(LONG chapter ahead)

My body seemed to ascend to the surface, engulfed by the warmth of a blinding light shining right on my face.

Am I in Heaven? 

Slowly, I began to feel the warm embrace of a blanket wrapped around me. As I gradually came to consciousness, my eyes, still hazy, surveyed the room. It was a traditional hospital room, plain but comforting. 

My gaze finally settled on a young teen, perhaps around sixteen, who was soundly dozing at the edge of my mattress.

Her long silver eyelashes fluttered open, revealing a pair of shimmering baby blue eyes filled with concern and worry. "Ah! I'm glad you're awake! Wait here, I'll go inform Kanae."

"Wh-where am I?" My throat felt dry, my voice coming out raspy as I struggled to speak, causing the girl to halt by the doorway.

"You're safe now. You're under the protection of the Demon Slayer Corps." She beamed me a smile. The girl, dressed in an unusual dark purple uniform with a silver blade resting on her belt, completed her astro-themed ensemble. She introduced herself as Shira Yumira.

She was, without a doubt, the one who saved me that evening.

"Why did you save me?"

"Because I believe in a future where everyone deserves a chance to live, and that future is what we, the Demon Slayer Corps, fight for."

She left, yet her presence still lingered.

And I will never see her again.

- - - - -

Finally, my lashes fluttered open, tears ready to spill. In the same comfortable room, I saw myself once again.

How is Mother, I wonder? What happened to her following her mission?

The wooden door creaked open, interrupting my train of thought. Finally, seeing that I had recovered consciousness, Aoi Kanzaki jumped in shock as she placed a food tray on the table beside my bed.

"Oh Miura, I'm relieved you're awake! I'll notify Lady Kocho right away!" she exclaimed. "Aoi, wait!" The girl in the blue uniform stopped, twisting her head back to face me.

"What happened? Tell me what happened to Madame Yumira. Is she okay? Please tell me..."

With dread, my heart raced. I want to hear her say Yumira is alright. I want to know that she made it. I want to know that she is still alive.

I watched in anticipation as Aoi's eyes softened, taking a deep breath before she replied. "Shiori, I'm so sorry. Madame Yumira fought bravely, but she... she didn't make it.

- - - - -

Lady Shinobu came to inform me that Master Ubuyashiki wished to see me once I was well rested. 

Master Oyakata's wife, Mrs. Amane, graciously welcomed us at the entrance. Her sweet smile brought to mind a picture of the family I had lost. She escorted us to the garden, where the corps leader awaited.

"Thank you for taking good care of our dear Shiori and bringing her here, Kocho," he acknowledged, his voice bringing warmth to the atmosphere, yet there was a tinge of sadness evident. "Yes, you are always welcome, Master Oyakata." The Insect Hashira bowed and respectfully took her leave. 

My gaze wandered the desolate lawn as a peaceful stillness descended upon the terrace. It was nearly the end of winter. Slivers of snow glistened beneath the soft touch of the morning sun as birds sang what seemed like a lonely melody.

In the eyes of the Master are emotions I cannot read as he looks up at the sky; however, I know even he is grieving. The amount of power he has as our leader must also come with great responsibility on his shoulders. 

I mustered up the courage to tell him the entire story of what had unfolded that evening, from my mission at Mount Mizuhara to how I had narrowly managed to survive against the Upper Moon 7 Doll demon, and... Mother's...

Everything replayed in my head. The unsettling scene of dodging towering trees as I hurried toward the sound of steel clattering, the overwhelming urge of fear and panic as I protected the wounded demon slayer, the uncomfortable sensation of blood and rain seeping through my uniform, and my desperate attempt to hold Mother close. 

Oh, how I wish that it was all just a horrible nightmare, and tomorrow I'll wake up to Mother scolding me for waking up late.

"Everyone I cared about, they're all gone. Please tell me, Master, tell me more reasons why I should live." I tried my best to keep my tears at bay, refusing to break in front of our much-respected leader.

As if sensing the emotions behind my voice, Master Oyakata came close and engulfed me in a warm embrace, an embrace filled with the care and solace that I didn't know I needed. 

"Shiori, you are a brave and strong child. That itself is already enough for you to deserve such a precious life. Yumira had done a wonderful job raising you." He caressed my head, and his delicate embrace brought a sense of comfort as I grieved.

"I'm sure she and your loved ones are proud of you as much as I am." Never had I known that these simple yet genuine words were enough to break the glass of my emotions

"I apologize for such vulnerability, my Lord. As a demon slayer, I know I shouldn't be this emotional and learn to accept the reality of this line of work." My voice sounded muffled as I buried myself in his caring arms.

"No, no, my dear, it's alright. It's only natural to cry when we lose someone we treasure the most. Emotions are what makes us human after all."

With my service and contribution to the Demon Slayer Corps, the Master has given me a choice as to whether or not I wish to take up the empty seat among the Pillars. Being Madame Yumira's student, it's my responsibility to continue her legacy.

Becoming a pillar after a month. I knew that this was the moment I was dreading to come.

Master Oyakata did not intend to pressure me, dismissing me with a gentle head pat. "May Yumira's words always remind you to keep your resolve, Shiori. She will always be proud of you."

"I will be taking my leave now, Master. Thank you so much for your time." I bowed in gratitude and respect as I left his estate. 

- - - - - 

"Shiori, dear," a soft voice called through the wind as I prepared to leave for the Hashira Cemetery. I turned to see Mrs. Amane with a basket of white flowers delicately in her hand. "Do you mind if I accompany you?"

I have been unconscious for so long that I have failed to attend her funeral. Even my consciousness did not grant me to see my Master, even for the last time. 

Mrs. Amane led me up a stone stairway past moss-covered stone graves and wildflowers. Every step got heavier, with grief tightening in my chest. Before I knew it, we were already in front of her tomb. 

"Here lies the Moon Hashira, Shira Yumira."

As I stood before the tomb of my master, the wind whispered through the surrounding trees as if the world was offering its deepest condolences and was grieving alongside me. 

Mrs. Amane's presence offered a small warmth amidst the cold silence that engulfed us as she gently placed the basket of white flowers down. 

"I remember Yumira used to come to me for guidance when she took you in. She wanted to properly take care of you," Mrs. Amane spoke beside me, her voice soft and warm against the cold winter air that whistled behind us.

"Yumira lost her family to the demons when she was still young. She blamed herself for being away from her parents, thinking she had failed to protect them. But when you arrived, you became her new purpose. She wanted to give you the family she had lost and swore to protect you no matter what."

Mrs. Amane's voice was tender, each word carrying a weight of its own. Her purple eyes, filled with a mix of sadness and nostalgia, seemed to reflect the sorrows of past losses and the hopes for a better future. 

She's the mother of the Demon Slayer Corps, after all. She bears the emotional burdens of everyone around her, and her presence brings comfort amidst the chaos and distress.

Tears threatened to flow out of my eyes as I knelt on my knees, hoping to feel closer to her, even from above the ground. My hands trembled as I caressed the inscription on the tombstone, tracing the rough letters of my master's name that contrasted with the familiar softness of her touch.

Memories with her flooded my mind once again—the training and sparring sessions under her teaching and the comfort she had given me during the darkest days of my youth.

"Mother," I barely uttered, the words heavy and difficult to release. "Your dream of me becoming a Hashira has finally come true. While there won't be two Moon Hashiras as you had wished, I promise to dedicate myself to saving lives just as you saved mine."

So now, rest peacefully wherever you are. I hope you are comfortable and happy. I'll take it from here.

Mrs. Amane offered a prayer before she left to give me the solitude I needed. She was kind enough to wrap my frame in an embrace, a silent reassurance that I was not alone in my grief, and engulfing my heart in warmth against the cold season.

My gaze was drawn to a lovely bunch of fresh daffodils, their bright golden petals standing out against the snow-covered pavement. I remembered how much Mother adored them. 

The flowers symbolized hope and new beginnings—a perfect reflection of what she had brought into my life.

Amid the blossoms, a golden ring caught the morning light, shimmering brightly. I picked it up, admiring its delicate craftsmanship. Its small size was perfect for her.

Mother was the most romantic person I knew. She showed me that love was possible, even in the harsh reality of our world. With this ring, she had dreams of marriage and family. It would've made her the happiest woman in the world.

I considered paying a visit to the Rengoku Estate. She had lived and trained with the Flame Hashira, growing close to Mister Kyōjuro Rengoku and his family. 

They, too, must be grieving. 

- - - - - 

My visit to the Rengoku Estate wasn't as heartwarming as I had hoped. The Flame Hashira was not present to welcome my arrival, as he was still away on a mission. But his little brother was kind enough to accommodate me, despite the obvious tear stains on his cheeks and the distress in his eyes

We were around the same age, and I understood his grief. Senjuro wished he could've spent more time with Yumira, making her loss feel like losing his mother all over again. 

But Mister Shinjuro made it clear that he never wanted to train Yumira in the first place, calling her stupid and naive for believing she could be a demon slayer. 

But his eyes betrayed his harsh words. Deep down, we both knew that Yumira lived and died with compassion and dedication to serve and protect others. 

He slammed the wooden gate in my face, yelling for me to leave and never come back. My presence would only fuel his anger and grief, a constant reminder that the kid he raised died because of me.

The journey back to the Moon estate felt empty. The evening air brushed coldly against my cheeks as I looked up at the ocean of stars above. Tonight was a new moon, darkness completely engulfed the world, leaving the shadows as the only witnesses to my tears. 

"COO COO KINOE-RANKED DEMON SLAYER!! NEW MISSION AT TAKEWARA TOWN!"

Fuki's call pierced the silent atmosphere, snapping me out of my daze. I detoured and immediately followed him, leaving my emotions behind. I clung tightly to the handguard of my blade, the only remembrance I had left of my Master.

As I arrived at Takewara town, the darkness cast an eerie veil over everything. Empty houses stood agape, their wooden windows swinging back and forth with the wind. Lamps that once brought light now flickered erratically, casting broken shadows like a malfunctioning switch.

The air was thick as my heart pounded against my chest with every step. Takewara was a relatively small town deep within the mountains. Its once-busy streets are now desolate and abandoned, every creak and whisper of the night wind amplifying the tension ahead.

I cautiously surveyed the area, my cold hand resting on the hilt of my katana. I scrunched my nose at the nauseating scent of blood, finally sensing the presence of the demon—a cold aura that sent sharp shivers down my spine.

The locals had evacuated to the chief's cabin, a refuge at the heart of the town. From there, they placed their full trust in the demon slayer sent to defend them. This was more than just a Hashira-ranked assignment; it was a chance for me to let go of my sadness and prepare my blade for the future that I will forge for myself from now on.

I walked deeper into the town, following the broken fences, blood-stained walls, and trail of mud on the cobblestone path. My thoughts drifted to the night I lost my family. I clenched my fist, steeling myself against the painful memories of the bygone past. 

A faint cry for help echoed through the empty streets, pulling me out of my trance. I quickened my steps toward the cry that led me to a house far from the town square, where I found a girl with dull brown locks, cornered by a large, humanoid demon.

She was trembling, frozen in place, as she clutched the broken blade in her hand. She looked up at the demon, her eyes wide in fear and hesitancy. "Brother! Please, snap out of it!"

The demon snarled as it sensed my arrival, charging its sharp claws before I could draw my katana. I leaped a distance away, noticing the lifeless bodies of what I assumed were the girl's parents. 

I grabbed my sword, the transparent blade gleaming in the dim light as I prepared to attack. The demon did not hesitate to fight back, launching its claws at my head before I could even react. 

Its movements are so swift that I can't keep up.

"Brother! Don't go! I need you!" A distant cry echoed through the chaos as the girl called for her brother, her voice breaking with desperation.

Brother, huh...

Why now of all times!? The memories of that night, when I lost my family, began to overwhelm my vision. When I saw my mother's lifeless body, my father's desperate attempts to protect us, my brother's sacrifice, Madame Yumira's smile—

And the blood—so much blood.

The moment I wavered to the pain in my head, the demon seized this opportunity to knock me to the ground. 

I struggled helplessly beneath the massive beast, the foul smell burning in the back of my throat. "Your brother is no longer human!"

Try as I might, I couldn't break free from the monster's clutches. A throbbing sensation spread across my body, caused by the demon's claw that I failed to evade. 

This was a scene all too familiar—the past that threatened to crush me.

"BROTHER!!" The girl screamed, her voice raw with anguish as searing pain tore through my body. Desperately, I looked around, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Looks like I'll die before I become an official Hashira. I'm going to get killed by a normal demon. How pathetic of me!

My life did not flash before my eyes; instead, I saw the world in slow motion. It was as if time was giving me a chance to feel peace, even for a brief moment. 

The demon's fangs were sharp against the sheath of my blade, its eyes were filled with hunger and agony. It was as if he was telling me to kill him.

Before I knew it, a translucent blade plunged into the demon's side, slashing its arm that pinned me down. The demon howled in pain, thrashing its claws wildly as it leaped away from us.

I was left bewildered by the sudden incident as I locked my eyes on her figure. The girl's stance showed strength and courage, stepping forward against her own flesh and blood despite her age.

"I can't let you kill her, too, brother. This isn't what we trained for!!"

Ah... so she's a demon slayer-in-training.

With the help of the girl's bravery, I rose to join her in battle. She returned my blade, entrusting to me the fate of her own family and their town.

"Moon Breathing, 4th Form: New Moon Blackout"

There was no point in dwelling on the past and letting the pain hinder the present. Wishing I had died with them served no purpose. My only choice now is to honor what they left me and use it to protect and help others.

My blade flashed in the darkness, unleashing a massive frontal slash that cleaved through everything in its path.

"Moon Breathing, 8th Form: Moon-Dragon Ringtail"

With the final blow, I decapitated the demon. Its head rolled on the blood-stained ground, tears in his eyes as he broke down. "Iko, I'm... I'm sorry... I'm so sorry, Iko," the girl's brother cried. 

The girl knelt down and gently caressed her brother's cheeks with trembling hands. "Brother...". Her tears flowed freely, a witness to the agony they shared of losing their own family.

"I'm sorry... I killed mother and father. I'm sorry Hoshiko..." The demon cried, tears flowing out his eyes as he burned into a heap of ash.

The girl cried out, a painful scream to mourn the massacre of her family. I wrapped her in a tight hug, trying to offer comfort. "You're safe now..." I managed to whisper, my own voice trembling as I empathized with the weight of her sorrow.

This was the first time I felt pity for a demon. They were once like me. They once had a family. They once had emotions. 

They were once a beautiful creature called a Human Being.

As Hoshiko composed herself, she turned to me; her voice was barely a whisper, "Thank you, miss..." "Shiori Miura. You don't have to be so formal. I think we're around the same age."

I smiled, placing a comforting hand on Hoshiko's shoulder. "Actually, I should be the one thanking you. You reminded me why we fight as demon slayers—for our families, our homes, and a future free of fear."

Under the light of a thousand stars, two warriors stood together, bound by their shared pain and unwavering determination. 

I felt the weight of my grief slightly lift from my chest, and in that moment, I knew I was not alone.

- - - - -

She brought me to the village doctor to treat the wound on my left hand and the deep gash on my forehead. 

The sun was rising at dawn by the time the burial of Hoshiko's parents concluded at the village cemetery. The kakushis worked tirelessly to clean up the mess caused by the demon. 

Hoshiko's family had long been protectors of this town. Her father was a Kanoe Demon Slayer at rank seventh, and her mother was a Mizunoe at rank ninth.

Hoshiko and her brother had been well-trained, preparing to join the Final Selections in five months. But that night, two figures attacked the town, killing their parents and turning her brother into a demon. 

It's dangerous for a young girl—with no one left to care for her—to live alone. She lost her family, just like I did. She lost her brother, just like I did. She lost her guardian, just like I did.

Understanding her pain, I offered her the choice to live under my wing, allowing me to train her, hone her skills, and prepare her to fight, avenge her family, and protect her home.

"I see great potential in you, Hoshiko," I said, giving her a comforting smile as the first light of dawn began to break over the horizon. "I want to help you hone that potential and become a demon slayer. Will you lend us your strength to defeat Muzan and avenge those who have