~*~

A WEEK LATER - WATERFALLS

"That's it, there you go!" 

The misty waters tickles my skin while I kept my eyes focused on my brother, as we both sparred upon the boulders that centred the river. Diving my blade towards him, he swivels around before appearing behind me in an instant. Sharply I flick my hair to the side, as I raise my arm blocking a blow from him.

"Nice,"

Sensing himself disappearing from behind me, I try to anticipate his next plan of attack. However my foot almost slips from the slippery boulder, but I adjust my position while keeping my mind clear.

A clear shot, but how? I can't......wait, he's...there!

 Gripping my blade indifferently I block another back attack, without having to turn around. Our wooden blades clash together, before it bounces back. Turning around we both began going head on, blades almost at each other's throat, while also trying to blend with the water around us.

My movements have become sharper, and more in sync with myself than being a stick in the mud. Hard to even keep myself balanced, I worked so hard within a week and this is my progress so far. 

My eyes flicker down to his knees, seeing he was focusing harder on my topper half that left him open. Taking my chance, I bend down in a blink of an eye and knocked his feet from under him. Within moments he emerges into the waters with a heavy splash, along with his wooden blade to fly out to the riverbed.

Covering my my mouth trying to stifle my laughter, I just couldn't contain it.

"Hahahaha, two out of three!!!!!" I smile widely, while holding two fingers to his soaked form. His hair sunk further down, cover his eyes while his pants were definitely drenched to the bone.

Pursing his lips together, a stream of water escapes his mouth with a frown.

"Yeah, yeah........laugh it off," He soon chuckles, not even having the heart to be angry with my improvement. He wanted to win himself, but this was only teaching and training to become the next Water Dragon Pillar or just Dragon Pillar to shorten it. 

Standing up he ruffles his shaggy hair, purposely trying to flick me before heading to the riverside. 

"Alright, now what's next?" he tries to wring the excess water in his pants, having no shirt on remembering that could his ass into the water too. 

Jumping back to the side with him I roll my shoulders back, as a deep exhale leaves my lips with exhaustion. I've been training extra hours, late at night that I kind of overexerted myself. However, I wanted to adjust my techniques to allow my body to be accustomed, and familiarised with whatever he teaches me. Little by little, I've gained control of my breathing techniques to steady myself.

"You know, we should try working on flexibility," I suggest loudly, while stretching my aching arms. Rotating my waist in the opposite direction, my eyes flicker back to see him looking rather troubled. "Ryuji?"

"........"

"Ryuji?!"

He snaps out of his troubled daze, "Hmm? Sorry, what did you say?"

Shaking my head I rake my fingers through my short locks, wringing it dryly while giving him a smile of assurance.

"Everything okay? You've been kind of off, lately?" I ask, my hands drift to my sides while studying his face. Not once did his emotions change, but soon he clears his throat following with a big chuckle.

"Man, seriously.....your progress has adapted quite quickly," he admits, with words of declaration. His silver eyes met mine, "You're proving him wrong, you know that?"

Knowing whom he was referring too, my head lowers slightly just mentioning him. It's been a while since we even mentioned home, or even father. 

Brushing away the thought of it, I bend down stretching my legs side to side feeling pins and needles settling in the base of my feet. Uncomfortable about it, Ryuji also begins to do some stretches. We both stare at each other trying to hold in our laughter, as he grimaces to how low he tries to stretch.

"I.....can do it," he chokes out, while trying to do the stretches I was flexibly doing. "Just.....watch me......"

I arch an eyebrow, "Looks like someone forgets to do their morning stretches," teasing lightly, I grab the base of my foot and lower my whole front down, feeling the blood rushing smoothly down to my head.

"Look like someone forgets to do their morning stretches," He mimics, with a childish voice before shooting me a glare. "Sure, but you also can't lift weights like me!"

Shifting my head back up, I gave him a deadpanned look.

"Really? I've been at this for a week, cut me some slack," I laugh softly, while rolls his eyes playfully before I hear flapping up above.

~Caw! Pillar Meeting! Caw! Urgent Meeting!~

Ryuji lifts his head, "A meeting, hmmm?" he spoke, with confusion. "Wonder, what this one is about then?"

Flickering up and back to my brother, he begins to collect his things. Throwing his shirt back on, he slowly buttons his shirt up. With a questioning look, it seems rather urgent than before which didn't sound all too good. Throwing his faux fur collar around his shoulders, he picks his blade up and tucks it on his side with a gentle 'click'.

"Guess you'll have to just head back to my compound," he sighs deeply, while adjusting his haori comfortably. "Make some dinner, and make sure you rest early, okay?"

He starts to take his leave while passing by me, ruffling my hair with a smile.

"How long do you think?"

"Hmm.....don't know, depends on the urgent news," he shrugs his shoulder, but something was troubling him. He has been awfully quiet today, and the way his face contorts subtly with an unsettling expression left me worried. "Now take care, and get back to my place safely."

Hesitant to even ask if he was alright, I soon give in to defeat even asking and left it alone for another day. 

He's a pillar, and he's got other responsibilities than myself right now.

"Take care!!!!!" I wave, while he soon disappears through the forest. A few moments go by, before my hand drifts down while the afternoon air grew quiet. Only the sounds of the waterfalls crashing down down below, that was tranquil and soothing. Though, my body felt exhausted and my eyes felt heavier.

My stomach rumbles softly, causing me to grimace.

"I need to keep training," I mumble to myself, refusing to let the day go by just like that. Picking up where I left off, all I could think about was what the Pillar meeting was about. They didn't do many meetings, but only in about once in a year sought of thing. 

Hope everything is alright on their end, right?

~*~

AT THE UBUYASHIKI COMPOUND ~ (Ryuji's POV:)

"I'm sorry, I had to send you all here," Kagaya apologises greatly, while we all knelt before him with our attention upon our master.

"No, master.....no need to apologise," Kanae exclaims, waving her hand delicately with a warm closed eye smile.

There was a knowing tension filling the room, as the lingering question was left hanging around the air. Each Pillar's eyes glance around wondering if they knew something, when master clears his throat weakly.

"A new demon was born," He informs, with a firmness in his voice. "Gathering from reports, this demon was only discovered a few years back. However.........gathering the occurrences happening lately, this demon has the strength of a kizuki. Many young slayers have been devoured, so I'm warning you all to keep an eye out for the demon in your remaining given territories to cover."

"Master, if I may ask?" I raise a hand, while he nods for me to continue. "Should we organise at least one of us, to take it down....or?"

"Well of course we must exterminate, and end all the kizuki," He began, but sighs heavily with discontent. "However, I want you all to take precaution...."

"Wouldn't it be difficult, seen we can't find any of the twelve kizuki?" I question, my hands gripping the hem of my haori upon my lap. "I mean, we haven't seen a single Kizuki.....not one currently."

A heavy intensive pause left everyone silent, knowing full well that most of us hasn't been face to face with a kizuki in years. It left most of the strong to wait, but they always tend to target the weakest demon slayers of the corps. It irritated me, and it concerned me knowing Hayami was only a beginner of the demon slayer corps. 

So she's a target, which left a sick feeling settling in my stomach.

"Tch, just stay away from the damn Kizuki," Rengoku clicks his teeth, bitterly with uninterested demeanor in his eyes. Glaring towards the old man, Shinjuro Rengoku; a soft hand rests upon my hand making me turn to see Kanae smiling tenderly into my eyes. "What's the point, if they keep avoiding us? I mean, they're wasting our ti--"

"I beg to differ," I cut him off, brows furrowed together with a scolding expression. "They're not avoiding us, but they're finding a way to take out the weak points of the demon slayer corps. Which also means, they're gonna keep devouring innocent lives to gain strength to take each of us down--"

"Did I ask for your damn explanation?" Rengoku snaps, teeth grinding together enraged. "No, so shut up!--"

"Enough, Rengoku," Tengen sighs heavily, while closing his eyes calmly. "Seriously, why can't you just keep your mouth shut.......you're more flashy that way."

His eyes widen with offense, "How dare--"

"Rengoku," Master's voice calls, only softly which causes the old man to shut his mouth instantly as if put in a trance. He was finally back in his place, while I heavily sigh feeling myself getting a little on edge about my little sister. 

She's alone right now, and my chest tightens with worry for her. I know she's strong, but what if she runs into the high level demons? 

"Ryuji, you may continue," 

Nodding I clear my dry throat, as if my body went cold with worry. 

"Gathering that the Swordsmith village is also secure by location, we need our blades," I continue on. "Same applies for us, but that being said.....if even a mishap occurs, no blades will able to provide the protection we need. All in all, we must also protect the young slayers that are still not at Pillar level."

Everyone was in deep thought by my reasoning, especially seen it's been a while since we've discussed in switching locations for the swordsmiths. They are our leverage, and hope in fighting on continuously. Especially seen without them, we would nothing but demon fodder and weak.

"Hmm......he does have a point," Himejima hums, with agreement with a wavering tone. "Demon attacks have been running more rampant than usual, too."

The sound Hashira slams his fist against his palm, with resolution flickering behind his magenta eyes.

"Well then, we should eradicate those demons twice as flashy, I'd say!!!!" Tengen declares loudly, while I notice Kanae was rather on board with my explanation. Her beautiful lavender eyes meet mine, as my cheeks slightly burn sharing a warm smile.

Soon my eyes rest upon the thunder Pillar, Jigoro, seeing him rather patiently quiet. Hands tucked into his sleeves, his eyes were closed, while listening to the conversation. He was the oldest of the Demon Corps, who has been trying to find a Tsuguko to take his place. Currently I've heard he's training a young, over confident boy which made me not keen to find out who he was.

After debriefing with the rest of the meeting, the night grew later and finally it came to a close.

~*~

"You sure? I can walk you back to the butterfly mansion," I ask her, but she chuckles softly that made my heart pound.

"I'm fine, besides.......Hayami is alone," She points out, when she took my hands pressing a soft kiss upon my knuckles. Her lavender eyes peer through her lashes, "Best to keep her safe, she's all you've got you know...?"

Chuckling under my breathe I nod, "Yeah, I know.........."

I still worry for Hayami's life, especially seen she's finally out in the real world doing the most dangerous task she could ever choose....

Coming to a halt she turns around with her eyelashes flickering up to meet my eyes, seeing how purely and delicate she was. "The meeting wasn't anything new, but right now all we can do is try our best to keep even the younger slayers safe as well..." she spoke softly, with every word sincerely being addressed. "I'll see you, when I see.....okay?"

Pursing her lips together in a small smile, I took her hand shyly.

"Speaking like a real slayer," bring her hand up, pressing a soft kiss to knuckles. "Be safe, will you? Also..." pausing for a moment, trying to gather the courage there and then. My ears were warming up, while my heart quickens a little faster. "....I was wondering, if you wanted to have lunch together.......not as comrades."

A surprised expression dawns upon her flawless face, before a warm smile curls upon her lips.

"That sounds nice, I would love too," She replies, which left me feeling more relieved than I was expecting it to play out. There was something there, and I could she knew as well. There wasn't much romance in the Demon Slayer Corps, but when I joined a few years ago....I wasn't expecting to fall for such a girl.

She's like a soft gentle angel......

~*~

The soft pebbles shuffle beneath my steps reaching the verandah to my estate, quietly walking up the steps before taking my sandals off. The sound of the rushing river nearby, hearing an owl not far from where I stood from a reasonable distance. Everything felt remedying, allowing me to relax knowing that there was no trace of demons around.

Walking along the engawa outside the building, I soon reach the fusuma doors that was left slightly ajar with light streaming through, dimly.

"Hmm.......must still be up," Pushing the door to the side gently, I glance out the door for a moment. "I'm back, sorry I took lon--"

Turning my head as I closed the doors behind me, I pause halting in my steps. Slowly I chuckle quietly, hearing her soft snores in the quiet room. She was curled on her side, arm around her blade loosely, whilst the Irori (The fire in the centre of the room) was almost out. Shaking my head with a smile, I felt more relieved that nothing has happened to her.

I actually thought she wouldn't be here, but no matter, she's here safe and sound.

Quietly my padded feet tip toe to the side of the room and grabbed both my futon and the spare one, laying them out comfortably. Padding them down, I place our pillows down and making sure her's was comfortable enough. Judging by Sensei Akihiro's words of concern, it seems Hayami has a habit in doing missions constantly, without much as a single stop to rest.

Standing up I glance down to hear murmuring in her sleep, her grip tightening around her blade.

Making my way over to her I knelt down and gently slide my arms under her arms, and knees before adjusting her while taking away her blade. Carefully I stood up with my strength, which wasn't much and slowly made my way back to her futon beside mine. With ease I rest my knee against the plush blanket, and slide her inside and tucked the blanket just below her chin.

A small whimper follows, her brows creased with fear but soon relaxes seconds later.

She soon curls to her side and continues to sleep, allowing me to clean myself up. Heading to the kitchen I rub my face exhaustedly, feeling my shoulders tense up. Deeply exhaling, I think about the meeting that we were called to just now. With more stronger demons rising in the ranks, or a lower moon or Upper moon, my anxiety began to grow. Although I knew Hayami has become stronger, she wasn't entirely strong enough to take down any of the upper demons just yet.

I wanted to train her more, until I'm confident in her abilities.

~Knock~Knock~

Furrowing my eyebrows in confusion I quickly and quietly head to the doors, before that person could wake my sister. Opening the doors, there stood the new Water Pillar standing outside.

"Tomioka? I assume something's up?"

The young teen simply nods, "Yes, we were assigned together on such short notice," he replies, informing me of a mission.

Though he looked unpleasantly welcoming, my childhood friend was the only true friend I had since growing up. He wasn't well liked within the corps, but he didn't need to know that. Clearly he does have a warm heart, wanting to protect many lives as possible.

"Alright, guess I have to write her a note about my disappearance," muttering to myself with irritation, I invite him inside to warm up for the time being. "Just be quiet, Hayami hasn't slept much and finally she's getting the rest she needs."

Giyuu's gaze trails to my sister, nonchalantly keeping himself quiet.

"Okay,"

Grabbing my nichirin blade at the door tucking in my belt, before rummaging quiet across my desk for paper and my brush. Though I hardly write and do paperwork, which was such a drag to me, I still needed in case for any emergency's. Kneeling down I dip my brush into the ink, and began writing her a short but quick message slowly and neatly.

Hate for her to read messy and smudged writing, as she used to scold me for my bad handwriting. 

While doing so I noticed Giyuu was staring upon Hayami's sleeping form, "Why can't she sleep?"

"Hmm?"

The Water pillar turns to me, "I don't know to be honest, and she's becoming more closed off since we were just kids," lifting my brush, not wanting it to soak further into the crisp white paper. Cleaning the brush quickly, I laid it to the side and grabbed the letter before heading to the Futons. Placing it beside her quietly, I took my futon and folded it back up, settling it back in the corner.

"We must go now, it's within a few miles from here," Giyuu stood up from his knees, and headed outside.

"Right, let's get going," quietly rushing outside, I close the doors behind me and threw my fur collar haori around my broad shoulders. Slipping my sandals on, we both quickly began heading to the main location that was given. Though it was short noticed, I was full prepared.

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