~*~

A WEEK LATER

"So what's the deal?......"

He bites into his Ohagi, his eyes glancing over. "I went to see ya at your brother's estate......you don't live there now it seems...." finishing the small sweet, leaning his elbow on the table impolitely. ".....what happened, what's the reason?"

Drinking my green tea slowly, I almost choke in response to his question.

"Oh, well......I decided to....um...." tapping my fingers around the cup, the warmth being absorbed into my cold fingertips. ".....to stay at the butterfly mansion, and do some self practicing. You know, self-care........"

He eyes me skeptically for a few seconds, before sighing deeply with relief.

"Thought something happened," He narrows his eyes, with a gentle scoff. It was like he knew something, that I was completely unaware of. "Well, at least your under the butterfly mansions care. Best place to be, I guess........" taking another piece of Ohagi. "....is...Kocho taking good care of you, or ya giving her trouble?"

"Huh? I'm not, I make sure to aid her in my spare time!" I exclaim, feeling flustered by his sudden accusation. "Honest! Besides........I think she needs the company, after what happened," my eyes lowers in remembrance. "I can't imagine what she's going through, so I shouldn't complain."

"Tch, I'm messing with you..." He scoffs, before another pot of green tea was placed upon the tatami round table. Thanking the old man, I went to pour some more when Sanemi beats me to it. With a subtle pout I lean back, "......seriously though, what was the real reason...?" while pouring more tea in my cup.

My chest felt tight and heavy, "There's no other reason--"

"Cut the bullshit," He lowers his voice, to not disturb the customers around us. "When you lie, you fidget your fingers in a certain pattern......and your eyes remain narrowed.....so I'm not repeating myself...."

Taking a deep breath in, my hand finds it difficult to hold my tea cup.

"My.........big brother kicked me out," I admit quietly, my throat tightening. The silence was killing me on the inside, but right I didn't want to meet his eyes. He's pissed, and I don't understand why he is. "We had an argument, and--"

"He fucking what?" his voice was surprisingly quiet, but his knuckles were white from his grip around the cup, that it shatters.

My eyes widen in surprise as I meet his fierce gaze, staring into nothing with an intense look. Blood drips from his hand, but he doesn't flinch nor grimace in response to the pain. Soon one of the people that served us rushes over replacing the cup, quickly asking him if he's okay. He doesn't say a word, while I assure them it was accidental. It wasn't.

"What else did he say?" He calmly spoke, but his tone shifts to a more menacing undertone. His eyes finally flicker with the same piercing gaze, when they soften meeting mine. "He's your damn brother! He can't just--"

"I'm fine, I'm okay........" I assure him, but he shook his head and downs his tea instead. Wiping his mouth he grimaces with a deep exhale; running a hand through his disheveled hair over his eyes. ".....maybe it was for the best, I need to work things out on my own."

"Fucking dammit, you're lying again," He curses beneath his hot breath, with steam seething through his teeth with inner rage. "That explains the bruise, why Kocho insists that I stay away from him....why didn't I think about it? Oh Masachika, please give me strength....."

Biting into some strawberry mochi, my thoughts were invaded by the events that took place two weeks ago.

"Well anyway, it's done......" I state simply, swallowing my bite. ".....besides he's a Hashira, he's beyond my power to argue further. He's not the Ryuji I knew, and that's, that."

He was in confusion, "Not.........himself you say?" leaning towards me, elbows on the table again immodestly. He scoffs dryly biting into his Ohagi, "I'd say he's been a total ass this whole time, so I'm not listening to you. Whoever fucking touches you........hurts you, I don't care if he's your brother, they'll answer to me. Masachika put that much on my shoulders, and I'll fulfil that wish....."

My eyes widen with my cheeks glowing red, surprised by this as he grumbles beneath his breath with more cursing.

Soon I couldn't help feel this warmth easing the tightness in my chest, before I begin to laugh softly in response. He turns in my direction surprise, "What? What the hell did I say?!"

Shaking my head, "It's nothing, just like how you get worked up all the time over minor things," dismissing his questions, lifting the tea to my lips. Sipping the tea, I felt the sweetness brighten my tastebuds more clearly.

"Tch," he glances away, with a scowl. "Shut up, let me speak what i want. Doesn't mean I care that much......!"

Rolling my eyes playfully, "Yes, Lord Sanemi, as you wish," glancing away as I sip my tea, enjoying the bitter sweet company I have. It was more than I could wish for, and even Masachika would be proud of him no matter the circumstances.

They were brothers, for life.

~*~

"This is where we part ways," turning to Sanemi, bowing to him. "Thanks for shouting for me today, it means alot....."

He looks away with a sheepish look, "It's fine, I get more earnings now I'm Hashira," he replies roughly, before glancing back to me. "By the way, where are you going exactly? It seems rather far from the Butterfly mansion...."

"I'm visiting an old teacher of mine," I reply; not being a secret of mine anyway. "He's......my--"

One thing Sanemi doesn't know about my past, was of the massacre that took place when I was only seven. It was years ago, like water under the bridge and left flowing out of my memory. Yet, it remained so vivid that the memory was a trauma, that would bring back haunting nightmares following behind. My regrets.

"Huh?"

".....he's just Ryuji and I's teacher," admitting somewhat the truth, not wanting to explain my story just yet. It would be too much to explain, but he seems rather nonchalant by my answer.

"Alright," he simply nods, with a shift of his haori in the light breeze. Turning around, "Just don't get, dumbass.......alright?"

Waving my hand dismissively, "Yeah, yeah......I understanding," playfully rolling my eyes, a small smile curls upon my lips before making my way up the mountain.

~*~

"It's been a while my student,"

Akihiro knelt down, with some small snacks placing them on the verandah. Despite his old age, he had the energy of a child which doesn't surprise me very much. Taking a seat casually, I felt much comfortable knowing this isn't some formal reunion.

He lets out a deep exhale, "What's it been? About....two years?" he pours some tea, with his usually warm wise expression. "Geez, I swear time flies by when your nights become busier......demons have increased by at least a hundred...they just keep coming...." he rambles on, before pausing. "....sorry, just been a busy myself."

Arching my brow in curiosity, "Busy? You? Haven't you retired in the mountain, where you trained me?" with a small teasing smile. "It's a nice spot, away from the chaos around the Urban areas......"

"Well, you know me...." He chuckles, running his fingers through his salt n peppery hair. Scratching his stubble chin, "....I've been investigating, in one of the local rural towns. About your family....."

"My family? Is this why you've requested me today?" Placing my tea down, shifting my attention attentively on him. "You know you shouldn't need too, besides our families massacre investigation was only scratched across the surface. Those local authorities weren't even as eager to dig deeper, but maybe it was for the best........."

Lower my eyes for a moment, I take a bite of the daifuku feeling the sweetness taking away the bitterness I felt.

"Hayami, only the Demon Slayer Corps and anyone in ties shall know," Akihiro places a warm hand upon my shoulder, with a gentle squeeze. His warm expression eases me a little. "Have you opened up to anyone about it? Does anyone else know...?"

For a moment I hesitated, my fingertip lightly trails around the rim of the cup. Shaking my head, "A few do, but.....it's something I'm scared to admit," my eyes trail to the mountains in view, feeling the warm sun reach noon. "Anyway, may I ask........you wished to see me. How come not Ryuji?"

His face soon contorts subtly with sheepish look, "He's already on top of the history," he affirms gruffly, scratching hi stubble chin again. His head perks up in interest, "But, he was always in many scrolls and books when he was younger......he learned quickly. However, this story feels more like it would give you some benefit.........a purpose if you will...."

"Purpose? But isn't history meant to stay in the past?" taking another bite into the sweet Daifuku, my brows pinch together in curiosity.

He chuckles and nods, "Well yes, but......thanks to paintings and years of practice...." he pulls out a scroll, or more of a painting. An heirloom for safe keeping. Passing it to me with great care, I hesitantly take the old bamboo material scroll. ".....thanks to this, I've noticed subtle similarities to the first chieftess...."

"Chieftess?"

Curiously, I unroll the painting and soon my eyes fall upon a woman; though it's a bit smudged and four hundred years old to exactly see clearly, she was not much older than in her twenties. Her hair was raven black exactly like my father's, though the colours have faded over time, she has azure eyes. Her expression so gentle, wise, and very amicable; I assume she was well respected in her time.

"Were the times as gracious to her, than of now?" I assume, glancing up to my teacher. "I mean, if this is roughly four-hundred years old.......it would be about the time of--"

"The Sengoku Period, the golden age of the Demon Slayers," He nods his head, confirming my notions about the time. "The time when Demon Slayer marks appeared, a time where a woman made a difference from her time. She made a name for herself, but...." his eyes darken for a moment. "....the men within the Mizutsuki clan, were prejudice and were about inequality."

Scoffing I roll my eyes, "There it is again, always dividing genders....." my jaw tightens, before glancing back at the woman. My fingertips trails along the jawline, taking every detail that stood out before landing upon a small waning crescent moon. A birthmark; the same as mine.

".....answering your question before, she......" he was hesitant, making me sit there waiting for him to continue. His eyes held an emotion that was troubling, before a sigh drifts from his lips, "....she was respected, yes. However, it caused a family disputation. I don't know much, but judging by her journal........she said she never regretted joining the Demon Slayer Corps in her father's place."

My eyes glows in response, my heart pounding; eager to know what she was like.

He then glances over to my blade, "You know......when you received your blade, I assumed it would be the same as your brothers," he admits, with a chuckle. "It seems you have the same ore, that your ancestor wielded.....written in her journal, she said she wielded a blade, that was azure. A beautiful shade of blue........it symbolises serenity, loyalty and honour....it fits you."

With a playful scoff, "Come on.....have you met me? I'm not calm, I have flaws," my voice grows quiet, unsure of myself. This was the point of my visit, to figure who I am as a person. "Maybe the ore made a mistake, I accidentally chose the wrong one........." the I gasp, clicking my fingers together in realisation. "....maybe that's why my attacks haven't been efficient enough!"

A deep chuckle reaches my ears seeing him clutching his chest, "You know...........you have a lot of self doubt," he wipes a stray tear, from his laughter. He smirks, "But, the blade is never wrong, it's always been right. There are no accidents, yet no coincidences either when it's right in front of you. All answers are with you, and your ancestors journal....."

With a small pout, I puff my cheeks out. "I swear your age is catching up to you; retirement is looking good on you," I remark, which sparks another chuckle from the old man. Rolling up the scroll painting carefully, I place it down gently before taking the teapot and pours a fresh warm cup of green tea.

"Your just like Ryuji, that's for sure," He chuckles, bringing the sweet daifuku to his mouth and eats it with a savouring bite. "Always sarcastic, when he wanted to skip past about the truth. I guess it's just natural......." he muffles with food still in his mouth, before swallowing. ".....actually, how is Ryuji? Haven't seen him since.....about six months ago, do you get to see him much?"

My skin crawls and my heart felt heavy, before stuffing another sweet into my mouth to let the question linger a bit more. He seems to notice my change of behaviour, causing the old man to furrow his eyebrows in perplexity.

"What? Did I miss something?" He sips his tea, with a relaxed posture. Remaining quiet, my lips purse together. He becomes a little troubled by sudden silence. "Come on, Hayami.......I know you two used to be stuck at the hip as kids. Well, you're still children......but you get what I mean. So, mind te--"

Averting my eyes, "He's......just devastated, after his girlfriend was murdered," I spoke up, my voice slightly shaky. "She was the flower Hashira, loved by all. Her death really impacted him more than I thought, and soon led to a dispute. He distinctly kicked me out of his estate, no longer wanting--" pausing for a moment, a lump forms in my throat. "...not wanting to see me again.......there's more to it, but it concerns me......when he's acting like father."

Akihiro was confused mixed with disappointment, "Like your father? What do you mean?" he questions. "Your father was a great man, he was always headstrong and maybe had a mind of his own. Seriously, I don't--"

"You don't know what he's done......" turning my face towards the mountains, the sun shining down through the trees. "......to Yui and I. He may of been a man of honour to others, but to the women........he was just like those you mention, to my ancestor. Narrow-minded and prejudice, he believe women's importance is behind doors creating the next generation. Though he was a man of integrity, it was enough to convince the rest of the men to agree. He would even try beating the information into my head, til the pain reminds me of my place...."

Tears lightly stung the corners of my eyes, before wiping them away.

"........Mother tolerated him, because she saw more beyond his strong morals and his rules; No woman is allowed to wield a sword"

The moment I turn back to my teacher, I saw him growling lowly; rolling his sleeves up as he was ready to fight.

"I thought I taught that boy better than to disrespect women!!!" hearing him sounding like a parent, scolding their son. He slams his fist against his palm with aggression, "My apologies, I should've been harsher with his training and burn it into his skull....but nope. I had to be the kind teacher--"

I take his hand, "Sensei......it's fine, really....." I assure him, seeing him getting pent up with disappointment and regret. "......he's no longer here, which means I'm free.....so that should mean something."

He sighs, "But Hayami.........are you really free?" he questions steadily, his gravel voice softening. "Are you really okay, allowing him to control you when he passed and history? I know it hurts, it very much hurts to be beaten.....the one person who you thought would protect you. You never deserved this, my child," he lifts his head, with concern in his eyes. "......why didn't you say anything when I took you in?"

Sighing deeply, "Maybe........because I was worried I would receive the same," I honestly admit; though this old man wouldn't dare hurt anyone, unless they deserved it. "If i brought up his name, his wrong doings, no one would believe me. A child, seven years of trying to impress her own father, only to be abused.....proving her worth to be a fighter."

After a moment of an uncomfortable silence, he spoke up.

"How about......we discuss your father later," he suggests, taking a sip of his tea before bringing a few scrolls. "Let's begin the history.........of Ryujin Mizutsuki...."

With a nod, I lean forward and began listening.

He soon began to explain the history behind my ancestor, learning little by little how she was like in her past. I don't know how long I was at my sensei's house, my curiosity grew and grew with how she became well known. Though memories and history fade, there will be those few who will make bring history back.

~*~

MEANWHILE AT THE BUTTERFLY MANSION - (Sanemi's POV:)

After this morning, I couldn't let it go........

My anger boiled deep within me no matter how much I tried to look past it, but her face held that distant expression of pain. He hurt her, of all people; her own fucking brother decided to kick her out without a proper excuse. Unacceptable. More than unacceptable! Even Masachika would agree with me, but then again what would he do? Would he confront Ryuji? Or would he just turn the other cheek, and just let it happen?

My hand tightens around the hilt of my sword til my knuckles turned white; marching through the butterfly mansion with strong strides.

Every slayer walking by me seemed to have backed off, but I couldn't give a shit what others thought of me. I was beyond pissed, and I had every right to punch the son of a bitch. Walking to the dojo not far from here, I decided to let some steam off. I would've been sparring with Hayami right now, but with her visiting some old acquaintance or teacher, I felt more angry than ever now that i didn't to hold back.

Taking my sandals off at the doorway, my padded feet shuffle across the tatami floor until i enter the dojo room. Speak of the devil.

"You...."

His silver eyes flicker to mine before placing that pathetic amicable persona back on, as sweat drips down his shirtless figure. Glancing at his sparring partner, was just another Demon Slayer that was a familiar face among the Corps. "Well, if it isn't Shinazugawa, the angry hurricane of the Hashira...........thought you don't come to these places?" he wipes the sweat, with a small towel in hand.

The stench of the room filled with sweat, and refined wooden blades fresh from the sword smiths.

"Tch, don't start," I bitterly spoke, beneath my breath while feeling the tension building within the dojo.

"You know what?" Ryuji taps his wooden blade upon his shoulder, with a patronising gleam within his eyes. "Why don't you spar with me, let off some steam....hmm?"

Growling with a sneer, "I'd rather use my actual blade, if I spar with you," I spat, my lips tug in disdain by how oblivious he is. After when I was first introduced to him, I wasn't going to give in to anyone's shit. However, the moment he brought Hayami up, I've never felt so furious in my life since my family's passing. I wasn't supposed to care for anyone, but since this bastard shows up, I found another target to use my anger against.

"Don't be so hostile, this is just between two Hashira," he waves his hands, with a sheepish smile. "We got off on the wrong foot when we first met, and I believe....I was in the wrong. But, I did mean it when I say....stay away from my sister."

"You don't get