𓆩♡𓆪 brought to you by : 𝙢𝙚𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙙 and co.

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// your POV //

ʚɞ

It had been about six weeks since Kira began her training, and I had to admit, she'd exceeded my expectations. When I first took her under my wing, I had my doubts—she was brash, impulsive, and seemed to lack discipline. But now? She had shown incredible growth. With time, I was confident she would become a remarkable Spirit Pillar once I stepped down.

The thought of retirement was bittersweet. I loved my role as a Hashira. Protecting others, bringing hope to the fearful, and making the world a safer place had always been my purpose. But I couldn't ignore the truth: my time was limited. My illness was worsening, creeping closer to the point where even Shinobu's medicine would no longer help.

Still, I couldn't let anyone know. Not Kira, not Mai, and certainly not Tengen. They had enough to worry about without carrying my burden.

// kira's POV //

"MAI!"

I yelled again, my voice ringing through the corridors. No answer.

"MAIIII!"

Still nothing. Seriously, what was his deal? It was like I'd stolen his favorite toy or something. Lady Y/n was nothing like him—kind, patient, and understanding. Mai, on the other hand? A constant enigma of uptight behavior.

"MAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!"

Finally, his voice cut through the silence.

"What is it now?" he snapped, stomping into the room.

I smirked, crossing my arms. "Lady Y/n wants to see you."

His face flushed a deep red. Every time Lady Y/n so much as mentioned his name, he reacted like a lovestruck fool. It was gross and adorable in equal measure.

"L-Lady Y/n?" he stammered. "Why didn't you say so sooner?!"

Before I could respond, he bolted down the hallway like his life depended on it. Honestly, it might as well have—Mai acted like every mistake around Lady Y/n was a catastrophe.

// mai's POV //

I rushed toward Lady Y/n's study, panic flooding my chest. I couldn't believe I'd ignored her call. What kind of pathetic excuse for a disciple was I? She was probably going to reprimand me—or worse, dismiss me entirely.

"Mai."

Her soft voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned to see her standing in the hallway, her serene presence easing some of my anxiety.

"Y-Yes, Lady Y/n," I stammered, bowing so deeply I nearly toppled over.

She chuckled, the sound like a melody, and gave me one of her radiant smiles. "Why don't we head to my study?"

"Yes, of course!" I followed close behind, mentally berating myself for being so clumsy.

Inside her study, I marveled at the room's beauty. Every detail, from the arrangement of the books to the carefully chosen decorations, reflected her impeccable taste.

"Mai," she said, interrupting my thoughts. "Are you daydreaming again?"

"N-No!" I blurted, rubbing the back of my neck. "I was just admiring your... uh... your office!"

She smiled knowingly, then pulled out a sheet of parchment and a quill.

"I need your help writing a letter to Tengen. Think you can do that for me?"

My heart swelled at her request. She trusted me with something so important? I would give it my all.

"Of course, Lady Y/n. What would you like me to write?"

// kira's POV //

Lady Y/n had been in her study with Mai all day. While she was a Hashira and had her responsibilities, I needed to train. How else was I supposed to become a great demon slayer?

As if on cue, the door opened, and Mai walked out.

"Finally," I muttered, pushing past him.

"Oof—what's your problem?" he grumbled.

"I want to see Lady Y/n," I said simply.

"You can't," he shot back. "She's busy."

"I need to train!"

"Well, you can't!"

Before I could argue further, he grabbed my arm and dragged me outside. His strength surprised me—it was easy to forget how capable he was beneath all the whining.

"Hey! Let me go!" I protested, trying to pull free.

"Will you shut up?!"

His sudden outburst caught me off guard. He let go of my arm, his expression dark and distant.

"Please," he said quietly. "Leave Lady Y/n alone today."

I frowned. "Why? What's going on?"

He hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. "She asked me not to tell you."

My chest tightened. Something was wrong. I grabbed his hand, forcing him to look at me.

"Mai, if something's wrong with Lady Y/n, you have to tell me. We need her. I need her."

He looked torn, his lips trembling as if holding back a flood of emotions. Finally, he sighed.

"Lady Y/n is... she's sick," he admitted. "And she doesn't have much time."

The words hit me like a blade to the heart. "You don't mean that," I whispered, shaking my head.

"Kira, I'm telling the truth—"

"YOU DON'T MEAN THAT!"

I shoved him against the wall and ran, tears streaming down my face. I didn't know where I was going, but I needed to do something. Lady Y/n was everything to me, and I couldn't lose her.

// tengen's POV //

I had been tasked with a simple mission: tracking a demon in a sprawling garden. Hardly the flashy work I deserved, but it was better than nothing.

"LORD TENGEN! LORD TENGEN! I HAVE A LETTER!"

I glanced up to see my crow descending toward me, squawking obnoxiously.

"Finally," I muttered, snatching the parchment from its foot.

The message was written in Lady Y/n's elegant hand. As I read, my heart sank:

Dear Tengen,

I'm sorry to write this instead of speaking to you in person. My work and training have kept me busy, but this is something I need to tell you.

For years, I've been fighting a sickness that I can no longer ignore. Shinobu's medicine has slowed its progress, but the effects are fading.

I need you to forget about me.

This is the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but I can't let my illness hold you back. You, Suma, Makio, and Hinatsuru deserve to live your lives fully and happily.

Being your wife has been the greatest joy of my life. I will always treasure the adventures we shared and the love we built.

I love you, Tengen.

Y/n

The letter slipped from my hands.

"Forget her?" I whispered. "Never."

Without another thought, I bolted toward Lady Y/n's mansion.

I wouldn't lose her. Not now, not ever.

// word count : 1004 //

this chapter has been edited from the previous one