A month had slipped by since I gave Hoshiko the final test. The estate felt cold and empty without her presence. It was in this silence that I realized how important she had become to my life for a short period of time, and a deep fear of losing her gripped me tightly.

Unable to get a wink of sleep, thoughts of worry clouded my mind as I tossed and turned on my futon. Eventually, I gave up my futile attempts and stepped outside for some fresh air.

The moon hung in a sky full of stars, casting a soft glow upon the quiet forest surrounding the estate. I walked along the rocky path, patrolling the area with the blade at my side.

"HOSHIKO COO-COO, HOSHIKO FINISHED THE TEST"

Fuki's voice pierced the stillness, startling me on my feet. The sudden news of Hoshiko completing the test I gave her was even more surprising. It took me two months to finish it!

Proud and delighted, I immediately left for Sagiri Mountain to pick her up despite the late hour. Excitement fueled every step as I followed Fuki through the forest path, reaching the mountain in no time.

There she was, standing in the same spot where I had been before. Her once light brown hair now gleamed blonde and one of her bright rosy pink eyes had turned amber.

The effects of the moonfruit may have varied on different breathing styles. As she looked in my direction, I ran to her, arms open to pull her in a tight hug.

Of all the decisions I've made, taking her as a student was one I never regretted. Seeing her happiness and diligent improvement filled my heart with joy.

Mother, was this the same feeling you had when you saw me pass your test? It's a whole different kind of happiness!

"What is this, Lady Shiori?" Hoshiko asked, her hands gently tracing the trunk of the Moon tree, its ethereal light streaming through the gaps of her fingers. "I thought things like this only exist in books." 

"I have the same question too," I replied, reminiscing that night not too long ago. "But my Master never explained further." 

As Hoshiko and I descended the mountain, the magical plant's glow began to fade. The moon illuminated our path, and the bright light eventually disappeared behind us.

 Hoshiko recounted her experiences in the mountains, her voice remained enthusiastic despite the obvious fatigue in her body.

"I met Mister Urokodaki's student, Tanjiro. We trained together! Well, sort of... He has his own training regime with his Master, so we barely spoke," she said. "But I can tell he's a nice guy!"

So, Mister Urokodaki took his grandson as his student, huh?

"What about his granddaughter? Did you meet her?" I asked, my curiosity tinged with concern. It's been nearly 4 months since I came here. I do hope she has already recovered.

"Mister Urokodaki has a granddaughter? I didn't know that. But something about his house felt... odd. I didn't want to ask." Hoshiko stretched up her arms, placing her hands comfortably behind her head as we walked down the steep path.

"But you know, there was a strange guy who helped me," Hoshiko said softly, her gaze drifting up to the stars. "He guided me all month, sparring with me, giving me advice. He reminded me of you, Master."

A strange guy, huh? Was it because of his mask? So my brother was still there. "Really?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

"He said, 'We may lose those important to us, but they will always look down and guide us from the stars.'" Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, reflecting the ocean of starlight above us.

Her words hung in the air, echoing the unspoken bond between us and those who had come before. I felt a lump in my throat, overwhelmed by the unexpected surge of emotion. 

I missed my brother. I had failed to defeat the demon that took his life, leaving his soul to remain restless. And now, here he was, selflessly guiding my student just as he had guided me before.

This was a constant reminder of the time we lost.

"Hoshiko," I felt my voice tremble, "I am so... proud of you." Hoshiko looked at me, her eyes widened with surprise.

In that quiet moment, surrounded by the forest and the gentle glow of the moon, I felt a connection with my student, a bond forged through the memories of those who had shaped us and the promise of a future free of demons.

- - - - - 

I used every opportunity to be with my student over the next two months. Her sword-fighting skills had greatly improved, her speed finally kept up with me, and her breathing technique became more precise and powerful. 

Sleepless nights and restless mornings became my routine as I dedicated all my free time to her training. Unlike my four-year journey with Mother, I felt an urgent pressure, as if time were slipping away, and I had to catch up on my student with her training.

There was no reason for me to be this anxious. She had already begun her training two years prior, having been equipped with the fundamentals of sword fighting. 

But being a Hashira's student demanded more than just the fundamentals. I needed to ensure Hoshiko mastered advanced skills before the Final Selection.

The whole week when Hoshiko was away felt like a lifetime of suffering. Worry and anticipation for her success clouded my mind day and night, leaving me distracted during my missions. The estate felt cold and lonely in her absence again. Each day dragged on, and I wished for the week to end quickly.

"Don't worry, Shiori. Hoshiko will come back. Just believe in her," Miss Shinobu assured, offering the onigiri she had prepared as I came to visit her estate. The breeze blew through the veranda as the wind chime rang along with the birds chirping through the blue, cloudless sky.

"Kanao is also there, and I heard from Mister Himejima that his student also participated in the Final Selections," Miss Shinobu sat beside me, a sense of calmness emanating from the serene smile on her face. "That alone puts my mind at ease."

We sat in silence, basking in each other's comforting presence, the footsteps of Miss Shinobu's girls fading in the background. Being with her felt like having an older sister I never knew I needed.

"Shiori, how have you been lately?" The Insect Hahsira's voice gently broke the silence. "How are you... coping with Miss Yumira's passing?" Her words were laced with a deep sadness, a mix of emotions and unshed tears hidden behind those soft purple eyes.

But I couldn't face her. How should I reply? That I'm alright? That I'm moving on? We both know no words were enough to express the grief weighing on our shoulders. Losing Madame Yumira wasn't just losing a mentor, but also losing a part of myself.

I heard a soft sigh beside me as Miss Shinobu stood to her feet. "Forgive my imprudence for asking such a question."

Miss Shinobu had been a close colleague of Madame Yumira, almost like a sister to her, much like Miss Kanae had been. Losing Madame Yumira must have reopened the pain of old wounds for her.

This moment reminded me of the fragility of life. One moment, we're happy with the people we care about most, and then one blink, they're gone. It's a harsh reality we all face.

That's why we must cherish every moment, focus on what we can do now, and appreciate the presence of those around us.

"Hey, are you deaf?" A sharp flick to my head snapped me out of my thoughts, causing me to square up to hit the owner of the voice, only to be met with a familiar scent of mint.

Muichiro had been standing before me, his crow snickering as she flapped her wings behind him. "You deserved it! How dare you ignore Lord Tokito!?" she cawed, scratching my head with her claws.

I shooed her away as Fuki swooped into my defense. The two birds squabbled in the background as I looked up to the Mist Hashira.

"Shinobu told me to come to the Butterfly Estate to check on my back wound. It's such a hassle," he grumbled, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration. "It's been three months already."

That's right—he had been in critical condition that night. Had he not received immediate rescue, Muichiro might've died from blood loss. Sleeping must be agony, each night bringing pain like knives digging into his back. 

But despite everything, I'm grateful he survived. I'm grateful he's here, standing in front of me.

- - - - -

It was already sundown, painting the world in hues of vermillion as the sun dipped below the horizon. 

I stood outside the gates of my estate, eyes anxiously darting from every path for a petite blonde girl in a peach and blue kimono embroidered with stars. 

"Shiori!" A familiar sweet voice called from behind, prompting me to turn and face Miss Shinobu and Mister Himejima. "Today is the last day of the Final Selections."

They had come to invite me to join them on their way to Mount Fujisakane. As Hashiras, Grand Master Oyakata granted us the privilege to oversee the selection and even pick up our students once they successfully passed.

Wait, I didn't know that! Madame Yumira never came to get me back then.

As if sensing the confusion and doubt in my face, the Stone Hashira spoke, "Yumira had just returned from a mission that day, which is why she couldn't personally get you after the First Selection." His benevolent voice remained wise and strong.

Our travel was engulfed in peace in the presence of these reliable and respected Hashiras behind me. There I knew that I'd find my place among them.

- - - - - 

Upon arrival, a wave of nostalgia swept over me as we walked down the path with hanging purple wisteria flowers. It had only been a few months since I've been here, yet my experiences had made me a different person than I was before.

While the other Hashiras greeted their students, I found myself alone. Each step towards the mountain grew heavier, my heart racing as I searched for Hoshiko. Her presence still lingered, yet I couldn't find her.

"Ugh, I-I'm sorry!" A young boy suddenly collided with me, collapsing to the ground as he winced in pain. Donned in a familiar cloud-patterned kimono, he staggered to stand on his feet. The pain seemed to be caused by a twisted ankle.

He must be Mister Urokodaki's grandson. Blood seeped through the white dressing on his head. I grew concerned seeing the state he was in, urging him to sit and allow me to bandage his foot. "It's dangerous to travel in your condition," I insisted.

I had brought bandages for Hoshiko, but seeing the boy's situation, I knew I had to help him. He was a little taller than me. His exhausted maroon eyes softened as he looked down.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I have to get home to my sister." His smile was so genuine that warmth fluttered through my chest. As he walked down the mountain, using a stick for support, a memory of my brother lingered in my head.

I wonder if my brother had thought the same thing during his Final Selection.

"CAW CAW MOON HASHIRA CAW" A voice pierced through the mountain's silence as a black bird flew across the sky. "SHIORI! MASTER SHIORI!"

My heart leaped at the sound of the voice I'd been looking for. I turned to see Hoshiko throwing her exhausted little frame in my arms. Wrapping her in an embrace, I couldn't hold back the tears overwhelmed with joy and relief. 

Nothing could have made me happier than seeing Hoshiko alive and well.

- - - - -

As we passed by in the bustling town of Shiawasenara, a familiar fiery head of blonde hair stood out amidst the crowd. "Oh, Mister Rengoku!"

A wave of joy fluttered in me as I spotted Miss Mitsuri and Mister Obanai following close behind. I halted in my tracks, watching Hoshiko weave through the busy street to join them.

Arriving at a restaurant, I was taken aback to see a long table brimming with an array of delicious dishes, from hearty rice meals like Takikomi Gohan and Bamboo rice to delightful desserts like Sakura mochi and Hanami dango. 

Never could I imagine that the Hashiras would arrange such a gathering in such a public place.

"It just happened for Kanroji, Iguro and I to meet in town. We wanted to congratulate young Hoshiko for passing the selection!" Mister Rengoku exclaimed. "And you, young Shiori, have done well as her mentor."

His words stirred a profound sense of determination within me and the heavy responsibility of guiding both as a senior and a Hashira.

Within the Demon Slayer Corps, students taken under a Hashira's wing needed constant reminders of their duties as demon slayers. The role of a tsuguko bore higher responsibilities and expectations, with the knowledge that one day, they would take their Master's place.

I sank into my seat, the voices around me blending into a distant murmur as my mind drifted back to the night of my 14th birthday—the night I never expected to become the Moon Hashira, just a month after losing my Master.

"Being Yumira's tsuguko means that one day, you'll take her place when anything happens to her."

I know that. I already know that. You don't have to remind me twice. I've known it since the moment I first opened my eyes and saw her; since the day I first picked up a wooden sword to train under her wing; since the day I defeated her in our first duel. I knew I had to live up to become like her.

"No matter what happens, you can't run away from the unknown future."

Even at a young age, I understood the harsh reality of this world. Before Madame Yumira found me, I already knew life wasn't all magic, flowers, stars, and rainbows.

Every day, we face brutality, blood, and slaughter. I push myself to be mature enough to understand, confront, and persevere despite the consequences of being a demon slayer, where death is a constant shadow that lurks around every corner.

This path was my choice, and I must fulfill my duty.

"When the time comes, you must ensure her efforts and life are not in vain. As her tsuguko, it's your responsibility to carry on her legacy."

I never wanted to disappoint her. All I ever wanted was to make her proud, to prove that her decision to save me was worth the risk. From the moment I wake up to the moment I fall asleep, I remind myself that I need to be strong because I was chosen and trained by the Moon Pillar.

But I never expected it would be so soon...

I never knew how strong I was until being strong was the only choice I had.

- - - - -

I didn't realize how long I'd been staring into space until I felt the warmth of tears trickling down my cheeks. A gentle hand wiped them away, and I turned to see Hoshiko offering me a comforting smile before she faced the other Hashiras. They were still deep in the tsuguko discussion.

"Master Shiori once told me that being on the front lines is never easy. Each day is a fleeting dream, while each night turns into a relentless nightmare. We can't save everyone, not even those within our grasp. But as her tsuguko, I'm ready to bear her burdens, even if it costs me my life," she declared, her voice resonating with unwavering resolve and courage.

Most demon slayers could barely stand their ground or hold eye contact under the piercing gaze of the Hashira. We were seen as intimidating, stern, and unyielding. But such strength was necessary to uphold our responsibilities as the backbone of the Demon Slayer Corps.

"N-no one is dying, okay? Let's not talk about that now," I interjected, my hands trembling as I took a sip of my green tea. It might have been wistful thinking, a dream I desperately wished were true.

Everyone continued to enjoy their meal. Rengoku's hearty laughter echoed through the room, engulfing us in a warm atmosphere. Miss Mitsuri sat beside him, a radiant smile on her rosy cheeks as she received food from Mister Obanai.

Everything about them felt so natural, like a family so close and unbreakable. 

I couldn't help but wonder if the day would come when Hoshiko and I stood side by side—like Mister Rengoku and his former student, Miss Mitsuri—just as I had always wished to with Madame Yumira.

"Master, it seems like you have a lot on your mind. Is something wrong?" my blonde tsuguko asked, worry and curiosity shining in her two-colored eyes.

"Nothing, I just... remembered the night I passed the selection, that's all," I replied, forcing a smile at her. She might not know the full story, but her presence alone was enough to pull me from the depths of my memories.

As a successor of the second breathing style ever created, I shouldered so much pressure from the doubt and expectations of everyone. Madame Yumira was the one person I never wanted to disappoint.

Ever since I took up the mantle of the Moon Hashira after her passing, I've had to bottle up my emotions, harden my once-soft heart, and sharpen my resolve. Yet, I desperately wished for Hoshiko not to feel the same crushing pressure.

"Master, don't worry about me too much. This path was my choice, and I must fulfill my duty, as your student and as a demon slayer." Hoshiko whispered, leaning her head on my shoulder with a smile.

Duty... huh...

The duty that binds all of us here. The duty to protect humanity, to fight against the demons, and to put an end to Muzan's reign.

~ ~ ~

-Next Chapter Preview-

Making a wish on a firefly under the moonlight will make your wish come true.

---

But even if we don't, we'll always have this moment.

『𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭』

Final Selections are held semi-annually (once every 6 months).
Shiori was in the 1st Final Selection, while Hoshiko, Tanjiro, Zenitsu, Inosuke, Kanao, and Genya were in the 2nd Final Selection.

『Author's Note』

Your votes and comments are much appreciated (❁'◡'❁) 
See ya next chapter✨😃 
- Rezella