~*~

A WEEK LATER

There was moments where you wished that you didn't know, where you could just block everything out completely. However, Hayami trained her hardest in the meantime while waiting for her brother's return. She had moments of regret allowing him to go, but then had her moments when she believed in him. Akihiro was there all the way, ensuring of her brother's safety.

Yet, sometimes things shouldn't be sugar coated.......

It could hurt others.....

"That's it....up....up," Akihiro taps her shoulder gently, while she balances a bucket of water upon her head. "Easy now, balance yourself while holding a sword.......because stance is always important, if you're facing taller opponents."

She questioned why this way in anyway important, trying to focus on the water filled bucket. Her hair was tied to two lower little buns, wearing a breathable navy Yukata around her. So the bucket nestled well upon her head, allowing to keep her balancing a little longer.

"That's it, you've got it..........." Akihiro chuckled, while proud knowing it's been a week since he started on this new practice technique. She's already mastered the art of her sword, and now he's focus on her mental side, knowing she struggled rather hard.

"So.......what does this do, you didn't fully explain before we started this training resume," She spoke up, curious as she was. Her body was slightly swaying a little, maintaining some ground on her feet.

He hums, "It's all about patience and balance, this will help you figure out decisions when in a small predicament,"

"Predicamen--" she was soon cut off, as a crow flew in.

Ryuji is back, Ryuji is back'

"Ryuji? Natsu!" Hayami exclaimed, taking the bucket off  almost splashing it and ran down the hill nearby to where she saw the two left off from a week ago. Her legs picked up the pace as she managed to run down, only to see just Ryuji standing there. His eyes look so exhausted, so dull until his eyes locked with hers.

"Hayami...I..." his voice was shattered, but she was too excited to hear his trembling voice.

My boy where is Katsu......did he pass?" Akihiro called, as he walked up to the young boy before him. Ryuji's lips quiver in response, trying to remain composed when a single stray tear rolls down looking up to his former sensei and his sister. He didn't know how to break the news, nor how he felt there and then. Only emptiness, and a failure he called himself.

"I-I'm sorry.......h-he......" his throat grew numb, as the air struggled to be released. His chest was tight, unable to focus on the dreaded news he was given. Soon his legs give out, collapsing to his knees.

"B-brother?"

His eyes tiredly lifted afraid to see her reaction, when she falls to her knees to take his hands in hers.

"Where is Natsu? Where is he? Did he make it?" She pleads, slowly realising something wasn't right. The grim look behind his eyes, was all it took to make her realise he wasn't coming back.

"N-No......he isn't......he didn't," She choked out, her blood ran cold in response feeling another part of herself break instantly. 

His arms soon embraced her tightly afraid she would leave, but she embraced him back with hopes to hear good news. She didn't want to believe, she couldn't. He promised her, he promised to meet her here and be a slayer when he got back. Was this nightmare ever going to end?

"I'm sorry, but...Nastu was brutally killed....." his voice finally breaks, as tears finally stream down his reddened cheeks. The built was enough for him to continue on for a while, hating the fact he didn't make it. ".....word has it, he was d-devoured.......on the fourth day....."

Hayami's eyes squeezed tightly, shaking her head refusing to believe it.

"N-No! He promised me, he promised!" She clenched her jaw tightly, hands balling into fists, gripping her brother's haori. "He can't! He's gonna be here! He didn't leave us, I didn't.......I didn't....."

Her throat was straining, struggling to breath.

Ryuji clutches the back of her head tenderly, as his fingers weave through her locks. Held her close to her chest, not wanting her to leave as well. The pain he felt in his chest was unbearable, but he tried to be strong for her. He wasn't even properly buried, but in the belly of the beast. He knew he had to stay with her tonight, as she needed him right now.

~*~

Later that night Ryuji stayed behind with the two, still stunned by his brother's sudden and brutal death. His ending. Akihiro remained quiet, deep mourning while realising that poor boy trained for nothing. He lived such a short life, just as the rest of their siblings.

The fire crackles keeping the silence alive, even though it was rather dead.

Hayami was nestled upon her futon, while her eyes remained distant, and drained with anguish. She lost her appetite, and her will to speak or do anything for the rest of the night. The confidence she had soon vanished, fearing her own death for the final selection when it was her turn. But she couldn't think so selfishly, just wanting her brother back.

Ryuji lowered to his knees, with a warm bowl of rice to ease her mind.

He scooped up a mouthful of rice and gestured to her lips, wanting her to nourish her body. She cried so much, she was dizzy and felt exhausted all over. Yet, she only refused eating, wiping the stray tears upon her red, puffy cheeks. He nudges again to her mouth, but she remains still and quiet.

"Come on........" his voice only cracked, not being able to speak but cry the entire afternoon. ".......he would want you to eat, please little Moon?"

Warm fresh tears slowly cascaded down, the mention of him only triggered her.

He sighed deeply not knowing what else to do, but reach over and wipe his thumb across both her cheeks. Her eyes flickered up, meeting his painful and tender expression. She slowly shuffled closer without making a sound, and leaned close as she began to accept the warm meal.

She ate in silence, while Ryuji saw his broken sister. 

'She's endured so much, yet she remains so strong' he thought to himself, seeing her chewing grow quickly realising how hungry she was. A small smile rests upon his painful face, feeling at ease she was finally eating.

The old man on the other hand felt like he lost another son, being that he lost his family to the demons many years ago. Having those moments again, was only torn from again, like deja vu. He hated this constant blood shed from the moment he was born, and he wanted to end it. 

All of them do, but this carnage was only piling up.

Yet Hayami held a new goal in her mind, knowing she must fulfil her brother's wishes. Natsu's wishes. She swore she would become strong enough to live, to fight and stay alive to keep the family's name going strong.

For their family's sake........

For their past ancestors..........

~*~

FOUR YEARS LATER - DECEMBER ~ (Age: 14 y/o) - (Hayami's Pov:)

The snow crunches beneath my feet, while I finish my early morning training as usual. With intense training and patience, my strength has slowly become greater that I was able to begin my journey. The cool breeze of winter greets me, the cold nipping at my cheeks while I head back down to the Sanka (Mountain house).

Given by the notice the Final Selection earlier last month will be held, I knew it was my turn. 

Ryuji has grown older and stronger, and beefed up a little. I could see mother in his eyes, and he had a heart of gold. He would be around seventeen years old, given that, he made a friend besides me. Giyuu Tomioka. I've seen him around whilst training, and let me tell you, he is rather quiet and chill. You could tell out of the pair, that Ryuji was the livelier one.

Word even has it that women have been fawning over Ryuji, talk of village I would say. 

Nevertheless, he was no womaniser but he was always nice. Too nice for some others within the corps. To be honest, I've never seen him being serious, so that will be funny to see. Well it depended on the situation.

Finally at the door stood sensei passing me my haori, and the temporary nichirin blade. "Here you go, you're gonna need this," he says, while I slide the sword on the side of my belt. Flicking my haori I pull my arm through, before doing the same on the other side adjusting the collar. Pulling my hair up into a firm bun, as my bangs fall framing my face, I was now ready.

"Alright, you ready?" Ryuji asks me, as he towers above me. His hand rests upon my shoulder, while I gave him a confident glance before smiling. 

"Yes, I'm fully prepared," I grip the handle of my blade, as I turn to Sensei who stood at the door. His tall frame made me smaller, but the soft glance made him look like the soft bear type. "Thanks Sensei, I will try and come back."

He shook his head, "Don't say try," he sternly says, causing me to feel a little embarrassed. "You will come back, okay?"

My eyes soon soften, before nodding confidentiality.

"I won't let his death be in vain," I say softly, before turning on my heel heading to the road ahead. Waving to my sensei, big brother soon follows jogging up to me calling for me to wait up. All I had in my mind was sheer determination, and strength I've built in the last growing four years.

Picking up the pace, I saw Ryuji looking rather nervous for me.

"Promise me you will make it out?" he asks of me, making my determination falter for only a split second. Shaking my head, I give him a nod even though I was afraid I would break this promise. 

Yet, Natsu had to break his promise that he would come back.......

A stray tear rolls down making me discreetly brush it away, before taking a few deep breaths in and out gathering my strength and confidence. If I doubted my skills, I would be in the belly of the beast. Not allowing my fate to end in such a final selection.

~*~

FUJIKASANE MOUNTAIN

The wide long stairs trail up, as we finally reach the very top of the Fujikasane Mountain. The beautiful Wisteria glowed brightly, as the petals were so soft and graceful at this time of year. My eyes take in the beauty of the Wisteria forest, before feeling a hand rest upon my shoulder.

Furrowing my eyebrows, I turn to see Ryuji scratching his cheek.

"What's wrong?" I ask.

He clears his throat, "This is how far I can go, I'm already a slayer and now you....." he pokes my shoulder gently. "........will take the next step."

A smile spreads across my face before embracing him, being nervous already with facing the real threat. Nervousness settles in the pits of my stomach, but I needed to remind myself that I'm doing this for my family and for Natsu. He didn't deserve a short life, nor die a death within a test of nobility and strength.

"Please survive?" he whispers, near the shell of my ear.

"I will,"

With that we both soon part ways allowing myself to walk to where the rest of the recruits were, as my hand latched around my nichirin blade tightly. Swallowing thickly I felt a few eyes on me, feeling my stomach churning and my chest tightening with fear.

Soon gentle whispers reach my ears, but I kept my head up.

'She's a child, she looks like she is eight years old'

'She will die ten seconds into the exam,'

'What's with her eyes, they're so grey,'

"She's not gonna make it, that's for sure,'

Disregarding their assumed comments, my main focus was to pass this weeks challenge. Finally reaching a spot to await to enter, I lift my eyes to the night sky in which the day went by so quickly. How long will this forest be for me? Does it have to be exactly seven days? Or see who get exit the forest first?

My thoughts were cut off when a woman stood before all us, wearing a beautiful Kimono. Her white hair gracefully pinned back, with a few hairpins that complimented her fair skin. She soon clasps her hands together, as the sound signalled to grab everyone's attention.

"Everyone, thank you for coming here tonight......" She greeted us, while she smiles warmly.

".........To the Demon slayer corps final selection, there are demons imprisoned here on Mt Fujikasane, captured alive by Demon slayer swordsmen and unable to leave. That is because wisteria, which demons hate so much, blooms year round from the bottom to halfway up the mountain. However, there is no wisteria from this point on, and so demons abound. You'll need to survive here for seven days to pass final selection..........and now, be on your way."

With that many began charging head into the gates, where the threat lies.

Picking up the pace we all enter the very gates to hell, where my fate lies within. Where the demons decide, whether I will come out as a conqueror or a meal for them to be left satisfied.

~*~

DAY 1

The scent of demons grew stronger, knowing the smell of blood was putrid, leaving an awful taste on my tongue. The light of the wisteria gave me a sense of comfort, but demons thundered their way around. My bangs flick to one side as I snap my neck to one side, sensing something coming my way. 

My hand slowly lingers on the edge of my blade, trying to ease my mind.

The steps grew more heavier, feeling my senses tingling knowing it wasn't a human but a demon hunting me. My eyes narrow beside me, awaiting for it to attack. Just when I thought it would come head on, sharp claws dig into my back from behind. My eyes slowly widen as the claws dig more painfully into my flesh, hearing a cackle.

"So easy to find, thought you would become more like fast food," The demon cackles, before hearing it's mouth salivating. "Your blood smells so fresh and ripe, you're the perfect meal--"

Before he could continues, I slam my foot to the ground yanking my shoulders from it's deathly grip. Blood sprays allowing the air to hit my fresh wounds, before my blade slips and slices the hands right off. Gasping for air for a moment, my eyes focused on him. It growls with anger, while I pull my firm stance. It was no taller than six feet at best, and it's skin was a dark dark. 

"You bitch!" It snarls, before jumping towards me.

Finally having my head in the game I disappear from my spot, before in a blink of an eye I appear from behind. Without hesitation my blade ran through it's neck, hearing the flesh splitting and blood spraying. Landing on my feet gently the head of the demon thumps before me onto the earth, painting the soil red while it yells out in frustration. 

Soon it's body slowly dissolves, while my eyes harden with pain throbbing in my shoulder.

Tensing them I tried to stop the blood flow from my wound, while checking the sky. In a few hours day time will come, so I need to wait til then to wrap my deep wounds in gauze. Seething through my teeth, tears stung at the corners of my eyes in pain. I've done it, I've killed at least about five demons in total and it's not even day three yet. 

"Dammit, I need to wait for a few hours," I mutter, while keeping one hand on my sword and the other gripping my bloody wounds. With fresh wounds and blood exposed, demons would catch the smell and find me in no time.

~*~

Fourth Day

Tying my wound on my tightly with gauze, my teeth clench tightly around to prevent more blood from flowing. My eyes hazily lift up, as my chest felt heavier. My body growing rather weaker by each passing day, and finding something to eat was harder. My dragon breathing techniques I've taught myself were rather swift and quick, so I wondered what a proper nichirin blade would do.

Resting up against a tree for support, heavy labored breaths leave my chapped lips.

Clenching my jaw my vision started to blur while try to keep my head up, hoping I'm safe for the time being. Taking a quick drink from my small bamboo shoot, the water moisturized my lips allowing me to recollect myself.

However a heavy odour begins to invade my nose, causing my heart to spike. My eyes scan the area quickly, before heavier footsteps begin to come towards me.

My muscles were fighting to keep standing, as I grip my sword more tightly. Pushing myself up I roll my aching shoulder before the demon itself shows, before realising how tall the demon was. What was even more creepier was, I felt a demon was hunting me again. For at least two days, and it doesn't seem like he's not gonna let me run off.

Lifting the blade with my thumb, my eyes narrowed dangerously towards him.

His eyes were gold, piercing snake like pupils, and it's skin was a dark matte purple like bruises. Four arms were grown around it's torso, and two horns align on his temple. Standing at seven foot tall, all I could do was focus is staying alive. 

"Hmmm a familiar blooded child," He laughs, causing my skin to crawl. It's voice was like sandpaper, rubbing against it's vocal chords. His tongue slithers out, like a snake would given by it's reptilian appearance.

"You stay the hell away from me," I snap angrily, but he laughs more boldly and obnoxiously. 

He soon stops suddenly, giving me a dangerous expression.

"You will become my meal, the last was quite filling but.........I think a ripe young child will be enough to fill my pallet," he licks his claw, while I grimace with disgust. Drawing my blade, I stood my stance while focusing on him. Adjusting my vision more something soon stood out, as something familiar dangles from it's horn.

"Where did you get that?" I question sternly, sword still aiming at him. 

He hums, "What?"

Without hesitation I disappear from my spot before appearing behind, about to slice his neck. Yet, he was too fast only slicing his ear off instead. He growls in anger, before he raises an eyebrow.

"You're a feisty one, your sword technique........it's so...." he trails off, licking his charp devilish teeth. "......familiar, it reminds me of a human that tasted remarkably delicious!"

Clenching my jaw I charge head on, hand around my blade tightly. 

"Well you're not gonna devour no more," I yell out, before raising my blade. However just before I could slice his neck, something latches around my ankles. Gasping in the process, I whip my down to see snakes from the ground. It must be his demon art or something. 

Soon his precious was right before me, as my eyes match with his.

Yet when my eyes fully take in the small hanafuda earring dangling from his horn, that's when my stomach sank. This demon, he must be the one who.......no, I need to remain calm and composed. He grabs my cheeks forcefully, swiping a tongue along my cheek enjoying my taste.

"You taste so sweet, you'll be my dessert....." he purrs, feeling disgusted.

 I swing my blade upwards without warning, as his horns fall from my attack. I went to slice the snakes, when he grabs a fistful of my hair. He was pissed off, and I knew he wasn't playing no more. My chest felt heavier, as he forcefully bends me back to meet his blood lost expression.

"Guess I must devour you now, you weak human," He growls lowly, pulling harder on my hair. My feet were being tugged down, struggling beneath his strength. Soon sharp pain re enters my fresh wounds, as I cry out in pain for a moment. Then seething through my teeth my hand struggles to lift up with my sword, I gather the momentum I needed.

Doing a quick zig zag chop, I slice both my