~*~

"Almost there......"

The six of us ran at a speed that was stealthy to not alarm the village, that resides near the foot of the mountain. My hometown. It feels too fast to acknowledge the nostalgia of this place, only remembering being confined within the walls of my clan's walls. This place only brought back memories, that I didn't want to relive again. The guilt I felt, the guilt I carried that I couldn't save of what's left of my home.

We all soon perch ourselves on top of the branches of the trees, finally reaching the edge of the mountain.

"So.......what's the real plan?" Akio questions quietly, as he was the closet to me. 

Asahi's eyes widen, "What?! We haven't come up with a---" 

Botan slams a hand over his mouth, raising a finger to his lips with a scolding look. "Keep it down, we don't know the numbers.....or what we're running into if it's this serious...." he whispers harshly, before turning to me. "Shall we just go out on a whim, or should we--"

"Go out on a whim?" Yaeko nervously spoke, finally seeing the fear surfacing from her stoic expression. "Mizutsuki, please? There's a better way to think this through..."

Sighing heavily I close my eyes, "We don't know the numbers, let alone how strong these demons are," I spoke up, in a hush tone. "However, we know this mission was reported that our group will be the last before a Hashira might need to be our last resort. So, Botan......" turning to him, as his green eyes widen.

"What is it?" He questions, leaning forward to listen to my instruction.

"I know you have incredible hearing, so I trust that your able to detect any infrequent sounds," tapping my ears, to gesture what I'm talking about. ".....then Akio, I know you're very good at having high stamina. Yaeko you're very flexible, Hina you've got good eyesight in the night, and Asahi......."

Struggling for a moment to think of something, causing him to give me his usual deadpanned expression. "Come on Hayami, seriously?" He pouts with a groan, arms folded in disappointment. "I'm a very skilled Demon Slayer......."

Botan scoffs, "Okay, tell us.......what will you contribute to this mission?" teasingly, with a smirk curling upon the young boys lips.

"Shut it, dumbass," Asahi grumbles, whacking the back of Botan's head sharply.

"Excuse me, I think you're the dumbass of this group--" Botan argues back, before I slam my fist against the trunk of the tree with a heavy crunch. They all freeze on the spot, alarmed by my severity.

"Enough you two!" I hiss under my breath, keeping our voices down. Turning to Asahi, "You're just a skilled swordsman, that is able to decapitate a demon. There, we all can do that.....and right now they can probably sense us by smell. So be on guard, okay?"

Eyeing them all I see them nodding their heads, finally paying attention. This mission was dangerous beyond all levels, but yet my memory is hazy on the terrain. We stood at the foot where my family used to exit and enter up the mountain, seeing a dark bushy path leading up through the thick foliage.

Without another word we all disperse, with only Botan following behind me as I stealthily glide through the heavy growth of trees. It lead straight to a growth of bamboo trees, which made our swings limited. 

"Shit," cursing under my breath, I change my course allowing Botan to be my ear. 

Running fast through the growth I couldn't see a single demon, which was unusual. Either they've discovered us already, and planning an ambush or they're afraid. We didn't know for sure why the mountain is subdued into nothing. While running across the branches we both land on the ground weightlessly, before raising my fist in the air to halt.

"Something doesn't feel right," I murmur to myself, glancing around us both. The bamboo growth kept going, and the forest was also divided endlessly. We weren't going circles, but this felt like we're running for too long.

"A demon art?" He assumes, while I shook my head.

"It couldn't be, it's too clear and obvious if it was," furrowing my brows, before gazing up to the night sky hoping to find the moon. Usually we can tell by navigation through stars, but it was getting too cloudy to even see through. Peering through the fog that gradually buried within the mountains, I usher Botan to follow closely behind me. With him humming in agreement, we both began following the path up the mountain

While we make haste up the pathway, a figure appears suddenly making me squint.

A woman?.....Or is it a demon?

"Hey! What are you?!" I demand, only to feel a tap upon my shoulder. Gasping for a moment, my head whips over my shoulder to see Botan standing there in confusion. He doesn't seem alert about the civilian before us, only him glancing over and back to me.

"What is it? There's nothing there," He states, causing me to turn back to see the woman still standing before us about a few metres away.

"But........can't you--?" turning back to him, my eyes slowly widen in surprise. "Botan? Botan? Where are you?" my eyes glance around, but the fog grew thicker as time went on. 

"My dear......" The woman's voice echoes, hearing some familiar about her voice. "......my little moon, my have you grown,"

Turning back to the voice of that woman, she was suddenly closer to me. Taking in the appearance of the woman, she wore a familiar kimono with my......family's wave embroidery and signature colour? I couldn't even look straight, let alone fathom what to say or do next when hearing that voice.

How many years has it been since I last heard that, gentle and silky voice.......

"My daughter........."

~*~

MEANWHILE ~ (Botan's Pov:)

"Mizutsuki? Mizutsuki!!!"  

My eyes flicker around sharply and quickly, being alert of my clouded surroundings within the growth of trees and thorns. It was like her body just disappeared without a sound, it was so effortless that even my hearing didn't pick up on it. Not even sure what to do next, I walk over to the tree closest to me and snapped a twig and scraped a few lines across to mark my initials in proof I was here.

Swallowing my fear I continue walking, hoping to find Mizutsuki soon as possible.

After a few minutes nothing has changed since I started walking, only to find myself back at the same tree again. Frustration began to surface, only to stumble a bit backwards against a few cobblestones. Suddenly, I felt my back smack into something warm and firm. 

With relief, "Seriously Mizutsuki, you had me worried--" cutting myself off, when I turn to see a face.

A familiar face, I never knew would be possible.....

"Big sister Chiyo?" I breath out shockingly, feeling my chest tightening in response. My hands were shaking vigorously, my body succumbing to disbelief. This wasn't right, she's not supposed to be here of all places. "How.....?"

Clearly I'm dreaming, because she isn't supposed to be alive......right?

"Well little brother, you got lost and I finally found you," She warmly replies, her hand delicately reaches out to me. Her warm smile left my heart whole, and fulfilled like all my worries were suddenly gone. "Where did you run off to this time? Were you using father's katana again?"

How? I don't understand, but she's right there..........

~*~

MEANWHILE ~ (Akio's Pov:)

"You're walking too fast, Akio!"

"Seriously you girls need to stop clinging over me," Rolling my eyes, while the three of us ran through the thick growth of dark oak trees. "Did you even listen to Hayami at all? She specifically said at least two together.....not all three of us--"

"Seriously Akio, it's just one extra and besides...." Yaeko sighs deeply, with irritation in her voice. ".....Mizutsuki is just another stuck up Slayer, thinking because she's stronger means she's gets all the credit. If we stick together, it's less likely for all of us to die individually--"

My jaw clenches, "What did you say?!" I halt in my steps, turning to Yaeko.

I've admired Hayami since I first met her, as a swordswoman she's gained my respect. She's saved me many times, and during those times I've learnt more. My skills have been honed, but I still have a long ways to go. She is an inspiration, and she was always level-minded and very calm in these situations.

I'm surprised she's able to endure the Wind Hashira's loud and abrasive attitude....

"Huh? What did I say?" Yaeko questions in confusion, while Hina timidly stands behind her while cowering in fear around the dark forest.

"You don't know how hard she's trained," I point at her, defensively speaking up for Hayami. "Heck, your just all talk but no action.......I've never seen you accomplish a mission properly. I can say for myself I haven't accomplished a mission properly myself, but who has? Sometimes we all started from the bottom, and some are more gifted.........more accustomed to the blade. But, you never speak ill of her.......got that?!"

Yaeko's face burns red with embarrassment, before a twig snaps from a distance. 

All our heads turn in the direction of the sound, hearing Hina's small whimper of fear as she tucked away behind Yaeko. Resting my hand on the hilt of my blade, my jaw clenched tightly seeing fog slowly surfacing around the cold freezing night. The snow crunches beneath my feet, while I inch closer and to the sound. 

"Yaeko, just be ready," I whisper, my eyes not breaking away from the source of movement ahead.

 She nods nervously, "R-Right,"

Making my way through the snowy mountain, I push through the thick ice knowing my cover is blown. Walking further in, the fog grew thicker, and my vision was now playing tricks on me again. Trying to remain staring at the one spot I tracked, a voice began calling for me. Repetitively.

 Glancing over my shoulder for a split second, I saw nothing but endless amounts of fog. 

Shit.....I've lost my sense of direction..... 

"My dear pupil........." a deep gruff voice spoke, with an echo ringing faintly in my ears. ".....haven't you forgotten your lesson?"

My blood ran cold still with the cold air drying my throat, finding it difficult to swallow. It couldn't be him, not that old man.......

"When going towards danger, you must keep yourself steadfast," My teacher spoke, giving me his most famous wrinkly grin. It felt too real, unbelievable to even fathom. "What's this? Your stance......it's on edge......and your posture is lacking as well....." feeling him touch my back, straightening myself up with his cane.

My eyes slowly widen in recognising his tender, yet firm touch when he once guided me.

"S-Sensei?" 

~*~

MEANWHILE - (Asahi's Pov:)

"Why does Botan have to act so high and mighty?"

Muttering and cursing under my breath, I jump high onto the tree branches to avoid my movements to be faltered by weighted snow. The air was crisp and grew colder, as the night went on. Finally taking a break for a moment perched upon a tree, my brows furrowed with another grumble.

"Seriously, I'm skilled..............just not anything special," with a mumble, while sinking into my thoughts for a moment. "Hayami wasn't the problem, it was Botan......that dumbass is making me look like the dumbass......"

Kicking the snow off the branch, I jump down before seeing something in the corner of my eye.

Glancing in the direction there was some sought of old stone temple, a shrine perhaps. Resting my hand upon the hilt of my blade I began racing up the mountain, before my vision was covered in a thick layer of fog. Stumbling back for a moment, the shrine or temple wasn't even there anymore. "What the......" blinking a few times, I rub my eyes still not seeing anything around me but the growth of faded trees. "Whats.....going on?"

"Did you step out of the village again?" A harsh voice scolds towards me.

My skin crawls in response that familiar question, feeling my body run cold simultaneously. How am I hearing her voice again? Trying to keep focusing on the task at hand, my legs wouldn't dare to move. My hands were shaking from the fear, my heart beating and my lungs grew dry. It was like deja vu again, but how? 

I thought she........she couldn't be still.....alive?

"How are you.......s-still here?" my head slowly turns, before locking eyes with the narcissist. My own mother. Her hair pinned back, dressed in a thick silk floral patterned kimono she only wore during the winter. The same one she wore that very night, when I first discovered what a demon was. I barely made it out myself, only for a Hashira to have saved my life.

"Why, I came to bring you back inside," She opens her arms, with that amicable smile of hers. "You've been very naughty sneaking out late at night, but I won't let you go.......because mother's always knows what's best for their child....."

My heart throbs painfully feeling like I'm reliving the past; my breaths coming in short puffs of fog from my lips. 

Why? Why now of all places? She's dead.......so I don't understand.....

"I won't........"

Her eyes widen, before fading back into a warm patient smile, "Come on dear, don't be silly...." She dismisses my refusal, her hand reaching out to me.  "I've got your favourite warm jasmine tea inside, come on......or it will grow cold..."

"I said no!!!!"

~*~

MEANWHILE - (Hayami's Pov:)

"What are you doing out here in the cold, my dear?"

Her voice sounds so real, her eyes were sincere and the way she gazes at me was filled with the love she carried for me and my siblings. However this couldn't be real, she's gone......right? In the flames of that night, her body disappeared. Though I didn't see it happen, she never returned home. So why now?

Many question began to overwhelm me, that my focus was clouded by disbelief.

"My daughter, what is the matter?" She questions softly, her hand resting upon my shoulder with maternal tenderness. The snowflakes drifts down ever so gracefully, though the cold never crawled up my spine. Only warmth in my chest; my expression in shock with tears stinging the corners of my silver grey eyes. "You know you're safe within our clans walls, you're safe with me........"

"But.......I can't......" my voice only trembles, with a lump stuck in my throat. Swallowing thickly I blink away the tears that tickles my skin, ".........you're not--"

My memory was only becoming foggy.......my body heavy like lead....

"My daughter, your father has finally acknowledged you," She whispers, her soft silky hands caressing my cheeks. Her palms cupping my face with her thumbs brushing against my skin, her face glowing with a warmth that left me vulnerable to her. This warmth I've missed for so long, and even her words felt like a breath of fresh air. "Your brothers and sister are home, waiting for you..."

That didn't sit right with me.......

"But mother, I'm a demon slayer," I resist against her, but she looks at me with confusion.

"There's no such thing as a Demon Slayer," She replies softly, her words coaxing me like a warm blanket. Her words remain soothing, that I felt myself forgetting for a moment. What was my main mission, but there was a part of me that accepted reality. "Come on, I know you like Daifuku........you can't pass those up..."

She urges me to follow her, as we start walking up the mountain. Her steps were timid but relaxed, and her strides confident with elegance. 

Soon we both stood outside the two large dark oak gates, with a Japanese styled authentic roof for the entryway inside the estate. Walking slowly in I heard laughter coming from inside, following with playful scolding from inside and outside the compound. The garden neatly patterned into the gravel, with the same pond and little fountain pouring into it. The dark green moss rendered across the old authentic stone, feeling like all of this was too real.

"Hey it's Hayami!" A familiar voice calls out. "She's back! Mother found her!!!!"

My eyes slightly widen seeing them all again before me, all crowding around one by one. Yui, Riku, Katsu and Natsu........but where's Ryuji? 

"Seriously Hayami, you never listen to mother!" Katsu teases me, leaning against his twin brother Natsu. Natsu shoves him off with a pout, causing Katsu to ruffle up his hair playfully before the two began to fight and bicker again.

A small tug on my sleeve made my eyes flicker down seeing Yui, "Sister look at you, you've grown up!" she smiles widely, with a bright warm smile.

Grown up? What does she mean.....by that?

"Why don't you have some tea, Lady Asami would be just serving it just now," Mother offers, gesturing to the verandah to sit down. Without resisting my body moves on it's own, like this was now my life. Why do I feel like I'm missing something important right now? Their faces so vivid and clear, instead of being blurred out was telling me I'm right where I'm meant to be. This entire time, I must've been dreaming.

It wasn an never-ending nightmare of blood, betrayal.......I'm back to reality......

"I'm finally home........" with a teary smile.

~*~

MEANWHILE AT THE MIZUTSUKI ESTATE - (Ryuji's Pov:)_

"What could it be now, Kai?"

Raising my forearm up in the air, Kai lowers himself and perched upon my arm. Dusting off the snowflakes upon his cold feathers, he leans into my palm with a nuzzle.

"Come on bud, I just was informed no more missions for the night," with a deep chuckle, though I still had some energy to spend on.

"Caw~ Old Mission needing backup! A village due east, deep in the mountain! ~ Caw" Kai informs me. "Caw~ Six slayers already there! Need backup, personal orders by Master Ubuyashiki! ~Caw!"

"Personal orders?" my brows furrow, before my eyes slowly widen. "Wait, this village east from here.........is it near Setagaya?"

The crow gives me a brief confirm with a nod, while my brows furrowed. 

Why am I suddenly feeling unsettled?.........

Though this mission has been brought up not once, but three times........this meant something big was deep within the mountains. My guess, they're using the abadoned shrine as their shelter from the sun. What else could they use for protection? That place is a big shrine, enough to fit many people inside, as it once used to flood with people from Setagaya and our family. With many questions I pick up my blade, I attached it beneath my belt and placed my sandals back on at the base of the stone step.

So if there is six Demon Slayers already there now, that gives me at least three hours. 

"Screw it, I'm running........" burying my nose behind my faux fur collar, feeling the cold already nipping against my skin.

The anger began boiling hating the fact the very shrine we came to pray at, was now used as a demons feeding ground. Without wasting another second I began jogging, and soon expelled my shuddering breath, replacing it with total concentration. Fusing my strength into my legs, I began heading straight towards Setagaya hoping the Slayers stall whatever is there. With the time being short and almost close to midnight, all I could do was push past the 'ifs' and focus on what I can.

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