, "Misaki, look at me." I don't. He gently grips my chin and makes me look up at him. His touch was so gentle. "I'm willing to protect you because you deserve another chance at life. You're still full of kindness despite your hardships." His striking gaze softens. "If there was any way I could change you back, I would. But, unfortunately, I've never seen anyone being returned to a human. Which is why I'll protect you for as long as I'll live."

I feel like crying all over again. I've never met a man as kind as Giyu is.

"So, please, continue living, for me," Giyu urges me. "I know it's hard, but you need to try."

I gaze at him for a long moment, memories of my parents flickering through my mind.

I wipe the tears from my face as I nod my head and say to the Tomioka, "Okay, Giyu. I'll try—for you."

Giyu offers a small smile at that, and I think smiling suits him.