Dead Chill

by vethera

Summary:

He tightened his grip on his sword.

A swift breeze swept through him. The trees shudder as someone sped past them. Only the light of the moon shined letting him catch glimpses of a fluttering sparkling silver haori and a icy white sword glare. This brought forth the question and confusion on if another demon slayer was ordered to come to the village as well.

Milky hair.

Bestowed with snowflakes.

Chapter 1: The Boy Who Saved Her

Notes:

Hi, everyone! Demon Slayer has me by the BALLS right now. So, I... decided to write for my precious KNY fandom. I do hope you enjoy.
A few things to note:
Warnings:
- Major Character Death(s), Violence, Explicit language, Explicit Content
- No Beta. Sorry!
- I don't even know.. I just started writing like a maniac
THANK YOU!

Chapter One:

 

The Boy Who Saved Her

---

She was already dead when he showed up.

”Mom!” 

Giyu arrived to the village a few hours before daybreak. He was on a mission, but he feared he may have been too late. He walked into a grave scene. A child clinging to their mother with a demon drooling on the other side. He unsheathed his sword, his piercing blue eyes glaring at the back of the monster. He took a calm breath. Water Breathing First Form: Water Surface Slash.

“I’ll kill you, stupid girl—“ 

The words end without warning. The only sound left is the demon’s head bouncing on the ground five feet away from its body. Giyu didn’t spare the demon a single glance as it faded away after its untimely death. Instead, he stood inside the dimly lit home and watched the child desperately try to wake up their mother.

”It’s… gone now, Mom. Mom? Mom!” 

The child could not have been any older than eight years old. He could barely make out their appearance from the dull lighting. It pained him to see the helpless child jerk their lifeless mother around, crying and pleading for her to wake up. 

“Mom!!” 

He walked closer to them. It was not until he stood in front of them that he realized the child was a small girl with sleek, snowy hair that covered their eyes from view. It was you. He stared down at you with an expressionless gaze despite the ache in his heart. 

“Why isn’t she waking up?!” you cried, hugging her closely to your drenched kimono, “Why is there so much blood…?!”

Giyu forced whatever sadness that grew inside of him down. The next words he said come out mercilessly:

”She has passed away.” 

Your lip trembled and you hugged her tightly against your chest, “But—But… I don’t understand.” Even if you said that, the tears on your cheeks made him know that you knew very well what he meant. You dug your head into her bloody shoulder and quietly wept. 

He gave you a moment to grieve. 

It was daybreak when you came to him. He was surprised you managed to settle down so quickly. Once you reached him, he was able to see you better due to the sunlight. You stood straight and stared directly into his eyes. He didn’t look away from your face then. White hair that covered your left eye shifted and he saw what laid upon your skin. There was an alarming wound around your left eye. It was the color of crimson, glowing fire. He hadn’t noticed you were wounded before.

”Please, help me bury my mother.” You asked him.

He agreed though he didn’t say anything and simply went to your mother’s corpse. He picked her up as if she were a flower and effortlessly carried her cold body outside. You watched with tears in your eyes as he buried her six feet under the snow-covered ground. It felt like forever until he was finally done and you tried to help him, but he really didn’t need your help at all.

Staring at your mother’s burial with void eyes, you uttered hopelessly:

“There’s nowhere... for me to go home to. My mother is gone... I have no one.”  The boy suddenly wrapped his warm hand around your frail, cold one and squeezed it tightly. A strangled, surprised sound squeaked out from within your throat and you looked up at him with wide eyes. 

He was staring into your eyes so intensely. 

“You aren’t alone. I’m right here,” he responded and crouched down before you. “Let me see your eye.” 

I’m right here. His words echoed inside your mind. 

You stood there as he began cleaning and dressing your wounded eye. It was painful and you fought back the urge to cry about the sting. Instead of focusing on the pain, you stared at his face. It was unmoved from his stoic expression but, you saw something inside those dark blue eyes of his. He was kind and filled with guilt—you could see right through him. You remembered how your mother always told you that you had extraordinary vision. He picked up your fragile and weak body and carried you on his back. 

You laid your head on his shoulder, hearing his faint nearly mute breathing, and tried to fight sleep. You hadn’t realized how tired and cold you were until now. You huddled the haori closer to your body as sleep slowly overcame you. As your eyes fluttered softly, you whispered, “My name is [Last Name]... [Name].” Feeling him nod, he could feel your messy and soft tresses of hair tickle his cheek. 

“I am Tomioka Giyu.” 

The name sunk into your brain.

Giyu. 

The next time your eyes snapped open, you were still being carried by him, but you knew you weren’t anywhere close to your home town. Giyu was walking calmly up a mountain with you on his back and he seemed unaffected by your weight. His breathing remained the same; it was silent until your stomach blared out a grueling sound. A blush exploded on your cheeks in embarrassment. 

“We’re almost there. Hold on a bit longer, [Name].” 

Your eyes widened when you looked up and saw a large, healthy tree with beautiful rosy pink flowers. Rays of sunlight sunk through the leaves and it looked like a pink heaven walking underneath the tree. A awe’d gasp came out of you as you reached for a fallen tiny flower. Your lithe fingers gently wrapped around it as if protecting it, you analyzed it in amazement. 

“Pretty...” you mumbled tenderly, glazed warmth shone through your eye as you rested your head on Giyu’s back. “This is the first time...” your voice was so faint, but he heard you clearly. “I’ve left my home.”

Giyu remained quiet.

”How did you kill that demon?” you asked. It had been on your mind ever since he slaughtered the monster right before your eyes. 

“I am a demon slayer. My job is to kill demons and protect people from them.” He said, voice deep and gentle like the waves of the sea. You nuzzled you head onto his back, a ghost of a smile grew upon your face when you heard those words. 

“Can I call you Giyu-sama?”

”No.”

You pouted, “How about...Giyu-oniisan.” 

“Definitely not.”

”But...”

”I am not worthy of those names. If only...” he stopped himself from continuing, but you could sense it. You could see the immense guilt he had upon his shoulders. Reassuringly, you clenched one of his shoulders and hoped he could understand what you meant. 

You could see his guilt. The guilt for so many things, one of those being how he came too late to rescue your village from the demon. 

“It’s all right, Giyu. Everything will be okay.”

Giyu’s eyes widened, gasp shaking through his lungs, when he heard you reassure him. It should be the other way around and yet here you were telling him that it was going to be okay. You should be crying out in desperation. You have lost your home. You have lost your mother. Had you forgotten what you gone through? Had you forgotten about your mother? Was this your form of coping? Why were you helping him when you were so clearly in pain? He gulped when you gently patted his head and huddled closer to his body. Shaking his head, he understood now. 

You were simply kind. 

The moment you both arrived to your destination, you swore you could barely breathe. Raising your head off of Giyu’s shoulder, your hair swayed with the brisk, thin wind, and your eye was wide as a saucer. It felt like you were on top of the world. You could see the misty clouds—felt like you could reach your hand out and touch their mushiness—and the sun slowly being swallowed by the clouds. An amazed gasp rouse from within you. It could have been one of the greatest views you had ever laid your eyes on, but you knew that couldn’t have been truthful for you to say. 

Giyu didn’t bother with waiting any longer. He rushed inside the nice home that was on top of the mountain. He stopped suddenly and placed you down on the ground gently. 

In a second, he was on his knees, he was bowing. Not to you. 

To him.

”Urokodaki-sama. Please, forgive my unannounced intrusion, but...” he slowly raised his head and his eyes glued on the silent man, who stood in front of him a couple feet away. You stumbled back when you saw his scary, red, goblin mask and watched in horror as he neared the both of you. You felt the thin air strangle you as he softly placed his hand on top of Giyu’s head. 

“No need to apologize, Giyu. Come on now, stand up.” Giyu nodded and stood up, his expression hard and steely yet tender. The goblin-masked man tilted his head down at you, “And who’s this, may I ask?” he questioned and quickly, your little hands gripped Giyu’s haori as you hid behind him. You knew you should not have been shy, you could see that he was a nice person but he was intimidating and the goblin mask didn’t help. Though, one thing was certain, you were no longer afraid. At least not with Giyu right beside you. 

”This is [Last Name] [Name]. She’s an orphan.” Giyu stated, but his voice softened when he looked down at you. He felt your hand squeeze onto his clothes, your single eye looking up at him. He could sense you were intimidated. He did not smile or show any reassurance and instead brought his attention to Urokodaki. 

Urokodaki waved you closer, “Let me see you, child.” In reassurance, you glanced up at Giyu who nodded and urged you closer. With hesitance, you showed yourself. 

You could not see what his reaction was due to his goblin mask, but you hoped it was a good one. 

“I have long since stopped training, Giyu.” He stated, his tone is harsh but it didn’t seem to deter Giyu from whatever he planned. 

“I understand,” Giyu nodded. “however, I hoped you would allow her to live with you. Seeing as she has no home to return to. I have no intention of letting her become a demon slayer so, no need to worry about training her.” 

”Hn.” The man grunted. He pointed a finger at you, “That’s not what her face says. [Name], what do you want to be in the future?”

Giyu stiffened.

”I want to be like Giyu and protect humans from demons.” Your voice is calm as the words spill from your mouth. Your spine is like steel as you stand confidently beside the black-haired boy. “I want to protect Giyu too and stay by his side forever!” 

Urokodaki hummed in thought, “I see.”

You tilted your head, confused, “But how can you see when you’re wearing a mask?” 

Giyu made a sound beside you. 

“What a peculiar child.” Urokodaki muttered. 

The rumbling sound of your stomach echoed through their ears and your cheeks were set aflame. A soft chuckle left Urokodaki as he urged both of you to come inside and eat a nice and home cooked meal. The sound of finally eating caused a thankful and giddy smile to crawl onto your face. The sight of your smile did not go unnoticed by Giyu, who watched you from the sidelines. 

Turning over you looked up at Giyu and wrapped your hand around his own. He was surprised to feel your warmth and to find you staring at him with gratitude shining in your eyes.

“Let’s go.”

Chapter 2: Snow

Chapter Two:

Snow

---

For the next few days, you were adjusting to your new life. Giyu had brought you a couple of beautiful kimonos from a nearby village, and helped you with almost everything. You couldn’t have been more thankful to him especially since, he didn’t mind you sleeping in the same room as him. At first, Giyu persisted that you sleep in your own room  (Urokodaki never minded it, knowing of your troubles and fears of the dark) but when he woke up next to you each day, he eventually gave in. You were happy with him. 

He made life feel less painful than it truly was. 

Your face was expressionless as you crawled over to Giyu’s side of the room. Innocently, you watched him as he slept before annoyingly poking his cheek. Stirring awake, he blinked a couple of times before his eyes landed on your face. You still had your left eye bandaged. The wound still healing. He rolled his eyes when he noticed that the sun had yet to rise. 

“It’s too early, [Name].” 

“I want us to watch the sunrise together... please, Giyu.” 

He could not deny you. One look at those pleading, pure eyes of yours and he apparently had no will to resist you. Groggily, he stood up and the both of you neatly put away your futons. Almost excitedly, you opened the door and sat on the engawa, awaiting for Giyu to sit beside you. Tiredly, he walked over to you and plopped down beside you.

“You shouldn’t wake your elders. It’s rude.” 

You tilted your head, innocently blinking at him, “But you’re not much older than me...?”

“I’m fourteen. I’m the oldest.” 

“But mother always let he wake her up..” you softly told him, your knees aimlessly swaying childishly as you both sat on the ledge, and he noticed the pained glint in your eyes. “she liked it. She got to cook earlier and we’d get all the chores done on time. We always wanted to see the sunrise together... but we... we never got the chance.” He let out a heavy sigh before kicking one of your feet playfully. Your eyes widened as you looked over to see his face. He was already facing away from you, gazing at the distant atmosphere, and you giggled. 

He blinked once. 

Did you just... giggle? He couldn’t remember the first time you did that. He knew that this was the first time that you had ever let out a sound like that. A soft and timid tiny giggle. 

When he looked over at you, he froze. 

You were grinning. And for the first time, he noticed how one of your teeth barely peeked out of your gums, your teeth were beginning to grow strong and healthy. You were so young. Barely on the phase of growing out of your baby teeth. The way your eyes became crescent moons and your cheeks rosy. When the sun kissed your skin, your eyes widened and you broke out of your trance, redirecting your attention to the rising sun. 

“Look, Giyu,” you whispered, eyes gleaming, “the sun.” 

It was silent between the two of you, but the sound of birds chirping echoed through the awakening trees. He was entranced with your joyful smile that lingered on the corners of your lips. Loose, tangled locks of your hair flowed with the gentle breeze that you welcomed so dearly. The way your glowing eyes were fixated on the rising sun. For some reason, he felt like he was invading, like he was staring at you from behind the curtain, stealing a glance at this private moment you were having. 

“I’ll always remember,” you ushered kindly and tenderly, closing your eyes as you memorized the timid way the sun nipped your skin. “this moment.” Your eyes opened, and Giyu saw how your long eyelashes fluttered. Once again, you were hopelessly and shamelessly staring at the sun with the softest smile he had ever witnessed. “This is such a beautiful view, don’t you think, Giyu?”  The way his name tumbled from your lips that peaceful morning would be embedded into his memory for the rest of his life; joyful, humane... merciful. 

Finally, he broke away his eyes from you and watched the sun peak through the mountains. He nodded, agreeing with you. 

“Yeah...”

A gloomy sigh left his lips, his eyes guiltily glancing over at your content expression. He knew that soon he would have to say goodbye to you. It was only a matter of time before his crow came along and he had to go back to work. He hoped you’d be okay without him. 

Giyu was right to worry. 

Two weeks later, his crow had come soaring down towards him, cawing dreadful words. 

“Mission! New Mission! Tomioka Giyu! Go west! West!” 

Gawking in astonishment, eyes twinkling as you excitedly ran with your gourd filled with water.

“Giyu! Urokodaki-sama! There’s a crow...!” you were gasping by this point, panting before a still dark-haired boy, “It’s talking—!” you shouted in amazement. Your smile slowly dropped as you realized that Giyu looked... sad. His eyes were staring at you almost apologetically and helplessly. You didn’t understand why he looked the way he did.

You were so young, a child, and you easily had become attached to the hip to him. 

The next thing you knew was Urokodaki explaining to you that Giyu had to go back to work. It broke your heart. You shook your head, denying what he was telling you and pleadingly looking at the boy. 

“Giyu...” you started, and he heard how your voice cracked. “don’t go. Please, don’t go..!” you dropped your gourd and let the water spill before you jumped into his arms and begged him to stay. “Don’t go, please don’t go...!” you hugged him tightly as you cried into his clothing, your fingers clenching his shirt and he gently pulled your hands off of him. He stared at you with helpless ocean eyes as fat tears streamed down your cheeks. 

His hand patted your snowy hair, “I have to go.”

Your lips trembled, shaking your head, “Giyu.. stay here...!” you sobbed, you were filled with such agony that you had no idea how to control it. “Stay with me—! We can be happy here..! Forever! No more demons, no more pain... we can watch the sunrise each morning and eat together everyday...! Please, stay with us—!” you begged him to stay with you. 

It was all in vain. 

“Don’t cry.” He told you, wiping away your tears and you pressed your cheek into his hand, quivering as you squeezed his hand that touched you. “I’m sorry, [Name].” He apologized and stepped away from you. Crying, you were about to chase after him but Urokodaki held you back by your shoulder and looked at you. It was then, that you realized that Giyu had been awaiting for this since the first day. He didn’t have to prepare for travel, he was ready with his sword and his bag. 

Watching him leave had been one of the hardest things you ever had to do. Sniffling, your eyes widened when you were beginning to see him fade away. 

“Giyu!” you shouted loudly, and he stopped in his tracks. “Don’t die—!” You were never sure if he truly listened to you, if he truly heard you, because after that he vanished. You fell on your butt as you stared at the spot you had last seen him. You hugged your knees to your chest as you silently weeped, “Don’t leave me...” you whimpered as you tried your hardest to be strong for him, for your mother. 

For months, you waited for him but he never returned. 

I waited for him.

And I waited for him. 

He wrote letters once every blue moon, but they were never much to go off on despite your overly detailed scriptures you would sent off to him. You had his letters memorized by now.  It was merely two sentences each time: “That is good.” A response from your lengthy story about whatever horrible things you had been through with Urokodaki-sama as your mentor. “I am well.” His response to your question on how he was fairing. There was no detail on whatever monster he vanquished or what he ate… or what he was doing… or what he was thinking about and if he ever thought of you… nothing. There was nothing. 

You could feel the tears welling up in your eyes at the sheer frustration as you glared at the few words in front of you. A year had passed since he had left you on this god-forsaken mountain and you trained every waking minute of everyday with Urokodaki-sama. He was a cold trainer. Very cruel, but very exact on what he expected from you. 

However, you had a feeling he had taught you everything he could possibly teach. 

The letter before you was a different one than the usual ones you would receive particularly because… it wasn’t meant for you at all. 

Dear Master Urokodaki, 

I hope this letter finds you well. [Name] has informed me that she plans on attending this year’s Final Selection. I have a favor to ask of you. 

Don’t let her attend it. 

Sincerely, 

Giyu.

You stared at the letter harder. 

It was from two months ago. Back when Urokodaki-sama had informed you that the Final Selection’s date had been pushed back until next year. You had found it strange that your teacher wasn’t very enthusiastic with his teachings as of late and would avoid questions about the Final Selection you were dying to know more about. Matter a fact, he tended to avoid the subject completely when before he would mention it to you repeatedly. 

You liked to think Urokodaki thought you were more than capable. Of course, you did notice that your Water Breathing was a little… off. It didn’t matter though. You were still going to become a demon slayer—no matter what. 

You were going to be by Giyu’s side even if he didn’t like it.

You crushed the letter into a ball and rushed to grab your essentials. You had managed to pack food and clothes into your bag. 

It was nighttime when you decided to leave Mt. Sagiri. Urokodaki didn’t need to say it, you knew he taught you all he could. Perhaps you weren’t ready, but you didn’t care. With your bag slung over your shoulder, you snuck out of your room and into the cold night. It took everything inside of you to not look back.

I will become stronger. 

You had read stories about different breathing styles. There were some impressive people who dared to learn more than just one breathing technique. You wondered if you could do the same. Water breathing never came easy to you and it showed. Maybe there were others you could master… 

I will become strong enough to stay by your side.

The cloud pattern kimono you wore felt like the chilling wind blew right through it. Silky, snowy tresses of your hair swayed behind you as you made your way down the mountain. With each step you took, your heart felt heavier. Your only reassurance was the flimsy letter you left behind for Urokodaki… for good measure you left Giyu a letter as well, in hopes that your master would send it to him. It read: “I am well, Giyu.” It almost made you snicker when you wrote it. You imagined what kind of reaction he would have. Serves him right for the vague scriptures he wrote me.

---

Originally, you planned on attending the Final Selection. However, seeing as Urokodaki never told you where it was located, you had gotten lost. 

It has been… fourteen days since you left Mt. Sagiri. You had been careful with your travels and tried not to travel during night time. Keyword: Tried. Today was one of the days you decided to keep on walking despite the cold weather and fading sun. 

You stared at the moon from the blistering snow-covered ground you laid on. The flames from the fire pit flickered with the shivering gust of wind. Despite the freezing temperature, you were unbothered by the cold. It had always been like that, you realized. Ever since you were a child, you tended to thrive in the winter.

“Ah, a tasty little treat.” 

A deep ominous voice spoke in the dead of night. The hair at the back of your neck stood tall as you immediately stood in perfect stance with your hand on the hilt of your sword. You kept your cool when a pair of glowing yellow eyes stared at you from the darkness. 

“I was wondering when you’d come out,” you muttered, having been completely aware of its presence. “I was beginning to think you were a coward, demon.” 

The demon hissed and jumped out of the shadows.

”Insolent brat!” It was an ugly demon. Gray skin and yellow eyes with ugly green hair that looked like seaweed. Its cheeks were sunken in as if he was malnourished. You wondered if it were starving seeing as there was no one around here. The nearest village was miles away. The reason it travelled so far was lost to you. 

He swung forward and you leaped back. 

“I would like a good night’s rest. I don’t intend to play with you,” The words come in an annoyed tone. Growing up with Urokodaki made you grow courage and lose impatient. In shorter terms, you had a short-fuse. Unwilling to wait, you unsheathed your sword. 

First Form: Water Surface Slash

A wave of blue flowed out of your sword as you jumped and sliced through the demon’s neck without any hesitation. For anyone without an ounce of knowledge, they could not tell the small struggle you had when you did the attack. Either way, you still killed the demon perfectly. Urokodaki would be proud. 

This demon was slow and weak, an easy target. You frowned in disappointment when its head slammed on the snow and began fading away like burnt ashes. You huffed in annoyance and sheathed your sword back into the scabbard. It was your first kill and honestly, you were gravely displeased with how boring it was. You thought it would be a little bit more exciting. 

Snow falls from the sky. A deep breath escapes your lips. You gazed up at the moon, realizing it was a full moon. Its bright light shined through the coated trees. It was truly an amazing view.  

Out of the dead silence, a feminine voice speaks:

“Your Water Breathing rejects you.” 

Flinching at the unknown tone, you unsheathe your sword to defend yourself. Your eyes locked with a pair of clouded gray eyes. Your blade pointed towards the elderly-aged woman that wore thick cloths to protect herself from the weather, but, despite the darkness, you could still notice the hilt of a sword tucked into her waist. Her hair was the color of the moon though it was tightly braided. I didn’t even feel her presence nor notice her at all. Just who is she?

”Put that thing away, little girl. I won’t harm you,” she started, unconvincingly, and watched as you refused to lower your weapon. “I saw how you killed the demon. I was certain you would be killed which is why I followed you. I must say… I am surprised.” 

“Who are you, old hag?” you pressed. The longer you stared at her, you began to notice that she was blind. You couldn’t grasp how she could see with eyes like that. 

The woman scowled at your insult. 

“I said, put that thing away.” 

It happened faster than you could blink. In a mere second, you were seized from your sword and thrown beneath her foot. You could not grasp how it must happened. Even if she was a frail looking old lady, her foot was stomping on your back pretty strongly. You gasped under her hefty foot and felt like all the air in your lungs was being squeezed.

”I told you to put it away. Now, look at what you brought to yourself. Tsk.” She said, her voice thin, but you were beginning to regret underestimating this old woman. “Will you finally care to listen to me, little girl?” 

Your breath hitched. Crap… she’s freaking strong! Right when your eyes were staring to blur at the edges, she stepped off of you. Her little geta shoes lightly stepped onto the snow before you. 

“Did Urokodaki-san train you?” she asked, her brow arched in curiosity as she stared aimlessly into the darkness. It only proved what you had already assumed. She was a blind old woman. However, the familiar name made you freeze. You stared at her in shock. 

How does she know Urokodaki-sama’s?

”I trained with him a long time ago, back when I was a child. But, I was like you… my Water Breathing wasn’t good enough.” She explained. You lifted yourself from the snow and looked up at her with awe. “No matter how much I trained. I could always feel it rejecting me. I decided to learn a different breathing style.”

”A different kind?” you breathed.

”Yes. It took a while, but I found my own. I believe I could help you as well… I see the same fire in your eyes as the one I had in my heart when I was your age. What do you say, kid?”

Her story resonated with you. It might have been irresponsible to trust a stranger so blindly, but you didn’t care. Besides, it wasn’t like anyone was waiting for you. What’s another year of training? 

A smile broke out on your face:

”Of course!”

She took you back home with her. She lived deep inside the woods, where the snow gathered and blew hard. It was a beautiful estate. It felt a little smaller than Urokodaki-sama’s home, but it was homey. It didn’t feel lonely and sad like your previous trainer’s home. She fed you despite your efforts of telling her you weren’t very hungry. Even the food tasted different, she made the best delicacy your tastebuds had ever tasted! 

Her name was Kiyuki Hara. 

And she would be your trainer for a very long time.

”Soooo… which Breathing Style will you teach me?” you asked with stuffed cheeks. You were eating her delicious homemade bean buns. She smacked the backside of your head in a heartbeat. “Ow! What the—?!”

”Don’t speak with mouth full!” she hissed, her blind eyes glaring holes into your face. You swore she could see through those hazy and clouded eyes of hers. Slowly, you rubbed the back of your head and pout at her childishly. “Ahem. Well, you will be learning Ice Breathing first.”

“Ice Breathing…? Huh… wait, did you just say first?” you blinked profusely in disbelief. “I think I heard you wrong.” 

“You heard me right, snowflake.” She nodded and smiled eerily. You sweat dropped at the nickname. Snowflake…”As a matter of fact, that will be the second Breathing Style I shall teach you. The Breath of the Snowflake.” She finished. 

Your jaw dropped, “What?” 

“I can just tell that’s your destined breathing style! Look at that silky, snowy hair of yours! It’s a dead give away! A child with much more admirable white hair than mine. It surely signifies how much more powerful you will become when you’re in your element!” 

Her reason is because of my hair color…? You were starting to regret coming to her. Maybe she’s senile… there’s no way she’s serious. You sweat dropped when her wrinkly hands touched your hair and she openly awe’d at your hair. Is she even blind… how did she tell it was that color? 

You looked at her and stiffened when you saw her expression. Clouded eyes aimlessly stare beyond, but her soft smile is what made your heart melt. With luck, you would be a demon slayer soon but, learning just one breathing style took you a year. You couldn’t imagine how long it would take for you to learn two. 

Snow Breathing…

Huh. Who would’ve thought?

Trained by Hara-sama was worse than being trained by Master Urokodaki. It was hard work every day and not only did you have to train with her for most of the day, but you would be the one to clean and cook. She tested you in everything and aimed to perfect you, fixing your bad habits and giving you pointers. Ice Breathing was difficult, it felt just as rocky as Water Breathing, but you followed Hara-sama’s advice and trusted the process. 

Then, one day, after going AWOL for three months, you decided to send a raven to Giyu. A letter to inform him and Master Urokodaki that you were still alive. You doubted Giyu cared, but you would still tell him. You didn’t tell them much, just a few vague words of how you were fine and hoped they were well. Urokodaki was sure to be angered by your sudden disappearance, but you prayed he would forgive you with time.

Giyu’s response came faster than you expected.

[Name],

That’s good. 

I am doing well. 

With Regards, 

Giyu.

You felt a vein on your forehead throb from the irritation at reading his vague scripture. You were gone for three months without an explanation as to where you were going and that was all he had to say? Ugh. You were tempted to rip the letter to shreds, but you resisted the urge and went to put it up inside the box you kept all his letters. 

Notes:

TAISHO ERA: SECRET!
Lady Hara had been following [Name] for two days before she revealed herself! She’s really old so she thought [Name] was the destined Snow Hashira she dreamt about! Sadly, [Name] thinks she’s senile and crazy every time she talks about it.

Chapter 3: Twelve Winters

Chapter Three:

 

Twelve Winters

---

Two years have passed.

You were twelve when you mastered Snow Breathing. Master Hara believed you were a prodigy, but you knew better. You had been training hard every day, every waking hour, without rest for the past three years. And it was all because you wanted to stay by Giyu’s side, to fight by him and to protect him against evil. 

He saved you in more ways than he could possibly imagine and you owed him everything for it. 

You watched with anticipation as your Nichirin sword changed colors. Hara-sama sat beside you and your swordsmith as they too watched the sword unravel. The color fades into a piercing, icy white. 

“Ah,” Master Hara sighed. “It’s purely the color of you.”

Haganezuka huffed behind his creepy mask. “I expected nothing less from a Snow Breather! It matches your alabaster hair, lacking any ounce of true warmth and beauty!”

Master Hara’s lips twisted into a scowl. 

You felt a vein throb at his comment. 

“What the hell did you just say?!” you seethed, standing up from engawa. The ends of your hair spiking up unnaturally. “Are you calling my hair ugly, you worthless bastard—?!”

”I am, you wretched little girl! And, you better take care of this sword with your life! Even if it is as ugly and colorless as your hair!” he snapped. You stared at him, baffled by his crude words. Just your miserable luck, you were paired up with an asshole swordsmith with no social graces whatsoever. 

You opened your mouth to retort something back. You were never one to hold your tongue—especially when it came to jerks like this one. However, Master Hara cleared her throat and immediately made you freeze when her blind gaze fell on you and Haganezuka. 

“That is enough. You’ve done your job. Go on your way, young man.” She ordered. Haganezuka stiffened at her obvious intention of being rid of him. He scoffed and eagerly marched away with his belongings, screaming his head off from the disappointment of seeing such a bland color once more. Hara-sama was intimidating even if she was a small elderly woman. She frightened you more times than you could count in the past two years. However, you were the utmost grateful for her ever-lasting lectures (now). In some ways, she was like… a mother to you. Not only did she give you lessons on swordsmanship, but she taught you how to be a capable human being. The memories of making home cooked meals would be imprinted in your mind forever. 

Master Hara returned her attention back to you.

”It is time, snowflake.” She said with a fond smile and cupped your cheek. “It was a hard three years and I would have liked to say it gets easier, but it doesn’t. There will be challenges and hardships in the whichever path you choose. You will tear down walls only to find more higher and thicker walls.” 

You listened carefully to each word she said.

“When all hope is lost and you can’t find your way, simply follow your heart. Remember that you are never alone.” 

You smiled and thought of Giyu. A bright grin curled on your lips as you threw yourself around her and tightly embraced her. It was the first time you hugged your trainer. To you, she was more than just a trainer. She practically raised you these long and hard years you were under her care. 

“Now, make your own way.” Her words were a mere whisper as she reluctantly let go of you. She handed you a bag with your belongings, food for the road, and a handmade frosted silver haori with a snowy pattern embedded into the seams. 

“Thank you, Hara-sama.” 

With that, you turned around and set foot onto your winding path. There was only one goal in your mind: to find Giyu and to stick by him until the very end. You had not seen him in years. You wondered how he must have looked like now. Even you, a mere twelve year old girl, had changed drastically from the little eight year old you were back then. You were no longer a small and lanky child. Now, you were well-built and toned, a sign of the rigorous training you endured the past years.

“North-Northeast! Head Northeast! There is a village that is being terrorized by a demon! Head Northeast!” Your crow shrilled as it flew over your head. With one last look over your shoulder, you smiled and ran off in the direction the crow had said. 

As you bit back an excited smile, you wondered if you would find Giyu in this mission. Perhaps, you may be lucky and find him on your first mission. You continued to wonder what kind of reaction he would have at the mere sight of you and your skills. You hoped he would be impressed. You trained so hard to reach him. 

A month passed. You had yet to encounter Giyu in any of your missions and you were beginning to lose faith in this fruitless dream of yours.

It had been your third mission of late. Apparently, there was a demon nearby the mountain village. Quickening your pace, you hurried through the mountains. You controlled your breathing to run faster in this weather. The clouds gathered throughout the sky and snow fell much faster than before. It was the beginnings of a blizzard. And it seemed to be gathered at the peak of the mountain—exactly where you were headed. With an annoyed growl, you ran faster through the snow.

---

It was cold.

The mountain drowned in snow. The village was being terrorized by a bloodthirsty demon for months on end. He had been sent to decapitate the roaming demon, however the blizzard made tracking the demon difficult. The whether seemed to only aid the demon as well.

I won’t let you get away. 

He tightened his grip on his sword. 

A swift breeze swept through him. The trees shudder as someone sped past them. Only the light of the moon shined letting him catch glimpses of a fluttering sparkling silver haori and a icy white sword glare. This brought forth the question and confusion on if another demon slayer was ordered to come to the village as well. 

Milky hair.

Bestowed with snowflakes.

A shining sword strikes the demon in a blink of an eye. With the great momentum of speeding through, two powerful slashes from both sides create a wave of snowflakes giving an illusion of two blades from each side slicing the demon’s neck perfectly. The head of the demon dropped soundlessly onto the ground. A mellow breath came out of the demon slayer as they sheathed their sword. 

Flakes of snow drifted down soft and silent as a memory. Frosted, pearly hair flowed with the freezing wind behind their shoulders. Slowly, the demon slayer turned around to face him. The first thing he saw, aside from the vastness of snow, was the familiar color of those eyes. His mind slipped to four years ago when he found a helpless child in a lonely home. 

It was you.

“Giyu…” 

Wild, raven-black hair. A jaw so sharp it could cut stone. Smooth, creamy skin. Deep blue, bottomless like the ocean stared at you with collected confusion. 

“[Name]?”

A irritated scowl grew on your face, “Where the hell have you been? Don’t tell me you were having a difficult time with this demon. I thought you got promoted to being a Hashira.” 

He said nothing for a while and simply watched as you came closer to him. Your steps were muted against the snow, noiseless. So, that’s how I didn’t hear her at all. You stopped in front of him with your arms crossed over your chest. Piercing eyes and an icy scowl sneered up at him. You had grown since the last time he saw you. The helpless child was long gone and in her place stood a fearless, skilled demon slayer. 

“Do I have to bow down at you, now?” you asked, sarcastically. He kept his face carefully blank as he gazed down at you. Tilting your head to the side, a brow furrowed down with annoyance as you glared up at him.

“You became a demon slayer like you said you would.” He said, plainly. His blue eyes boring holes into you. He was taller than you remembered. He was still emotionless and serious as you remembered though, but that didn’t matter to you. He was still the same person who saved your life all those years ago. 

”No thanks to you.” 

Giyu stiffened at your cold comment. 

“Just what the hell was that?! Telling Urokodaki-sama to not let me become a demon slayer! I won’t let anyone decide my future—not even, you!”

Anger boiled inside of you. He had blatantly ignored you at every turn, every letter that never came with a response stung your heart deeply. Then, he had the gall, to ask your trainer to block your path and yet, he still looked as emotionless as ever standing before you. There was no ounce of regret in his expression. 

You felt tears in your eyes. “Have you forgotten my words?! Stupid idiot! For as long as I am alive, I will do whatever it takes to protect you! And don’t you dare try to get rid of me! I worked really, really, really hard to get here! So, I’m sticking around whether you like it or not!”

Giyu flinched.

Tears streamed down your cheeks. Your chest rose and dropped at a rapid pace from your speech. Desperately, you wiped away your tears from your cold redden cheeks. Then, a large hand touched the crown of white on your head. Surprised, you looked up through your wet eyelashes and saw him gazing down at you.

”Don’t cry.” He said, his voice gentle as calming waves. “You’ve done a good job. I’m proud of you, [Name].” It seemed as if his words only hurt you even more. Your bottom lip trembled and your shoulders quaked as you cried. The person you had been trying to reach for years was finally at your grasp. 

Without any warning, you threw yourself into him and wrapped your arms around his torso. His muscles under his uniform tensed at the unexpected touch. You didn’t care about anything else other than the fact that he was here and he was real. You cried onto his chest, your small arms squeezing him as hard as you could. You pulled him close, gripping on to him like he was going to vanish again for years on end.

”Don’t go away anymore…” you whimpered. 

He stayed absolutely still, unwilling to put his hands on you. After a few more moments of silent tears, you finally pulled away from him and brushed away your hot tears from your face. By now, you were sure your eyes were all red and swollen. You looked up at him through your wispy hair that fell over your eyes. 

You waited for him to say something. 

Anything. 

He simply stared and then… 

“Let’s go, then.” He finally spoke.

A sigh of awe left your lips. Snow was falling all around, landing lightly on his tresses of black. He looked so handsome. A strange, tinging sort of heat shot up your face, burning your cheeks, and without thinking, you jumped back a step. He didn’t seem to notice your sudden disposition and he calmly turned around, began making way down the mountain. The blizzard had since calmed down after defeating the demon. 

You stood there for a short time, merely watching his back. It felt as if your heart was racing inside your chest. What is this feeling?

He came to a stop. 

Giyu looked over his shoulder, his eyes locking with yours for a brief second before he turned his face forward again. 

“Stay close.” He ordered, but there was something more that went unsaid. You picked up your pace and ran to his side, a giddy grin growing on your face. He snuck a glance, watching silently as a sunny smile lingered on your lips but right when you caught him staring, an icy sneer quickly wiped it off. He turned back around and hid the ghost of a smile that curled at the edges of his lips.

I will never let him go. You swore to yourself as you tightened your grip on the hilt of your sword. I’ll protect you until my last breath. I owe you that much for saving my own, Giyu.

For the next years to come, you would be stuck to Giyu’s side. Though, there were missions you would have to make alone and there were missions he would not allow you to come with him if he deemed them too dangerous. For the most part, you did stay by his side and lived in his estate. The Water Hashira’s home. 

It was an odd thing to see, you could tell that much from all of his comrades expressions when they would always find you around. The quiet loner and glued to his side was you, the young Snow Breather demon slayer. You actually had become fond of some of his fellow Hashira comrades, like the Flame Hashira and the Love Hashira. And because of your close age to the Mist Hashira you tried to gain a friendship with the boy. 

Tokito Muichiro was difficult to befriend. He would always forget your conversations and proved to be a better sparring partner than anything else. 

Before you know it, you quickly earned the title of his Tsuguko, but Giyu never once called you that. 

Nothing could tear you apart… or so you thought. 

Notes:

TAISHO ERA: SECRET!
Giyu never wanted [Name] to become a Demon Slayer because he doesn’t think he can protect her. [Name] thinks he’s pushing her away and wants nothing more than to be by his side!

P.S: Thank you to everyone who’s liked it so far! I really appreciate your support <3

Chapter 4: The Crimson Boy

Chapter Four:

 

The Crimson Boy

---

Take your sister and run.

Tanjiro ran for his life, lungs burning and legs aching. 

Every bone in his bone was in immense agony, but he had to keep on running. For his sister’s sake. He feared what would happened if the butterfly woman with the glazed eyes caught him and his sister—his sister would surely die. She had a strong presence. Tomioka’s words echoed in his mind. He just had to keep running, no matter what. Run as fast as you can. He knew that they were not far behind him, he could smell them close by. 

Meanwhile, Giyu Tomioka watched from beneath as Shinobu jumped from tree to tree. The woman leaped high into the midnight sky and he sped up at her sudden change in pace.

”Is this your way of catching up with me, Tomioka-san? I don’t mind you trying to stop me, but don’t forget about the other one!” she called out to him.

He watched her, calculating.

He abruptly jumped, his body soaring into the sky and she gawked at his immense power jump. With almost no struggle, he managed to catch her and hold her down in a tight spot. She was calmly talking to him whilst being held in a tight lock. 

“It’s you who shouldn’t forget.” He quipped, smartly. A girl with flowing white locks of hair spiraling down her shoulders appeared from the shadows. It was you. The Snow Breather that had been under Giyu’s wing for years. Your steely cold eyes staring at her as if she were a threat. Shinobu stiffened when she realized that for once those eyes were glaring at her of all people. 

Giyu nodded, firmly. 

“[Name], protect Tanjiro and his demon sister at all costs..! I can handle this.” He ordered, reassuring you that he would be fine, and you nodded before sprinting off in the direction the boy had rush off to. 

“[Surname]-chan! I wouldn’t if I were you! You’ll be compromised—oh there she goes. Tomioka-san I believed you were a good person, but it seems you’ll drag down that poor girl as well in this scheme.” 

Shinobu’s words fell deaf to your ears, but it took everything inside of you to not respond to that last comment she had made. 

With minimal effort, you had caught up to a boy with a green checkered haori who was about to be knocked down by Kanao. Quickening your pace, you jumped from tree branch to tree branch. The boy screamed out to the demon girl to keep running.  You launched yourself and managed to yank on Kanao’s cloak. Mustering your strength, you easily threw her off of the battered boy. 

You protected Tanjiro from Kanao’s attack.

Tanjiro eyes widened when he saw your sparkling, silver haori flutter behind your shoulders. At first, all he saw was your sleek, snowy tresses of hair flowing with the night breeze. Then, he noticed your recognizable Demon Slayer Corps uniform. He was frightened that you were here to kill his sister, but when he saw you unsheathe your frosted white sword pointed directly towards the other girl. He felt relieved when he realized that you were here to protect him and his sister. 

“You must be Tanjiro,” you said, unwavering your protective stance before him. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” 

He felt tears well in his eyes. 

The other demon slayer’s glassy eyes widened when she saw you ready to attack her. 

“It is violation of our code to attack each other. Are you going against the Corps for this demon?” she said, her voice thin like a whisper and you stood firm. “[Name]-chan, please don’t do this.” She warned you with a tight smile, but you remained strong.

Her name was Kanao Tsuyuri.

The friendship between the two of you was strong and long. You have known her ever since you joined the Corps and it pained the both of you to be on the opposite sides. 

“You’ll be damned.” Kanao warned. 

You tightened your grip on your sword. 

“If he’s damned then... I am damned as well!” you snapped back and glared harshly at her. It didn’t matter that you were protecting a demon. If Giyu said to do it, you would do it in a heartbeat. There must have been a reason he asked this of you. This demon must be different. You slid your foot against the soil, preparing yourself to engage in combat with one of your comrade’s. 

Right when you were about to charge, a crow flew overhead and its shrilly voice echoed through the forest. 

“Message! Message! Tanjiro with the checkered haori must be taken to headquarters!  Nezuko the demon with the bamboo muzzle must report to headquarters!”

Immediately, you sheathed your sword and so did Kanao. The crows continued to squawk the same message over and over again. You turned around and looked down at the boy, his red eyes gazed up at you with something you couldn’t decipher. 

This girl… Tanjiro could feel the edges of his vision blur, but he resisted passing out despite the ache and exhaustion. She saved us… Silky, alabaster waves of hair tumbled over your shoulders and your piercing eyes watched him, curiously. He focused on that burn-like scar around your left eye. Then… his whole world faded to black.

Tanjiro was out cold when the cleanup crew came along and took them both to custody. 

---

When Tanjiro came to, the first thing he saw was a row of people standing before him. There were six of them in front of him and each one of them had an intimidating aura of their aura. 

“Bummer. I heard he was a Demon Slayer with a demon in tow, so I was looking forward to seeing someone flamboyant, but that’s one drab-looking kid, huh?” A tall, muscular man with a flashy headband spoke with a disappointed expression. 

“And we’re here for this boy’s trial! I see!” A tall man with flaming hair and bright matching eyes exclaimed with an unwavering smile. A pretty woman with pink and green hair shyly looked at him with pity. 

Tanjiro raised his head from he ground. His wrists were tied behind his back as he struggled to lift his head to get a better look at these strangers. “Who… Who are these people—“ he was brutally cut off by someone slamming his head against the pebbles.

”Don’t open your mouth just yet, you moron! Just who do you think is standing before you?! You’re in the presence of the Hashira!” The Kakushi man, who woke him up, scolded angrily. Tanjiro stared at them curiously. Hashira… What is a Hashira? What is he talking about…? And who are these people? Where even am I?!

Shinobu spoke first: “This is the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters and you’re about to be put on trial… Tanjiro Kamado.” 

He gasped. 

Then, he heard a familiar voice. Everyone drifted their attention to the newcomer that was being dragged forward. His eyes widened when he saw that sleek snowy hair and electric eyes. It was you, the girl who saved him and his sister. But why is she here? You managed to nudge the Kakushi away with a hard elbowing. 

“Keep your hands off of me—! I said I was coming, didn’t I?” you seethed and turned your attention forward. His eyes locked with yours. It seemed as though your expression softened just a tad when you saw him on the ground. Despite, the arrangement of people standing in row, you were at a good distance from everyone—even him. 

Shinobu looked at you before focusing on Tanjiro.

”Why don’t you explain the crime you’ve comm—“ Shinobu started the questioning, but the Flame Hashira quickly crossed her over.

”There’s no need for a trial! Protecting a demon is a clear violation of the code! We’re within our rights to deal with him on our own! We’re going to behead him and the demon!” The Flame Hashira shouted, smiling proudly. 

“In that case, I’ll be glad to decapitate him with style.” The Sound Hashira added. “I’ll show you the most flamboyant bloodspray you’ll ever see. I’m talking max flamboyance.” 

The Stone Hashira had his hands together in prayer with tears streaming down his face, “Ah, what a pitiful sight this boy is. The poor soul… I pity him for having been born at all.”

Tanjiro could care less what stood in front of him. Nezuko! Where’s Nezuko? He turned his head everywhere in search of his demonic younger sister. 

You watched him closely, raising your gaze to Giyu, who was on the opposite side of the grounds. He was too far from you for you to get a good read on him, but he was facing away from everyone. 

“Let’s end his misery.”

”Right!”

”And let’s do so flamboyantly!”

”Nezuko! Where did you take her?!” Tanjiro screamed, squirming, “Inosuke! Zenitsu! Murata!”

Another voice spoke, smoothly, from up on a tree branch: “Forget that. What will we do with Tomioka? Seeing him there without any restraints is giving me a headache. Based on what Kocho told us, Tomioka’s just as guilty of breaking Corps rules. Not only that but he dragged his Tsuguko down with him as well. How do we deal with him? How should we make him take responsibility? What kind of lesson shall we teach him? Don’t you have anything to say, Tomioka?”

Tanjiro followed the serpentine man’s finger. Tomioka was standing all alone on the other side. Because of me… he’s in this situation and that girl too… 

He smelled a threatening scent and his gaze flickered back to the snowy haired girl. You straightened your spine as if it were made of steel. He didn’t know if it was just his imagination, but he swore he saw frost surrounding your entire body. His hairs at the back of his neck stood straight from the intimating aura you gave off. Everyone seemed on edge.

”Don’t talk about Giyu like that! He’s more of a man you’ll ever be—!” you sneered with such distaste that it brought shivers down his spine. Even in your anger, you looked beautiful that much he could see. It was like you were fire made flesh in that moment. Fury consumed you and your hands clenched to fists from the sheer rage in your veins.

“Is that so? I doubt I would ever sacrifice my underling to such crimes.” The Serpent Hashira hissed, his mismatched eyes glaring down at you. What he said must have affected you a bit because your expression cracked just slightly only your piercing eyes to become darker—so dark he was afraid they were turning a different shade. 

“You—“

”[Name].” Giyu’s voice cut through, it was calm and bordering on a warning; the words were unsaid, but you understood all the same. Almost immediately, your entire demeanor changed and you bowed your head.  

“Poor child. Blinded by devotion, she is willing to take the fault.” The Stone Hashira wept. 

The Flame Hashira grunted, but his smile never once faltered, “I am so disappointed in you, young [Surname]! Disobeying Crops rules is unacceptable!” 

Shinobu smiled, “Oh. I think they’re fine! They did come without resistance. [Name]-chan could do with a little more kindness, but that’s just because she’s so short-tempered. We can come up with a penalty later for them.” Even if her words were meant to ease, it didn’t seem as if they helped you much at all. “What I am more interested in is this boy’s story as to why he was traveling with a demon despite the Corps rules. I’d like to hear the explanation from the boy himself. Needless to say, what he’s done is against the Demon Slayer Corps rules. You are aware of that aren’t, you?”

Tanjiro frowned.

”Tanjiro Kamado, why are you traveling with a demon when you’re a Demon Slayer?” Shinobu asked, her voice soft but her eyes were dull as they watched him. 

Tanjiro opened his mouth. Burning ache throbbed at his throat when he attempted to speak, only a small noise escaped his lips. Shinobu smiled, worriedly handing him a gourd of water to quench his dry throat. She gave him a moment as he chugged the water down hungrily. Everyone was forced to wait. When he finally had his fill, he desperately gazed at Shinobu. 

“That demon is my little sister! While I was away, my family was attacked by a demon, and when I got home, everyone was dead! My sister was turned into a demon, but she’s never eaten anyone! She never has… and never will! She will never harm a human!” he pleaded, but no one was moved. 

“Spare us your absurd ravings. If she’s family, of course you’re defending her. I can’t trust a single word you’re saying. I, for one, don’t believe you.” The Serpent Hashira retorted with skepticism. 

The Stone Hashira cried, “Ah… he’s been possessed by a demon. Let us kill this poor child immediately to set him free.” 

“Please, listen—! I became a swordsman in hopes of finding a cure for Nezuko! It’s been more than two years since Nezuko became a demon! All in all that time, she’s never devoured anyone!” he begged, trying to convince them. 

“Your story’s just spinning in circles, idiot. She hasn’t devoured anyone, and she isn’t going to? Those are just words, prove it to us and impress us.” The Sound Hashira commented with sass. The smallest one of the Hashira, the Mist Hashira, aimlessly gazed at the sky as he mumbled to himself.

”Excuse me?” The Love Hashira started, her voice small and pretty, “I’m not sure about this… but I don’t think that the Master isn’t aware of this. Should we really deal with him on our own? Maybe it’s best if we wait until he arrives…” she said while the men beside her grunted. 

“My sister… My sister will fight with me by my side! She can fight as a demon slayer to protect humans! So please—!” Tanjiro shouted. 

Steps come closer.

”Well, well, I see there’s some fun brewing here. Is that the idiotic Corps member who brought a demon along with him?” The Wind Hashira sneered and in his hands the wooden box that held Nezuko inside. A proud grin shone on his scarred face. “What the hell are you trying to pull here?” 

A Kakushi woman ran to his side, “Please, Lord Shinazugawa! I must ask you to put down that box.”

He ignored her.

Shinobu looked over at him, “Shinazugawa, please don’t act out of line.” 

You crossed your arms, tilting your head to the side and sending him a fierce glare. But despite the angry scent around you, Tanjiro noticed you made no intentions to speak anymore even if it seemed as if the words were on the tip of your tongue.

”What was that, kid? That she can fight as a demon slayer and to protect humans? You know what we call that? Completely impossible, you fool!” The silver haired male screamed and stabbed his sword right through the box.

Tanjiro’s heart dropped in horror when he saw Nezuko’s blood splattered on the ground. He ran forward, eyebrows furrowed, “Anyone who hurts my sister… Hashira or not, I won’t let you get away with it!”

Shinazugawa laughed, “Is that right? Good for you!”

Tanjiro screamed.

”Cease this! The Master will be arriving soon!” Giyu shouted, but it was too late Tanjiro had already charged forward. With his wrists tied, he dodged Shinazugawa’s attack and jumped into the air. He put his entire body into his next move. His head slamming hard into the Wind Hashira’s and both of them fell on the ground. 

Tanjiro was quick and immediately moved to stand protectively in front of Nezuko’s box. 

“If you can’t tell the difference between good demons and bad ones, then you shouldn’t even be a Hashira!” he finished. 

You watched everything unfold, withholding back, but it seemed that this red haired boy was full of surprises. With just a mere headbutt, he managed to render Shinazugawa completely useless. 

“You little…” Shinazugawa whispered with rage, “I’ll destroy you!”

The tension was broken when the doors opened and the twins came out. 

“The Master… of the mansion has arrived.” They simultaneously said, their voices echoing throughout the space. Slowly, soft steps came to your ears, and immediately you moved to a crouched position beside Shinazugawa and the Stone Hashira, Gyomei Himejima. 

“My beloved children… Good morning to you all. It’s a beautiful day… perhaps with a blue sky? It pleases me that we’ve made it through to our semiannual Hashira Meeting with no personnel changes.” 

Shinazugawa had Tanjiro’s face on the cold rocks. 

“I am pleased to see you in good health as well, Master. I fervently pray for your continued good fortune.” Shinazugawa  stated, kindly, and you deepened your annoyed scowl at his words. “If I may, Master… Before we start the Hashira Meeting, would you enlighten us about this swordsman, Tanjiro Kamado, traveling with a demon?”

The Master smiled, “Right. I apologize for surprising you all. About Tanjiro and Nezuko… I’d sanctioned their situation and I’d also like you all to accept it.”

Almost, everyone refused. 

You said nothing. It wasn’t your place to speak, considering this was a Hashira meeting. You weren’t even a Hashira to begin with. Simply, the underling of the Water Hashira who had been called his Tsuguko by others but never by Giyu. The only reason you were here was because you disobeyed Corps rules and were sent here to be punished. It seemed none of that would happen. The Master had pardoned Tanjiro and his sister. 

“The Corps mission is to annihilate demons. I request that you punish Kamado, Tomioka and [Surname].” Shinazugawa seethed, his disgust was overwhelming. 

Master’s expression does not waver.

”The letter…” 

His daughter pulled out a letter from her kimono.

”This letter arrived from a former Hashira, Sakonji Urokodaki. I shall read you an abridged version.” She began, “Please allow Tanjiro to be accompanied by his sister, a demon, because of her resilient spiritual strength, Nezuko has retained her human reason. Even in a starved state, she refused to eat people, and this had held true more than two years later. Although the situation sounds outlandish, it is the indisputable truth.  Should Nezuko ever attack a human, Tanjiro Kamado, as well as… Sakonji Urokodaki and Giyu Tomioka will stone by slicing open our stomachs.” 

The words stilled your heart. 

Giyu will die…? 

Tanjiro cried, his tears flowing down his face. 

“Who cares how they choose to end their lives… If they want to die, then rot to death for all I care! It’s all the same. It doesn’t guarantee our safety!” Shinazugawa exclaimed.

”Shinazugawa is right! If she kills a human, we can’t turn back the clock. The dead won’t come back!” The Flame Hashira added. 

“You have a point… we can’t guarantee she won’t attack humans… that said we also can’t prove that she will attack humans. Here is what we know for certain, she has refrained from devouring humans for more than two years and there are three people who would vouch for her with their lives. To deny that… those who reject it must offer an even more convincing argument.”  Master said, voice gentle. “Do you all intend to do so?” 

You gritted your teeth, along with Shinazugawa.

Why would Giyu risk his life? Why… 

“Also… there is something else. Tanjiro has crossed paths with Kibutsuji.” 

Everyone gawked. 

“You mean this kid…? What did he look like? What about his abilities? Where did you see him?” The Sound Hashira pressed.

You looked over at him, gaze cold, “Did you fight?” Your voice intermingled with Muichiro’s, having said the same thing at the same time. But neither of you commented on your similar question. You often had that affect with Muichiro. 

Shinazugawa shook him relentlessly, “What was Kibutsuji doing? Did you find his lair? Answer me!”

”Shut up! I asked him first! Tell us what powers Kibutsuji has!”

Master only needed to bring his finger to his lips and then everyone became silent. 

“Adding to that, we know Kibutsuji has sent pursuers to Tanjiro. While his goal may simply be to silence him, now that Kibutsuji’s shown his tail and we’ve grabbed it, I don’t want to let go. I also believe something is happening to Nezuko that Kibutsuji never saw coming. Can you understand?” 

For a second, you allowed yourself to understand. 

“I’m afraid I don’t. If it were human, I’d be okay with letting it live, but not a demon! Not after all we’ve gone through, not after so many of our comrades have lost their lives! It’s unacceptable!” Shinazugawa seethed, and abruptly sliced his own arm. His warm blood dripped down his arm. “Hear me, Master, the depravity of a demon!” 

Shinazugawa jumped to the box, letting his blood flow down the wood. “Hey, demon. Sink your teeth into this.” 

The demon inside growled.

Tanjiro shrilled. 

The demon never came out though. 

“It’s never going to come out in the sunlight. You have to do it in the shadows.” The Serpent Hashira pointed out and Shinazugawa apologized before jumping to Master’s engawa.  He greedily pierced his sword into Nezuko, her whimper echoing in your ears. Tanjiro’s scream unheard.

Obanai Iguro, the Serpent Hashira, dropped his elbow down Tanjiro’s back—keeping him still and quiet. 

You stared at him, but you couldn’t find it in yourself to feel bad. If it were Giyu, you know he would have stopped Iguro, but you had to be sure. There wasn’t any way you would risk Giyu’s life for a demon’s. 

The door of the box flew open and Nezuko rose from it.

A hungry stare.

Drool oozed out of her mouth.

Shinazugawa’s tempting blood mere inches away. 

Tanjiro escaped from Iguro’s hold. Giyu held back his arm—a feat you couldn’t do. Tanjiro screamed at his sister. It was as if his voice brought her back to sanity because the strangest thing had happened.

She made no move and instead, reeled her head away in disgust.

A breath you didn’t know you were holding left your lips. The proof was there and everyone knew it. Master asked for information and his daughters explained what had unfolded, he smiled. 

Beside you, Giyu still had his tight grip on Iguro’s wrist only for it to be snatched away.

”What do you think you’re doing, Tomioka?” Iguro hissed. Giyu said nothing. You growled at him, irritated by his attitude. 

“Don’t speak to him like that, snake.” You nearly burned him alive just then with just a single shooting gaze. Giyu stepped in and lightly grabbed your shoulder, forcing you to look at him. Obanai Iguro trembled with rage, but he didn’t say anything—not when Giyu was already scolding you with a glance. You sighed, biting back another wave of anger, and lowered your head. 

Master spoke to Tanjiro, truthfully of the future hardships he would face and how he would have to continue to prove his sister was no threat. Tanjiro bowed to the ground before him with the upmost respect. 

“Go out an defeat a Twelve Kizuki. Do that and you will be accepted by all. Your words will carry more weight as a result.”

Tanjiro rose his head, “I… Nezuko and I will defeat Muzak Kibutsuji—! Rest assured, we will strike him down and stop this endless chain of despair!”

Your eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. What the—

“As you’re not ready for that yet, Tanjiro, let’s start by defeating a Twelve Kizuki, all right?” Master deflected with a pleasing smile.

You snorted back a laugh with your hand. 

Things went smoothly after that. Master lectured Shinazugawa and Iguro for tormenting Tanjiro and Nezuko.

”With that, [Name]… and Tanjiro, you are both dismissed.” 

You nodded in understanding and gave one last glance to Giyu before following Tanjiro and the Kakushi out. A relived sigh left your lips as you walked out. At least, you weren’t going to be punished for breaking the rules with Giyu and Tanjiro. 

Not even three seconds later, you were forced to watch Tanjiro crawl back to the Master. You didn’t follow, but you could hear him screaming to get his revenge against Shinazugawa for tormenting his sister. 

What a moron… you sweat dropped as you continued walking away.

Notes:

TAISHO ERA: SECRET!
[Name] is not Giyu’s Tsuguko. Everyone just assumes that she is because she’s always around him! In reality, [Name] is ranked Hinoe!

Chapter 5: Friendship Bracelet

Chapter Five:

 

Friendship Bracelet

---

You never liked the Butterfly Mansion.

The building was old and filled with sick people half of the time. It reminded you of the countless times you ended up in the care of Shinobu. When you were injuries and in need of a recovery, you would always lay down and wait for Giyu to visit. He never did. Of course, you weren’t ever heavily injured to the brink of death but still… you would always be there for him even if he wasn’t badly injured. 

This place made you sad, recalling the times you wished for him and he never came. 

As you walked through the hallways in search of Kanao, you remembered the good memories of being here. This is where you met Kanao. She was quiet, but she was very kind. You liked her a lot, but still… you didn’t hesitate to point your blade at her when Giyu asked. 

Sadly, you knew it would always be like that. 

Giyu held more meaning in your heart than anyone else. 

Tears of sorrow and anger filled your eyes. Your head tipped forward and you stumbled. Ever since the Hashira meeting, all you could think about was the promise Urokodaki-sama and Giyu had committed in order to save Nezuko’s life. She was a demon and they were protecting her. Your mind betrayed your loyalty. It kept imagining Nezuko’s sinking her teeth into human flesh and Giyu committing the unforgivable act of seppuku.

If Giyu dies… Tears freely tumbled down your cheeks and you choked back sobs. You couldn’t bare the thought of him dying. Even when you went on separate missions, you would become anxious at seeing him go alone. It pained you to not be there to protect him, but if Nezuko kills a human then… it would surely mean Giyu would die as well. I’ll commit seppuku, too. I’ll follow him anywhere even if it is hell. 

You didn’t know how long you cried as you leaned your limp body to a wall, but eventually something inside of you awakened. Something twisted and broken. Something full of rage. 

You walked forward, wiping your tears away and rising your chin high. It was as if you never cried. Eyes sharp as you watched Naho, the little girl, stumble out of an infirmary with an empty cup. Not bothering sending her a smile, you easily walked passed her—ignoring her curious look—and stepped inside of the room she came out of. 

There was a yellow haired boy wailing in his bed, but the moment his golden eyes fell on you all of his crying ceased. His entire face turned several shades darker and he pointed his wiggly arm your way, his sleeves were so long you were uncertain if there even was a hand in there.

”You… You… You…” 

With an icy scowl shot his way, his words died in his throat. 

“It’s you!” Tanjiro exclaimed, pointing a finger at you. “[Surname] [Name]… was it?” 

You stopped once you were beside his bed, your eyes widening when you realized that he already knew your name. 

Tanjiro’s cheeks reddened, ashamed that he memorized more than just your name. Silvery-white hair tumbled elegantly onto your shoulders, framing your delicate face perfectly. 

“You saved us.” He finally settled on saying. “My sister and I… thank you for that. There aren’t enough words to express how grateful I am for it! Especially after all the trouble we caused you and—“ He expressed with bright and kind eyes. 

“Stop.” You crossed over him, sharply. He flinched when he noticed your annoyed expression. “I didn’t do it for you or your sister. So, don’t waste your breath in giving me thanks.”

It was then that he smelled a subtle scent of sadness. He could hardly smell it over your overwhelming scent of vanilla, like the smell of a warm cup of chocolate on a cold winter day. 

“I actually came here for an entirely different reason.” You flatly stated. “I came here to inform you.”

Tanjiro raised a brow, curious, “Inform me of what?”

“That my blade will be the last thing your sister sees if does take a human life.” The words are cold as they slip from your lips. Tanjiro simply stared at you. There was no malicious intent behind your words despite the way you looked at him, or the way you said them. There was only the scent of sadness. “Anyone who threatens Giyu’s life answers to me.”

Tanjiro’s eyes widened. Your scent broke into melancholy when you spoke of Giyu just then. He recalled how you defended Giyu’s name even though it was someone of high authority. Even when Master Ubuyashiki scolded you for it afterwards, there wasn’t a single sign that you regretted it. 

“I see now… you must be Giyu’s younger sister.” He smiled innocently, nodding confidently at his assumption. “Don’t worry. I promise Nezuko will never eat a human! I’ll do whatever it takes for her to become human again—!” 

“Huh… HUH—?!? Sister?!” you shrilled in horror and strangled him by the shoulders, shaking him furiously. “I’m not his sister! We don’t even look alike! His hair is black and mine is the complete opposite! Can’t you see?!”

He couldn’t form proper words from your frantic shaking. It hurt, his ribs were aching from the forceful jerks. You let go of his shoulders and pouted, “Why does everyone think that? It’s so annoying.” 

Tanjiro could finally breathe. He blinked rapidly, trying to refocus his gaze. You stood beside his bed with your arms crossed over your chest. The sparkling silver haori you wore the night he first saw you was nowhere to be seen. You were dressed in the Corps uniform though instead of pants, you were wearing a skirt and black stockings that reached up to your thighs. 

Striking eyes, plump rosy lips, and lily-white hair so luscious it fell in a long satin sheet against your back. But what made you truly memorable was the scar around your left eye. On anyone else, it may have seemed alarming, and anyone else might have tried to hide it. Not you though, and somehow that only added to your allure. 

She’s beautiful. 

Tanjiro was speechless.

”Tanjiro—! Tanjiro! There’s a gorgeous girl in front of you! She’s so pretty it hurts! Please! Marry me, mysterious beauty!” Zenitsu wailed, his cheeks stained with a red hue. He was looking straight at you and it looked like you didn’t believe a single word he was spouting. You slowly turned around, facing Zenitsu, and the poor boy could only further melt into putty at the sight of you. 

Tanjiro watched, wide eyed. You tilted your head to the side and curiously arched a pale brow, your eyes glossed over Zenitsu leisurely. He blushed and covered his body with his hands, his sleeves waving around aimlessly. It seemed even he couldn’t contain his composure when those guileless eyes settled on him. 

“You look so puny,” you said, voice like sunlight but the words were piercing cold. “so, no.” 

Zenitsu screamed as if arrows had stuck his heart, “But why—?! You’re so beautiful!”  

You blinked, deadpanned. “It’s just… no.” 

Tanjiro could smell your kindness, even though you hid it pretty well beneath that icy scowl of yours. He flinched when your eyes landed back on him, it was like pools of ice and flame had poured over his shoulders just then. 

“That is all I wanted to say to you, Tanjiro Kamado.” You finished, but suddenly the doors of the nursing room slammed open. It was the three young children, Sumi, Naho, and Kiyo. He had seen them everyday, but this was the first time they ever barged in here with such wide smiles. 

“[Name]-nee!” Kiyo squealed, running towards you and wrapping her arms around your legs. The other two children ran into your legs as well. 

“When Naho said you were here, I couldn’t believe it. You’re back! You’re back!” Sumi beamed, “We’re so glad you’re okay after your missions! 

“Thank goodness, you’re okay!” the three of them simultaneously chimed. Naho pulled out a small bento box and handed it over to you with a kind smile, “We’ve made you your favorite. Just how you like it, [Name]-nee.” 

Your eyes widened. 

“Really? Ah! You shouldn’t have!” you exclaimed and happily opened it to reveal a dozen taiyakis. Your eyes sparkled with awe as an adoring smile lifted at the edges of your lips. “I have a gift for you as well…” 

“Hm!? What is it, nee-chan?!” 

You smiled teasingly, “It’s a secret!” 

They deflated.

”Aw… I really wanted to see.” 

“First, we have to find Kanao. It’s her gift, too.” You explained, kindly, and they instantly brightened. You frowned and looked over at the boys as if sensing their gazes. Zenitsu’s jaw was hanging wide open from the shock and Tanjiro had a dumb look frozen on his face. “Anyways, let’s get out here. These people are really starting to freak me out… especially the boar guy.” You quickly said with an icy scowl as you marched out of the room. 

Sumi giggled and followed after you, clutching onto your skirt. Kiyo smiled as she walked beside you and watched you with an adoring expression as if you were nothing short of an angel. 

Naho was the last to follow. She turned to look at Tanjiro and smiled softly. Almost as if anticipating what he wanted to say. 

Tanjiro smiled back, tilted his head, “Is she your sister?”

Naho smiled, “Biologically, no! But [Name]-nee has grown up with Kanao and has been here for a very long time with Lord Giyu. We’ve known her all our lives. I’ll talk to you later, okay?” 

Tanjiro nodded. He was still very curious about you, but he understood he couldn’t have all the answers at once. Naho ran out the room in search of you and the others.

It was deafeningly quiet for some time. 

“I didn’t even know she could smile… but she became a thousand times more beautiful than before when she did! Kya! Such a precious and gorgeous woman, right Tanjiro?! Right?!” 

Tanijro simply stared at the empty space where you once stood. 

He could still smell your fragile scent. 

---

“Kanao.” 

The quiet girl looked over at you, surrounded by Kiyo, Naho and Sumi. She was sitting on the engawa, her legs dangled on the edge. Her thin smile never wavered when you came by to sit beside her. 

“I am sorry for pointing my blade at you.” Voice like sunlight, you apologize with a sad gaze. Your hand reached for hers. The touch was gentle but, the skin was rough from all the long years of wielding a sword. It was just as Kanao remembered it being. “I still very much care about you. Please, forgive me for doing that to you.”

Kanao glazed eyes stare into your own. 

She reached for her coin and began to flip it. You frowned and quietly clasped a hand over it, stopping her from daring to flip the coin. She made a small noise, but simply continued to stare at you without any emotion. 

“Enough of that. Just say what you think,” you stated, your eyes hard and scolding. “It’s only us right now… you can practice following your heart with me and one day, you will be able to do it with everyone. I know it.” 

Her eyes widened, shining with realization.

”I… I… [Na—[Name]-chan… I forgive you. I…” she finally stammered, her cheeks reddening. 

You smiled and swung an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close enough for a hug. 

“I’m glad. You’re my best friend, Kanao. How many times have I told you? You can be yourself with me. Don’t forget that.” 

Kanao blushed, allowing herself to be tightly held. Naho, Sumi and Kiyo threw themselves into the hug as well, desiring to be held by you. The embrace was soft and long. You held these girls close to your heart, especially Kanao. The girl who grew up alongside you. The only person that was close to your age. It was hard to be her friend, but it worked out in the end. Kanao still had a long way to go until she finally spoke her mind. For now, a few words would do.

”I brought you all something.” You informed, breaking the hug, and pulling out a little box filled with strings and charms. “During my last mission there was an old woman selling this. We can make friendship bracelets for each other now. Something to say…”

”That we are going to be best friends forever and ever!” Sumi cheered and everyone laughed. 

“Yeah!” 

You smiled softly as everyone began to work on making a bracelet. 

“We will wear this bracelet forever, [Name]-nee.” Naho added as she twirled the threads together. “As a sign of our endless friendship! Thank you so much for this gift!”

“Will you stay with us long?” Kiyo asked with pleading eyes. With a guilty gaze, you looked away from her and focused and kneading the purple string around the white string. Naho pouted, understanding what you tried to hide.

“As soon as I am summoned for a mission, I will go.” You spoke truthfully, unwilling to raise their hopes for a future that will not come. You understood more than anyone how it felt to watch precious friends leave you behind. Sumi frowned and you patted her head gently, like an older sister would. “Don’t be sad. I will come back.” 

“But… But… you take so long. We get worried about you. Sometimes, you can be reckless [Name]-nee. Even Kanao thinks that… right?”

Kanao said nothing, but the hesitant twitch on the corner of her smile gave away her true thoughts. 

“Stop worrying… I am a strong person. I can handle myself out there, okay?” you reassured with a confident smile. Kanao’s smile faltered, her finger’s weakened slightly over the threads. She looked at you through her bangs. You leaned your head against her shoulder and scowled icily, “Cheer up, already! I said, I’m strong enough to handle my own. Believe me. I’ll always be here for you guys.” 

 

From afar, Tanjiro watched behind the scenes with Zenitsu. Originally, he was trying to stop Zenitsu from following after you and the girls, but then… 

“She’s like a completely different person…!” Zenitsu gawked, eyeing how you generously gave away angelic smiles and pretty eyes to those four girls. “I swear earlier… I thought she could burn me alive with just her cold stare!”

Tanjiro wasn’t as shocked as Zenitsu. He knew by your scent that you were kind and this only confirmed his suspicions. He could tell you cared about those around you deeply and would do anything to protect them. A fond smile grew on his face and he gently guided Zenitsu away.

”Let’s go. We don’t belong here.”

For the remaining course of his rehabilitation training, Tanjiro often stole glances your way whenever you were around. It wasn’t often that he did see you though. For the most part, you would tend to isolate yourself and help Aoi with the chores. When it was nighttime, Zenitsu would swear he could hear your bedtime stories to the children. The yellow-haired boy was a blushing mess as he fantasized about how pretty your voice and laugh sounded. Tanjiro wished he could hear it. 

It had been two months into his rehabilitation training and Tanijro was working day and night literally in order to master Total Concentration Breathing. He had learned from Kiyo that you had mastered this technique when you were thirteen. Tanjiro could only gape at the information. He was sure you were his age and yet, you mastered the technique at the mere age of thirteen. You must have been a prodigy, he thought. The final nail to the cross was when Kiyo and Sumi explained that you had not just one, not two… but three breathing styles under your belt. Yup, he thought with sweat dribbling down his forehead, she’s a prodigy. 

He found out quite a bit about you from Sumi, Kiyo and Naho. They were endlessly proud of you and enjoyed speaking about you. But of course, he knew you wouldn’t take kindly to him knowing so much about you when he didn’t know you at all. 

Tanjiro woke up at an ungodly hour. The sun had yet to rise, but he found himself tumbling out of bed. He felt parched, maybe a cool glass of water would be nice. His bare feet gently stepped on the clean tatami flooring as he made his way out of the room, quietly sliding the door close to not wake Zenitsu or Inosuke. He made his way through the mansion with ease, having come to know its hallways through the months. As he passed by a certain window, he caught a glimpse of snow. 

He froze when he saw a crown of white hair. Hope grew inside his heart. He switched course and began making his way outside, once he slid the shoji door open, his eyes widened when he saw you sitting on the engawa. He was relieved that it was you.

You had yet to notice him, busying yourself with twirling threads of colorful crimson and white fabric. Your hair spread behind you like a shimmering snowy silk, long and sleek and lovely. It was cold outside but, you didn’t shiver at all as if the cold didn’t affect you whatsoever. 

Hesitantly, he stepped closer. 

“What are you doing out here?” It felt like his mouth had moved on its own as the question tumbled out of his lips. You didn’t flinch, giving him the impression that you knew he was here before he said anything and it confused him. “It’s pretty chilly.” 

“It’s not,” you answered, icily. He was surprised you even spoke to him, seeing as anytime he attempted to approach you he would be ignored. He was quite accustomed to receiving that frosted glare of yours by this point. Tanjiro stopped in front of you, watching you from above as he stood beside you. The light of the moon made your silvery-white hair glow like a pearl. 

You looked to the sky then with a dreamy glaze, “The sun is about to come up. I enjoy watching the sunrise so, don’t worry about me. Just go on with what you were doing before.” As quickly as the dreamy glaze came, your eyes turned cold. He was afraid he would get frostbite by just that mere glare, but he didn’t move.

”I see,” he said and smiled. “I’ll join you then.” 

Tanjiro moved to sit beside you on the engawa. His bare feet dangling beside your own that were covered with socks. You frowned and snapped your head over at him, pointedly.

”Oi, I said don’t worry about me. It’s not like I need protection or anything!” you fumed and Tanjiro’s smile never faded. He turned to look at you with soft eyes.

”I know you don’t, but I don’t want you to be lonely.” His voice was as gentle as a kiss and his words struck you. A strange feeling began to churn and roll in your stomach. His eyes were a warm red, infinitely bright and merciful. You didn’t know how someone could look so… compassionate. It was awfully different than what you were used to. You flinched and snapped your head forward, feeling your cheeks blaze with unwanted heat. 

“Whatever. Do as you wish.” 

He nodded. 

The two of you sat in comfortable silence until the sun rose from the earth. A beautiful wave of orange and yellow and red shined across the sky, enlightening everything it touched.  The chill faded and his skin was brushed with warmth by the sun. 

He turned, caught that you were smiling—a merciful and loving smile—and your doe-eyes shined with uncontrollable happiness, glimmering like a thousand dreams. Fluttering snowy tresses swayed with the sudden warm breeze, the scar around your left eye adding to your beauty. His breath felt like it was squeezed out of his lungs from the mere sight. 

Trembling, he snapped his head forward and pushed back the gnawing blush that grew on his cheeks and ears. Surely, his skin matched his hair. Thankfully, you didn’t notice. 

You never did notice.

---

The following weeks Tanjiro and the others commenced their Rehabilitation Training. It consisted of lengthy stretching sessions with Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho, a battle of tea-throwing to enhance senses, and finally a game of tag. It sounded a lot easier than done. Inosuke and Zenitsu were having a rough time trying to figure it out, but Tanjiro wanted to get better and was determined to pull through. 

He was used to seeing Aoi, Sumi, Naho, Kiyo and Kanao in their sessions, but today there was a new person. He stood frozen when he noticed a very familiar crown of white. You were beside Kanao with your back facing him and telling by the soft smile on Kanao’s face, you were animatedly talking to her about something. 

Slowly, you turned around and he bristled when those piercing eyes of yours fell on him. Inosuke, who stood beside him, made a rough grunt noise from his throat when he saw you. Tanjiro had seen you earlier that morning, but still he is stricken by your beauty as if it were the first time. You matched with Kanao in your Demon Slayer Corps uniform, the only differences were your haori’s and that you wore thigh-high black socks. Like the past few times he had seen you, today was no different, he noted that your haori and sword were nowhere in sight. It made you look a lot smaller and less intimidating.

“Thank you for coming,” Aoi said with furrowed brows, “Let’s get started, shall we?” she gestured to Kiyo, Sumi and Naho who were waiting for them by the mats. Tanjiro tried to keep his expression perfectly still despite wishing he was doing anything else than being stretched until the point of pain. Inosuke held back tears as he was yanked and pulled in every direction. 

Tanjiro kept his eyes forward, but no matter how hard he tried he could not stop stealing glances your way. You continued to animatedly speak to Kanao and Aoi, your voice traveling through the room softly. Your massed silky hair was tied back with a ribbon, showing the graceful line of your jaw, your small ears and delicate neckline. Your doe-like body which has seemed grave and cold all the previous times he’s seen you around before, now sparked with fun. Aoi blushed and laughed at whatever you must have said then, eliciting a small chuckle from you. 

She could teach the torches to burn bright. Tanjiro thought with warmed cheeks. Out of nowhere, your eyes met with his, shining with something he couldn’t decipher. He practically whipped his face away so fast, he feared his neck would be sore. His face burned with shame for having been caught staring. 

Suddenly, it was time for the tea-splashed game. 

“I wanna go first this time!” Inosuke shouted with excitement and pointed a finger your way. “I wanna beat Snowflake!”

S… Snowflake? 

Tanjiro felt his face pale. 

Everyone went absolutely quiet and all turned to look at you, awaiting for your response. To everyone’s surprise, you stared back at Inosuke with wide eyes before a ghost of a smile lingered on your lips. 

“Beat me? Please,” you scoffed with a smirk, “in your dreams.” 

Tanjiro watched from the sidelines as you take a seat in front of Inosuke. The boar boy was jumping with excitement. As soon as the game started, Tanjiro felt like it ended. Without any warning, you had beat him and tea splashed all over Inosuke’s headpiece. The girls cheered at your victory while Inosuke growled in irritation.

”What was that about beating me?” you said, adding more fuel to the fire. Inosuke growled and demanded for a rewatch which you gladly gave into. Tanjiro sweat dropped when the games kept going and each one you came out as the victor of the matches. Eventually, you grew tired of it and pulled out of the game, leaving Inosuke more restless than before.

”I want a rematch! I want a rematch! Right! Now!” 

You looked away, disinterested. 

“I refuse.” 

Inosuke literally threw a tantrum. “I said, I want a rematch! I’ll win this time for sure! Great Inosuke never loses!” 

You stared at him blankly, “Consider this your first, but certainly not last, loss against me.” 

Inosuke growled and ran after your fleeting form. 

“Fight! Fight! Fight me, Snowflake! Fight me!” he screamed and you flinched when he ran headfirst towards you. Your blank expression twisted into horror. 

“What the hell?!” you gawked and ran away from him, “Just what is wrong with you?! Get away from me! If you know what’s good for you… you’ll leave me alone!” you screamed furiously and went around in circles with Inosuke chasing after you. 

Aoi sweat dropped, “I guess this counts as the final test, but you didn’t pass the tea test, Inosuke!” 

You grind your teeth in annoyance. The last rehabilitation training was a game of tag. Inosuke was shrilling like a wild animal trying to catch you, but he couldn’t even get close enough to you at all which only served to piss him off more. Finally, after what felt like hours of running in circles, Inosuke fell down to his knees and gasped for air. 

The wild boar boy was exhausted though he would never admit it. When he looked over at you, it seemed he only became more infuriated especially seeing how unaffected you were compared to him. 

Zenitsu’s mocking laugh rang through his ears.

”Ke-Ke-Ke!” Zenitsu chortled evilly, pointing a baggy hand his way, his sleeves long enough to hide his hands completely. “What a loser! That’s what you deserve!” 

“Monitsu! I’ll demolish you!” 

Tanjiro smiled and looked your way. Not a single strand of hair was out of place on your head, you were completely unaffected by the physical exercise. He wondered if he would get paired up with you instead of anyone else for the training. As luck would have it, he got paired up with Aoi for the tea splasher and he passed her up rather quickly. 

Instinctively, he stared at you. He hoped he would get to have the privilege to have a taste of what it felt like to chase after you. He was getting better at using Total Concentration Breathing, maybe… just maybe… he could beat you.

Kanao smiled and Tanjiro tried his best not to look disappointed when she stepped forward instead of you. Kanao eyes followed his and she noticed him staring at you longingly. Her smile did not falter one bit before she turned around and faced you. 

“[Name]-chan, can you take my place?” 

You were distracted with Inosuke, who was still demanding for a fight, but your shoulders tensed when she called out to you. Tanjiro’s eyes widened in surprise when you looked over at them, your piercing gaze settling on him. Kanao didn’t bother sharing a glance his way as she traded places with you.

”Sure, why not?” you said and stared at Tanjiro with a determined gaze. 

Tanjiro nodded, looking confident. 

“Start!” Aoi shouted. Tanjiro charged forward instantly. That first step had some power to it, but you made a run for it. There wasn’t a single sound coming out from you, not even your steps made a noise. You were light on your feet that much was obvious. Tanjiro could immediately tell that you were much faster than Kanao. The space between the two of you only grows more and more. 

There was no chance to get close. 

Concentrate your breathing. Tanjiro forced himself to focus his breathing and he could feel his feet take him further, closer to you. Your silky pale hair fluttered behind you and it nearly caught him in a trance. He reached a hand out… Almost… Almost… He saw an opening and surged forward with all the strength he had. I can do it! I—

A cold wind blew through the room. 

He fell and landed on his face. A weak groan leaving his mouth at the stinging pain. Slowly, he lifted himself from the ground and the first thing he saw was Zenitsu’s mouth ajar. Shock written across the yellow-haired boy and Inosuke was trembling beside him with breathless bewilderment.

He turned around, following their eyes, and he looked up. You stood behind him with your arms crossed over your chest, loose tresses of hair hanging over your eyes, and your hair flowing over your shoulders flawlessly. One second you were in front of him and the next you were gone. So fast. 

“Have you been training?” you asked with a quizzical expression. He could hardly believe you were interested in him. He was used to your cool glances and flaming silence, almost always being ignored by you. “I’m impressed. You almost got me there. Good job, Tanjiro.” You praised and shared a small smile with him. 

He felt bashful all of a sudden, having not expected any sort attention much less a praise from you! Tanjiro glanced away with a timid smile, his cheeks felt hot, but he quickly gathered his courage and looked back up at you. 

“Thank you! I have been working on my Total Concentration Breathing.” He said with a proud smile. “Have you mastered it?” 

He already knew the answer, but he didn’t want to come off as eager and weird.

You nodded, “Yeah. A while back…”

Tanjiro tried not to sweat at that. A while back? From what he heard, you had mastered it when you were thirteen and you were fifteen now. He guessed you were humble about it as to not seem so… high-and-mighty about it. How sweet of her.

”Wo-Would you mind teaching me?” 

You blinked down at him, curiously, “Hm?”

He rose from the ground and stared at your innocent expression. You were slightly shorter than him by an inch or two, around Nezuko’s size, he noticed. You paused thoughtfully and your eyes were enigmatic.

With a powerful shrug of your shoulder, “Don’t expect me to me soft.” 

“I wouldn’t drea—“ Tanjiro started with sparkling eyes only to be thrown back by an unexpected slam onto his stomach. He landed a few feet away from you on his butt, groaning in pain. 

Your hands are at your hips, “Lesson number one! Always be alert!”

Tanjiro face turned purple, “Uh…” 

You walked towards him and smiled mischievously, “I meant it when I said that. By the way, you could’ve avoided that if you were using Total Concentration Breathing. Don’t slack off.” 

He stared up at you dumbly. He hadn’t realized he stopped using Total Concentration Breathing just then. He pouted, disappointed that he got distracted, but he looked up at you with a even more determined gaze.

”Got it!”

---

The heavy scent of vanilla came to his nose, the brisk wind felt nice against his bare chest as he trained day and night, but his eyes trailed over to the source of the scent. You stood with Kanao, a happy smile growing on your face as you spoke to her and she delightedly listened to you. Tanjiro could notice that you were more enthusiastic than before. Happier than before as if a weight had been lifted off your shoulders. He hadn’t seen you look so happy. 

Ever since that time he found you waiting for the sunrise, he had joined you each and every dawn to watch the sunrise together. There was not a single morning he didn’t find you waiting on that engawa for the sun to come. Most mornings, it was comfortably quiet between you—despite his efforts—but, on rare occasions, you would humor him with a small chat. That said, he still felt as if he didn’t know you at all. 

“What are you looking at—?!” Inosuke shouted, dragging him to the gourds. “Come on! We have to get stronger!” 

Tanjiro shook his head and refocused, “Right!” 

It took them three months to fully recover and gain more strength. By the end of his healing, he had mastered Total Concentration Breathing. 

A crow flew overhead. Tanjiro stopped.

”[Name]! Hurry! Mission!” 

“I’m coming—!” you shouted, “I heard you the first time! Let me say goodbye, at least!” White hair flowing around you in your rage. 

“Eek! [Name] is cruel!” The crow squawked and flew further away from in fear. 

It was only then that Tanjiro realized that you were finally wearing your haori and your Nichirin sword was tucked in its sheath. He understood now. You were finally off to a mission. It had been so long. He had forgotten you were even a sword man to begin with. He watched as you embraced Kanao and bid her a farewell with a soft smile. 

Those eyes of yours shifted swiftly and landed on him, your smile wiped off your face and replaced with an irritated expression. He stood stilly as you walked over to him.

”Tanjiro,” you said, tilting your head to the side, “Thank you for watching the sunrise with me.” 

He blushed and dismissed it with a wave, not knowing what to do with your gratitude. What could he say? Your loose tresses of hair fell over your eyes that stared at him with a hidden kindness. 

“It wasn’t anything to be thanking me for! I’ll gladly do it again and again!” he beamed with honestly. 

For a moment you stood there staring at him with a wide-eyed expression. Again and again. His words sunk in your mind but, you quickly shook whatever thoughts resurfaced and composed yourself. You offered him your hand and he stared at it in surprise before hesitantly wrapping his own hand around yours. 

His hand was obviously much larger than yours, but he could feel the roughness of it. He was sure his hands were no better. He was, after all, a swordsman. Nevertheless, he still had the urge to protect you and worried about your upcoming mission. He had seen glimpses of your way of fighting and when  you had given pointers to Inosuke—whenever he would go screaming to fight you and you would, shockingly, entertain him. He knew that you were a strong swordswoman and you could handle your own, but still the feeling didn’t leave. 

“See you.” 

Then, like a ghost, you vanished. 

Inosuke gasped and Zenitsu screamed. 

“She left?! Just like that?! What speed?! I didn’t even see—“ Zenitsu blabbered. “She’s inhuman!

Inosuke growled, “Come back here! I didn’t get my fight with Snowflake!” 

Tanjiro smiled. Snowflake. That’s the nickname Inosuke called you because of your hair. Tanjiro was surprised when you broke out into a little smile when you heard him call you that instead of going on a rampage. Perhaps that’s why you were soft on Inosuke afterwards. 

---

They were called on a mission the next day. 

And, like a magnet, Tanjiro followed the familiar scent of vanilla just before he left for his own mission. Kiyo, Sumi, and Naho were bidding them farewell with a basket of rice balls. 

He was surprised to find Tomioka Giyu of all people coming out of the side of the mansion. A grin grew on his face and he ran over to the stoic Water Hashira. His eyes widened when he found a familiar crown of white hair. Beside Giyu, there you were with a childish pout. 

“Tomioka! [Name]!” Tanjiro grinned, coming to a stop before the Water Hashira. “I thought… I thought you left already.”

A vein popped out of your forehead, annoyed, “I thought in my mission I would be partnered with Giyu, but as it turns out it’s a completely different Hashira. My damn crow is a liar…” 

Oh. So that’s why she was excited. 

“I-I see,” he stammered, sweating when you didn’t look pleased in the least. You were sulking in your own rage. Giyu didn’t seem to mind. In fact, he pretended you weren’t throwing a tantrum about it. 

“Heading to your next mission?” Giyu asked, his expression carefully blank. 

“Yes sir!” Tanjiro answered with a smile. 

“I heard from [Name] that you’ve mastered Total Concentration, Constant.” Giyu said plainly, completely unaware of your gawking face when he revealed you had spoken about Tanjiro to him. Tanjiro was probably too dim witted to notice it, you hoped, but when those crimson eyes glanced your way, you knew you were screwed. 

“I have.” 

Giyu nodded, “You should keep at it.”

”Yes sir. Tomioka… about Nezuko… thank you very much. The fact that you put your life on the line, I had no idea. I don’t know how to ever repay you.” Tanjiro spoke gently with glimmering eyes full of gratitude. You looked down and frowned, still not able to accept that Giyu would die if Nezuko would kill a human. You prayed everyday that Nezuko would never dare to eat a person. 

Giyu looked away, “You can thank me by doing your best work. Our mission is to kill demons. That is all. Got it?” 

Then, he vanished. 

“Got it!” Tanjiro shouted with a smile. 

You glared at the empty spot Giyu stood before. “I hate when he does that.” 

Tanjiro sweat dropped, “You did that yesterday to me.” 

You continued to glare at the spot, “I didn’t even get to say goodbye.” You looked up to the sky and cupped your hands around your mouth, screaming angrily: “You didn’t even wish me good luck, you jerk!” 

Tanjiro sweated. 

“Do you think he heard me?” you turned around and looked at him, vein still throbbing on your forehead. Tanjiro became smaller under your piercing angry glare. 

“I’m s-sure Tomioka didn’t mean anything by it.”  

You sighed and walked passed him, “He never does. Anyways, I’m off to Mugen Train to meet up with Rengoku—“

”Wait. Mugen Train? That’s where we’re headed as well!” Tanjiro exclaimed with a large smile. 

You froze in your step.

“…Eh? Eeeeh—?” you screamed in horror, “Are you telling me I’m stuck with you idiots?! There must be some mistake.” 

“Muahahaha! Snowflake! You owe me a rematch—! Come and be defeated by yours truly, Lord Inosuke!” Inosuke shouted once he saw you. Zenitsu eyes turned into hearts, literally as he fawned over you. 

Your entire face paled. 

“Fuck.” 

Notes:

TAISHO ERA: SECRET!
[Name] has always wanted sisters and brothers so, she’s very fond of Kiya, Sumi, Naho, Aoi and Kanao! She grew up alongside Kanao after becoming a Demon Slayer and because they are close in age, [Name] and Kanao are strongly connected!… Ahem! As for Tanjiro, he agrees with Zenitsu that she is very beautiful, but intimidating sometimes!

Chapter 6: Mugen Train

Notes:

I really hope you enjoy this chapter! Tell me your thoughts, I love feedback <3
Thanks for reading!

Chapter Six:

 

Mugen Train

---

“Wait… a damn minute…” Inosuke breathed, raggedly, as he stared at the massive train before him. “…Could it be… I’ve heard of such a being, the Master and Ruler of this Land! At such an intimidating size, there’s no mistaking it! It looks like it’s asleep, but don’t let that fool you!”

You watched with a blank expression as Inosuke scurried to the other end, marveling at the train. 

“It’s a train, you’ve never seen one?” Zenitsu replied, boredom lancing in very word. 

“Pipe down, or you’ll wake it!” Inosuke shouted, slamming his hand against Zenitsu’s face. “I’ll lead the charge to take it down!” Inosuke prepared himself to attack, grabbing the hilts of his swords. 

“Inosuke, stop!” Tanjiro shouted, firmly.

Oh, thank God. The voice of reason. You sighed in relief. At least, Tanjiro had a brain. 

“Huh—?!” Inosuke stared at him, dumbly—you presumed, since there was no telling what kind of expression Inosuke was doing behind that boar head. 

“This might be the Guardian Spirit of this Land, so we should’ve be attack it carelessly.” Tanjiro responded seriously. Your jaw dropped. Idiots. They’re all idiots! I’m stuck with a bunch of—

“Uh. I said, it’s a train. You’ve never seen one either? A vehicle for transportation? Man, you’re sheltered.” Zenitsu grumbled, giving a dead eyed stare to everyone. You looked at him, accepting that he was correct, but still wallowed with the fact that they were idiots. Zenitsu is worse than the other two, actually. 

“A train? That’s what the crow was talking about?” 

Inosuke quietly walked forward. 

“What is he doing?” Zenitsu asked, awaiting. 

You blinked, “Please, for the love of God—“

Inosuke shrieked a warrior cry, “Ready or not! I’m comin’ through!” He charged into the train head on and slammed his head against the wood. You covered your face with a hand and sighed for the millionth time today.

“Stop embarrassing us—!” Zenitsu shouted. Not even two seconds later the conductor blew the whistle and your hair spiked up. 

“Oi! What are you doing?! Look these four have swords!” The conductor came speeding towards you. “The police! Call the police!” 

You screamed, annoyed, “Damn it!” 

Zenitsu yanked on your hand, “Not good, not good!” 

You were forced to run with Zenitsu practically carrying Tanjiro and Inosuke through the entire train station. You had no idea for how long you were running from the police until the four of you finally found a place to hide. It was dark out by the time everything seemed to calm down. 

“We went through hell because of you, Inosuke! Say you’re sorry!” Zenitsu shouted, pointedly. You rubbed on your temple, feeling a massive headache come on. These three will be the death of you for sure. You couldn’t believe they were your age and… swordsmen at that. 

“Oh yeah?! Explain to me why we had to run from those guys in the first place?!” Inosuke fumed.

”’Cause Demon Slayers aren’t officially recognized by the government, so we can’t just have our swords out in public like that. If we told them about the demons, it’s not like they would believe us, anyway, you know?”

”But… we’re trying to help everyone.” Tanjiro whispered, confused. 

You sighed, pushing yourself off the wall you were leaning against, “Think of it as a good thing. The less people know about demons, the better it is. It just means we’re doing a good job at getting rid of these pests.” 

Tanjiro eyes glimmered with hope. “Ah, that’s a good way of thinking about it. You’re right, [Name]—“

”Uwah! [Name]-chan, you’re so smart! Please, marry me!” Zenitsu fawned, dreamily. You growled in irritation at him. He could be such a fool or better yet, he is a fool. “You’re beautiful!” 

Biting back a blush, you seized Zenitsu by he collar and yanked him around. “Pervert! When I say no, I mean no. Just drop it already! Next time I hear you say it again, I’m going to rip you apart!”

”I like it when you’re mean to me, [Name]-chan! Go on, grab me some more!” he blushed, enjoying the close proximity. You dropped him and helplessly stared at the empty space before you with a defeated expression. 

“It’s hopeless…” you muttered with an exhausted expression. 

The train blew the horn. The engine roared to life. Everyone jumped and looked over at the moving train.

”Oh no! The train is leaving! Are the police still around?!” Zenitsu snapped up, finally breaking out his his drunken fantasies. 

“We have to go either way.” Tanjiro said while Inosuke belted out a loud, obnoxious laugh. 

“Here I come! Master of the land!” Inosuke sprung forward and raced towards the train. Tanjiro grabbed onto your hand and pulled you forward before you got the gist of what he planned.  

“We should go, too!” Tanjiro exclaimed and you quickly sped forward behind him. Zenitsu helplessly ran after you, not desiring being the only one left behind. The police screamed after the four of you, but it didn’t matter. You jumped into the last cart following behind Inosuke and Tanjiro jumped in afterwards. 

“Tanjiro!! [Name]-chan!! Don’t leave me!!” Zenitsu stumbled forward and managed to jump in just in time, with the help of you and Tanjiro pulling him inside. 

Inosuke whooped. 

The cold breeze swayed into your locks of hair as you gazed at the winding tracks and the train station became smaller and smaller. 

“Hey, Tanjiro… are you sure about bringing Nezuko along? Wouldn’t the safest place for her be back at headquarters?” Zenitsu asked. It was obvious he was worried since he became super serious. A feat you believed he was incapable of achieving. 

Tanjiro smiled and clenched the straps that held Nezuko’s box, “This is fine. Wherever we go, we will always be together. We’re never going to be apart again.” He turned, caught you staring at him with a half smile. It took him a second to recover from the shock of it before he returned your smile with one of his own. 

“Let’s do this!” Inosuke shouted in glee. “Where do we go now?! Huh!?” 

“First things first, we have to find Rengoku.” You stated seriously and turned around to open the door into the last train cart. “Try not to draw attention to yourselves. This is a mission after all. Not a field trip.” 

“Yes, ma’am!” Zenitsu blushed, unable to believe how gorgeous you looked with your serious face. With a roll of your eyes at him, you entered the cart first and the rest of them followed behind. Not even a single minute into the cart and Inosuke freaked out, he lunged into a window and excitedly stared outside. He creeped out the few bystanders that were there. 

Zenitsu yanked him back and profusely apologized in his behalf. You closed your eyes in defeat, knowing it was futile to try and make this work. Inosuke was a magnet for attention after all. 

“This Rengoku, he’s a Hashira, right? You sure you’ll recognize him?” 

You scoffed, sending an icy glare to all the strange looks you were receiving by the civilians, “Please. He’s probably going to be the loudest in the train.” 

Tanjiro smiled, “Yeah. We’ll recognize him… along with his fiery hair. I remember his scent too. I’ll tell you when I sense him.” 

You blinked in confusion. “Scent? You can smell him? What are you, a bloodhound?” 

“Tanjiro has a superb sense of smell!” Zenitsu informed. Tanjiro slid the door open and just as he did, a booming loud voice screamed. It was so loud you feared you would go deaf. The windows shuttered at the extreme noise. Yeah, that’s him all right. You walked behind Tanjiro as he led the way deeper into the cart. Lull and behold, Rengoku Kyojuro in the flesh. 

There was no mistaking it. His flaming hair stood out anywhere. “Tasty!” he bellowed once more. The bento boxes jumped at the noise. Zenitsu and Tanjiro’s jaws hung wide open as they stared at the man in disbelief. Inosuke was curious and looked at him eagerly. You stood with your arms crossed over your chest with an annoyed scowl. 

Not once did Rengoku notice that you were all standing behind him. 

“That’s the Flame Hashira? Not just some random glutton?”

”Uh-huh…” 

You rolled your eyes and pushed them out of the way, “Rengoku. Are you going to just eat the whole trip? You should seriously reconsider your diet.” You hissed, coldly. Zenitsu’s jaw dropped even further than it had already. Tanjiro waved his hands at you in scolding manner. 

“Tasty—!” Rengoku shouted, turning over to look at you. His eyes shined with recognition. “[Name]! I see you’ve been partnered up with me for this mission! A good call! I do hope there are no hard feelings for what happened at trial!”

”Yes, yes. No hard feelings, Rengoku.” You said dismissively, “These boys are also joining us on this mission. I’m sure you know—“ 

“Ah! It’s you! You were at the mansion!” Rengoku exclaimed as his gaze was directed at Tanjiro. You grind your teeth in irritation when he complete cut you off. The crimson haired boy smiled gently.

”Yes. I am Tanjiro Kamado. This is Zenitsu Agatsuma, and this here is Inosuke Hashibira.” He introduced.

”I see. Also… isn’t there one in that box?” he asked, lowly. You fixed your gaze on the box Tanjiro carried. Nezuko was in there asleep, you presumed. You had yet to meet her officially, but seeing as Giyu staked his life for her you knew she was a good demon despite everything. 

“Yes. My sister Nezuko.” 

“Yes! I remember that demon. Since the Master accepted her, I will keep my peace.” Rengoku smiled and patted the spot next to him. “Sit down, won’t you?” 

Tanjiro took a seat beside Rengoku and you took a seat in front of him with Nezuko’s box placed on the ground between you. It left the seat beside you open, but Zenitsu, despite being stuck with Inosuke’s loud ramblings, made no move to leave the boar boy alone. 

Inosuke was still going at it. He excitedly slammed his hands against the glass. 

“So, you’re here for a mission.” Rengoku started.

You laid back in your seat, trying and failing to relax. 

“Yes sir. We were ordered to join you on this mission to defeat a demon that has been tormenting the passengers of the Mugen Train.” Tanjiro explained and Rengoku understood immediately. He was just that sort of guy—straight to the point. It was one of the things you liked about him. “Also… there was one more thing… something I wanted to ask you…” 

You blinked and raised a quizzical brow at him. 

“Oh. What is it?” 

Tanjiro struggled to explain, “It’s about my father.”

”What about your father?”

”He was a frail man…” Tanjiro trailed off.

”Was he now?!” Rengoku shouted with a smile. You groaned and hung your head as another wave of annoyance throbbed in your forehead. You were stuck with these people as your teammates. Goodness, how were you going to make the night?! If only Giyu were here…

”…And yet… he could preform a Kagura dance in freezing weather.” 

“Well! Good for him!” 

Tanjiro took a breath, his eyes shine with determination, “And then!”

”And then—?!” 

Anymore of this and you were surely going to lose it. 

“Hinokami Kagura, the dance… I found myself doing it, just like my father used to. I was hoping if you knew anything about that dance, you’d be willing to tell me.” Tanjiro finished. You stared at him for a moment. He looked so serious just then and it made you curious as well, about his father’s dance. 

A brief silence passed.

“Certainly!” Rengoku shouted, “But I don’t! I have never heard of that dance, until now. Your father taking this Kagura and adapting it for battle is commendable. There’s nothing more to say about it! You should become my Tsuguko! I’ll look after you!” He said with a blinding smile and it seemed like he just grew twice in size for some strange reason.

Tanjiro was left a blubbering mess. 

“Not so fast! And wait! When’d you get so gigantic?!” 

You sighed, crossing your arms over your chest, “He did the same thing to me when I was younger. I refused obviously.” 

Rengoku didn’t waver, “Flame Breathing has always existed. A Hashira of flame and of water have always existed. Flame… Water… Wind.. Stone and Thunder. The breathing fundamentals have always existed. All other techniques branched off those five, like how Mist is a branch of wind. Mizoguchi… what color is your sword?” 

“Huh? My name is Kamado, and my sword is black.”

“Is it now?! Haha! How unfortunate!” 

“Huh—? Why?!”

”I‘ve yet to see one with a black sword become a Hashira. Also, I hear they have no idea what style to master. There is no need to worry! I can train you!”

”Maybe later! And just how did you get so big again—?!”

You shook your head. 

Inosuke continued being a mindless buffoon. 

Zenitsu freaked out when he realized that there could be a demon in this train after Rengoku explained the situation. You couldn’t believe he hadn’t caught on. It was not just any mission a Hashira was sent on. Only the most brutal missions they partook in, deeming them Hashira’s in the first place. 

The ticket collector walked in.

Zenitsu continued to cry even as he handed his ticket and got it punched by the man. You narrowed your gaze on the man. He looked awful as if he hadn’t slept in days. You assumed he was very tired of working here. Without a thought, you handed him your ticket. 

And then, you fell into deep slumber. 

Notes:

TAISHO ERA: SECRET!
Inosuke thinks [Name] looks like the snow at his mountain when it’s winter. So, he calls her Snowflake! Unknowing that [Name]’s master called her the same and thus, earning her acceptance much quicker than the others.

Chapter 7: A Long Dream

Chapter Seven:

 

A Long Dream

---

The sun rose from the ground. 

“What.. Where’s the train?” you asked and looked around. You stood in a familiar place. The air was thin. The mountain was chilly and the home looked just as how you left it. It was Mt. Sagiri. Master Urokodaki’s home. Your home. “What the… I haven’t been here in ages… Why am I here?” 

You looked at the sky, watching how the colors of the sun brightened the place. It was a beautiful view. Probably the best one you’ve ever seen. You clenched your hands and shook your head, “Something’s wrong. Where is everyone? What the hell am I doing here?”

You reached for your sword, only to discover that you didn’t have it to begin with. Startled, you looked at your clothing and realized you were wearing a flowery kimono—a red and black one—it was one of your favorites that Giyu gifted you. But, you never wore it because it wasn’t suited for training. 

What is happening? 

“[Name],” A voice like ocean waves spoke. You stiffened and slowly turned around. Deep eyes of the fairest blue stared back at you. He was dressed in a yakuta and his hair was still the same, but he looked different. He was different. 

He was smiling… at you. 

“Giyu…” you whispered in disbelief. 

“You missed the sunrise. I was waiting for you. Where were you?” he asked with a curious tilt of his head. He walked towards you, standing in front of you, with a worried look ok his face. You gawked at him. “Hey, are you feeling well?” he asked and reached for your hands, tenderly. 

What? 

You stared wide eyed at your interlocked hands. 

“I don’t understand… I thought… aren’t you a Demon Slayer? Why are you here?” You couldn’t believe it. Giyu smiled and squeezed your hands tighter.

”Have you forgotten already?” he said with a calm voice, “You asked me not to go. I decided to spend the rest of our lives here. No more demons… no more pain, just us like you wanted.”

You stammered, your cheeks felt red and hot. He was staring at you with such adoration. You could feel your heart racing against your ribcage. For the first time, it felt like you were finally being taken seriously. For the first time, you felt beautiful. 

“But—But I’m—“ younger than you. Tears fell from your eyes and he smiled, gently brushing away your stray tears. I’m nothing more than the little girl you saved. I’m not… He leaned in and planted a tender kiss on your forehead. Tears welled inside your eyes. You threw your arms around him and desperately cried into his chest. 

“What’s the matter? Did you have a bad dream?” he asked, astounded, and confidently wrapping his arms around you. He squeezed your body against his. He held you in his arms as you cried—just like you always wished he would. “It’s okay. It was just a dream. None of it was real. Come on, let’s go have breakfast. Master Urokodaki is waiting for us.” 

“I—hic—I…” you sobbed and he caressed your face, trying to calm your hysterical crying. Eventually after crying your heart out, you finally calmed down. I see… it was just a bad dream is all. Even when you headed back home, you didn’t let go of Giyu’s hand and he didn’t let go of yours either. The feeling of his hand was everything you remembered it being. Calloused, marred with scars but warm and gentle.

When you met with Master Urokodaki, you lunged at him and happily embraced him. You wanted to apologize for leaving the way you had, but just as the thought came to you. Wait… Why would I ever leave? Giyu’s here. I would never leave Giyu. The food tasted so good. It was just like you remembered. Delicious and lovely. Master Urokodaki watched as you ate the food with vigorous energy. 

Giyu laughed.

Literally. 

He laughed. 

You turned over to look at him, shock written across your features: “Eh? What are you laughing at?” A sting of irritation laced with your sharp tone. 

”You.” He answered with a kind smile. 

It made you want to cry all over again. 

The rest of the day you spent it with Giyu. He offered to take you on a long walk across the estate. You happily agreed and wrapped your arm around his. Mt. Sagiri was just as you remembered it. Long bamboo trees. Thin air. Beautiful skies. That stupid rock that took you forever to slice — Wait, I sliced it? When? Why would I ever do that? 

You brushed away all the curious things and just kept embracing this form of life. It was everything you could possibly want. 

Sitting in front of Giyu on the engawa, you played a game of shogi with him. He did always enjoy a good game of shogi, but you were always the loser. Not today though. This time he let you beat him. A proud grin brimmed on your face as you showed off your win. He chuckled at your reaction. 

Everything was perfect. 

You washed the rice as you prepared the meal for the day. Master Urokodaki stepped inside the kitchen and cleared his throat, catching you off guard. You looked over at him with a slight frown. 

“Master Urokodaki, the food isn’t ready yet. I’ll—“

”I actually came to speak to you about something else,” he said, crossing over you. “Come sit.” He ordered as he took a seat by the low table. You awkwardly sat before him with your hands on your lap, awaiting his words. It felt like forever until he finally spoke. 

The fire was crisp and warm, the only thing giving you warmth in this cold winter. Though, you hardly needed it seeing as you’re never cold. Urokodaki’s goblin mask was unmoving and you wondered what kind of expression he was making. 

“You’re of age now, [Name].”

I am—?  Well, my body does look older. 

“It’s up to you, of course, but I was thinking… that perhaps you may want to have Giyu has your husband. He’s a good man and very hardworking. I can tell he loves you very much. He’s much to shy to say it. I’m sure he will make you very happy. If you wish it.” 

You stared at him, long and hard.

Slowly, your face became very red. Of course, you will marry him. He’s everything you’ve wished for ever since… since… you realized your true feelings. He saved you all those years ago and he gave you this life. You tried to recall every shared moment and for some reason, you couldn’t remember everything you wanted. In fact, you barely remembered anything at all. 

“I…” you stammered, blushing and nodded feebly when words failed you. 

The next day, Giyu asked for your hand.

And for some reason, it felt… wrong. You pushed those thoughts aside and happily nodded at him, agreeing to be his wife. 

Giyu smiled.

“[Name]!”

You flinched when you heard that familiar voice. 

“[Name]! Wake up!”

You looked around, shocked, “Do you hear that?”

Giyu stood frozen, “What are you talking about?” 

You tried to locate the voice. You didn’t know where it was coming from, but whoever it was they sounded awfully familiar to you. Flinching, you stumbled away from Giyu and desperately searched for someone. Who was that… Who was that… Where are you?! The more you looked around—the more glimpses of the past you saw.

Mother’s lifeless body.

Children crying.

Giyu’s back as he left.

“[Name]! We need you! Wake up!” 

That voice… 

You knew that voice.

”Tanjiro… Tanjiro… Tanjiro…!” you screamed, repeatedly, remembering the boy with the Hanafuda earrings. The boy of crimson. “Tanjiro—! Where are you—?!” 

Giyu held your arm back—well, someone who looked like Giyu, but he wasn’t anything like the Giyu you knew. His expression was cracked, upset, uncomfortable. 

“[Name], what’s wrong? Where are you going?”

It hurt. Even if this wasn’t the real Giyu, it still felt like him. 

“I… I have to go,” you responded with teary-eyes. 

“Don’t go. We’re supposed to be here together.” He pleaded. It sounded so much like you. It sounded like everything you’ve always wanted, but this wasn’t Giyu. It wasn’t your Giyu… who were you kidding? Giyu will never be yours. 

“I—I love you, but… this isn’t real.” You whimpered and tore your arm away from his hold before breaking into a sprint and running desperately in search of Tanjiro. Where was he? You left him all alone out there. You left your teammates fighting a demon all on their own. 

Giyu stumbled forward as you left him behind, “[Nam—“

Is this a dream? Am I still in the train? How the hell do I get out of here?! You ran aimlessly into the woods, searching for a way out of here. There was nothing. There was no way of escape. I’m wasting time! My comrades might be getting killed and I’m just sleeping! 

Wait. 

Is…

You came to a sudden stop when you lit up in pink flames and you were wearing your uniform once more. You looked down and saw the hilt. It was your icy, white sword. Reluctantly, you grabbed it. Do I have to kill myself… to get out? What if I kill myself for real? No, this is a dream. This is fake. 

You raised the sword to your neck, preparing yourself to slice your own head off. Fear swelled inside of your heart. You could feel the sound of your heart pounding inside of your ears. You closed your eyes tightly. 

“[Name]! Don’t—!” Giyu’s scream was the last thing you heard as you pushed the sword into your flesh. Your head coming clean off. 

---

You woke up with a gasp.

The first thing you did was grab your face with relief. You quickly stood up and realized that the entire place was covered in what-looked-like someone’s innards. Restraining to gag when you stepped on a gooey-like substance, your eyes widened when you saw Zenitsu was still asleep and there were a few helpless passengers here. The intestine looking things reached to grab the people. 

It didn’t take a genius to know this was the work of a demon. You took a deep breath and unsheathed your sword, preparing yourself. 

Snow Breathing Ninth Form:  Eternal Ice Hailing. 

You leaped into the air towards the moving intestines and released multiple slashes to each and every one of them while in mid air. The entire carriage trembled in your wake as snow descended from your sword. You sped into the next cart and released another attack and did the same with the next. How long can I keep this up? These things just keep regenerating. 

You cursed, “I can only protect three carts max.” 

A bolt of lightning flashed across your cart, zooming past you with ease. You swore you just saw Zenitsu’s golden hair. It seemed like Zenitsu just zoomed to the front of the train for some reason. Before you could try to understand what was happening, flames came from all around—burning every single one of the intestines. 

“[Name]—!” 

You jumped when Rengoku showed up before you.

”No time to explain. This train has eleven cars. I will handle the rear five, the demon girl and golden haired boy will handle front two, and you will protect these three in the middle. Got that? The boar boy and Tanjiro will find the demon and are in charge of beheading it. Just follow the plan! Got it!”

You couldn’t form a response before he vanished once again, reigning havoc. You tightened your grip on your sword and nodded: “Got it! I’ll protect these people with my life!” 

Snow Breathing Eight Form: Cold Blood Dance. 

You increased your endurance and power to speed past these three carts you were in charge of. Invoking chaos, you stroke the enemy’s little slimy things coming from multiple directions in powerful and blinding speed. The poor demon could not see it coming nor could it dare block or evade. You let out a frosted breath—it felt like your carts were below 32 degrees. Snow piled up and up with every attack you threw at it. 

A stark contrast to the flaming heat on the rear of the train. 

“Is that all you got—?! Demon! Here I thought this was getting fun!” you screamed, tauntingly as you invoked another attack full of rage. 

Notes:

TAISHO ERA: SECRET!
[Name] realized she loves Giyu more than she should a long time ago, but because of their age difference, she is aware that Giyu only sees her as a little sister or a child.

Chapter 8: The Price of Victory

Notes:

Back at it again with another chapter! Please let me know your thoughts, I hope you like it ><

Chapter Eight:

 

The Price of Victory

---

The train tipped over the rails, rearing off its course. 

The demon’s insides exploded into dust, leaving only one solution. Tanjiro and Inosuke beheaded the demon. As much as you wanted to cheer in victory, you were busy trying to save the passengers from getting heavily injured. The train flew off the rails, soaring into the night sky and crashing down just as fast as it went. 

Everyone’s helpless screams were all that echoed in your ears as you saved and protected as many as you could. Biting back a groan, you pulled yourself up along with the small child and mother you had protected during the last bit. The passengers had finally woken up and, unsurprisingly, they were terrified. 

“Everyone! Remain calm! I’ll get you out of here as soon as I can!” you tried to ease their worries and most, if not all, contributed with your efforts. Thankfully, you suffered minor injuries and were able to quickly help everyone in need. Though there was a lot of people you had rescued, and even more in the rest of the cars. 

It took a long time to get everyone to safety. 

You had found Nezuko in your endeavors, along with a crying Zenitsu who clung to her as if she were his guardian angel. They were also helping the civilians. Nezuko had her signature bamboo stick in her mouth, working as a muzzle of sorts. This was the first time after the Hashira meeting that you saw her. And she was helping the passengers. 

It nearly brought you to tears to see with your own eyes a demon, the one Giyu put his life on the line for, help humans. You should’ve never doubted Giyu, like always he was right about Nezuko. 

“Let’s hurry! We—“ the words die in your mouth when you hear something coming from afar.

Loud sounds echoed in your ears. 

You turned around and caught glimpses of fast rays of light as if… there was a battle going on. The screaming passengers coming from the front only confirmed your suspicions. 

“I thought the demon was vanquished.” You muttered and a curl of anxiety grew inside your stomach. You began to feel fear. “Something is wrong.” You spoke cautiously on the edge.  Without bothering to continue with the civilians, you ran forward. You controlled your breathing and ran as fast as your feet could possibly carry you. Even while controlling your breathing, you could tell you were late. Something was happening and it was big. 

Clashing sounds. 

Explosion. 

Smoke blew everywhere from the attack. 

Blindly, you charged into the smoke and waited a brief second for it to dissipate. Eagerly you looked beyond, trying to find a sign of your comrades, the smoke faded slightly and gave you a clear view of…

Blood.

Rengoku’s blood. 

A arm impaled into his torso. 

“RENGOKU—!”

You screamed in horror and bursted forward.  Your entire body felt cold as ice, letting out a warrior cry as you sped towards them with your sword at the ready. You could feel it in your bones, coursing through your veins was… pure and absolute rage. Tanjiro screamed your name, but it fell on deaf ears. 

Snow Breathing Tenth Form: Snow Wrath of Dragon.

A wave of ice, cold and ominous blew through the area as if a blizzard was forming. You increased your speed and strength to create the most powerful slash, charging forward into battle without any thought for your well-being. You moved at the an immense speed, your sword glimmered as you launched from above. Fierce eyes met with a pair of demonic golden with the words Upper Three written in them. 

Tears fell freely down your face. Anger and passion burned inside your veins. You aimed a perfect slash to his neck, right where Rengoku almost sliced his head off. The sun was coming and the demon knew its time was limited. 

“Bastard—! Get away from him!” 

Your slash took the form of a giant dragon with storm blue eyes coming quick to slice his head off. The demon left with no choice ripped his arm out of Rengoku’s torso, his blood spilling everywhere. With ease, the demon managed to escape and dodge your attack, letting his arm be sliced clean off instead. 

“He’s my friend—! You’ll pay for hurting him with your life!” you bellowed, your shrill voice echoing as it came straight out of your throat. Your eyes were flowing with endless tears despite the fury you basked in. 

The demon dodged your relentless attacks, “I don’t particularly enjoy hurting or eating women, but you’re powerful for a girl. Either way, I have no time for you.” He hissed, his eyes glowing with sheer malice and with a single kick to your chest he managed to throw you back. Your body flew across the field and you gasped out for breath from the powerful impact to your chest. You were sure you just heard several ribs crack and then your body dragged into the ground when you slammed down. 

“[NAME]—!” Tanjiro shouted in fear at the sight of your body being thrown several meters away. He and Inosuke had already begun running when they saw you in action, but they were too late to join. A pent-up, aching, burning fury consumed him then. 

Tanjiro viscously screamed, “Don’t touch her—!”

The demon leapt off, panicked when he saw a glimmer of sunlight coming through the woods. Desperately, he ran into the shadows. He still had Rengoku’s sword jabbed into his neck. It didn’t matter though because he was already off into the woods.

Tanjiro persistently chased after him, but due to his wound he was unable to catch up to the demon. As a last resort to stop the demon, he did one last fire breathing style and swung his sword right into the demon’s back. Even with another sword impaled right through him, the demon was hell bent on getting away.

”Don’t run away! I’m not done with you, coward! Turn and face me! Don’t forget that the Demon Slayer Corps is always fighting you demons in the dead of night, where you have the advantage! We’re not like you at all! We don’t regenerate as fast, and when we lose a limb it’s gone for good! Don’t run away you, bastard! You’re a coward, a coward! Rengoku-san is stronger than you’ll ever hope to be! Much stronger! You didn’t win against him! He kept everyone safe! He fought to the very end so no one would die! You’re the one who lost. Rengoku is the true victor—!” 

Tanjiro gasped for breath. Tears came out of in his eyes as he openly sobbed. 

“Don’t work yourself up like that,” Rengoku scolded lightly. “You would reopen your wound and that would be very bad. Come here lad, let us speak one last time…” 

Tanjiro’s lip quivered as he helplessly walked towards the Flame Hashira. He sat before Rengoku as the man spoke his last words.

You groaned and tried to pull yourself up from the ground. The agonizing pain in your chest radiated through your body, but you couldn’t… you couldn’t sit back and do nothing. From this distance, you could see Tanjiro and Inosuke listening to whatever Rengoku was saying. Even if it was painful, you forced yourself to stand and make your way towards them as fast as you could. 

More blood pooled around his body now that the demon’s hand dissolved. 

Tanjiro waved his arms around, “Rengoku-san, enough of that. Please. Do you.. Do you have a breathing technique to help?” 

“No. Very soon, I’ll be dead.”

You broke down into tears, “Ren-Rengoku… I’m sorry I didn’t—It should’ve been me.”

Rengoku smiled, his eyes landing on you, blood spilled from his lips: “No, [Name]… I’m afraid Tomioka would never forgive me if you died in my stead… I am very proud of the work you did today.” 

Falling to your knees, you wept as he continued to speak to Tanjiro about the last final things he would like to pass on. Covering your face with your hands, you continued to silently cry for the first Hashira to ever be kind to you. 

“… Lastly, your sister… I accept her as part of our ranks. Your sister shed blood to protect the people inside that train from demons. And anyone who does that, regardless of what is said to the contrary, is a rightful member of the Demon Slayer Corps. So hold your head high.” Rengoku spoke with an unwavering smile. 

He was dying and he was still smiling.

”If you are feeling disheartened, that you are somehow not enough… set your heart ablaze. Dry your eyes, and look ahead. You may feel like digging your heels in, but the flow of time waits for no one. It won’t patiently stand by as you grieve. Don’t feel bad that I’m going to die. As a Hashira, it’s natural I’d protect you all. The young buds must be allowed to bloom. Any other Hashira would have done the same as I. Young Kamado, Young Boar, Boy of Yellow, [Name]… you must continue to grow and eventually, you will lend your aid by becoming the next Hashira. I believe in each and every one of you.” 

Then… 

Rengoku‘s head dropped, but his smile remained. 

He died. 

You sat in silence. Recalling each time you were a brat to him and each time he scolded you for being unkind, but always being kind and respectful to you. He even tried to make you his Tsuguko and attempted to train you, but you refused solely because you just wanted to be with Giyu. Perhaps…if you did become his Tsuguko, this wouldn’t have happened. 

“Rengoku… must have used a bunch of his techniques when the train flipped… and that’s how we didn’t suffer any casualties.” Zenitsu mumbled in disbelief.

”He must have.” Tanjiro whispered.

”I can’t believe he’s actually gone. Was it really an Upper Rank demon?”

”Yeah.” 

You stared numbly at Rengoku’s corpse. 

“Why would something like that come here? I don’t get it…”

”I’m so frustrated. As soon as I manage to break through one wall… it feels like I just hit an even higher, thicker wall. And all the while, I can hear the sounds of my heroes fighting just beyond it… but I can’t make it over to join them! If I’m still here fumbling around in the dark… how can I ever… is becoming someone like him… even possible for me?” Tanjiro wept, his fingers curling against his trousers. 

“Stop blubbering like a little baby!” Inosuke boomed, “This “can I or can’t I” talk is really pissing me off! He already said he believes in you, so you just have to worry about how to get there! All living things just go back to the earth when they die! Feeling sorry for yourself isn’t gonna change that! Remember what Bug Eyes said to you! No matter how pathetic or humiliated you feel, you just gotta keep on living!”

”But… you’re crying too.” Zenitsu pointed out. “I can see all your tears coming out of that headpiece of yours!”

”I am not crying!” Inosuke slammed his head into Zenitsu’s. 

Everyone cried. 

You whimpered and fell forward, clutching your ribcage as another shooting pain radiated through your body. 

Tanjiro sniveled, “[Name]…?”

You looked up at him through your wet-silvery eyelashes, “F-Fine. I’m fine. When I… heal I’m going to train even harder… this is nothing.” 

Tanjiro threw his arms around you and helped you sit up again. He didn’t let go of you as he cried against your shoulder. You wrapped an arm around him and bit back your whimpering. Inosuke jumped into the hug, blubbering behind his headpiece. Zenitsu dropped to the ground and wailed. 

The fight was over, but the price was too great. 

---

It’s been three days since. 

Rengoku is gone.

The Upper Three demon managed to escape because you weren’t strong enough. If only you were stronger… It was a piece of cake for that demon to dodge your attack and kick you far away with just a single move. It made you so frustrated. You were Hinoe rank, leagues above Tanjiro and the closest to becoming a Hashira. But still, you lost so easily. 

You laid in the same bed, same room, as you had the last time you were injured which was at least a year or two ago. It just reminded you of how often you were stuck in the Butterfly Mansion. Back then, you were reckless and would constantly injure yourself. Not much had changed since then, you realized now. 

The thing you hated the most about healing… was Giyu never paid you a single visit. No matter how sick you were. Meanwhile, you would be the first running towards him when there was news of even a minor injury. 

This time was no different. He wasn’t coming. It only proved what you already knew. 

You remembered the dream you had during the demon’s spell. It was a good dream, but it was just that… a fantasy. It was never going to be real. Giyu was six years older than you and, by the looks of it, he never planned on being with anyone. At least, you assumed since there was never a peep about any lady friends that would come by to his estate. Though you weren’t entirely sure he had gone to brothels before. 

The thought of it made your heart ache.

You loved Giyu but, he wasn’t yours. It felt like you would have to strip your clothes off and paint yourself red in order to gain his attention. Even now, wounded with two fractured ribs, he didn’t come. 

It was still night time. You didn’t know the exact time, but it felt like you had been awake for ages. Unable to sleep, you slowly get up from bed, biting back a groan when your ribs ache. Cold feet stepped into the tatami flooring and you quietly walked out of the infirmary. Zenitsu’s loud snoring and Inosuke’s random growling were difficult to sleep though as well. You were certain that they could sleep through anything. 

Like always, you made your way to the engawa and took a seat, letting your legs dangle around. The wind was blowing from the east, so strong your hair fluttered behind you. Tears burned at the edges of your eyes. Memories of the past slipped inside your mind. All that training for nothing. You imagined that one day Giyu would need your help and you would fail, like you had failed Rengoku, and he would die. You began to cry. 

For everything you had been pushing down.

”Don’t cry,” a voice like sunlight spoke through the vast silence. You flinched and turned around. A boy of crimson walked closer to you. His eyes were pools of auburn red, warm and endless, and his smile was gentle as he took a seat beside you. Just like before. It was just as he said all those days ago. Again and again. “Rengoku-san wouldn’t want you to continue to grieve like this.” 

You swallowed thickly and nodded, looking forward, “I know… I just… I hope next time I’ll be strong enough. I don’t want anyone else to die.” 

Tanjiro’s smile stayed, “You will become much stronger, [Name]. I know it for a fact.” He paused for a second and his eyes turned steely, determined, “Next time. I promise I’ll protect you. I won’t let you get hurt again.” 

He promised, while the stars stared down at him. Your breath hitched, eyes widening, and quickly looked over at him to catch sight of his burning eyes. Kind and sweet yet, powerful. They seared right through you, making you believe that he would keep his word. You felt  yourself flushing, which mortified you, which of course made your cheeks reddened even more. 

“D… Don’t be ridiculous,” you muttered with a scowl, “There isn’t any way you could keep that promise. Besides, I don’t need your protection, if you can believe that.”

Tanjiro continued to smile, unaffected by your sharp tone. 

“I can believe it, but I still want to protect you.” 

You felt yourself lurch back at the unexpected promise. It was the first time someone actually said something like that to you. Honestly, you felt a little bit strange that someone considered you important enough to protect. The heat in your cheeks only seemed to grow more. Suddenly, you flicked your head forward and hid whatever you were feeling with a pout. 

Your tears had dried away, but the stains were there. 

“Everyone dies, Tanjiro. And if I die, I die… I don’t want you to carry my death on your shoulders so, don’t say things you can’t keep.” You whispered, voice trembly and blinked away your unshed tears before looking at him with a small smile. 

Tanjiro eyes widened.

”I—“ 

You placed your hand above his on the engawa, stopping him, “Don’t say it again. Every person dies… and if we die… then we die. But first, we’ll live.” 

Tanjiro paused, taking in your beauty. The sun was beginning to rise, a sliver of sunlight grazed upon your skin. Tresses of white silk flowed over your devastatingly beautiful eyes. A loving smile lifted at your lips and that scar made you look all the more enchanting. Lovely. She’s lovely. He felt your hand on top of his—it was cold and small—and he slowly wrapped his much larger, warmer hand around your own. 

A helplessly kind smile grew on his face, “First we’ll live.” 

You grinned at that, showing off your perfectly straight pearly teeth. Rays of sunshine hit you in all the right places, making you look like a living dream. A princess. Crown of white, your hair swayed with the crisp morning breeze. Your eyes seemed to glow with brimming happiness. 

Tanjiro could only bask in the light you radiated with. 

Notes:

TAISHO ERA: SECRET!
INOSUKE GROWLS AND SCREAMS IN HIS SLEEP!

Chapter 9: The Entertainment District

Chapter Nine:

 

The Entertainment District

---

“Snowflake—!”

You dodged his attack swiftly and his boar headpiece slammed against the wall. Inosuke growled and turned to look at you. It had been a month since you had been here. Slowly, you were getting better and better. Soon enough, you’d be ready to go. 

“Fight me!” 

You ignored him and walked away, “No.” 

“Huh—?! I see… you’re afraid of the great Inosuke!” he laughed monstrously, his hands on his hips as he proudly puffed up his bare chest. Your eyebrow twitched when his words stung. 

“I am not afraid of you, Inosuke. I need to hurry up and heal for I can get out of here!” you snapped at him and he pointed a hand to you, accusingly.

”Then, why are you secretly working out in the—“ he started, but he could not finish before you lunged at him with desperate eyes. Your eyes widened in horror and before he knew it, you had tackled him.

“Shut up, you idiot! What if someone heard you?!” you scolded and he immediately threw you into a chokehold. “You.. you.. idiot!” you wheezed as he proudly choked you breathless. 

“So! You do want to fight!” 

It was a very… very… long two months. 

Zenitsu took every chance he could to chase you around, desperately trying to marry you for some reason. Not even a hard smack on the face could bring back his senses—trust me, Zenitsu was well-acquainted with your right hand by now. 

Thankfully, Tanjiro was a blessed light compared to the other two. And his sister… well… she was perfect. She always watched you with a curious glint in her eyes. Tanjiro reassured that she was simply trying to understand you. Poor boy was nervous to introduce you to her for some reason. Well… you didn’t need a big imagination to understand why. You did threaten to kill her if Giyu died because of her. 

The demon child watched with a tilt of her head as you brushed your long, silky white locks of hair for the night. 

”Nezuko, come here.” You gently called and she crawled over to you. With a warm smile, you raised the brush and began combing her long black and red hair. “You have such beautiful hair… Master Hara would definitely freak out if she saw your precious tinted red tips. She’d probably claim she saw you in a dream… destined to make the unthinkable happen.” 

“Mmm!” Nezuko coo’ed. Her eyes fluttered closed as she relaxed. You had bathed the young girl when you took a bath. You scrubbed her from head to toe until she flowed pink and her hair glistened. It was only natural she enjoyed your presence. 

“I’m sure your big brother has no idea what to do with this hair of yours,” you mumbled gently and continued to brush her locks until there were no more knots. “No worries, Nezuko. I’ll take care of you.” 

“Mm! Mm!” 

She turned around to look up at you with those sparkling pink eyes of hers. Endeared by the sight of her, a soft smile grew on your face. 

“I never had any brothers or sisters, but I always asked my mother to give me some. She could not because my father died when I was young. He fell sick and passed away before I turned five. I hardly remember him.” You explained without caring if she understood or not. She made a sad noise and you smiled, and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug, “That’s in the past now. I’m as happy as can be!” 

Tanjiro walked in a second later. He froze when he saw you laughing with a happy, blushing Nezuko in your arms. His sister nuzzled her face into your neck and wrapped her small arms around you. He took a breath, smiling lovingly at the beautiful sight. Zenitsu barged in and gawked.

”Nezuko-chan! [Name]-chan!” 

You flinched when the zooming boy of yellow ran towards both of you with his arms spread out. Immediately, you jumped out of his way with Nezuko in your arms. Zenitsu’s face smashed against the tatami flooring. 

“Zenitsu, you’re so weird!” you seethed and the yellow haired boy hugged onto your leg, crying with a massive blush on his cheeks. You were wearing a simple yakuta for bed, readying yourself to sleep with Nezuko, but it seemed Zenitsu just had to come and ruin it. “Let go of me! I’m going to demolish you!”

Inosuke appeared out of thin air with his headpiece still on. The man wore it day and night, and you actually hadn’t seen his face despite being here so long. It seemed each time you would miss it entirely—seeing as the only time people could see was when he was eating. 

“Fight—! Fight—!”

You carried Nezuko close to your chest as if she were a baby and ran away from the two crazed boys. “Is having just one hour of peace too much to ask for?!” 

Tanjiro raised his hand, defeated, “Uh… guys…” His attempts to save you and his sister were futile because before long, he was also running in circles with you and Nezuko. 

Eventually, after what felt like forever, everyone calmed down. Nezuko curiously touched your face, more specifically touched the scar around your left eye. Tanjiro panicked as she did so and apologized profusely for her behavior. You dismissed his worries with a wave of your hand.

”Nezuko,” you called to her and she quickly fluttered those big eyes of hers your way. “I made this for you.” Calmly, you wrapped a bracelet of white and pink thread around her wrist, tying it snugly. She touched it with her other hand as if it were something precious. Delicately, you smiled down at her and patted her head. 

Tanjiro eyes widened, feeling tears well in his eyes, but he tried to pretend he wasn’t looking as to not ruin the moment. 

“It’s a sign of our friendship. As long as you remain a good girl, it will always protect you.” The words I will always protect you go unsaid. Nezuko smiled cutely and threw her arms around you again, letting you baby her and fond over her all you wanted. 

Zenitsu peeked his head and shook your shoulder, “I want one, too, [Name]-chan.” Needy, he pleaded. “I’m a good boy so, I need to be protected too!”

You scoffed. “Hell no. You’re a womanizer!” 

“I am not! I hold every woman in high regard—!”

You felt your mouth form an oval of annoyance. You stared at him longer than made him comfortable. A anxious silence overcame the room. 

“I’m going to allow that lie for today,” you finally spoke, and pulled out another handmade bracelet with red, pink, white, green, and yellow thread. “This one is yours. Keep it safe. I worked hard—“

It was gone before you could finish. Zenitsu confidently showed it off, waving his wrist everywhere and preened with a smug smirk. You had to suppress a laugh from how stupid he looked. 

Inosuke squatted before you, his boar headpiece’s eyes aimless in their gaze. You wondered what kind of expression he was making. He waited longer and you anticipated that he was hoping that you made one for him as well. You pulled out another that matched Zenitsu’s and handed it over to Inosuke. 

The boy inspected it. Random pink things floated around him. Fuwa fuwa. He quickly disappeared afterwards and you blinked in silent confusion. 

Tanjiro curled his fingers into his yakuta. He stared at you with a tight smile. He was staring at you for a very long time, almost desperately like he was wanting something. 

You closed your eyes and sighed haggardly, “They are so weird, but I like them.” You decided to say. He nodded and looked away with a frown. You spread your hand out to him, expectantly. He blinked, turning to look at it with a helpless expression. “Your hand.” You said, and he awkwardly held his hand out. 

Tanjiro watched as you wrapped and tied a bracelet of red and white thread. His eyes glimmered with happiness, at first he thought you forgot about him, but he was mistaken. Once it was snuggly around his wrist, he stared at it fondly. 

He looked back at you, but realized you had already moved on to play with Nezuko. He wanted to thank you for it, but the words died in his throat. Absentmindedly, he twirled the bracelet around his wrist, recalling how your fingers felt touching his skin. 

The next day you were finally off to your next mission. 

Tanjiro watched as you bid your farewells to the girls—they were crying, wishing you would stay seeing as you always spoiled them rotten—and gave one final, bone-crushing hug to Kanao. He noticed that Kanao was always quiet without you. Whenever you were around, it seemed she got better at speaking her mind. 

Zenitsu begged you to stay and be his wife instead. You slapped him again. He cried even harder. You groaned and made him feel better by apologizing and patting his head. 

Inosuke—for the first time ever—didn’t ask to fight. 

He gave you a small pouch, full of acorns. 

“Eh… oh… thank you so much,” you said through gritted teeth. Inosuke must have not seen the wave of irritation that washed over you then because he proudly laughed with his hands on his hips. 

“No need to thank Lord Inosuke! I provide for my minions!” 

You stared at him with a deadpanned expression.

”Sure you do.” The words of sarcasm do not reach his delusional mind. You turned and saw Tanjiro staring at you with a soft smile. 

“Be careful out there,” he said, kindly, with worry lancing in his voice. You scoffed. There was no need for him to say such things. You were capable of handling yourself. “Please.” He added and you frowned, gnawing on the inside of your cheek. You nodded at him confidently. 

You turned around and gave one last glance at him. Your silver haori fluttering with your milky hair. 

“I’ll see you when I see you.” 

And then, you were gone.

A couple months passed with no word from you. Though Kanao reassured him when he asked, after he came back from his own missions, that you were completely fine.  He wondered where you were and what were you up to. 

---

The next time he saw you. It was at the Butterfly Mansion. You were desperately grabbing a man with Kanao and the others helping you, hold him down. A familiar man of silver hair. He was carrying Aoi and Naho. 

“How dare you treat little girls like that! Let go of them, jerk!” Tanjiro screamed, protectively. Only to freeze in confusion when he couldn’t tell if they were swarming the man or being held captive. 

“He’s kidnapping those girls! Hurry and rescue them!” Kiyo cried. 

Uzui Tengen head butted her, “You! Shut your mouth!”

Kiyo wailed. Tanjiro charged with intent of attacking. You spread out a hand in warning.

”W-Wait!” 

It was too late, he already jumped only for Uzui to disappear and reappear above the gates. 

“You’re a fool! I’m Lord Tengen Uzui, a former shinobi… a man known around here for his resplendency. Did you really think I’d fall for one of your vulgar head-butts?”  he coolly said and you scoffed.

”More like, known for being moronic!” you hissed and pointed a finger at him. “Just why the hell are you stealing girls anyways!?” 

“Let those girls go!” Tanjiro added, fiercely. 

Naho and Sumi cried, “Yeah! What they said! Dirty man, dirty man!” 

“What the—Who do you think you’re talking to!? I’m your superior! I’m a Hashira, dammit! I would expect this sort of behavior from [Name], but everyone else—?!” Uzui gaped. 

“Well! I don’t acknowledge you as a Hashira! Hmph!” Tanjiro pouted, childishly.

Uzui was losing his nerves, “Don’t give me that face! Why should I care if you don’t acknowledge me?! You bottom feeders! Did your brains fall out of your heads, or what?! I’m taking these two because I need female Corps members for a mission! And I don’t need permission to take anyone who’s not a Tsuguko!”

You flinched. So that’s why… I guess… that means… 

“Naho isn’t a member of the Corps! Look, she’s not even wearing the uniform!” Sumi desperately shouted and Uzui carelessly threw her away as if she were nothing. Tanjiro quickly ran to save her. 

“What kind of brute just throws people??!” Tanjiro screamed, horrified. 

“For now, I’ll just take this one on my mission.” He said, signaling to Aoi who he held in his hands. You panicked. Aoi had told you how frightened she was in facing another demon and refused to do anymore missions. 

You stepped out, “I’ll go in her place, Uzui. I’m not a Tsuguko. You don’t need permission to take me in her stead.” Uzui stared at you for a moment, considering his options, while Tanjiro eyes widened as he looked over at you in worry. You crossed your arms over your chest.

”[Name], no…” Tanjiro whispered. His eyes moved fast, calculatingly, before he looked back up at Uzui with a determined expression. “You said you needed more than one, right? How about we go?” 

Uzui raised a brow.

Inosuke and Zenitsu appeared, flashing through and standing united with Tanjiro and you.  

Uzui let out a defeated sigh, “Fine. You can all come, but only if you four obey my every command!” He smirked and smacked Aoi’s butt, earning a small shriek from the girl. Your eyebrow twitched in irritation. He really didn’t need to do that. 

And that’s how you got paired up on another mission with them. Uzui already led the way, stopping in front of you four in a very dramatic pose. Zenitsu trembled at the sheer size of the Sound Hashira. 

“Okay, so where are we going, old man?” Inosuke asked. 

Uzui turned around, “The flashiest spot in Japan that’s teeming with lust and desire… a hotbed for demons… the Entertainment District!” 

You paled. 

Shit… was it too late to back out now? It was all making sense. Why he needed female members of the Corps. Tanjiro and Inosuke had no clue what he was talking about. While, no surprise to you, Zenitsu clearly knew what Uzui was talking about of his blush said anything. 

“Entertainment… District?”

Zenitsu blushed, “Y-You know, with a-all the beautiful… th-the shapely—you get what I’m trying to say, right? Come on!” 

You sent a piercing glare his way, “Of course, you would know.” 

Tanjiro and Inosuke stared at the two of you, blankly. 

“All right! Listen up!” Uzui shouted, “I am a god. You four are trash! That’s the first bit of info you need to pound into your heads, so drive it in! You turn into dogs if I say so. You turn into monkeys if I tell you! So be ready to turn over backwards, pander to my every whim, and worship me endlessly! And remember about all else… I am a god!” Uzui finished dramatically. 

A long silence followed afterwards.

”And… this is why no one likes you, Uzui.” You muttered, disinterested. Uzui felt a vein throb at your comment, but before he could unleash hell upon you Tanjiro spoke up.

”Quick question, Lord Uzui. What exactly are you the god of?”

You fell backwards. 

Zenitsu’s jaw dropped.

”Good question, pupil. You have great potential unlike a certain miss I know—“ he glared at you when he said that before becoming serious again. “I am the god of festivals, the god of flashiness.” 

Inosuke had his hands on his hips and proudly announced: “Well, I’m the king of the mountains! It’s a pleasure to meet you god of festivals!”

Everyone stared at him.

Uzui eyed him down… 

“I never heard of you. That’s odd. Something about you creeps me out.” He deadpanned, and you literally had to force Inosuke back with the help of Tanjiro, before the boar boy ripped Uzui’s head off. “Super creepy.”

Finally, he turned around and became serious. 

“Right. That’s enough fooling around. Let’s go.” He leaped forward, leaving you all behind to eat his dust. You growled and pounced forward following after him. The other three stood there in awe and quickly got into action. 

It felt like forever until the carriage came to a stop at the Entertainment District. The entire town was lit up and the place was crowded. The women in the brothels smiled and giggled at… well… definitely not you, let’s just leave it at that. Zenitsu was in awe. Inosuke leaned curiously forward.

”All right. Try not to draw attention to yourselves and whatever you do… stay inside the carriage.” Uzui ordered, turning around and gawking when he only saw you inside the carriage. Everyone else had run off. “What a bunch of hardheaded idiots—!”

You scoffed and followed after him as he desperately went after them. 

Tanjiro held Inosuke back.

Zenitsu was wandering, looking everywhere he shouldn’t be. You blinked when you saw a lady flirting with him from the top of their balcony. Not surprising in the least, honestly. You rolled your eyes. It actually wasn’t the first time you were here, you’ve traveled here once before—a long time ago—after completing a mission, you wanted a quick meal. It was a harrowing experience and left as soon as the city woke up from its slumber. 

“It’s so bright… it looks like it’s daytime.” Tanjiro whispered in astonishment. 

“Allow me to introduce you to the Yoshiwara Entertainment District, awash in vanity and desire. Flashy, isn’t it?” Uzui explained, cooly. 

Inosuke freaked, “What kind of place is this?! There’s too many people to even count!! Make way! ‘Cause Lord Inosuke is comin’ through!” he screamed and zoomed forward. Thankfully, before you faced any more embarrassment, Uzui caught him and angrily searched for Zenitsu who had gone off again. 

Uzui lead the four of you to a lounge to discuss the details of the mission. The first task was to find Uzui’s wives—ah, you’ve heard about them. Rengoku was quite displeased that he had three of them to begin with. Uzui would look into searching for the demon meanwhile. Zenitsu completely went beserk when he realized Uzui had three wives.

“How the hell does a guy like you have three wives?!”

Uzui knocked him out with a single punch.

”Um, excuse me, but I noticed that in the letters they sent you, they all seem to keep reminding you not to stand out when you come.” Tanjiro spoke after reading a few of the letters. You nodded in agreement as every letter said the same thing at the end. 

“Which is why, I’m sending you four.” 

The color in your face drained, “Oh… no.” 

Uzui quirked a brow, realizing that you were as quick as a whip. 

“So what are we going to do, exactly?” Tanjiro pressed.

”Disguise yourselves, of course, and as much as I hate it, in an unflashy way. All theee of my wives are brilliant ninjas known as Kunoichis. I was almost certain that this district would be the perfect place for the demons, but when I went in as a customer, I couldn’t get any info on ‘em. So I sent each of them in to get closer than a customer ever could. Since I already narrowed it down to the likeliest houses to three, you will all search for my wives there.” He continued.

Annoyed by this turn of events, you were beginning to regret ever coming here. Once again, you’re stuck in the worst situation with probably the most unsuited… 

”Sumio of the Tokito house, Makio of the Ogimoto house, and Himatsuru of the Kyogoku house.” He finished his explanation.

Inosuke muttered, disinterested: “They’re probably all dead if they stopped writing.”

Uzui knocked him out as well, leaving only you and Tanjiro.

The shoji door slid open, revealing a kind old man with a basket beside him. “Pardon my intrusion, Lord, but I brought back all the items you requested.” 

You stared at the basket with horrified eyes.

”Thank you.” Uzui grumbled.

Awkwardly, you were handed a pale white kimono with a blue flowery pattern. You glared at the folded pieces of cloth. A packet of makeup right on top of it. You looked at Uzui with a cold stare before walking out of the room. 

“Where are you going?” Zenitsu woke up somehow and asked you, curiously, clutching your silver haori. You grumbled something incoherently under your breath and sent him your harshest glare. 

“I’m going to get ready. Not like I’d do it in front of you! Pervert.” 

Zenitsu blushed, a creepy smile forming on his face and you kicked him away from you. 

Uzui sighed in defeat, “Why am I stuck with these morons?” 

---

Angry knocks slammed at your door. 

“Are you ready or what—?!” Uzui’s booming voice snapped. He was impatient as hell. You weren’t even in here that long. 

You huffed. 

“I’m coming!”

Fixing the last tweaks of your kimono and lipstick, you took a deep breath. The person in the mirror looked completely different. You had managed to effectively blend in the makeup to your face, concealing your scar perfectly and the light blush and mascara made you look… pretty damn innocent. It was weird. 

Sliding the door open, you revealed yourself. Slowly, you lifted your gaze from the ground and looked up at them. 

A utter silence met back at you.

”That’s more like it.” Uzui smiled, “You look flashy for once!”

Zenitsu’s face turned several shades darker, “You… She… Yo-You look so…” 

A wave of irritation washed over you, and you glared at him. Zenitsu zipped his lips shut, but he was still a blushing mess before you. Inosuke blinked, once, twice, and scratched the top of his head. He seemed to be contemplating something. 

Icy hair tumbled down your shoulders, the white and blue flowery kimono only complimented your hair all the more. Doe-eyes met with his, impossibly long lashes fluttered as your eyes stared him down. It looked like your skin was unblemished and flawless, but Tanjiro knew better. You must’ve worked hard to conceal your scar. She’s beautiful. He thought helplessly and noticed you looked smaller. The feminine appearance made you look fragile as if you were made of glass. 

“What the hell did you do to them—?!” your mouth fell open as you stared back at their caked faces. “They look horrible!” 

Uzui dismissed your outburst, “No time. Let’s go. We need to get you four sold.” 

The first house was Kyogoku. At first you hid behind Uzui, wishing you were anywhere but here. And as soon as Uzui pushed you forward beside Tanjiro—or more like, Sumiko—the heads of the house completely changed their demeanor.

The old lady gasped and ran to look at you. 

“My, my! What luscious snowy hair she has!” the lady coo’ed and lightly touched your hair in admiration. Then she looked back at your face, her eyes sparkling. “And look at that face! It’s as if it were carved by angles! She’s a diamond of the first water, good heavens!” 

“She looks like she came out of a dream—!” the old man shrieked in disbelief. “How much for her?! With a beauty like her, we may finally be able to be the best brothel in the district!” 

You felt the stirrings of irritation. Don’t… touch… me! 

Tanjiro smiled knowingly. Of course they love her… no surprise there. His gaze was fond as his eyes glossed over your feminine appearance. 

Uzui didn’t miss a beat: “Free,” he revealed, shocking everyone, and quickly added, “if you decide to take another one.” 

The woman and the man of the house made uncomfortable expressions as their gazes fell on the others. The man struggled to nod, “I suppose… it’s worth it if we get her, right?”

”Yeah. Yeah.” The old woman said, unconvincingly. “Perhaps, the girl in the green. She looks the most obedient and like an honest worker.” 

“All right! They’re all yours!” Uzui said and pushed you forward into the grimly hands of the old lady. Tanjiro sweated nervously as he was forced to watch how the old lady and various other women fawned over you. It didn’t look like you were too happy about it either. 

You stole a glance over at him. Your eyes screaming for help. 

Tanjiro let out a haggard sigh. 

This was going to be hard. 

Chapter 10: The Stirrings of Battle

Chapter Ten:

 

The Stirrings of Battle

---

The chaperone of the Tokito house screeched in disgust. 

“WHAT—?!” she yanked on Tanjiro’s hair harshly. “This can’t be!! They’re both ruined! Nasty scars on their faces! Look at [Name]…!?! No wonder he gave her away for so cheap!” 

Tanjiro wailed as he was viscously thrown side to side. You grunted in pain alongside him as the chaperone pulled on your hair as well. Covering your face with your hands to hide your scar. The pain of being thrown like a ragdoll was nothing, but her comments stung. You didn’t know if Tanjiro felt what you felt but, ever since you were a child, you’ve always been insecure of your hideous scar.

The other ladies quickly intervened and her husband helped calm her down. When she was done with her tantrum, you and Tanjiro looked like you had been through the wringer. 

The chaperone gave you one last hard glare, “We’re just going to have to cover her up with makeup! I’m sure with my training, she’ll rise to the top in no time!” 

The women of the house were beautiful as they came to attend to you and Tanjiro. It was awkward that first night staying somewhere filled with gorgeous women and male clients that entered into rooms with some of them. 

“Don’t mind her, she’s just a bit grouchy sometimes! Sorry about that.” A lady smiled, leading you towards your shared bedroom. 

“I see… I sure hope they don’t get rid of me.” Tanjiro muttered, discouraged, knowing you would ultimately stay though you would have to hide your scar during your time here. He didn’t understand why it was such a big deal. You looked beautiful with and without the scar. He thought the scar added to your ethereal beauty, honestly. 

“Nonsense!” The lady laughed dryly almost like she couldn’t believe it herself. “Anyways! You two will share this bedroom for now. Over time if you gain more clients, then you’ll obviously have earned your own room, but for now since you both are newbies… this will be your place. It’s… a bit on the crowded side.”

You blinked at the closet sized room. 

Tanjiro’s jaw hung open. 

“Um.” 

”We’re all women here, so no one really minds sleeping so close to one another. But if you have a problem with it, my advice is get up the ranks, girls!” She chimed and patted your shoulder before leaving you alone with… Tanjiro. You looked over at him, he was dressed in that green checkered kimono, and his hair was in some makeshift ponytail with a red bow. He hardly had any hair to begin with in the first place. Even though he was dressed in women’s clothing, he was still a boy. 

You stepped inside and began unfolding your futon. He struggled to follow you inside, but after a few seconds he finally began unfolding his futon next to yours. This place really had no respect for their workers apparently. How was one supposed to sleep comfortably here? 

Awkwardly, the two of you laid side-by-side and stared wide-eyed at the ceiling. Your shoulders were touching, just a bit, but it was enough to make your skin tingle. There was no intimacy though the proximity of your bodies called for it. When you looked back at Tanjiro, he had pink dusted over his cheeks. 

“Sorry,” he muttered after a long period of tense silence.

”Uzui is going to pay for this.” You seethed in response and heatedly glared at the ceiling again. “This is the worst plan ever.” 

Tanjiro huffed a light chuckle, “It’s not all bad…”

You blinked a few times in confusion before turning to steal a glimpse of the expression he was making. His cheeks were still cherry pink, but his smile was tender and his eyes were closed. It made you feel weird, so you forced yourself to push down whatever curling feeling grew inside of you and gazed up at the ceiling with a little pout. 

It could’ve been worse. You could’ve been stuck with Zenitsu in this closet-sized room in which you would have no escape from him at all. Though, you doubted he would dare try anything unless… he wanted to die. 

The wooden box at the edge of the room creaked open and Nezuko’s small form appeared. She had an innocent gaze as she crawled towards both of you. Before either of you could say anything, she huddled in between both of you. With a small smile, you let her crawl beneath your thick blanket and she happily cuddled up on your side. 

“Mm!” she hummed in delight. You stared at her face for a moment and smiled fondly. Tanjiro watched from the sidelines with his gentle smile. 

“I guess… you’re right.” You mumbled and closed your eyes, feeling sleep slowly pull you under. A soft smile lingered in your face when you thought more about it. It’s really not that bad. 

When morning came, you were practically dragged away from Tanjiro. He was assigned to do chores and you were taken away to get a head start on training. It was the most stressful sort of training you had ever gone through. It was worse than the brutal hardships you faced with Master Urokodaki or Master Hara combined. You were forced to learn… arts, like flower arranging and how to pour tea properly… how to smile prettily… All of it was so… so draining! 

You hated every bit of it.

Tanjiro hadn’t seen you since the morning that day. He was working nonstop to please the chaperone, but you were nowhere to be seen. It wasn’t until midafternoon that he finally had a chance to seek you out as per the commands of the chaperone lady, who wished to see you quickly. He searched the entire place. He found you under the watchful eyes of the Tokito house oiran, Koinatsu, who had been training you under her wing all morning. 

“Excuse me, Koinatsu-sama, the mistress wishes to see [Name].” Tanjiro politely bowed as he asked for you. Koinatsu looked surprised at that and turned around to look at you.

”I didn’t expect her to take you so soon. Good luck, [Name]. You’re a natural. Just… remember to smile.” She didn’t look entirely convinced, but she reassured you that you would be fine. You looked back at her with a sweating expression and quickly followed Tanjiro out the room.

As soon as you were out of hearing range, you grasped onto Tanjiro’s shoulder desperately: “Just, where on earth have you been..?! I needed you back there! I was suffering! Please, tell me you found something out…” 

Tanjiro nervously looked away, “I haven’t heard anything… but I swear I’ll keep a close watch on any information!” You sagged in defeat and Tanjiro worriedly looked at you, “Did they push you too hard? Sorry, I was busy…”

”It’s fine. I’m just glad it’s over—“ you breathed and Tanjiro looked in pain. “What?” 

“Actually… the mistress does want to see you. It wasn’t a lie.” 

You gasped in horror, “No! Whatever for?” 

“She didn’t say, but maybe you can get closer to her and see if you can figure anything out about Suma.” Tanjiro offered and led the way to the chaperone’s room. You followed beside him and nodded, but you couldn’t get rid of the bad feeling in your gut. Something was definitely wrong.

The mistress of the house sat politely before an older gentleman you couldn’t recognize. The room she was using for the guest was huge. What you wouldn’t give to have this room instead of the one you were forced to sleep in… The chaperone of the Tokito house lit up when she saw you walk in with Tanjiro by your side. 

“Ah, there she is.” She stood up and introduced you to the stranger, “Our prettiest and youngest girl. She’s just a budding young lady of fifteen! What do you think?” 

Huh…?

The man’s cat-like eyes glossed over your appearance, slowly, and you were half tempted to cover your body with your hands as if to stop him from staring so hard. He walked over to you with a small smile and pulled something out of his sleeve. A pretty silvery-turquoise kanzashi. 

Tanjiro’s eyes widened as he watched from the sidelines. 

“She’s perfect.” He said and gently tucked in the hairpin into your hair. “You’re as pretty as a picture, girl.” He complimented, his smooth voice rumbling out of his mouth. He looked to be about half your age, probably mid-thirties. It took you everything to behave ladylike in that second. You were more than tempted to give him a piece of your mind. 

The mistress smiled proudly, her eyes shining with happiness. You were certain she only saw you as a money-making machine then. This man looked… very wealthy, dressing in the finest western suit. You wondered what he did for a living… other than being a pervert and prey on helpless young girls like yourself. 

Tanjiro’s eyebrows furrowed pointedly and his eyes flashed with anger, an unnatural scowl growing on his face. His teeth grind against each other in bottled up irritation. 

The mistress made hand gestures behind him, mouthing: “Smile.” 

You swallowed your pride and mentally promised to Uzui that he was definitely going to pay for doing this to you. A delicate smile lifted on your face as practiced and fluttered your gaze down, humbly. 

“Thank you…” your velvety voice said, “I’ll cherish it forever.” 

The moment your honeyed voice rang in his ears, Tanjiro whipped his face back to look at you, so much so he feared he would get instant whiplash. To his horror, you were smiling so prettily and shyly. He didn’t know if his eyes were playing tricks on him, but he swore he saw your cheeks rosy. Your small hand lightly touched the hairpin as if it was the most fascinating thing in the world. The mistresses let out an awe’d breathe, amazed by your flawless grace. 

Tanjiro felt someone pushing him out. Panicked, he looked over his shoulder and found the mistress kicking him out of the room. “Go on now, Sumiko. Let’s leave [Name] alone for now.” 

Huuuuh? Leave her alone—?! With THAT guy?! 

His anxious eyes met with yours, but your pretty smile didn’t so much as twitch as he was pushed out. The Mistress sliding the door closed behind her, leaving you completely and utterly alone… He reached his hand out only to get it slapped back by the mistress. 

“Let’s go, Sumiko. We have a lot of work to do.” 

Tanjiro had no choice but to obey. 

Nevertheless the rest of the day, he was restless. It didn’t help that you were in there for so long either. He was sure hours had passed. He did his chores much harder than ever before, working as fast as he could to try to help with his edginess. He was putting up the numerous gifts of the oiran of their house, Koinatsu, into her bedroom when he heard something interesting. 

Two children were gossiping amongst themselves.

“And have you noticed some of the older girls commuting ashinuke?” One of them asked. Tanjiro peaked his head out of the decorative shoji door. 

“What even is ashinuke?” he innocently asked, barging in their conversation. He came in, dropping off three boxes of gifts onto the floor. “There we go,” he grunted as he put them down. 

“That’s a lot of baggage to carry…”

Tanjiro looked up at him them from his crouched position, “I think they’re all gifts for Oiran Koinatsu.” 

“You said you never heard of ashinuke? It’s probably a good thing you haven’t. “Ashinuke” means to run away without paying off your debts. And it’s really bad if you get caught.” They informed. Their big eyes staring at him with childlike innocence. 

“Why would anyone do that?” he pressed.

”Some of them run away to be with the man they’re in love with.” 

“Right. Like Oiran Suma did the other day.” 

Suma? That’s Uzui’s wife. Right when he opened his mouth to pry further for more information, Oiran Koinatsu walked in with a motherly expression.

”You two shouldn’t be spreading rumors, after all nobody knows her whereabouts now,” she scolded lightly, “who knows what happened to her?” 

The children whined, but agreed regardless. 

“You brought these up by yourself? Thank you.” Her voice was like honey and Tanjiro easily dismissed her gratitude with a small smile. “Come here, take this candy as my thanks.” She grabbed his calloused hand in her dainty ones and handed him wrapped-candy. Tanjiro felt his cheeks grow warm. “Keep it secret or you’ll have to share it.”

The children begged for more candy, but Koinatsu gently reminded them that she had already given them some earlier. Tanjiro knew this was his chance to gain more information on Uzu’s wife. 

“Did Oiran Suma really commit ashinuke?” 

“May I ask why you’re so curious about that?” 

She has her guard up, but I’ve gotta find a way around it and ask about Miss Suma. “It’s just… Oiran Suma is… she’s actually… believe it or not… she’s my el-elder sister.” He struggled to spit the words out, his face twisted in discomfort and pain. He couldn’t lie with a straight face, so he looked pretty stupid just then. 

Thankfully for him, they bought his lie. 

“What?!”

… 

It took him a lot shorter than he expected to get some information out of Oiran Koinatsu, though it wasn’t anything worthwhile. She was just as clueless as he was. He did notice that ashinuke was the best coverup a demon could possibly ask for. 

A few seconds after that dire conversation, the children started gossiping once more though this time… their topic… was you. He flinched visibly when they brought you up.

”Oiran Koinatsu! The new girl you trained today! I heard she’s doing really well! Lord Hamada had been courting her all afternoon! I saw him take her out for a walk down the patio! She’s so regal!” the girl chimed, cutely, unaware of the ache she caused him. 

“Really, now? I’m surprised… she seemed so… unruly when I was training her.”  Oiran Koinatsu mumbled, her mouth in an oval shape. 

“Mistress says she has the potential to become a great Oiran one day!” the other child added with a grin. 

She smiled wistfully, “I see. She’s a quick learner, then. I’m glad…” There was something in her tone that made him wonder. Not only that, but there was a sad scent around her just for that brief moment. Whatever it was, he brushed it off when he thought of you. Be that as it may, he wasn’t too happy you learned this. 

“Now that I think about it… didn’t [Name] come with you? Is she your sister as well?”

Tanjiro gawked and waved his hands nervously over his face, “No!” he said too quickly and too loudly, startling them. He recomposed himself and cleared his throat, “I mean… she was under the same care as I and we both got sold by him. She’s a good friend of mine…” 

He thought of you.

A rosy hue creeped up on his cheeks, a much heavier and warmer blush growing on his face. A fond smile lingered on his lips.

Oiran Koinatsu made a calculative hum, “I see.” 

When he finished for the night, he finally saw you laying in your futon. Snowy-wet tresses of hair dropped down your shoulders, you laid on your stomach with your legs swaying in the air. You were wearing a comfortable pink yukata , you smelled like flowers and soap and he immediately knew that you had just come out of the shower. However, none of that mattered because you were holding with one hand the hairpin the man gifted you, eying it with an unreadable gaze. 

You rested your cheek on your palm, lazily. 

He didn’t know why but, he didn’t like how interested you seemed about the hairpin. After a second, your eyes looked up at him blankly. 

“Did you find anything?” you asked, seriously. 

He felt annoyed. 

“Did you?” he shot back, “Or were you too busy with Lord Hamada?”

You lurched back in shock from his unexpected remark. 

“Well, I was… that’s why I’m asking if you found anything.” You answered as if it was obvious. Tanjiro huffed and pouted as he fiercely tucked himself into his futon. “What?” you asked with slumped brows, a lick of irritation ticking in your face. 

Tanjiro remained quiet.

You rolled your eyes and scoffed, “Whatever.” 

It was uncomfortably silent afterwards. You shifted in your futon and tucked yourself in, neatly placing the hairpin beside you and giving it one last stare down. Tanjiro still had that childish pout as he glared up at the ceiling. 

After what felt like forever, he finally broke the silence. 

“So… what did you do?” 

Blinking profusely, you turned to look at him.

“I’m not telling you.” 

Tanjiro felt as if an arrow shot through his heart. 

“Fine… then I’m not telling you what I found out!”

You gasped in astonishment, “So you did figure something out! Tell me right now!” 

“Nope!” he huffed, crossing his arms stubbornly. 

Your jaw dropped. Eyebrow twitching. This guy… 

Needless to say, it was a very tense night. 

---

The next morning, you had rushed out to hide from the mistress to sneak away with Tanjiro for a secret meeting with Inosuke. Apparently, it was something important… but… 

“I’m… telling you! There’s a demon at my house, all right?!”

You stared long and hard at Inosuke’s face. This was the first time you actually saw him. His hair reached his shoulders, a pretty blue and turquoise, his vibrant green eyes surrounded with obscenely dark eyelashes. Fair skin. Sharp jawline. He was… He was really good-looking, damn near gorgeous! 

“There’s a demon at my House, all right?!” Inosuke exasperated. You tried to focus on his words, but wow his face was distracting. Not only that but, he wasn’t making any sense. “I’m telling you, it was like this! You know, like this!”

Tanjiro sweat dropped, “Um. Sure… hold on a second, okay?”

Inosuke wiggled his fingers, “Like this! Do you get this?!”

Tanjiro tried to calm him down, “Uzui-san and Zenitsu should be coming soon to check in, so—”

”It was like this! Like this, do you get it Snowflake?!” Inosuke spread his arms out wide. 

“I’m… I’m sorry I wasn’t paying attention.” You breathlessly uttered. Inosuke growled, annoyed, but before he could let you feel his wrath you brought out your hand and poked his face. “You have the face of a princess. Tell me why you wear that ugly boar headpiece, again?” 

Tanjiro frowned. 

Inosuke smacked your hand away, “Don’t touch Lord Inosuke, minion! Did you find anything out, Snowflake?! A demon! ‘Cause I found a demon!”

Before you could speak, Tanjiro rudely interrupted: “She was too busy with a certain someone.” 

“Hey! I was just playing my role! Do you want us to get discovered?” you snapped back at him and he crossed his arms again and stuck his nose up in the air for the millionth time in the last nine hours. 

“Hmph!” 

You whipped your face over at him and shouted, frustratedly, “If you have a problem with it then do something about it—! Don’t just stand there and let me be flirted with! Pluck up the courage and say something!” 

Tanjiro looked as if you had slapped him. His eyes bulged like goldfish gogglers and blushed so deeply that he was the same color as his crimson hair. He mouthed soundlessly looking like a fish out of water, rendered completely speechless. 

You blinked.

Once.

Twice. 

Slowly, your cheeks flushed bright pink and you covered your mouth from the shock of what you just said. 

“I-I… I didn’t mean it like that—I just meant—“ you spluttered, helplessly. Thankfully, the gods opened up the clouds and declared their love for you because Uzui came in to save the day. 

“Enough of that,” Uzui stated, his tone dead cold. He appeared suddenly, sitting a few inches away from the rest of you on the roof. “Zenitsu won’t be coming.”

A dire feeling rose in the air.

”’Zenitsu won’t be coming.’ What do you mean by that?” Tanjiro asked with a worried expression.

You frowned, “Where is he, Uzui?”

”I feel bad about putting you through this. I wanted to… rescue my wives so badly, I made some bad decisions. As it stands, Zenith is missing. There’s been no contact since last night. You two should leave now. You’re ranked too low for this. As for [Name], you can stay if you wish but Tomioka would have my head if you die here.” He began, ominously serious. 

You scowled. That was the second time a Hashira pinned your safety on Giyu’s reaction. You doubted Giyu cared. He never bothered to reach out. 

“If the demon here turns out to be an Upper Rank, you couldn’t handle it. If you vanish from here, they’ll assume that you’re dead. I’ll be continuing this mission on my own.” He declared and stood up, his massive size making him look all the more badass. 

“No, Uzui-san, we—“

”Don’t be ashamed! Whoever survives, wins. Don’t overlook your chance.” He said over his shoulder and that was the last thing he said before vanishing in a flash.

”Hold up, old man!” Inosuke’s words fell on deaf ears. 

Tanjiro looked worried, “You think he can’t trust us because we’re the lowest ranked?”

“Oi, our rank is Kanoe. We’ve already moved up.” Inosuke revealed, eliciting Tanjiro to gape at him. “Do you remember all the rankings? Remember we were all the way at the bottom as Mizunoto? Now, we’re fourth from the bottom, Kanoe! Ready! Watch this!” 

Inosuke brought his fist up and summoned his ranking.

Kanoe. 

Tanjiro’s mouth hung wide open. 

“Huh? They fiddled with your arm at the Wisteria Mountain, didn’t they?” 

You facepalmed, “Tanjiro… did you forget or something?”

”I remember them fiddling with it, but I was exhausted.” Tanjiro explained and you sighed at his hopelessness. Inosuke explained the mark and how to invoke it. Tanjiro was disappointed in himself and you and Inosuke quickly cheered him up.

Almost immediately, Tanjiro lit up in determination:

”We’ve got no time for this! Sorry! Tonight, I’ll head over to the Ogimoto House. So wait for me until then. It's dangerous to make a move on your own!” Tanjiro explained the plan. 

“Why should I do that—?!” Inosuke boomed, impatient.

You blinked. Wait… where am I in all this? Did I hear him just say “I” instead of “we”?

”I’ll be done investigating my own House today!”

Inosuke pinched his ear, “I told you, the demon’s at my House so you’d better come with me now! How stupid are you?! For crying out loud!” Inosuke went on to attack him and slap him around.

You quickly intervened and held him back, “Stop that!”

Tanjiro thanked you before explaining his thoughts. “There must be a passageway that connects the Houses.”

Your eyes shined in realization, still holding Inosuke’s thrashing arms back with ease.

”I see,” you muttered, “Since it’s not coming in and out… there’s a good chance that the demon is working on the inside. If the demon’s working in the House… and cleverly disguising itself as a human… then it'll be all the more careful about killing people to make sure that its cover won’t be blown.” 

“Yes! Exactly!” Tanjiro nodded, determined. 

Inosuke stopped his squirming, “I get it. Cleaning up after a murder would be a hassle. And getting rid of blood would be a chore…”

”This is a nightlife district.” You added. “It’s more convenient for demons.” 

“Yeah, but it’s also just as inconvenient for them. They have to work at night. It would seem suspicious if they weren’t around.” 

“I see.” Inosuke mumbled. 

“I think that not only Zenitsu, but Uzui’s wives, as well, are all still alive!” Tanjiro stated, eyebrows furrowed in seriousness. “I’m going to take action with that in mind. I’m going to rescue them, no matter what! I want you to take action with that in mind, too, Inosuke. And no matter what… I don’t want you to die.”

You blinked again. Is he forgetting I’m here? 

“Are you okay with that?” 

Inosuke smirked and slapped his leg, “Everything you just said.. is what I was about to say myself!” 

Stealthily, you and Tanjiro went back to your own House. You followed behind him as you made your way through the hallways of the House. It wasn’t until you reached your shared room that Tanjiro began packing your belongings. 

“What are you doing..?” 

“You are leaving.” He said without breaking focus on folding your futon. “You’re going far away from here.”

”Are you forgetting I’m your superior? By like two ranks. I should be the one telling you two to leave.” You responded, irritated. Tanjiro slowed his movements, but you couldn’t see what sort of expression he was making as he folded your futon. 

It was quiet.

”I don’t want to lose you, [Name].” His voice was barely above a whisper. You stared at his back, his green checkered green and black kimono staring back at you, but his words felt so heavy with meaning that it made you flinch. It was the first time anyone ever treated you that way and you didn’t know how to feel about it. Maybe if you were some damsel in distress you would’ve understood, but you were too stubborn to let his words take over. 

“Zenitsu may get on my nerves, but he is my precious friend. So I will fight even if it does lead me to my death.” You said, furious the words exploding out of you in an unnaturally low tone. 

Tanjiro finally turned around and to your horror, he looked pained. “If I can help it, it won’t be your death.” 

You took a deep breath and stared at the ground. Your lips twisted into an annoyed scowl. When you finally did look up, your eyes were different, harder, colder than he had ever seen before. You straightened your spine. There’s the steel. Tanjiro knew he had lost then. He wondered how you could be so cold, but still appear to be made of fire. A winter fire. 

He let out a dreary sigh, “I won’t change your mind, will I?”

”No. You won’t.” 

He closed his eyes and nodded, “All right, but… don’t be reckless and charge blindly into battle.” The words ‘like last time’ went unsaid. You bit your bottom lip at that, recalling your failure to save Rengoku… This time… I won’t let no one die. 

“I’ll try not to,” you decided to say instead and Tanjiro didn’t look to pleased, but he said nothing about it. “come on, let’s get ready.”

Chapter 11: The Sun Sets and Terror Awakens

Chapter Eleven:

 

The Sun Sets and Terror Awakens

---

“I’m pretty confident Uzui’s instructions were to slam either under the floorboards or the ceiling to get our stuff.” You mumbled, staring at the floorboards tentatively.

The small bedroom you shared with Tanjiro didn’t have any space at all so, it was clear to you that this must’ve been a closet. These people would hardly notice a gawking hole on the floor, if they did they shouldn’t care to much about this abandoned room. 

Tanjiro flailed his hands around, “Are you crazy?! He did not—“

 It was too late to stop you. Fragmented shards of wood flew everywhere as you punched your fist straight through the floorboards. Tanjiro’s jaw dropped. You swiftly pulled out your unaffected hand from the ground and spread him a glare. 

“Don’t. Ever. Call. Me. Crazy.” 

Tanjiro sweated, wordlessly nodding, “Go-Got it.” 

You and Tanjiro peered through the gaping hole, “Mice..?” you asked, uncertain. To your surprise, two muscular mice treaded through with your swords. You smirked devilishly when you held your icy white katana in your hands, “See? What I’d tell you?” 

Tanjiro smiled nervously, but quickly became shocked that you handed him his clothing. His real clothing, that is. 

“All right,” you muttered, “face the other way.” 

“HUH—?! Wh-What do you mean?” Tanjiro shrieked. His face was as red as a tomato. “You don’t actually mean…”

You looked at him, long and hard. “It’ll take longer if we wait for each other and the rest of the ladies are all busy in their own rooms. I really don’t want to risk mistress seeing me. She’s definitely going to give me an earful for disappearing all day. You can do as you please. Wait outside or whatever, but I’m changing in here.”  

Tanjiro flushed, his trembling hands reaching to grab his clothes. “I’ll turn around and change, too. Um—don’t peek.” 

“I’m not going to—what the heck?! I should be the one telling you that.” You remarked, sharply. The two of you turned around and began undressing. Tanjiro could not wipe the blush off his face, no matter how hard he tried. The sounds of clothes plopping off rang in his ears. It was quick though, much quicker than he expected. The two of you were in a hurry, trying to get this over with as quickly as possible to make it in time to meet Inosuke. 

Once you were both done and alerted one another about it, you turned around to face each other. The silvery pale haori on your shoulders felt like home to you, no more wearing kimono’s or covering your scar with makeup. You felt so good and you let out a relived sigh as you patted down the wrinkles of your skirt.

Not to mention, Tanjiro looked back to normal as well. Even if he didn’t say it, he looked finally comfortable in his own clothes again. You tilted your head to the side at him and offered him a small smile. 

“There you are. I missed you.” You jokingly commented with a laugh.

Tanjiro’s blush deepened.

”All right. Let’s go.” You ordered, seriously, but Tanjiro quickly stopped you.

”Wait… I still have one more thing to do. I want to say my goodbyes to Oiran Koinatsu.” He said, eyebrows kneaded together in concentration. 

You blinked at him, but didn’t say anything. The two of you snuck around the House and made your way into Koinatsu’s room without making a single sound. It was a fairly easy task considering the two of you were practically trained for this. When you broke into her room, you noticed how she was staring at herself in her mirror with a pleases smile. You wondered how it felt to be like that… confident in your own beauty… that sort of thing seemed so far out of reach for you.  

Everyone said you were pretty, but you certainly didn’t feel that way. Every time you looked in the mirror, all you saw was a hideous scar, a child in Demon Slayers clothing, a weakling. 

“Lady Koinatsu.” Tanjiro spoke first.

Koinatsu eyes widened, “Sumi?” 

“Forgive us for being so rude.  We are leaving the Tokito House. Could you please give Master our payment for our food and lodging?” he informed. The two of you dug into your pockets and slid out the envelopes with yen inside on the tatami flooring. 

“Sumi… [Name]… the way you’re both dressed…” she breathed with a started expression. 

“I had to dress as a woman for certain reasons, but I’m actually a guy!” Tanjiro explained. 

“Oh, I already knew that. It was obvious at a glance and your voice…” Koinatsu tightly smiled and an awkward silence followed. You choked back a laugh at this unsurprising news. There was no way Tanjiro could pull that off, you knew that since the beginning, but it was still amazing to see the disappointment on Tanjiro’s face. “I knew you were a boy from the start. I did wonder what you were up to, but… you have your reasons right? You were worried about Suma for real, weren’t you?”

Tanjiro nodded fiercely, “Yes! That’s the truth! That was no lie! I promise you I’ll rescue everyone who vanished! 

“Thank you, that sets my mind at ease. You see, I’m leaving this district tomorrow.”

Your eyes swirled with curiosity.

Tanjiro smiled, “Is that right? You must be so happy!”

”There’s someone who would want even me as their wife. I really couldn’t be happier!” she explained with disbelief. “But that’s all the more reason why I was worried sick about those I’m leaving behind. Which is why I was a bit relived when [Name] came along… she seemed to fit in so nicely with the younger ones.” She continued and you bowed your head down. That was the reason she kept looking at you with that relived smile yesterday. 

Koinatsu frowned, “Not only that, but even if I were to get a bad feeling about something, I have no way of even looking into it.”

”No one can blame you for that. Please don’t worry about it. Please always keep a smile on your face.” Tanjiro kindly said and you wondered what sort of magic this boy held. He was so well at connecting with people. 

“I don’t want neither of you to disappear either, Sumi.” She regally said with a soft smile. She focused her attention to you all of a sudden, “As for you, [Name], about our conversation yesterday… I couldn’t tell you this before but now that I know you’re free of this place… I do think you can find someone to love you for who you are. You really are a beautiful girl, you know.” 

You blushed at her compliment.

”I—I…” you stammered and looked away with a frown. You thought about Giyu. He would never love you the way you did to him. Besides, who would want someone like you? “I don’t know about that.” 

Tanjiro eyes widened as he stared at your sad expression. 

“Now then, we’ll be off.” You suddenly said and stood up before he could analyze you further. Tanjiro hesitated, but stood up alongside you and smiled at Koinatsu one last time. 

“I wish you every happiness.” Tanjiro gently smiled and you bowed your head down slightly in agreement. There wasn’t anything left for you to say that Tanjiro didn’t already. 

With that, you both leave. 

As soon as you reach outside, both of you are running on the rooftops, “It’s already nightfall! We’re late…!”  Tanjiro panicked. 

You rolled your eyes, “Well, maybe if you didn’t hold us back then this wouldn’t have happened. Come on let’s just hurry. Inosuke is probably losing his patience right about now—“ you shot back, but suddenly stop when Tanjiro freezes. 

Tanjiro had a strange look in his face. 

“What?” you asked, “Is there something wrong?”

His eyes grew wide and he sprints back to the House, “A demon!” 

“What? Are you sure?!” you asked as you ran behind him. Your silver haori fluttered behind you. The wind splitting through your snowy hair. The sun was gone now. The night had begun. It only reassured you more on what Tanjiro claimed. 

He nodded, “It’s subtle, but I’m sure!” 

You followed behind him closely. He continued to sniff the air as he led the way. You were intrigued by his acute sense of smell. It was unbelievable, truly.

Tanjiro led you all the way back to where you came. He stared at the windows of Koinatsu’s room before nodding at you discreetly. You nodded back and clenched the hilt of your sword, already unsheathed and ready for an attack. Tanjiro snapped the windows wide open in a single move and his breath hitched when he saw who was inside. 

It was not Koinatsu.

You stood behind him with an icy glare. 

“Are you Demon Slayers? So you came. How many of you are there? I know one is that yellow-haired ugly little brat.” It was a female demon. She was practically naked. Her kimono unraveled and floated around her. “Is there a Hashira with you?”

You tightened your grip on your sword, readying yourself.

”I know you’re not a Hashira, you seem weak after all. I have no use for anyone who’s not a Hashira. Got that?” 

The most shock of all was that Koinatsu’s body was gone. She was wrapped around in the demon’s belts. This must be her Demon Blood Art. She looked over at Tanjiro, her eyes shining, and revealing the words Upper Six. Uzui was correct. This is an Upper Rank demon. We must get rid of her quickly.

“I never devour dirty old people or anyone ugly.”

”Let that—“

Snow Breathing First Form: Great Snow Slashes. 

Before Tanjiro could finish his sentence, you swung forward. A blistering cold breeze blowing right through him as you charged. He called your name in a panic, but the words fell on deaf ears. You strike the Upper Six demon with enough momentum to create two powerful slashes from one side and strike the other side creating a wave of snowflakes. The demon eyes widened at your skill as you easily slice her belts.

Then, her lips curled into a smirk. 

“You are powerful and beautiful.” She noted as she dodged your attacks with ease, leaping around the room as you ceaselessly attacked her. “Even with that nasty scar, maybe I’ll devour you first. Are you a Hashira?”

You jumped and dug your sword across her left side of her face, missing her neck by a hair. She shrilled hideously and grasped her face. 

“You insolent girl! I’ve had enough of you!” 

Tanjiro gasped in horror as multiple belts swung at you. 

“[Name]—!” 

His scream was useless because the demon threw a handful of belts his way and forced him out of the building. His body flew in the air, crashing down painfully on the other building. Debris scattered all over.

He gasped for breath, coughing. 

He could not feel his body. 

He was numb from head to toe.

None of that matters. He gripped the hilt of his sword and stood up bravely, getting in stance. I froze at the sight of an Upper Rank because I was afraid. [Name] didn’t hesitate to go for the kill even if the demon was an Upper Rank. I have to get a grip! He wildly scanned his surroundings, realizing you were nowhere to be found. That demon has Koinatsu… and… 

He remembered the last thing he saw before he was pushed back. Your fluttering white hair. Rage-filled eyes. Your body being squeezed by the belts. 

…that demon has [Name].

”Don’t worry, [Name]. I’ll get you out of there.”

Chapter 12: The Long Night

Notes:

I didn’t think I’d ever update again… but Demon Slayer is coming!!! So excited to see it animated.

This is for that one reader that commented recently, hope you enjoy.

Chapter Twelve:

 

The Long Night

---

You woke to the smoke of the obliterated ground. A few feet away from you stood the Upper Six demon and before your helpless body, Tanjiro protectively defended you behind him. It took you moment to come to, you struggled with the belt that hinged your body but eventually got rid of it completely. 

“[Name], are you alright? I’m sorry about earlier, I won’t let that happen again.” Tanjiro said through the ringing silence. You stared at his back. His green checkered haori dancing with the swift breeze and his crimson hair shuddered. You tightened your grip on your sword and cautiously stood up beside him. 

“I should be the one apologizing. I left you alone to deal with this ugly bitch.” You seethed, your expression darkened as you stared at the demon before you. Her lips curled into a menacing scowl and her eyebrows furrowed unnaturally, eyes shining with sheer malice. 

“What did you call me? I’ll rip out your spine from your body, you brat! I dare you to say that again!” The demon snapped. The belts swayed around her, leaving hardly any openings. 

You narrowed your gaze and smirked, “You’re an eye-sore. It’s making me feel sick.” The Upper Rank demon growled and her belts went flying towards both of you in her rage. Without holding back, you charged forward. Snow Breathing Fourth Form: Snow Drift. 

Tanjiro felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand when a freezing wind swept through him. Snow fell from your sword as you perfectly sliced each belt that came towards you at an immense speed. You were slashing the demon’s attacks with ease while twisting your body and sword in a flowing snow fashion to rush into the demon with blitzing speed. 

He was doing it again. Watching stupidly while you fought. He gripped the hilt of his sword and flew forward following behind you. Water Breathing Fourth Form: Striking Tide. Tanjiro didn’t realize how similar your attacks were. He flew into battle, striking multiple slashes to the enemy nearly pushing her to a corner. Water and Snow mixed together perfectly. He wasn’t sure if he was imagining things or not, but he swore he could see actual snowflakes fall into your hair and his fingers felt numb because of the freezing cold. 

“What teamwork, but it won’t be enou—“ the demon began to mock, but you leapt high into the air with enough force to fall onto her. Your piercing eyes were cold as ice. Snow Breathing Third Form: Hailing Snow Ra. Multiple strikes released from your blade and with each slash, it became colder and colder. The demons leathery belts were stiffening due to the chilling temperature. The Upper Rank’s numbered eyes dilated when you swooped down, your blade slicing into her neck. This damned brat! 

You gritted your teeth when her neck softened into leather as if she was made of the belts she used. Due to the freezing attacks you mercilessly put her through, the fabric was slightly frozen over, giving you a small chance. You took a wintry breath, the air lowering in temperature and her neck hardening. The sound of her neck tearing caused a chill of excitement to run down your spine. 

She’s freezing me! She’s cutting through my neck! This… This—Before you can anticipate it, the demon swung a powerful force upon you and threw your body flying back. Tanjiro screamed your name in warning, but it was too late you were already hit. He watched in horror as your body was launched back, crashing onto a building and debris falling everywhere. 

Tanjiro ran towards your fallen figure. His voice dying in his throat when he saw your limp body under the weight of the broken pieces of the building. Desperately, he pushed and pulled everything that fell on you. His eyes widened. There’s blood dripping down your forehead, drenching your face. You had suffered a heavy impact to your head from the fall. 

“Is she dead? That girl is dangerous, I’ll give her that. If she isn’t dead… this time I’ll be sure to end her life here and now.” The demon hissed, her evil eyes staring down at your fallen figure with deep resentment. Tanjiro’s body tensed at her cruel words. 

“I won’t let you anywhere near her!” he screamed back, his voice thick with fury. He turned around and faced her, his hands holding the hilt of his sword tightly and protectively standing before your fallen form. Your pained groans fell in his ears, but it sounded like you were completely out of it. By the looks of it, he assumed you were suffering from a severe concussion. “It’s okay. [Name], I’ll protect you. Just stay still.” 

Your cries of distress and pain were agonizing to listen to. He struggled to keep his eyes forward on the demon when you were behind him, slipping in and out of consciousness and trying to fight back the pain. He wanted nothing more than to take you somewhere safe. He wondered if he could find someway to take you where he left Nezuko. 

Belts flew in the air and slammed into the Upper Six demon’s face, being absorbed into her body. What was that…? The belts are entering her body! No, it’s more like the ones that were split off are now returning to her. Stand your ground, get your breathing under control and… strike! 

Tanjiro ran forward, ready to strike, but the the demon smirked in devilish contempt and disappeared from his line of sight. She’s gone! 

“It seems I was right!” The demon cheered and spread her arms out in praise. Her hair was shining, transforming into a bright white color with green ends. She was crouched on the rooftop of a building. “A Hashira really did show up! How magnificent! I can’t even imagine how pleased my master will be!” 

She had a crazed look in her eye. The smell darkened. It reeked of bloodlust. Tanjiro hated the ominous scent. He could feel himself grow sick at the smell of it. It only means… she gained even more power. But if Uzui really is with Inosuke and the others right now, then I can rest easy.

A middle-aged man barged out of his House, “Keep it down out there will you?! Is that a sword in your hand, kid?! You got a lot of nerve picking fights outside of my House?! What kind of mischief is this?!” Tanjiro panicked. There were a lot of people standing around, worriedly looking in. “I’ll have you know that this Hanamachi is only viable to those who follow the rules! So if you’re gonna cause trouble! You’re not welcome here! Get the hell out of my sight!”

The demon looked pissed, “You should keep your mouth shut.” She stood up with a dangerous feel to her. Glowing yellow eyes fueled with disgust.  

“Please, sir, don’t come this way! Stay back please!” The demon’s belts soared in the air. Tanjiro tensed and protectively moved before the man and yourself, “It’s too dangerous! Get back inside!”

The demon’s belts sliced through, cutting through the buildings, tearing through Tanjiro’s body and slicing the man’s hand clean off. A chorus of shrilling horrified screams followed. The helpless civilians cried. Blood poured down their bodies. Lifeless people laid in the awake of the demon’s single attack. 

A burning fire coursed through your thigh.

A muffled cry of pain left your lips. 

Tanjiro panicked, realizing you suffered another gashing wound to your thigh. The angry civilian from before just had his hand sliced clean off. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself, “Sir, you’re going to survive this… but your arm you need to stop the bleeding.” 

Blood dripped from his own wound. 

The demon smiled in triumph and walked away, her heels tapping against the rooftop. Tanjiro gripped the hilt of his sword until his knuckles turned white. 

“Get back here. I won’t let you get away with this! Not after what you just did!”

The Upper Rank stopped and looked over her shoulder, “What’s wrong? You still have something to say? Your efforts are useless and you’re hideous. There’s no reason to let ugly people like yourself live, so do us a favor and die alongside them.” 

Her words are like salt to an open wound.

Tanjiro feels his entire body light in flames.

His heart pounds in his ears. 

His veins throb and his eyes bleed.

Tears of blood flowed down his cheeks.

And… Tanjiro fights. 

---

After controlling your breathing, you were finally able to stop the bleeding on your thigh though your head still throbbed. You were certain you had a massive concussion. The overwhelming pain and discomfort was enough to make you understand it so. It didn’t matter if you did suffer injuries. It didn’t matter if you were halfway to deaths doorstep if you didn’t stop now. 

You were going to fight. 

Sluggishly, you stood up. Your legs trembled and your hair fell down your shoulders as you struggled to walk at first. Just breathe. Just breathe. I can do this. My comrades are out there fighting with everything they’ve got… I’m not gonna sit back and do nothing. That damned demon’s belt softens at the slightest chance of getting beheaded… only I can make it harden enough to slice… I have to go.

It felt like your brain was turning to mush, but you pushed through and walked forward. 

“[Name]..?!” Tanjiro gawked. He had just tucked Nezuko into her box again. Nezuko had somehow went berserk while he was passed out. Thankfully, he managed to calm her down, but he didn’t expect to you to be standing with your sword at the ready. “You-You should stay back. Your wounds—“

“Don’t worry about me. I can barely feel anything. You look a lot worse than me either way. Maybe, you should stay back.” You remarked with a tired smile and flicked his forehead. “Sorry for scaring you earlier. I won’t fail to kill her next time.” 

Tanjiro froze.

He saw you and his heart stopped.

You looked as if much more stronger than before. Icy white hair flowed behind your shoulders and the silver haori you always wore was painted red with your blood. And your eyes… they were molten fire. Without so much a a word, you vanished in a flash—only a sprinkle of snowflakes left in your wake. 

He snapped back into action and followed your lead. He shouldn’t have been surprised to see you already a few feet away from him, jumping through the midnight sky, leaving a glimpse of snowy hair for him to catch sight of. He should’ve smiled if it weren’t for the overwhelming scent of demon blood.

Uzui. Inosuke. Zenitsu. 

He could smell them all together in the House he was forced to leave to put Nezuko in her box. He jumped through the air, close behind your fleeting body. 

In a minute, the two of you barge through the obliterated walls of the House. 

Tanjiro landed before Uzui, crouched with his sword in hand. You flawlessly hit the ground beside him with your own gleaming icy sword. Your piercing eyes glaring at the two demons on the other side.

Both of them wielding the same letters in their eyes.

Upper Six. 

“Oh, look. She’s even uglier than before…” you mocked when you saw the Belt Demon that slighted you earlier. Her eyes were wide in shock when she saw you, still standing. “What’s with that look? Cat got your tongue?” 

She growled, “You damned—“

You clenched your jaw, sneering, “Careful.” 

The temperature dropped. 

“I’m pissed as it is. Piss me off any further, I can’t promise you a quick painless death.” You finished, icily. 

The skeleton of a demon with shaggy green hair eyes darkened, “You’ve got some nerve talking to my little sister like that.”

Your eyes flickered over to him. Your expression was unreadable as you stared him down. He had a much more ominous presence than the female demon. Sister? So they’re siblings. How unfortunate. 

“Haha! What a flashy entrance!” Uzui laughed, openly, “As expected of my comrades!”

Tanjiro curled his hand on the hilt, his breathing ragged, his left hand was wrapped around the hilt of his sword with a cloth. He had barely any strength in it after getting his shoulder sliced earlier. I’m shaking… is it because I’m exhausted… or is it I’m afraid? It doesn’t matter because either way… no matter how strong they are… 

“We’ll win! ‘Cause we’re Demon Slayer Corps!” Uzui declared with a bright grin on his bloodied and purplish face. 

“Yeah right! Fat chance! Not when your only hope to win is being ravaged by poison!” The Belt Demon shouted angrily.

Poison? You didn’t even flinch at the startling revelation. So they must have demonic poison on their side… this may be tricker than I thought. 

“Does it look like I care?! You idiots! I’m at the top of my game when I got a little poison in my system!” Uzui boasted with a proud grin.

”Drop the act already!” 

“It’s no act! You just underestimate humans! All four of these kids are my brilliant Tsuguko! They have relentless grit! And they’ll fight even if their limbs fall off! Not to mention, I’ve already figured out how to kill you! And that’s to behead the both of you simultaneously! Am I right?!” Uzui analyzed. You quickly understood. I see now… “That’s why you don’t absorb your sister completely… keeping your talents separate makes you harder to kill. Haha! This will be easy-peasy!”

Inosuke laughed monstrously, “It’s as simple as that, isn’t it?! Then we’ve already won, haven’t we?!” 

“You say that… but the Hashira who came before you didn’t find that task simple. That’s fifteen for me and seven for my sister.. that’s how many we’ve devoured.” The slimy green haired demon seethed maniacally.

”You heard him! Not a single one of those fools even lived to see daybreak! After all, we’ve always got the long nights on our side. Your deaths are inevitable so just die—!” 

She swung out a handful of her belts.

Zenitsu breathed.

You shifted in your spot. 

The entire place brightened. A stroke of lightning struck. Thunder rumbled. Zenitsu dragged the demon out of the building in a single move. Snow followed behind it and bitter winds blew. 

“Zenitsu!” Tanjiro screamed, eyes wide, “[Name]!”

Inosuke yelled, “Leave that Worm Lady to me, Snowflake and Mr. Sleepyhead! You two focus on taking down the praying-mantis-lookin’ guy!” 

The praying-mantis-lookin’ guy, as Inosuke called him, smiled mercilessly and his words caused shivers to run down Tanjiro’s spine: 

”I’m not about to let you kill my sister.”