It's time to leave the mountain after two months, huh...
I thanked Mister Urokodaki profusely for caring for me this past month. Though I never had the chance to get to know him or meet his grandchildren truly, my brother's stories painted a vivid picture of a man worthy of deep respect and admiration.
"Master Urokodaki," I called out as we prepared to leave, "Sabito wanted to say hello and remind you to take care of yourself!" The sudden mention of one of his cherished, departed students took him by surprise.
After two weeks, the time has finally come for the First Selections. I rose early to prepare, starting the day with meditation to steady my body, mind, and spirit. I knew that the week ahead would be grueling, a test of survival on a mountain swarming with demons.
Yet, amidst the coming challenges, excitement sparked within me. On the final day of the Selections, I would turn 14! The thought of celebrating my birthday by returning victorious to my Master filled my heart with nothing but joy and determination.
"Shiori, I must say, I am truly proud of you. You've grown so much in the last four years," Miss Yumira's voice wavered with emotion, "Please be safe, and promise me you'll return home so we can celebrate your birthday, okay? Remember everything I taught you."
Her anxiety sounded more palpable than my own as I prepared to leave the Moon estate. She wrapped her arms around my small frame, engulfing me in a warm embrace.
"In all honesty, I'm afraid, and I don't want you to go... but I believe you'll do great!"
After she reluctantly let go, I kissed her cheek and reassured her that I'd be alright. Isn't that how you say goodbye to your mom?
Please come back, Shiori, I'll be waiting for you...
As I dashed outside, following the path down the mountain where the Moon Estate stood, excitement propelled my steps, causing me to be less mindful of my surroundings. In my haste, I accidentally bumped into a demon slayer whose long black hair, tipped with turquoise, obscured her face.
I wanted to apologize, but my embarrassment got the better of me, and I continued on my way without looking back.
As I hurried away, I heard the girl I bumped into clicking her tongue in irritation.
Oh, how embarrassing...
- - - - -
It was nighttime when I arrived at Mt. Fujisakane, the holy ground of the Selection. The moon cast a silvery glow over a gathering of about twenty young contenders, each draped in vibrantly colored kimonos.
I was in a royal blue ensemble adorned with embroidered moons and stars, a nod to my signature breathing form and aspirations. My long silver hair was tied in a high ponytail, and at my belt hung a platinum katana, a gift from Master Yumira.
Two identical children in purple kimonos appeared before the crowd. In unison, they gave a straightforward briefing about the Selection: survive on the mountain for seven days and decapitate any demons encountered.
Their voices were soft yet carried an undeniable weight, setting the tone for the trial ahead.
As the Selection commenced, I headed north, drawn to the denser and taller woods. My sharp eyesight, sense of balance, and agility were advantages in these dark, towering regions. This was the terrain I had been trained on for countless years.
Navigating through the thick forest, I suddenly found myself surrounded by a gang of demons, attacking from the shadows with a menacing hunger. I steadied my blade and, with a sharp inhale of breath, my katana sliced through with deadly precision, beheading the demons in a single, swift motion.
"Moon Breathing, 6th Form: Perpetual Night, Lonely Moon- Incessant!"
This was only the beginning of the Selection, but with each demon I felled, adrenaline coursed through my veins and I grew more and more determined.
The quiet battleground was broken as screams were heard from the east. I sped toward the cries without hesitation, my heart throbbed with urgency.
As I dashed through the woods, I arrived face-to-face with the Hand Demon, its grotesque limbs grasping and crushing many participants. It moved with a sickening happiness as if enjoying its routine honed over countless years.
Without a second thought, I lunged forward, my katana a silver blur as it severed the demon's murderous hands, freeing the trapped slayers. I stood myself protectively in front of the trembling participants, allowing them a moment to compose themselves.
Turning back, I faced the Hand Demon, now regenerating its severed limbs—those very hands that had taken my brother's life.
Summoning all my years of training, I darted forward using the 9th form, weaving through the air to dodge the demon's flailing hands. One misstep could lead to my death. I leaped onto a tree branch, narrowly evading its grasp.
The demon's eyes locked onto me, and it murmured with a twisted smile, "Ehh... that's a nice hair color, and those purple eyes are pretty familiar~"
I bit my lip as my stomach churned at the sight of the beast's malicious grin—a mockery of humanity's life. We both knew who he was referring to, and the memory of my brother's fate fueled my determination to end this demon.
In that fleeting moment that I let my guard down, the hand demon turned its attention away from me, charging toward the other contestants.
"Moon Breathing, 4th Form: New Moon Blackout!"
With a sharp breath, I tightened my grip on the katana. A burst of light flared from my silver blade, blinding the demon temporarily. I leaped from the tree, plunging to the ground like a meteor.
"Moon Breathing 11th Form: Solar Moon—Break of Dawn!"
With a slashing arc of my katana, the demon shrieked as the moonlight rained down, piercing its massive, sludgy body. Seizing the opportunity, I hurried the participants to safety.
But uncertainty grew at me—was that blow enough to slay the demon?
Why did I run away again? After cursing the hand demon for murdering my last surviving family member, it was I who fled in the end.
So cowardly...
"Shiori, remember this, there are times we win to protect, and we protect to win. It depends on the situation, but both can save lives."
Sabito's words echoed in my head, his resolve guiding my actions. It was his determination that led me to prioritize saving these people instead of succumbing to my anger and risking my life against the Hand Demon.
The other young participants expressed their thanks, some even knelt to convey their deepest gratitude. It became clear to me—this was my mission—to continue what my brother had started. We encouraged each other to stay vigilant and resolute.
"Let's all pass this Selection together!" "Yeah!!"
With that, we parted ways. Surprisingly, I was the first to make it back to the base of the mountain on the final day of the Selection, battered with severe injuries and abrasions earned through days of surviving in the wilderness, battling demons in the dead of night, saving fellow participants, and fighting alongside them.
A small group of young slayers arrived moments later, their condition as dire as mine.
Such a small number survived...
I recognized two faces... They were among the participants I rescued on the first day, during the Hand Demon confrontation.
Guilt and disappointment washed over me, and I felt like bursting into tears. So many young lives were taken... I couldn't even save half of the twenty...
With a grateful smile, I returned their gestures, trying to cheer up from the sadness that had clouded my mind. "Yeah, it's a relief we made it through."
Taking a deep breath, I let go of the heavy burden of guilt, allowing myself to focus on the present moment and the company of those around me.
The two twins from the first day reappeared, congratulating us on our survival despite the heavy losses.
They instructed us to choose the ore for our blades. Though they all looked the same, I tried to pick out one that would make my katana sturdy and light-reflective, enhancing my breathing forms.
After choosing, I stepped back to await further instructions. Once everyone had chosen, we were assigned our own messenger birds. These birds will follow us throughout our whole journey as full-fledged demon slayers.
Others received crows of varying sizes, but a white-feathered dove perched on my head. I wanted to question why I was given a dove, but its presence felt comforting. I decided to accept it without question.
I said my goodbyes to my new acquaintances and began my journey to the Moon Estate. My entire body felt as though I was on fire, pain searing through my bones with every step. The journey was so excruciating that I had to stop and collapse in the middle of the road.
Hours of suffering later, I finally arrived at the Moon Estate. Madame Yumira stood anxiously outside the towering gate, her face lighting up with relief as she saw my figure slowly approaching.
In that fleeting moment, I forgot my pain and ran up to her, wrapping myself around her like a baby koala clinging to its mother.
She was overjoyed to see me after a week. But inside me, I cried with a broken bottle of conflicting emotions—joy, sorrow, anxiety, grief, and frustration.
The surge of emotions was overwhelming, and everything hurt once more.
Yet, despite the torture, it was all worth it.
Because I was alive. I was breathing. And that was all that mattered.
"Mother... I- I'm back."
~ ~ ~
-Next Chapter Preview-
She just... smiled
---
it feared its master more than death itself.
Bonus:
When night fell, Miss Yumira arranged a banquet to celebrate my passing the Selection and my 14th birthday.
She had invited the other Hashiras to the Moon estate, and it warmed my heart to see that even in this dangerous line of work, the Hashiras could find moments of happiness and camaraderie with their colleagues and families.
As I prepared to meet the other Hashiras for the first time, my stomach churned with a mix of excitement and anxiety. However, the moment I walked out of my room, I was showered with congratulations and warm pleasantries.
Despite my initial awkwardness, the kindness and encouragement from everyone made me feel truly welcomed.
Oh, Shiori, why were you so worried?
The celebration stretched long into the night, with laughter and joy filling the air as everyone enjoyed the sumptuous feast Madam Yumira prepared. The estate's veranda, usually so serene, was alive with bright chatter.
Tonight was a special night, one I would always cherish. Even though I don't remember my actual birthday, today marked the day I was given a second chance at life by the woman I proudly call Master.
"DELICIOUS!!"
The ever-blazing Flame Hashira exclaimed, devouring his chicken skewers with enthusiasm beside me. We both agreed that Madame Yumira was an exceptional cook—definitely wife material, I joked.
I realized just how much Miss Yumira had cared for me all these years. Despite her dangerous line of work, where every waking moment could be her last, she made me feel what it was like to have a family. That's something I'll forever be grateful for.
"Madame Yumira," I called out to her from across the table, my voice filled with love and respect for her, "Thank you for everything. For taking me in as your student and looking after me all these years. If you'd give me the chance, I want to fight by your side, my mother in the Demon Slayer Corps."
Her smile broadened with grace and obvious happiness, as my words echoed through the lively celebration. I had finally addressed her as my mother, and in that moment, the bond between us felt stronger than ever.
"I know right? Yumira, you'd make an excellent wife!" Miss Kanroji gushed from the other side of the table, cupping her cheek in the palm of her dainty hand.
"Yeah, I wouldn't be so surprised if you're going on the same missions most of the time merely to spend more time together—" I quipped, playfully tipping my head towards a particular blonde Hashira.
Mother appeared flustered, her cheeks turning a deep rosy shade as she quickly shoved food into my mouth, interrupting me with breathless giggles. The Sound Hashira joined in the teasing, amused to see the usually composed Moon Hashira lose her composure.
Laughter erupted around the table, the joyous sound filling the night air.
"You don't have to be shy, Yumi!" Miss Mitsuri giggled, tugging Mother Yumira's haori close. Miss Shinobu laughed along, covering her mouth with a delighted expression. "So, Shishi was right, huh?"
Nothing makes ladies giggle more than talking about love and gentlemen. The atmosphere was light and heartwarming, something I didn't expect to experience. It was a refreshing break from the usual seriousness.
"Oh, these two..." Mister Obanai grumbled as he watched Mister Uzui and Mister Shinazugawa squabble over their little bet. After all, who wouldn't find it intriguing to see two people secretly fall in love while trying to stay professional?
It's not like these guys are any different. Even the most formidable swordsmen aren't immune to the complexness of the heart and emotions.
Stories from Mother revealed that even the Serpent and Wind Hashira have their fair share of unrequited feelings toward their colleagues.
It's inevitable and it's natural to develop these emotions, especially toward someone whose character you deeply admire and long to understand better.
And then there's Mister Uzui, with his three lovely wives!
I'm sure they understand the complexity of love better than anyone else. Perhaps that's why they carry themselves with such gentleness, particularly towards women.
After all, experiencing love in its many forms can undoubtedly soften even the coldest of hearts.
"All right, everyone, I'm sure Shira has heard enough of your teasing." Mister Rengoku chuckled, attempting to settle the chaos in the brightly illuminated garden.
"Nice one, Rengoku! And that's how you get a woman!" Mr. Uzui baited further as he wrapped an arm around the Flame Hashira, his headpiece swaying along with his movements.
"Uzui! You and your oversized muscles!" Mother exclaimed, on the verge of taking Mister Uzui into a fight. It was like watching siblings squabble. Their dynamic was something I found rather amusing.
"There's no need to be so violent, Yumira," the soft giant Mister Himejima muttered, his voice carrying sincerity and peace,
"There is nothing wrong with expressing who your heart beats for, but we must constantly maintain our mental fortitude, and put our devotion to the people and the Demon Slayer Corps above all else."
Despite the harsh reality of being Pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps, the bonds they shared were stronger, never to be severed even amid chaos and death.
The lively banter and camaraderie made the evening unforgettable for me. We all shared stories, jokes, and heartfelt moments, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
The Moon estate had never been so vibrant, and I felt a deep sense of belonging and happiness among the Hashiras.
As the night went on, I realized that this celebration was more than just about my achievements—It was a brief pause from the battles and a reminder of the bonds we shared, the family we had become, and the unwavering support we had for one another.
It was a night of pure joy and gratitude, and I couldn't have asked for a better way to mark my 14th birthday and my new demon slayer journey alongside my beloved Master, my mother, Shira Yumira
Moments like this I wish would last forever...
『𝐓𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭』
Shiori received a dove because they ran out of crows lmao
『Author's Note』
Your votes and reads are much appreciated ✌✨
See ya💕
- Rezella
╰☆☆ - 🌙 - ☆☆╮
You are reading the story above: TeenFic.Net