Work Text:
Giyuu noticed Shinobu's scent right before Tanjiro was about to tell him who the boar headed slayer he passed earlier was, reacting just in time to block her blade with his own. He could feel his hackles rise, knowing that he would most certainly have to break the corps rule of not fighting other slayers to protect his pups. "Oh?" Shinobu looked surprised when his blade met hers, metal clanging against each other in the still night.
"Tomioka-san, you know it's against the Corps rules to prevent me from killing the demon behind you." Giyuu didn't respond, restraining his instincts from growling at her. Betas don't growl, only Alphas and Omegas growl. He had to make sure they still thought of him as a Beta, it was better that way, easier, if they thought he was a Beta.
"Mine," He harshly spat out through gritted teeth. "Don't you dare touch them." Giyuu kept his eyes firmly on Shinobu the entire time, shifting his body to block her from even looking at Tanjiro and Nezuko, who were silent behind Giyuu.
"Oh dear," Shinbou sighed, her tone light, but her scent betrayed her. Giyuu could smell the threat that she posed to them, the bitter scent of her anger obvious, even if it was for only a moment.
She smiled, one so very fake, before calling out to Tanjiro, "Boy!"
"Uh, yes ma'am?" Tanjiro warily replied, poking his head around Giyuu's tense body, his scent souring in distress. Oh how Giyuu wished he could comfort his pup, but he couldn't. Not right now.
"You do know that your protecting a demon, right? Move, so that I may dispose of it."
"I can't let you do that! She's my sister!"
"Oh! In that case, I will use my painless poison, so you don't have to worry! She won't suffer, I promise!"
Giyuu unconsiously out a low growl, a warning. Like hell she would try and hurt one of his pups! "Leave them alone." He snarled.
Somewhere in his brain, he realized that he was all but telling Shinobu that he wasn't actually a Beta, but he couldn't care. Kanae knew he wasn't a Beta, so it was obvious that Shinobu would also know that he was an Omega, even if the two of them never formally spoke about it. Giyuu was already fighting his instincts to not go feral right then and there. He could feel his fangs dropping in his mouth, anticipating a fight to protect his pups. Even if it meant fighting against another Corps member.
Before either of them could do anything, the piercing cry of a crow cut through the forest.
"CAW! CAW! THE MASTER REQUESTS THAT THE HASHIRA TOMIOKA GIYUU, MIZUNOTO KAMADO TANJIRO, AND THE DEMON KAMADO NEZUKO BE BROUGHT TO HIS MANSION FOR A TRIAL! CAW! I REPEAT-!" The bird flew off to spread the word to any other slayers in the forest.
Shinobu sheathed her sword, looking up at the sky where the bird had just flown overhead, then back to Giyuu and his pups. "I presume those are Kamado Tanjiro and Kamado Nezuko then, Tomioka-san?" She asked, receiving a stiff nod in return. Content with his response, Shinobu left, evident that he was to join her back to the mansion.
Fear in his mouth, Giyuu could do nothing but watch as the Kakushi arrived to take care of the injured slayers, taking both of his pups away. Nezuko had been put into her box at somepoint, evident by the fact that one of the Kakushi was carrying it while another carried Tanjiro on their back. He would have to separate once more from his pups, even if his instincts were screaming at Giyyu to not let them out of his sight.
With an internal sigh, Giyuu followed after the Butterfly Hashira.
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
As the duo traversed the forest towards their master's domain, Giyuu stayed silent. There was no use to try and convince his acquaintance that Nezuko wasn't like other demons, that she would never harm a human. What would be the case with the other Hashira? Would the pleas of innocence from his pup fall on deaf ears? He knew that both the Wind and Serpent Hashira never particularly liked him. Tokito and Himejima got along with him just fine, but the Stone Hashira held a particularly strong dislike towards demons, the Mist Hashira was always a wild card. Tengen Uzui also could care less if Nezuko was innocent, she was a demon. He got along with Kanroji okayish, trying to open up a bit more to the Love Hashira ever since he and the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro mated with each other. Kyojuro will definitely be on his side, right? Who is he kidding, Kyojuro came from a Demon Slayer family, a legacy, he would behead Nezuko on the spot. Kanroji was nice, but was also more inclined to lean with the majority, always trying to please others. Far too quickly, Oyakta-sama's domain came into view. Even the master wasn't on his side, he would just order for her to be killed and Tanjiro exiled from the Corps once he arrived and calmed everyone down.
He continued to drown within his own mind, unable to ask for help, only thinking about the safety of his pups.
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
They arrived before everyone else, before the oldest Ubuyashiki daughter gave them some tea and wagashi to eat while they waited under the tree a few steps away from where everyone lined up. The Water Hashira and Insect Hashira sat facing the other, neither daring to break the silence. The tea smelled too sweet and everything was too loud. Kochou didn't comment on his reluctance to drink or eat, just sat while softly fake smiling over her teacup. She acted as if everything was alright, as if one or both of Giyuu's pups wouldn't soon be killed.
Did she even care? No, of course not. She hated demons, moreso ever since one had killed her sisteer. She was a doctor, yet didn't treat the many obvious wounds on Tanjiro when they were in the forest. His sweet ray of sunshine for a pup was completely looked over by someone who claimed to care for all injured slayers. Pushing away the tea, uncaring for any which spilled onto the small table that was brought out earlier, the distressed Omega stood up. He could smell the rest of the Hashira arrive, their scents turned bitter from rage. He sunk further into his mind, not taking in anything that was happening around him.
"-ucking listen to me when I'm talking!" Lifting his head up, almost fearfully, it dawned on Giyuu that Shinazugawa had used his alpha voice on him.
That was against the Corps rules! Eyes scanning the courtyard, he was wondering if the others would say anything. They all looked uncomfortable, no sympathy to be found from the crowd. He was scared to open his mouth, fearful that a whine may escape if he opened it. The Wind Pillar let go of the collar of his uniform before he left to line up, an action that Giyuu followed after a while, collecting his thoughts as much as he could. The ocean inside his head was threatening to take him back under, were it not for the honey and sunshine scent of his pup catching his attention.
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
When the Kakushi arrived in the courtyard with his pup, it took all of Giyuu's self-control to not rush towards Tanjiro and frantically check him over. His injuries have very obviously not been treated and, were it not for the others being present, combined with his self-control, he would've growled at the Kakushi to back the fuck away from his pup. Tanjiro was thrown onto the hard ground like he was nothing more than rubbish with untreated wounds. Tanjiro apparently passed out on the journey at some point, only to be woken by a hand painfully crushing the scent glands on his neck, causing him to wake with a start and scrambling to get up. Wincing at the pain and everything spinning around him, letting distress seep into his scent. Giyuu was sure his teeth were grinding with how tightly he clenched his jaw, he couldn't rush to his pups side to ease any pain and discomfort he had, they were already on a slippery slope being surrounded by enemies.
His inner Omega was struggling to gain control at seeing how Tanjiro was being manhandled, Giyuu felt as if he was on a cliff and was about to fall off, letting his instincts gain control, it was a battle he was losing. Rubbing his hand against his knee, he caught his pups attention and was trying to calm him with his gaze. His pups calmed a bit, but that fear returned tenfold when Tanjiro realized that Nezuko or her box was nowhere in sight. The usually sweet scent of honey and sunshine soured with distress and exploded. Giyuu clenched his hand tightly, ignoring the blood in favor of using the pain to try and ground himself lest he do anything stupid.
"Ha," Shinazugawa laughed, a harsh and mean sound. "Your demon sister is in this box, is that correct?" His eyes were crazed and filled with bloodlust.
It happened too fast, yet seemed like it took centuries.
Suddenly, his blade was out, and the next thing Giyuu and Tanjiro knew, the Wind Hashira's blade had cut through the box, piercing the pup within. The very thin thread of self-control within Giyuu snapped when he heard both of his pups let out a cry of distress, Tanjiro at witnessing his sister being stabbed, Nezuko due to the pain.
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
Alphas were known for their aggressiveness, their alpha voice, protectiveness, and leadership.
Betas are known for being the mediator between Alphas and Omegas, while also having a temper which can be akin to an Omegas.
Omegas are known for being loving, patient, and their caring nature. A sweet scent to lure any potential mates, while also serving to calm anyone who was distressed.
The cry that Tanjiro let out was one that could have their parents running, no matter how far away said parents were. And, unknown to any of the Hashira, he had a parent nearby.
If there was one main rule when dealing with an Omega, it was to never, never threaten their pups.
Because Omegas, despite what their sweet scent may tell you, they are far from the kind and gentle beings that society often portrays them to be. Many who dared to harm an Omega's pup have been reported to have missing limbs, eyes, or fingers/toes from such a foolish mistake. Those are the lucky ones. There have been reports of some attackers being left on death's door, or delivered straight to a shinigami for having dared hurt one of their pups. Even demons fear messing with children if they still have a milky scent on them, lest they incur an Omega parents wrath.
Unfortunately for the Hashiras, Giyuu was an Omega, one who had just witnessed both of their pups be harmed.
All hell broke loose.
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
In the blink of an eye, Shinazugawa was sent flying, everyone having either lost their balance or fallen when someone or something rushed past them. The box which contained the demon was sent flying, caught by Tanjiro who hugged it with his entire body, still sobbing. As the Hashira gathered their bearings, everyone realized it was the usually reserved Beta Tomioka Giyuu who rushed to help the kid. He was smelling of a distressed, enraged, Omega.
"What the fucking hell is going on with you Tomioka?!" Sanemi challenged, regaining his balance.
The Wind Hashira took a single step forward, one step which saw that he was immediatley knocked flat onto his back with the air stolen right out of his lungs.
The small, almost inaudible, sound which was underlying in the area suddenly erupted into a full blown growl, akin to multiple stones rolling down a steep mountain. It wasn't human, humans shouldn't be able to make such a sound. Beta's couldn't make such a sound. But Tomioka was a beta, he couldn't be making the sound, right? That's when it hit them, he wasn't a Beta, he was an Omega. His scent, which was usually very faint, had suddenly turned into a full blown storm, choking everyone in the vicinity who could smell it. What was once a single flower, was now an entire tree full of camellias, thick and cloying, could be tasted in the back of their throats and the faint salty scent turned into an ocean. When Tomioka turned towards them, they could see his fangs, and his pupils were nothing more than pinpricks, the black nearly being lost in the blue. Not a single soul moved, everyone holding their breath.
Tomioka Giyuu was a feral Omega, protecting Kamado Tanjiro, a pup who was openly sobbing while protecting the demon within the box.
Nobody had to say anything, they were all screwed.
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
While the Hashira tried to wrap their minds around the fact that Tomioka Giyuu wasn't a Beta like they had all presumed, but an Omega, Rengoku was mentally contemplating if he should help his Omega protect what he very obviously claimed as his pups or stay where he was, because his mind was in conflict about the entire situation. He was trying to keep a rational mind while also not giving into the instinct of protecting his mate and pups.
Giyuu's attention was mainly focused on the Alpha who was laying on the ground, not bothering to even try and get up, knowing that he would be in more trouble with the Omega if he tried such a thing, not wanting to be directly delivered to a shinigami for his actions. The Wind Hashira stared at the clouds above, wondering what kind of situation he just got himself into by attacking the demon in the box, who must be of some importance to Giyuu if him going feral over the demon is anything to go by, which it is. None of the Hashira who were involved (mainly Gyomei, Uzui, Iguro, Mitsuri & Shinobu) was particularly thrilled at having a demon so close to them, but wondering why their master called them for a meeting with the boy and demon in attendance, especially if the matter was settled under the table. The only question on their minds was: what was so special about the demon, Kamado Nezuko?
Shinobu was finding it hard to believe that the demon might be special from the others that the corps encountered throughout the years, but it must’ve been of great interest to Oyakata-sama if he’s personally involved in this. The Insect Hashira let out a little laugh, catching the attention of the now feral Giyuu and her fellow Hashira, who looked at her with confused looks. Giyuu looked away and returned to glaring at the Wind Hashira, who decided against lifting his head to see why Kocho laughed.
“Great, thanks for escalating the situation Shinazugawa-san.” the petite Alpha woman stated. "You cured Tomioka-san of his mourning, but also caused him to go feral by harming his pup. I don’t know if I should kiss you or use you as the next test subject for my poisons.”
“What could you possibly mean? I wasn’t even fucking near the Kamado brat!” he replied, beginning to lift himself off the ground, halting when that cloying scent of a camelia tree, a sotrm brewing over an ocean, tinged with a spicy smell that Sanemi couldn't quite place, the scent of someone who was feral.
"You did."
"What are you fucking talking about? I didn’t even touch the Kamado bra- oh."
Realization dawned on him as it did the rest of the Hashira. The realization that the demon was also claimed as Giyuu’s pup, and she must be related or important to the still crying pup that was cowering behind the feral Water Hashira, who was still glaring at Shinazugawa. Rengoku’s control over his inner Alpha was slipping with the revelation that the demon Shinazugawa stabbed was another pup who his mate claimed as his own. Instincts demanded that he go help his Omega protect their pups. He finally let go of his control when the Kamado child spoke,"Mama, she's hurt! Nezuko's hurt! Mama!"
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
Kagaya Ubuyashiki could immediately smell something was wrong when he stepped closer to where his children were gathered. He could smell the scents of a distressed but feral Omega, two scared pups, the familiar scent of Rengoku that’s tinged with protectiveness, Shinazugawa being enraged, but his normal scent of a crisp autumn air being more prominent, and blood. Silently, he asked Hinaki to go gather some nesting materials for Tomioka to use and Nichika to lead him towards the edge of the engawa. He was grateful for his daughters following the commands, even if they hesitated for a moment, before feeling the sunlight on his face, the illness making his skin sensitive, but the short moment was quickly interrupted by a warning growl directed at him. Recognizing the sound, he faltered in his steps, not wanting to mess with an Alpha protecting their family. "I am terribly sorry to both of you. I let you down by breaking my promise of safety. Your pups have been hurt within my walls, and for that I can only ask for forgiveness." Ubuyashiki said, extending his arms out with his scent glands and wrists in clear view for both Giyuu and Rengoku to see.
Tanjiros cries have mostly subsided, tears flowing down his face like waterfalls still, but not as loud as they were earlier. Both of parents reciprocated his gesture by rubbing their wrist glands on his, showing that they trusted and forgave him. "Rengoku-san, Giyuu-san," he softly called, catching their attention, "would you mind relocating to be under the engawa? There's nesting material, I'm sure your pups would feel safer within a nest than out here in the open."
Rengoku felt that Giyuu wanted to be in a nest himself, and wanted to put their pups to keep them away from the threats surrounding them. While Giyuu fretted with the materials provided by Hinaki and a Kakushi, Rengoku stood facing the rest of the Hashira who had yet to move. Sanemi assumed his regular position after getting off the ground. Oyakata-sama was sitting on his seat (?) with his head facing to 'look' at the kneeling Hashira, daring not to intrude on such an intimate moment, the others looking towards the ground. Once Giyuu was satisfied with the nest, placing his Alpha's haori in the middle along with his own, he gently picked Tanjiro and the box containing Nezuko up and set them inside.
Unlocking the box, he then tapped the wooden door a few times, signaling it was okay for her to come out. Creaking open, the door revealed a small hand that patted the ground before slipping out of the box. Stifling gasps, the Hashira saw a toddler surveying their surroundings, glancing over the crowd before moving towards her brother and laying down beside him. The box was placed a little ways outside of the nest as Giyuu got in to check over Nezuko for any injuries. Exhaustion from the fight with the spider family combined with the stress from the trial and safety at being placed in a nest overwhelmed Tanjiro, who decided it would be a good idea to lay down and sleep while his Mama checked over Nezuko for any injuries and his papa guarding them from any threats, smiling softly, he promptly fell asleep. Nezuko followed her brother into dreamland soon after, when Giyuu was satisfied that she was healed and only the faintest hint of a scar remained.
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
Ubuyashiki Kagaya continued the meeting as if nothing happened, explaining how Urokodaki Sakonji sent him a letter explaining the situation with Kamado Nezuko. Rengoku had slipped into the nest after being urged to do so by his Omega, still keeping watch while Giyuu was starting to come down from the adrenaline high and seemed content to just cuddle against the sleeping forms of Tanjiro and Nezuko while also starting to struggle against the sleep that was threatening to take him under, fighting a losing battle to stay awake, despite his eyelids staying closed for longer intervals of time. Giyuu had his arm draped over the siblings while holding onto his Alpha with his remaining hand and laying his head on his lap, using it as a pillow. Rengoku had his hand on the small of Giyuu's back, rubbing small circles to hopefully help coax the Water Hashira into sleeping while the Flame Hashira kept guard. Such a tactic worked, as Giyuu started snoring softly only a few moments after Rengoku had joined his mate and their pups in the nest. Both of their respective swords had been left within arms reach on the floor of the engawa, an action that went against their Demon Slayer training. However, the Alpha kept his free hand on the hilt of his sword, a silent threat to keep away from his little pack unless one has a wish to personally meet with a shinigami.
⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆♡⋆⁺₊⋆☾⋆⁺₊⋆
The End