Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Your hand is unsteady today, Hime-sama,” the calligraphy tutor remarked.

“I’m sorry teacher, I’m a bit distracted today,” Akari replied, glancing down at her calligraphy.

冬来たりなば春遠からじ

If winter has come, spring is not far away. She discovered this proverb while reading an English poem and thought it would look beautiful as calligraphy. However, her work did not capture the elegance of the words drawn.

“How to hold the brush and how your hands move with it should be ingrained into your muscles by now- even when distracted.” The tutor admonished. Akari nodded in agreement.

Ever since Akari turned four, her days have been consumed by rigorous training. From calligraphy, math, etiquette- she learned it all to perfection. While there were some subjects she enjoyed, she knew these lessons were never for her own personal growth. Everything she learns is to become a perfect bride for her betrothed, and to become a perfect empress for their country.

“Akari, our guest has arrived.“ Seiya, her older brother announced. Standing over a foot taller with chestnut brown hair and striking gray eyes, Seiya was a stark contrast to Akari’s crimson red hair and gold eyes.

“They’ve arrived already? Then I must greet them,” Akari tried to contain her excitement. She bowed toward her teacher and quickly excused herself, her handmaiden following closely behind. Bound by her father’s strict rule, Akari was forbidden from leaving the estate until her marriage. When she was younger, the estate had been large enough to accommodate her energy and curiosity. But as she grew older, her life began to feel monotonous, with few opportunities to meet new people.

That was why Akari eagerly anticipated meeting their honored guest. Every winter, the family estate hosted a traveling swordsman who would train with her father, a man of samurai lineage. Their presence was like a breath of fresh air, breaking the stagnant routine of her home. What’s more, each visitor had unique personalities and quirks. Last year it was a vibrant, handsome man from a shinobi clan. The year before, a gentle giant of a monk. This year, she could only wonder what kind of person would be staying next.

Akari stepped into the tatami room where her family received their rare guests. Her father was sitting on the floor, engaged in deep conversation with a young man who appeared to be her age. His long black hair was tied back lazily, and he wore a haori with an unusual half-and-half pattern. One side a dark maroon, and the other side a bright mix of yellows and greens. When he noticed her, the boy immediately bowed low to the floor towards her.

“Akari, just in time. This is Giyuu Tomioka.” Her father introduced.

“It is an honor to meet you, Hime-sama,” the boy said, his voice soft and monotone.

“No need to be so formal, you may raise your head. Welcome to our home, Tomioka-sama.” Akari replied with a measured smile and a bow. When he lifted his head, Akari’s golden eyes met his deep blue ones. As she gazed at him, Akari felt an undercurrent of coldness that seemed to drift from him, like a winter breeze. Yet, beneath that chill, there was a flicker of something warmer. It was delicate, something she couldn’t quite explain, but the feeling grew stronger the longer she looked at him.

“Tomioka-kun will be staying with us until spring arrives. Akari, please give him a tour of the estate and show him his quarters.” Her father ordered.

“Of course, father. Tomioka-sama, shall we?” Akari gestured for the young man to stand. Tomioka quietly rose to his feet, bowing once more to Akari’s father before following her out of the room.

“Since you will be training with my father, I will show you the dojo first.” Akari said as she led Giyuu through the many corridors of the estate. Noticing the silence, she turned to make sure Giyuu was still with her. He met her eyes with a nod.

“So Tomioka-sama, I understand you’re a traveling swordsman. May I ask where your hometown is?” Akari asked, trying to spark a conversation.

“No where of significance.” He replied curtly. Perhaps he was shy? Akari thought.

“Then, how long have you been practicing swordsmanship?” She continued, tilting her head as she waited for his reply. She was determined to find a topic that would pique his interest.

“For a while.” He mumbled.

“You look much younger than other guests who trained with my father. Are we the same age?”

“Probably.”

“Oh… I see..” Akari reflected on her many etiquette lessons where she practiced polite conversation. Typically, the travelers would be the one to ask her questions, curious about her life as the future empress. But Giyuu Tomioka seemed to have no interest in her at all.

The remainder of Akari’s tour was marked by silence, interrupted only by her introductions of the key areas of the estate. “And lastly, this room will be yours for the duration of your stay. My room is nearby, so if you need anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.” She announced.

“Thank you,” Giyuu bowed before heading into his room.

“Of course. Have a good night.” Akari said, offering a final smile to her guest as he shut the door. She turned to her handmaiden, who was quietly following them the whole time. ”It seems like it will be a quiet winter,”

☀

A month passed by without a notable conversation with the quiet swordsman. Akari would occasionally cross paths with him in the hallway near her room or kitchen, but their interactions were limited to polite greetings as they made their way through. Despite this, his aloof demeanor only deepened Akari’s curiosity.

“Ryuu, have you trained with Tomioka-sama yet?” Akari asked, addressing her second eldest brother. They had crossed paths at lunchtime, and with some coaxing, she convinced him to join her for a quiet meal on the engawa.

Their relationship had always been tense. As children, Ryuu frequently tormented her, often calling her a “freak” for things she didn’t understand herself. The distance between them only grew after the family relocated to Nara, where he withdrew from her entirely.

“I have,” Ryuu muttered, picking at his bowl of rice without looking at her. “Though I wouldn’t call him pleasant company.”
Like their older brother Seiya, Ryuu bore a strong resemblance to their father. Akari, on the other hand, had always stood out with her vivid red hair- a trait likely passed down from their mother, a distant relative of the imperial family.

“How are his swordsmanship skills?” She inquired. Both Seiya and Ryuu had been training their swordsmanship since childhood. Although swords were technically banned in the country, their father insisted they learn in order to keep the tradition of their samurai roots alive.

“He’s not as strong as other guests in the past, but he has the potential.”

“Really? That’s impressive. I wish I could speak to him more, but he seems…reserved.” Akari said carefully.

“Reserved is putting it lightly. The man barely speaks, and when he does it's usually something blunt and uncalled for.” Ryuu shrugged, as he got up. “Anyway, I’m heading out now.”

“Where are you going?”

“I’m meeting with someone,” he replied, a hint of annoyance in his voice at her persistent prodding, before turning and walking out of the room. Akari couldn’t help but to feel a pang of jealousy. Her brothers could come and go as they pleased, but she was confined to the estate.
One of the estate’s maids began to giggle. “He’s probably going to the festival with a woman.” She chimed.

“Festival?” Akari asked, her interest instantly sparked.

“Yes! Every year the town holds a festival when the first snow of the season is predicted. I’ve heard they’re really going all out this year with fireworks!” The maid explained, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

Festival and fireworks!? Akari thoughts raced as eagerness bubbled up inside her. She wondered if she might see the fireworks from the estate- or if, just this once, her father might let her go.

She quickly dismissed the idea. Her father was kind, but incredibly strict when it came to this one rule.

Then, an idea formed in her mind. An idea that was uncharacteristically rebellious of her. But the more she listened to the maid speak about the festival, the more determined she became, completely forgetting about the swordsman that previously occupied her thoughts.

☀

Her plan went into action as soon as everyone turned in for the night after dinner. Instead of her traditional sleeping robe, she had requested her maids to dress her in a Western two-piece set, the trousers offering better freedom of movement. Once alone, Akari grabbed a lantern, a box of matches, and threw on her warmest haori. With her heart pounding in her chest, she tip-toed out of her room. The front gate was out of the question as two loyal vassals stood guard there each night, so she slipped away toward the dojo instead.

Several wisteria trees adorned the estate, but one in particular was her key to the outside. Its thick, sturdy branches reached high enough for her to jump onto the dojo’s roof. From there, she could easily climb on top of the stone barriers and reach the other side.

When she finally reached the wisteria tree, Akari paused, studying her path upward. Now that winter had stripped the tree of its lush leaves and flowers, its branches were completely exposed. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed the lowest branch to begin her ascent, her heart pounding with a mix of excitement and the fear of getting caught.

Once Akari climbed to the same height as the dojo’s roof, a wave of nervousness washed over her. Jumping from the tree to the roof was the most crucial part of her escape, and one misstep could send her tumbling to the ground. It wasn’t high enough to get seriously injured, but the fall would be painful. She took a moment to steady her breath, calming her heart before she made her fateful leap.

“What are you doing?” A voice broke her concentration. Her eyes darted towards the source, and spotted a figure looming atop the stone wall. Startled, Akari gasped and lost her balance, slipping from the tree.

Just as she began to fall, the figure leaped from the wall with impressive speed. In an instant, strong arms caught her mid-air, protecting her from impact with tree branches and breaking her fall. The momentum sent them both rolling across the ground in a tumble until they came to a stop, with Akari safely cushioned against the person’s chest.

Akari quickly scrambled to her feet, her face flushed from the compromising position they had landed in. The other person followed suit, calmly rising to his feet. As she looked up, her heart skipped a beat- standing before her was none other than Giyuu Tomioka, his expression as unreadable as ever.

“What are you doing?” he repeated, this time quieter, and more curious than she expected.

Akari instinctively grabbed Giyuu’s arm and led him to behind the dojo to hide, worried the noise of their fall would alarm the guards. “I want to go to the festival and see the fireworks…but I’m banned from leaving the estate.. so I tried to sneak out.” Akari whispered. There was no point in glossing over the obvious.

“You aren’t allowed to leave?” Giyuu asked, a trace of surprise flickering in his eyes. It was very subtle, but Akari caught his eyes widening by just a little. This was the first time Akari has ever seen him show emotion.

She sighed and began to pace in frustration. “Yes. I haven’t been beyond these walls since I was four! It’s so boring, and as the years go by, I’m becoming more and more restless!” She turned to Giyuu. “And I don’t even understand why!”

Her fiery golden eyes met his calm blue, and she suddenly became aware of her emotional outburst. “I’m sorry. I don’t even know why I’m telling you all of this. I’ll go back to my room. Just don’t tell my father please.” Akari started walking toward the main building, feeling embarrassed for her outburst and confiding in someone she barely knew.

“Wait.” Akari halted her steps, holding her breath.

“I respect your father, so I won’t break the rules he has set for you.” Giyuu began plainly. “….But if you want to watch the fireworks, I can help.”

“Really?? How??” Akari’s gold eyes lit up with excitement. Giyuu turned without answering.

“Follow me.” Akari followed him in anticipation, and was eventually led to part of the estate’s stone barrier. “We should be able to see it from here.” Akari looked around thinking there must have been a way to climb through, but the wall, nearly three times her height, was in perfect condition. She looked at Giyuu in confusion.

“Here?” Suddenly, Akari felt Giyuu’s arms wrap around her, as he leaped high into the air, their bodies floating far above the estate. Instinctively, Akari gripped Giyuu’s clothes in fear until they gracefully landed on top of the stone wall. “H-How did you do that!?” Akari yelped. Giyuu shrugged, releasing her and gestured towards the view. She followed his gaze and was taken aback by the view before her.

Past the lush forest of cedar trees, Akari could see a vibrant town glowing at the base of the mountain. Speckles of red light glimmered from the town, marking the festivities of the night. Beyond it, the silhouettes of hills and mountains took shape, outlined by the moonlight. She could even make out a large body of water in the far distance.

“Wow, is this what’s past these walls? I hardly remember any of it.” Akari said as she propped herself on the ledge. Giyuu sat down with her, but at an arm's length.

“Do you know when the fireworks are supposed to start?” Giyuu asked.

Akari shook her head. “I don’t. I only found out about it today. It’s to commemorate the first snow of the season.” She started to swing her feet in excitement, which were hanging over the stone wall.

“I see.” Giyuu replied. They sat together on the ledge in a comfortable silence, enjoying the view before them.

Akari then felt the gentlest of taps on the top of her head and looked up. Snow. “Oh? I think it started to snow!” Akari looked at Giyuu to share her excitement, watching as he held out his hand, trying to catch the falling snowflakes.

“Aren’t you-“ A sudden crackle in the sky interrupted Giyuu, signaling the start of the fireworks display. The fireworks burst from below, painting the sky with dazzling chrysanthemums of various colors. Her and her brothers often played with small fireworks during holidays, but she never saw a display to this scale.

She leaned a bit forward to catch Giyuu’s eyes and share her excitement. “Tomioka-sama, isn’t this just breathtaking?” she beamed, her smile genuine and unguarded. Another crackle struck the air, diverting her attention back to the fireworks before he replied.

“It is,” he quietly agreed.

Chapter Text

“Your highness, it is time to wake up. Your math lesson will begin soon.” A maid said as she gently placed a hand on Akari’s shoulder.

Akari slowly opened her eyes in confusion. When had she fallen asleep? Last she remembered, she had been admiring the view on the estate wall with Giyuu after the fireworks display. 

Her mind replayed the events of last night- how Giyuu broke her fall, how he held her while jumping on the stone wall, and how he must have carried her back to her room. Akari felt her face flush, matching the color of her hair. Her etiquette teacher would berate her if she knew what happened last night.

“Your highness, your face is red. Are you not feeling well? Seiya-sama did warn that you may not be feeling well.” Her maid asked as she put her hand on Akari’s forehead.

“My brother did?” Akari blinked in confusion.

“Yes, you fell asleep on the east garden’s engawa last night,” the maid replied as she left to call a doctor. Fell asleep on the engawa? Had Giyuu covered up for her?

“Akari, I heard you’re not feeling well.” Seiya said as he entered her room. He knelt by her futon and gently placed his hand on her forehead. “What were you doing last night passing out on the engawa?” His voice was soft, but filled with concern.

“I..” Akari hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. “I don’t remember, to be honest.”

“Imagine how worried I was when Tomioka-sama came to my room in the middle of the night, with you passed out in his arms!” Seiya explained, his voice rising slightly. “I wanted to hit him so badly when he nonchalantly said ‘I forgot where her room was’ , but it turned out he found you asleep on the engawa when he stepped outside.”

Giyuu didn’t tell anybody about what truly happened. Overcome with relief, Akari felt her body begin to relax. “I’m sorry for causing you trouble, brother.” Akari mumbled. 

“It’s fine, just rest and get better.” Seiya cooed as he started to stroke her hair. He did this whenever she became ill ever since she was a child. Feeling nostalgic, Akari let sleep take over.

☀

It took Akari two days to recover from her fever. Although she typically recovered from ailments quickly, this fever proved particularly stubborn.

“Seiko, before I head to my lesson, I would like to speak to Tomioka-sama. Please summon him to my room.” Akari ordered Seiko, the maid who was helping her dress.

“Yes, your highness. I will summon him as soon as we finish here.” Seiko replied. Finally feeling well enough for conversation, she wanted to thank Giyuu for what he did for her the other day. As the maid styled her hair, Akari formulated how to approach the conversation with the quiet swordsman and learn more about him. 

“Finished,” Seiko said, pinning Akari’s favorite hair ornament of pink blossoms into place. She quietly excused herself to summon Giyuu.

Akari looked into her mirror, satisfied with her appearance. Today, she had chosen a dark blue kimono with white plum blossoms. The color had reminded her of Giyuu’s calming dark eyes when she first saw it.

“Your highness, I’ve brought Tomioka-sama as you’ve requested.” Seiko announced.

“Thank you Seiko, please leave us for a moment.” Akari said as she settled herself on the floor, preparing to receive her guest.

“Your highness, being alone with a man is inappropriate,” the maid warned.

“It won’t be very long. Tomioka-sama would not do anything.” Akari reassured her. Unable to push further, Seiko bowed and left the room. In her place, Giyuu entered and kneeled in front of her, not daring to look up at her.

“Please, raise your head- there’s no need for such formality. I just wanted to thank you for what you did the other night,” Akari said, trying to lighten the mood. However, Giyuu remained unmoved, maintaining his formal stance.

“It was nothing.”

“Is there anything I could do to return your kindness?” she asked.

“The hospitality of the Miyamoto estate has been more than enough, your highness.” Akari’s heart sank at the shift in tone. He had spoken so naturally with her the other night, and now, the formality felt like a wall between them. 

“I know it may have been a small thing for you, but it truly meant the world to me…. I..” Akari paused hesitantly. “I really appreciate you.” She confessed shyly, her cheeks burning. “....And if it’s okay with you…I would like to get to know you better.”

Giyuu finally lifted his eyes from his bow, his mouth slightly agape in surprise. Akari felt her cheeks burn hotter and quickly looked away, unable to look at him. She had intended for her proposal to come across as mature, but it ended up sounding more like a timid plea from a child.

Before Giyuu could respond, one of Akari’s tutors barged into the room, with Seiko attempting to hold them back.

“I was wondering why you haven’t showed up to your music lesson yet, and here you are- alone with a man. Hime-sama, this is highly inappropriate.” her tutor reprimanded. 

“Tomioka-sama is our honored guest,”  Akari responded sternly, eyes igniting with authority. “The other night, it was Tomioka-sama who found me on the engawa. I was simply expressing my gratitude.” 

“Even so, if it was to simply relay your gratitude, there is no reason to not have a chaperone.”

Akari let out a resigned sigh, unwilling to prolong the dispute with her teacher. “Yes, you are correct, teacher.” She turned back to Giyuu. “I’m sorry Tomioka-sama. We must continue this conversation another time.” Giyuu nodded in understanding and saw himself out of the room.

The following days were filled with rigorous piano and koto lessons, during which her teacher pointed out every mistake. Additionally, her teacher made sure to provide frequent refreshers on etiquette and how to conduct herself as a young unmarried woman. Emotionally drained, Akari never found the opportunity to resume her conversation with Giyuu.

☀

“Akari, wake up”

Akari blinked awake, groggy and confused, to find Ryuu beside her. “Ryuu?” Akari said drowsily. “What are you doing here? It’s late.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, princess,” said a voice from behind him. Akari jolted upright, fully awake. How did this person go unnoticed? She was usually good at sensing when someone was near- everyone gave off a subtle feeling, an aura- she would call it. But this person felt like nothing. It was as if they didn’t exist at all. 

As the figure moved towards her, the dim light of Ryuu’s lantern revealed a man with beautiful opalescent eyes. "Who are-" Akari started, but her words were cut off as the man bent down, pulling her tightly against his body. Before she could react, he leaned in, his face close to her neck, and inhaled deeply.

“Now I understand why my lord has searched for you for centuries.” The man buried his face deeper into her neck. “You smell absolutely divine.” Akari looked past his shoulder and felt a shiver go down her spine. Yokai and ghosts encircled the man, their distorted faces seething with vengeance. Her instincts kicked in, trying to push him off with all her might, but he was too strong. 

“Ryuu!!” Akari screamed in desperation, trying to reach out to him. But she could only watch as he stood up and turned away from her. “Why?” she cried, feeling betrayed.

“Akari!” Her father bellowed, slashing through the shoji doors, sword in hand. Seiya and other vassals followed closely behind, swords ready. “Release my daughter, demon!”

Demon? Akari couldn’t believe her ears. The demon burst into laughter. “When she smells this good? You’re hilarious!” With a flick of a fan, sharp icicles erupted from the floor, instantly impaling several vassals. Akari screamed in horror as their lifeless bodies bled out, thrashing her body in an futile attempt to escape. “Awwh, sorry princess, did that scare you?” The demon started mockingly patting her head with his fan. “I’ll end it quickly then, just for you!” He exclaimed, releasing her as he reached for another war fan. 

Akari took the opportunity to try to run, but she barely got to her knees before ice vines lashed around her, pinning her in place. “You.” The demon pointed at Ryuu with his fan. “Make sure she can’t escape,” Ryuu hesitantly stepped in front of her, brandishing his sword to ensure no one could help her. The demon flicked his fans once more. Agonized screams filled the air as more ice vines erupted from the ground, mercilessly crushing the remaining vassals. Only her father and Seiya were left standing amidst the destruction.

Seizing the opportunity with Akari out of the demon’s grasp, her father lunged forward. “Shadow Breathing. Third Form. Gashadokuro” he shouted. An illusion of a large skeleton towered over her father as his blade sliced through the air, but still just barely grazing the demon’s shoulder. “I heard you were the former Shadow Hashira, but I see you are way past your prime!” The demon gloated.

While the demon was occupied with her father, Seiya charged towards Ryuu, their swords clashing with a loud ring. “Ryuu! How could you bring a demon to our home?!” he yelled with fury. Akari has never seen her kind and patient eldest brother enraged like this before.

“Because I was offered a life of my own! Not a life solely dedicated to our naive little sister who knows nothing!” Ryuu argued with burning intensity as he swung his sword at his brother. Seiya blocked the strike with a grunt. “Mother died because of her. So why should I serve her for the rest of my life??” 

Mother died because of me? Her head spun, unleashing a flood of broken memories she had long forgotten. Her mother’s limp body lying in an alley. Blood splattered across the walls. Ryuu’s voice, sharp with blame. Endless tears that never seemed to stop.

Akari was swept up in a storm of emotions- her body shaking. She just wanted it all to stop. “Please stop…” she choked out. Her plea was drowned by the sound of colliding swords and metal striking ice. “Please stop!” she screamed, her voice slicing through the chaos and bringing all movements to a halt. Heads turned to her- for a fleeting moment, she emanated a soft glow. 

The ice around her began to melt, but before she could move again, new vines burst from the floor, coiling around her even more tightly. “Oops! Sorry, but I promised the princess to end this quickly. Anyway, it was fun, old guy.” The demon’s smile shifted into something more menacing. He dashed in front of her father in an instant. “Blood Demon Art: Barren Hanging Garden” The demon began to swing his war fans at her father at a blinding speed, ice materializing with every attack. 

“Father!!” Akari shrieked, her voice breaking as tears blurred her vision. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing- the strong, highly respected swordsman who trained several swordsmen from across the country, now being brutally mutilated like a rag doll. Her heart felt as if it were being torn from her chest as she watched him struggle to block the assault, his bloodied, lifeless body slowly falling to the floor.

The demon put away his fans, satisfied with his work. “Hey biwa girl! I have the goddess and her kin!” In the blink of an eye, Akari and her brothers found themselves teleported into a labyrinth of endless doors and rooms, the ice vines gone. Seiya rushed to her side and protectively held her in his arms, while Ryuu shuffled into a formal bow. Before them was a beautiful man with pale skin and glowing red eyes. He was calm and composed, completely oblivious to the thousands of enraged ghosts and yokai that silently clung to him.

A demon.  

“Good work, Douma.” The man praised, his voice authoritative and chilling. Akari’s skin crawled when his eyes met hers. 

“Anything for you, my lord!” Douma smiled as he got on his knees and bowed. Out of nowhere, two tentacles emerged from the shadows, piercing both of her brothers in the neck. They screamed in torture writhing in pain, as horrific changes happened to their body. Their auras began to fade away as the seconds went by. 

“Wow! I wonder how strong the brothers of Amaterasu will become as demons!!!

“Seiya!” Akari cried, feeling utterly helpless. The demon lord seized her chin, forcing her to face him.

“We meet again, Amaterasu,” he greeted as he inspected her carefully.

“I’m not Amaterasu.” she replied weakly, tears streaming down her face, she could only think of her brothers, who were dying next to her.

The demon lord scoffed, gripping her face tighter before shoving her to the ground. “Namkime, send them away.” With a single pluck of a biwa string, her brothers fell through the floor, vanishing before her eyes. “Douma, test her blood..but not on the neck.”

“With honor, my lord!” Douma moved toward Akari and kneeled, pulling her wrist to his mouth. She tried to pull her arm away in protest, but she couldn't overpower him. “Sorry princess. This is gunna hurt,” Douma warned as he bit into Akari’s forearm, his sharp teeth grazing her bones. Akari screamed and thrashed in excruciating pain as Douma drew blood from her.

After about a minute, Douma pulled away, dropping her arm. Akari rolled on the floor as she cradled her forearm, as if it would somehow alleviate the pain. “Oh man Master, she tastes even better than she smells.” Douma said as he wiped his mouth. “It took all my will power to pull away.”

“No side effects?”

“Nothing poisonous, although I’m feeling a bit warm and euphoric…”

“The blood of Amaterasu can affect demons like stimulants," the demon lord said, grabbing Akari by her kimono’s collar and pulling her into him. His hand trailed up her back as he inhaled the scent of her neck. Exhausted by pain and adrenaline, she could no longer fight back. "Before I ate the last incarnation, I calculated that just drinking some of her blood is equivalent to eating 100 humans."

With a rough yank, he pulled her head back by her hair, exposing her neck. His lips brushed against her skin before his teeth sank deep into her flesh. Akari’s scream tore from her throat. The pain wasn’t just sharp, it was searing, like molten lava spreading through her veins. Every nerve in her body seemed to ignite in agony as her body convulsed uncontrollably. The demon lord hummed in pleasure, his teeth sinking deeper.

The pain escalated, and Akari’s vision began to blur with black dots. After what felt like an eternity, the demon lord shoved her to the floor, straddling her. “Nakime, summon all the Kizuki. They need her blood to grow stronger,” he ordered. Akari heard the tear of her kimono just before the blackness overtook her vision, her mind slipping away with it.

☀

“DEMON IN THE MIYAMOTO ESTATE! PRINCESS AKARI IN DANGER!” Kanzaburo shrieked. Giyuu froze. Then bolted. There was no time to think- only to run towards the Miyamoto estate as fast as he possibly could. How could this have happened? And on the very night there happened to be a demon an hour away? The timing was too precise for it all to be a mere coincidence. It had to be orchestrated. 

Giyuu had only recently become a Hashira of the Demon Slayer Corps, one of the Corps’ top swordsmen, just six months ago. With this new role came both increased privileges and significant responsibilities. Among the crucial things he learned as a new Hashira, was the Corps’ sworn duty to protect a young girl, Akari Miyamoto.

Akari Miyamoto was the daughter of a retired Hashira and a noblewoman. From an early age, she exhibited mysterious gifts- she could see yokai, heal wounds with a single touch, and was often haunted by clairvoyant dreams. After several consultations with historians, priests, and the Demon Slayer Corps, it was theorized that Akari might be the reincarnation of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu. This theory solidified with the discovery of an ancient text from several centuries ago, describing a revered shrine maiden with flaming red hair and golden dragon-like eyes-  traits that mirrored Akari’s. 

Given the Imperial Family’s own claimed descent from Amaterasu, Akari was the obvious choice to marry the imperial prince and one day become the Empress of Japan.

However, her blessings from the heavens came at a cost. Demons flocked to her like bees to sweet nectar, and it wasn’t long before she caught the interest of Kibutsuji Muzan, the demon lord. Her very existence was a liability. If she were consumed by a demon, it would be equivalent to devouring hundreds of humans, vastly strengthening them.

An incident that resulted in the death of her mother, caused by a demon hunting for Akari, forced the family to relocate from Tokyo where demonic activity was high, to far down south in Nara. However, even the distance and the wisteria trees on the estate did not guarantee her safety. Until her brothers reached the skill of a Hashira, the estate required the constant presence of a Hashira each winter, when the wisteria flowers withered and could no longer repel demons. This winter, it was Giyuu.

When the Miyamoto estate came into view, Giyuu immediately caught the scent of death in the wind. His grip tightened around the hilt of his sword, bracing himself for battle. Upon arrival, he was met with a horrifying sight- everyone, from the guards and maids to the tutors, had been brutally murdered, their bodies bleeding into the snow.

He had hoped it was merely a low-ranking demon that had wandered onto the estate, something Akari’s father and brothers could have handled. But a massacre of this scale… only a high-ranking demon could have done this.

He rushed toward Akari’s room, forcing himself to stay composed. Dead bodies were nothing new to him, but the prospect of facing an Upper-Moon demon made him apprehensive. As he entered the hallway, he found vassals strewn across the floor, torn apart. Her father’s remains were among them, mutilated beyond recognition.

Akari was not among the bodies.

Giyuu continued his search through the estate, unease growing every moment she remained unfound. It wasn’t until he reached the dojo where he saw a glint of red- Akari’s ruby earrings catching the moonlight. She was sprawled across the snow-covered ground, bloodied, her clothes torn, unmoving.

A violent wave of emotions crashed into him- crushing guilt, and a terrifying sense of loss. 

I failed her.

Her body was cold as Giyuu checked for a pulse, but nearly every spot where he tried was marred by bite marks. Desperate, he pressed his ear against her chest, listening intently. There it was- a faint heartbeat, slow but resilient, accompanied by the slight rise of her chest as she struggled to breathe.

Giyuu lifted her body from the ground and held her close. “Hime-sama,” he called softly, but there was no response.

“Hime-sama,” 

“Akari!” he shouted in a last desperate attempt to wake her.

Akari’s eyes fluttered open, managing to give him a weak smile when she recognized him. 

“Tomioka-sama…? You’re safe…. Thank goodness.” she said, her voice barely a whisper, strained by pain.

“Don’t speak; just focus on keeping your eyes open.” He instructed as he shrugged off his haori to wrap it around her.

“I’m so confused…Nothing makes sense. I want it to be a dream, but the pain is so real.” Akari murmured, disregarding Giyuu’s instructions.

“I know. I’ll explain everything once I get you to safety. Just don’t die.” Akari’s head lolled into his chest. “Hime-sama, try to stay awake,” he urged.

“I really don’t want to think anymore….” she mumbled before her eyes slid closed again. Giyuu leaned in his ear to check her breathing, relieved to find it steady. He carefully lifted her onto his back in a piggyback and started heading towards Kyoto. 

With the estate’s doctor dead and no other medical options available without revealing the presence of demons, his only choice was the Wisteria House, a four-hour journey by foot. 

He had to make it in less.

“Kanzaburo- report to Master that the Miyamoto estate has been infiltrated. Princess Akari is safe but needs immediate treatment. No other survivors. I won’t know the details of what occurred until she wakes up.” Giyuu ordered. “Also, make sure to send the Kakushi so they can take care of the bodies.” The crow squawked in acknowledgement and changed direction, flying east to Tokyo.

As Giyuu sprinted with the princess on his back, his mind drifted to a memory of her just a few days ago, when Akari expressed her gratitude towards him. Her voice echoed in his head. “I really appreciate you.” He gritted his teeth. Her words, “I would like to get to know you better.” seemed to mock him. How could he ever become worthy of her company after this?

“Don’t die, Hime-sama.”

Chapter Text

Akari walked beside Giyuu along a moonlit beach, the salty air caressing her cheeks. In her hand she held a naginata, its blade shimmering a blend of orange, red, and pink like a sunrise. The kanji “Destroy” was etched boldly on her clothes.

A fleeting dream. 

Akari stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open to an unfamiliar ceiling, breath catching as memories surged back. Ryuu bringing a demon home. The haunting beauty of the demon lord. The searing pain that tore through her.

She winced, bracing for it to return. But to her surprise, she felt… fine. The pain that had once consumed her was now just a distant memory, as if it never happened.

“Hime-sama?”

Akari turned to the owner of the voice, still feeling sluggish as she woke up. Kneeling beside her was Giyuu, who was observing her with concern. 

“How long has it been?” Akari asked, her voice strained from disuse.

“Three days,” he replied. Giyuu began to stand up. “I’ll call the doctor.”

“Wait!” Akari called out, grabbing Giyuu’s hand to stop him from leaving. “You told me... that you’d explain everything.” Giyuu hesitated, his gaze lowering to where her hand held his. After a moment, he sat back down beside her, his expression unreadable.

"You will need to explain to me what happened as well," he said firmly.

Akari bit her lip, unsure if she was ready to relive the events, but she knew there was no avoiding it. "I will," she agreed, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside. 

Akari summoned all her strength to stay composed, as she’d been trained, even as her hands trembled. She buried her emotions deep, face calm while Giyuu explained everything- her true identity, the target on her back, and the Demon Slayer Corps.

When it was her turn to speak, her hands shook again. She clasped them in her lap, forcing herself to push past the hazy images of Douma and his master. 

Giyuu pressed his head deep into the floor in a formal bow. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there sooner,” he said, his voice firm and regretful. “It was my duty to protect you, and I failed.”

Akari frowned at the sight. Seeing Giyuu bow to her didn’t feel right. Why would any of this ever be his fault? 

“It wasn’t your fault. The blame lies with Ryuu. He must have arranged everything...”  Her voice tightened, frustration rising. “But there’s one thing I don’t understand- why was I kept in the dark?” 

She ran her fingers through her hair and let out a sigh. “If I’d known, I could have learned swordsmanship. Then I wouldn’t have been so helpless… so reliant on others for my own safety… And maybe Ryuu wouldn’t have hated me so much.”

“Your father was determined to give you as normal of a life as possible until you married,” Giyuu explained, not lifting his head.

“But at the cost of others' lives..? Their freedom? I could never agree to that.” 

The room grew quiet.

“I’m sorry, but could I be left alone for a little bit?”

“Of course.” Giyuu bowed to her once more before swiftly leaving the room. Akari buried herself in her futon, overwhelmed by everything. It felt surreal, like some twisted fairytale. 

Giyuu’s explanation was a lot to take in, but some parts did not surprise her. Aside from the existence of man-eating demons, everything felt less like a revelation and more like placing the final piece in a puzzle. 

She had always known she wasn’t meant for an ordinary life. It wasn’t just her role as the future empress- it was the way she sensed auras, heard voices in prayer, and saw things no one else could. Once, she’d asked her mother why others couldn’t hear and see what she did. The fearful smile she received ended the conversation forever.

Akari couldn’t even cry.  Her fingers wandered to her red earrings, gently twisting them in quiet repetition- a habit she’d fallen into whenever her thoughts spiraled. She closed her eyes, not wanting to think anymore and wishing for a dreamless sleep.

☀

Before opening her eyes, Akari felt the familiar cool breeze of Giyuu’s aura and found comfort in it. Turning her head, she saw him asleep against the wall beside her futon. She wondered why he hadn’t requested one for himself.

She studied his face. Normally so hardened and stoic, he looked younger in sleep, almost peaceful. Her gaze dropped to his scabbard lying beside him. She had never seen him without it, and now she finally understood why. It was always close, always ready.

Growing up, she’d never been allowed to touch her father’s or brothers’ swords. Too dangerous, they’d said. But now, one lay within reach. Quietly, she extended her hand, driven by a sudden curiosity. If I’d known how to wield this… could I have saved someone?

Just as her fingers neared the sheath, a firm hand caught hers.

“Don’t,” Giyuu said, his grip unyielding, his eyes sharp and awake.

“Sorry. I was just… curious,” she murmured, pulling her hand back.

“Stay curious. Only fools touch a weapon without training.” His voice was flat, but the words were cutting.

Akari blinked, his bluntness taking her aback. “You’re right…”

“I’m awake. You can take the futon if you want to rest longer.” She offered, hoping to break the tension.

“I’m fine,” he replied. “Are you able to walk?”

She shifted in her futon, stretching her legs. “I believe so.”

“Then, if the doctor clears you, we leave today.” Giyuu rose from his spot against the wall and began walking towards the door.

“Where are we going?”

He paused before sliding the door open. 

“To the Demon Slayer Headquarters, outside of Tokyo.” 

☀

“We wish you the best of luck for the journey ahead,” the elderly woman said as they stepped out of the property’s gates.

“Thank you for your hospitality. I will never forget your kindness.” Akari bowed deeply in gratitude. The elderly woman gave them another warm smile before closing the gate behind them. 

“Let’s go,” Giyuu said, turning to start the long walk toward Kyoto. It would be a four-hour journey if the princess could keep pace. But after a few steps, he realized she wasn’t following.

He looked back. Akari stood still, her gaze fixed on the Wisteria House walls, as if reluctant to leave. “Hime-sama, we need to go,” he urged.

“I know, it just feels surreal to leave.” Akari replied, her back still turned to him. 

“You’ve been outside your estate for four days….” Giyuu meant it as reassurance, but his words came out awkward. He knew what she meant- and that this was probably the first time she’d been beyond those estate walls in over a decade.

“I know… but walking past these walls still feels strange.” Her voice was soft, her expression somber as she traced her fingers along the rough surface. “And when I think about the price I had to pay for this freedom... I don’t know if it was worth it.” Her hand curled into a fist, then dropped away. 

“Sorry, I’m just ranting. Let’s go.” She stepped beside him with a strained smile. Giyuu said nothing, but he sensed anxiety behind her composed facade.

Since the incident, the princess hadn’t shed a single tear. Giyuu remembered the steady, serious gaze she wore as he confirmed her entire household was dead. He had braced for screaming, for sobbing, but she didn’t flinch. Not even when he revealed she was the reincarnation of the Sun Goddess. Her composure was unsettling, even to him- someone trained for years to master his own.

Giyuu glanced at the princess that had been walking silently beside him. It had been two hours without a word.

She seemed lost in thought, but her eyes shone with quiet determination. She followed him without complaint, not once asking for a break. He could tell she had begun to fire some time ago, but since she said nothing, he simply slowed his pace to match hers.

☀

Akari and Giyuu made it to the city before sunset. 

“Are all cities this modern now?” Akari asked, the streets of Kyoto buzzed with energy, illuminated by neon signs and filled with the scent of street food. It was so much bigger, brighter, and livelier than she remembered. Pride swelled within her learning that her country had progressed so much in a relatively short amount of time. She quickened her pace, her eyes darting between the shops and street vendors.

“Do you know where you’re going?” Giyuu’s voice cut through her excitement, laced with annoyance. She hadn’t realized she had wandered off, leaving Giyuu several paces behind.

“Come on, follow me. We need to catch a train.”

“You’re right.” Akari obediently fell back beside him, keeping her head high, trying not to look out of place. Giyuu led her to the train station, which was bustling with people streaming in and out, weaving through the crowd with ease.

“Hime-sama, I’ll go inside the station and get the tickets. Just stay here- the sun’s still out, so you should be fine,” Giyuu said, his voice calm but watchful.

Akari nodded, watching Giyuu’s figure disappear into the crowd. As she waited for him, she took in the lively scene around her. Everyone seemed so busy, so full of life- so unlike the sheltered world she’d grown up in. She couldn’t help wondering what it would be like to live as an ordinary girl.

“Miss, please help me!” A young boy’s voice broke her thoughts. He looked distressed, tears streaking his face. Akari knelt to his level, concern filling her eyes.

“Tell me, what’s wrong?” she asked gently, her hands resting on his shoulders.

“My little sister fell off her bike, and I think she broke something!”  he cried, his voice cracking. Akari hesitated, glancing anxiously back toward the station. Giyuu’s warning echoed in her mind. “She can’t walk- please help me find her a doctor!” he begged.

Akari’s resolve wavered at the sound of the boy’s desperate plea. She looked up at the sky- the sun had just begun to set. I have enough time, she thought, biting her lip.

“Lead me to her,” The boy’s expression switched to relief, and immediately took off running. Akari trailed closely behind, memorizing the path so she could find her way back to the station. 

“She’s just around the corner!” he shouted, turning into a dark alley. As she rounded the corner, Akari realized her mistake. The boy ran up to two men with stormy auras waiting at the end of the alley, handing him a few coins before he dashed away without looking back. I’m an idiot.

“Damn, that kid really knows how to pick ’em,” one of the men sneered. 

Akari spun on her heel, but she was too slow. One of the men grabbed her hair, yanking her back violently. She let out a pained groan, clutching her scalp as he tore her hairpin away and tossed it to his partner.

“This pin looks expensive. ’Must be a noblewoman,” the other man sneered, stepping closer to inspect her. “Oh? Are those rubies on her ears?”

His hand reached for her face- but Akari lashed out, kicking him hard between the legs.

“Don’t touch me,” she hissed. 

The man behind her yanked her down by the hair, causing her to fall face first into the ground. Before she could recover, the man she kicked grabbed her hair and stuck her across the face. “You damn noble bitch!” he shouted. 

His partner pinned her down, straddling her back as he fumbled with her earrings.

“Get off me!!” Akari screamed, thrashing in a desperate attempt to break free, but the grip on her hair tightened, shoving her face against the cold ground. 

“What family are you from? I bet we can get a lot of money holding you for rans-” The man’s words cut off as a fist collided with his face, sending him sprawling.

Akari looked up, her heart flooding with relief when she saw Giyuu. Without a word, he turned to the man who was scrambling off Akari.

Giyuu launched himself after the fleeing man, his movements quick and seamless. He caught the man by the shirt, yanking him down before knocking him out cold with a single, powerful kick. 

Spotting her earrings on the ground, Giyuu picked them up and strode back to Akari, who was just getting back on her feet. He took her hand, gently dropping the earrings into her palm.

“Thank you,” Akari muttered, quietly placing them back on. The teardrop-shaped rubies were a treasured gift from her mother, and she would have been devastated if they were stolen.

“What the hell were you thinking!?” Giyuu’s voice was harsher than she’d ever heard it. She shrank back, feeling guilty that she had angered him.

I’m actually so stupid. Idiot idiot idiot.

“I’m sorry, a distressed child asked for help…. But in the end I was tricked.” She admitted, unable to look him in the eyes.

“I told you to stay put for a reason. You’re in the city- you can’t just blindly trust anyone! There’s more than just demons here!”

Akari’s embarrassment deepened as Giyuu continued to scold her. She’d studied so much through tutors and textbooks, but none of it had prepared her for this. Highly educated, yes. But she was still an overly sheltered, naive girl. Tears threatened to spill as she balled her hands into fists, trying to maintain her dignity.

Giyuu's expression softened. Something flickered in his eyes- as if he recognized he had gone too far. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be speaking to you this way.” 

Akari shook her head. “I don’t want your apology. You're only speaking the truth… I know nothing about the realities common people face.” Her gaze fixed on the ground as they walked out of the alley, unable to look at Giyuu. “I can only hope I learn with time, especially if I’m going to become a leading figure of this country.”

She looked up. The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange from the sunset. Taking a deep breath to ground herself, she turned to Giyuu. “Did we miss the train?” she asked, changing the subject.

“It’s out of operation today due to snow. We will have to stay the night here and try again tomorrow afternoon.” Giyuu replied.

Akari nodded in understanding. “Then I’ll follow you. I’ll be fine with any accommodation.”

Chapter Text

Giyuu brought her to a ryokan recommended by the Sound Hashira before his departure. He hoped the upscale accommodation would meet the princess’ standards and offer her some familiarity, especially after the incident in the city. 

His earlier outburst had even surprised himself. At first, he only felt mild irritation when he couldn't find Akari outside the station, thinking she must have been looking at one of the street vendors. However, seeing her attacked by those men ignited a flame in him fueled by anger, directed at both the men and her recklessness. The ryokan would offer both him and Akari a chance to decompress.

The room they received was spacious, complete with a private open-air bath. Giyuu decided the extra expense was worth it, sparing him the awkward task of standing guard at the women’s bath whenever Akari wanted to bathe.

“It’s strange,” Akari said as she prepared to use the bath outside. Giyuu had his back turned to give her privacy. “I’ve quickly grown comfortable sharing a room with you, even though my teachers always warned me about being alone with a man.” She chuckled. “But you’re a good roommate.”

“Hime-sama, we just talked about the dangers of trusting others too quickly,” Giyuu felt his brow twitch in annoyance. They were close in age, but he was still a man she barely knew. Sharing a room wasn’t appropriate, no matter how harmless it seemed. It was only necessity that made the arrangement acceptable.

“You’re right, as always. But you’re not the type to try anything weird. Your aura is cold but it’s not threatening.” 

“My aura?” He questioned, genuinely puzzled by what the princess meant.

“Oh no, I forgot about the hairpin those men took! I don’t have anything to keep my hair up anymore…” Akari said quickly, deftly sidestepping his question. Giyuu couldn’t help but wonder if her strange comment had something to do with her divine power. He had yet to see anything that truly demonstrated her as a reincarnation of a goddess. However, he understood that she probably didn’t understand much about her powers either.

After the both of them had their turn to use the bath, they were served a lavish kaiseki style meal in their room.

“This is delicious,” Akari hummed in approval as she took a bite of sashimi.

When Giyuu glanced up, he noticed her cheeks-  scratched, red, and slightly swollen. How had he missed that earlier?

“Does it hurt?” he asked, gesturing toward her cheek. 

Akari shrugged, shifting her focus to her food. “I’ve experienced worse,” It was clear she didn’t want to delve into the topic any further. The rest of their meal passed quietly.

“BACK UP NEEDED IN EAST KYOTO! CONFIRMED NOT A KIZUKI. ERADICATE IMMEDIATELY!” Kanzaburo screeched as it banged against the door, shattering the silence. 

Giyuu rose to his feet, moving swiftly to open the door to let his crow in. Kanzaburo immediately swooped in and gracefully perched on his shoulder. 

“I-it talks like a yokai…” Akari muttered under her breath, confusion written across her face. Giyuu heard her, but chose to not respond. 

“What about the princess?” he asked, glancing at his crow. He didn’t like the idea of leaving her alone- not after everything that had happened over the past week. Why couldn’t the lower ranks deal with it on their own?

Kanzaburo let out another caw before hacking up a small pouch of wisteria incense into his hand. “Rare incense from the Master! Strong enough to keep her safe for four hours!” the crow croaked. 

Giyuu frowned. He trusted his master, but that didn’t put him at ease.

I need to finish this quickly.

Giyuu tossed the incense to Akari. “Understood. Kanzaburo, stay with the princess. Alert me immediately if anything goes wrong.” He ordered.

“You’re leaving?” She looked at him with uneasy eyes.

“Yes. Light these incense and stay here- you’ll be safe.” Giyuu explained, grabbing his sword and heading toward the outside bath area.

“Just….promise me you’ll come back.” Akari uttered, following him out.

“It shouldn’t take long.” Giyuu said before leaping into the dark sky, not looking back.

☀

Giyuu killed the demon with ease. 

In fact, he dealt with it so quickly it almost felt like a waste of time. 

Even though he usually avoided unnecessary interaction with other Demon Slayer Corps members, he found himself snapping at the lower ranks on his way out. “Train harder. Stop relying on the Hashira to save you every time,” he yelled as he stormed off.

He was already rushing back to the princess by the two-hour mark. 

“These hair accessories are perfect gifts for the women in your life!” A vendor shouted into the street, trying to draw in customers. “Young man! Surely, you’re courting someone?”

Giyuu ignored them and kept walking, his mind focused on getting back to the ryokan as soon as possible. But as he moved through the crowd, Akari’s comment about losing her hairpin replayed in his mind. 

He stopped, and with a quiet exhale he turned on his heel and headed back toward the hair accessory vendor. 

The vendor smiled as she spotted Giyuu returning to her stall. “I knew someone as handsome as you had someone special!” 

“How much is one?” Giyuu asked, ignoring the vendor’s earlier comment.

The vendor held out a tray displaying various hair accessories, including combs, pins, and clips.  “It depends,”

Giyuu wasn’t experienced in such things, but he remembered seeing Akari wear a hairpin adorned with pink flowers once.

“This one,” he pointed, selecting a hairpin with a single pink cherry blossom and a delicate chain of white crystals hanging down.

“This one has a matching kushi comb,” the vendor added.

“I’ll take it,” Giyuu said without hesitation. He quickly paid for the hair pieces and made his way back to the ryokan.

When he reached their room, Giyuu knocked on the door before stepping inside. “I’m back,” he announced quietly. His eyes instantly landed on Akari, sitting at the low table, her eyes red and brimming with tears. She’s crying.

The sight left him at a loss. Akari’s composure had always been constant, and now seeing her visibly shaken unsettled him more than he expected. He had no idea how to comfort her- not that he was great at providing comfort to begin with. Without a word, he turned to leave the room, giving her the privacy she needed.

“Wait!” she called, reaching for Giyuu’s haori and giving it a tug. He didn’t turn around. “Please don’t leave…” Her voice trembled. “You’re the only person I know… and I hardly even know you, but I really don’t want to be alone.” There was a slight slur in her words.

“She’s been drinking sake! I told her not to!” Kanzaburo squawked before flying out of the room.

Giyuu sighed and knelt down to meet her gaze. “Hime-sama, how much did you drink?” he asked calmly.

Akari immediately covered her face. “I’m so sorry…” she said, her voice taking on a childish tone. Giyuu could smell the alcohol on her, a clear sign that she had drunk more than she should have.

“Why are you sorry?”

"That you have to see me like this…" she choked out. "I’m supposed to be incomparable- a perfect princess who never loses face. But I can’t hold it in anymore. I’m so sad and so scared…. And when you were gone, I felt so alone..." She buried her face in her hands, sobbing.

So that’s why. Giyuu finally understood why Akari had remained so composed after such a traumatic ordeal. Her calm, her restraint- it wasn’t strength alone, but the result of lessons drilled into her since childhood. She had been taught to never falter, to never show weakness. That mask of perfection had become second nature to her. But now, in this rare moment of vulnerability, the façade was finally breaking.

“Hime-sama, you don’t always need to play your role as a princess.” The words left his mouth before he could think, surprising even himself.

“I don’t need to?” She murmured, raising her head from her hands and staring at Giyuu as if he’d suggested the most preposterous thing.

“You don’t,”

Then, without warning, Akari flung herself at Giyuu, clutching him tightly as she sobbed against his chest. He froze, eyes wide, caught off guard by the sudden closeness. Slowly, he bit his lip, guilt washing over him in waves. If he had reached the estate sooner- if he had protected her and her family- she wouldn’t be so broken and afraid. This was the direct result of his failure.

Giyuu hovered for a moment, unsure what to do. Then, gently, he placed a hand on Akari’s back, unsure it belonged there. “I should be the one apologizing,” he whispered. “I failed my duty to protect you and your family. Your whole world has changed because of my incompetence.” 

Akari began shaking her head. “Why would it be your fault? It was my brother who…” She gasped for breath before breaking down again, clutching Giyuu even tighter.

He didn’t push her off. He simply held her, silent and steady, until her sobs gradually faded and her breathing slowed. At some point, she fell asleep in his arms.

Only then did Giyuu remember the hair accessories he’d bought, still tucked safely in his pocket.

☀

Akari woke with a throbbing pain from the back of her head, the worst headache she had ever experienced. It reminded her of the mornings her father would complain, hungover and irritable after a long night of drinking. Now, she understood the feeling all too well.

She rubbed her eyes that were still puffy, reminding her of the night before. After Giyuu left for his mission, the silence had been deafening. To keep herself occupied, she opted to enjoy some sake to honor her father. The next thing she knew, she was throwing herself into Giyuu’s arms, sobbing until exhaustion claimed her. 

She grimaced, covering her face at the memory. How embarrassing, to fall apart so completely and cling to a man she barely knew.

"You’re awake."

Giyuu's voice was low, pulling her attention to him. He sat at the low table in the room, with a cup of tea in his hands. He looked utterly exhausted, with dark circles beneath his eyes. 

Akari swallowed hard, shame creeping up her throat. He must have stayed awake the whole night. "I’m sorry for the trouble I’ve caused," she apologized as she sat up from her futon.

“Where did you get the alcohol?” Giyuu’s voice was calm, but she could sense the tension in his words.

“The room attendants came by and offered some to me,” she explained.

“Did you know how much it was?” he pressed on.

Akari tilted her head in confusion. “Was it not complimentary?”

“Hime-sama,” Giyuu's brow twitched, irritation growing in his tone. “The sake you bought was really expensive.”

Akari’s face began to redden at the revelation. “I’m so sorry!!” she stammered, instinctively bowing her head in apology.  “I chose that one because I recognized the bottle- its what my father often drank…How much was it?” she asked cautiously, bracing for the answer.

“It was fifteen yen.” (a/n $275 modern USD)

“Oh was it?” she asked, releasing a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. “That’s not too bad. Once I receive my inheritance, I’ll make sure to pay you back.”

Giyuu gave her an incredulous look, then sighed, pressing his fingers to his temple.

Akari frowned at the thought that she had upset him. “I’m sorry. For everything. You were not obligated to comfort me.” she apologized again, averting her eyes to the floor.

Truthfully, she was grateful Giyuu had stayed with her, even when it must have been uncomfortable for him. She disliked feeling vulnerable around others, but with Giyuu, she could feel her mask slip away. She couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing.

“I don’t mind,” Akari’s head shot up, her eyes wide in disbelief. Yet from Giyuu’s gaze, she could tell he was being sincere.

Feeling a shy smile grow on her face, she looked back down at her hands. “Thank you.”

“TRAIN READY AT NOON!” Kanzaburo announced, slamming his body into the door. Akari laughed, getting up from her futon to let the crow in. Kanzaburo dropped a small envelope on her head before landing on the table. “MEDICINE FOR HANGOVER!”  Akari opened the envelope to find a few pills inside.

She walked to sit at the table with Giyuu, who also handed her some salves for her other injuries.

“Tomioka-sama, I have a request,” Giyuu looked at her, waiting for her to continue. “Since we still have time before the train leaves.. I would like to visit a shrine.”

Chapter 1.1 Fireworks with a Goddess

“You aren’t allowed to leave?” Giyuu asked. When he first arrived at the estate, the lord of the house had outlined many rules. The most important being- never reveal the existence of demons and the corps to the princess. The second- never disclose that she is the reincarnation of the Sun Goddess, Amaterasu, until she marries into the imperial family. But this was the first time Giyuu has heard of her being confined so strictly. 

“Yes. I haven’t been beyond these walls since I was four! It’s so boring, and as the years go by, I’m becoming more and more restless!” Giyuu watched as the princess paced in circles and ranted to him, her frustration evident. He was taken aback by the contrast to her usual demeanor. “And I don’t even understand why!” When their eyes met, the mature and poised princess was gone, and before him was just a normal teenage girl. “I’m sorry. I don’t even know why I’m telling you all of this. I’ll go back to my room. Just don’t tell my father please,” the princess’ voice was full with dejection. 

“Wait.” Giyuu called out before he realized. 

“I respect your father, so I won’t break the rules he has set for you.” he carefully said. He could never disrespect Akari’s father. Not only was he a retired Hashira, but he also hailed from the same lineage that produced one of the greatest samurai in history. “….But if you want to see the fireworks, I can help.” Giyuu offered. 

“Really?? How??” Akari’s gold eyes shimmered softly in the moonlight. For a moment, he found himself drawn to their gentle glow.  

He quickly dismissed the feeling and turned toward the east garden before it could linger. “Follow me.”

Giyuu led her to a section of the estate wall that offered an unobstructed view of the town below. He had discovered this hidden spot during his first week in the estate while patrolling for demons. It amazed him how such a vast property remained entirely concealed from those in the town below, as if the estate itself were part of a world they couldn't see.

As they waited for the fireworks to begin, he settled into a quiet meditation, the calming view before him complemented by the comfortable silence shared with the princess.

“Oh? I think it started to snow!” Akari exclaimed, breaking his meditation. Giyuu extended his hand as he watched snowflakes fall onto it, noticing how cold it had become. He glanced at the princess, who was dressed in only nightwear and a haori.

“Aren’t you-“ he began, but was interrupted by the start of the fireworks. Aren’t you cold? He wanted to ask, but his words were drowned out by bursts of colors in the sky.

Akari shifted closer toward him, momentarily blocking his view of the fireworks. 

"Tomioka-sama, isn’t this just breathtaking?" she asked, smiling toward him. Her smile caught him off guard- it was genuine, unlike the polite, practiced ones she always wore. Another firework burst into the sky, illuminating the night. Akari shifted back, her gaze returning to admire its brilliance. The soft glow of the fireworks lit her face, gently highlighting her features. Her red hair shimmered, as if each strand were its own firework, and her gold eyes shone as brilliantly as the sun.

It was easy to understand why this girl was so quickly accepted as a reincarnation of a goddess from a young age.

She was an ethereal beauty.

“It is,” he agreed, but his eyes remained on her, captivated by her smile. 

Chapter Text

Kyoto was home to many shrines and temples, so it didn’t take long for Akari and Giyuu to find one. As they passed through a stone torii gate nestled in the heart of the Gion district, Akari stopped abruptly.

The usual faint whispers she heard during prayer swelled into a vibrant chorus- dozens of spirits speaking at once, some reaching out to her directly. One voice in particular, greeted her warmly, calling her sister and welcoming her to his home.

“Who are you?” she asked aloud before she caught herself.

Giyuu turned, confused. “What?”

“Sorry,” She forced a smile.“Just talking to myself.” She hurried to walk beside him, hoping he’d let it go.

She glanced at the azure eyed man next to her. Within the shrine, Giyuu’s aura radiated more vividly than ever. It had always felt like an ocean breeze- cool and steady- but now, Akari could sense more. Beneath the chill was a crushing tide of sorrow- and, when she focused harder, a tender calm.

Giyuu stopped beside the purification fountain. “I’m not religious, so I’ll wait here.”

Akari nodded. “I’ll be quick.” She lifted a ladle, poured water over her hands, then rinsed her mouth in quiet meditation. As the ritual ended, voices of the celestial realm grew louder, welcoming her to the shrine of Susanoo, the god of storms and seas.

Just as she was about to make her way to the main altar, Akari hesitated and turned to Giyuu. “...I’m sorry…” she began, her cheeks warming. “Could you lend me a coin or two? To offer at the altar?” Giyuu’s eyes narrowed, but quickly pulled out his wallet and tossed her two coins. “Thank you.” 

Akari stepped up to the main altar and tossed the coins into the offering box. She bowed twice, then brought her hands together and clapped twice. On the second clap, a low, thunderous ringing filled her ears, like a temple bell struck deep within her mind.

‘You finally recognize me, my honorable sister.’ The voice from earlier answered.

We may be connected, but I am not your sister. Akari replied in her mind. 

The god of storms erupted in laughter, his voice echoing like thunder across the heavens. ‘Oh, but you are! You may not remember your past, but you’re the spitting image of her mortal form, and your auras are the same. Her spirit walks the earth again- through you.’

A hush fell over Akari’s thoughts. So it was all true. She wasn’t just similar to Amaterasu- she was her. 

Then… brother, what am I meant to do here, truly?

‘You keep returning to the mortal plane to fulfill a sacred duty- to protect this land and guide its people, as you once did. But you have not yet succeeded- that is why you remain bound here.’

Akari’s eyes widened. Remain bound…?  

‘Your soul cannot return to the celestial realm until your duty is fulfilled. You will continue to reincarnate as a mortal- again and again- until Muzan falls. Until you lead this land to an era of peace.’

Akari’s shoulders tensed. She was still coming to terms with the fact that demons even existed. Now she was being told it was her divine duty to destroy them? And if she failed, she’d have to keep fighting, lifetime after lifetime?

Am I even capable of this? she asked, the question trembling at the edge of her thoughts. You say I’ve failed before… and in this life, I’ve never even held a sword. I’m weak.

The thought of facing Muzan again sent a chill down her spine.

‘With time, you will recall your past lives and the seeds you’ve planted across the ages,’ Susanoo’s voice began to fade. ‘Fight alongside the Demon Slayer Corps and relearn how to wield your divinity. There is no doubt you will prevail- for you are Amaterasu, the sun that demons fear most.’

Wait! she called out, but he was already gone.

Akari bowed low before the altar, then stepped aside to allow the next devotee their turn. She clenched her fists and began exploring the shrine. She told Giyuu that she would be quick, but she needed time to herself to process everything she had just learned. 

☀

Giyuu stood patiently near the entrance of the shrine, watching Akari in the distance. As she moved through the shrine grounds, it was as if she was in a trance- often pausing between steps and gazing at the sky. He couldn’t help but to notice how many eyes were following her, some filled with curiosity, others in admiration.

She always seemed to stand out. Whether it was her beauty or the quiet grace she carried, she drew attention like a flame- and that made Giyuu uneasy. The more she stood out, the easier it would be for Muzan to track her down.

Then again…how did she manage to escape him the first time ? 

That question never crossed his mind before. Until now, he’d only focused on the fact that she survived.

“M-My cuts! They disappeared!” An older man exclaimed by the purification fountain. Giyuu’s attention sharpened, but he tried not to look like he was listening.

The man’s wife grabbed his hands, inspecting them closely. “Oh gods- dearest! They really did!!” 

“Hurry, pour the water over your burns.” the man urged. His wife quickly grabbed the ladle, pouring the water over her arms. Silence followed.

“We must tell the priests about this…” she said in a hush. Her husband nodded, and the elderly couple hurried off.

Giyuu glanced at the water flowing from the purification fountain. It looked no different than before, and Akari hadn’t mentioned anything unusual when she purified herself. 

Was it a coincidence? Curious, he flicked the hilt of his sword with his thumb, just enough to nick his fingertip. He watched his blood pool, then walked to the fountain and slowly poured water over the cut. A faint glow appeared, and before his eyes, the cut sealed itself. 

Giyuu stared at his finger in disbelief.

“I thought you weren’t religious?” Giyuu snapped out of his trance, noticing Akari approaching him with her head tilted in confusion.

“I’m not.” he said shortly, drying his hand on his haori.

Akari walked past him, folding her hands behind her back as she made her way toward the shrine’s exit.

He matched her pace, looking back at the fountain, unsettled by what he had witnessed. “Did you... discover anything?” He asked carefully.

“I did,” Akari responded, flashing him one of her practiced smiles- polite but distant. The kind that told him to not press her for more. 

The stillness of the shrine dissolved into the bustling heart of Kyoto. Giyuu much preferred the quiet of the countryside, and as the noise closed in around them, he found himself missing the calm of the Miyamoto estate- especially the distant, soothing sound of the princess playing the koto.

As they navigated the crowds, Giyuu’s mind returned to the fountain. If Akari could bless water without even realizing it, what else was she capable of? He’d noticed how she always changed the subject the moment she accidentally revealed something- quick and instinctive deflections, as if trying to hide even from herself.

“Tomioka-sama, you still look very tired. Why don’t you rest? I’ll wake you up when it's our stop.” Akari offered as she took her seat on the train.

He shook his head, keeping his gaze fixed ahead. “I’m fine.”

“If you say so,” Akari said, turning her attention to the window.

Giyuu let out a slow breath, unsure how to fill the silence that settled between them. As the train’s steady rhythm filled the space, he decided to focus on his breathing technique. It was easier than thinking about how the princess’ presence was beginning to unsettle his usual calm.

☀

Akari watched the beautiful scenery rush by. Mountains, lakes, distant villages- her heart swelling with a quiet resolve. She would protect all of it, whether it was through diplomacy or by blade.

She froze as a weight leaned into her. Giyuu had fallen asleep, his head resting on her shoulder. “You said you weren’t tired…” she whispered, glancing at his face. Carefully, she adjusted her posture to keep him comfortable. She thought of the gloom that had surrounded him in the shrine. What did he experience in the past to hold so much pain? What had driven him to join the Corps so young? Akari closed her eyes, trying to feel his aura- but without the shrine, she couldn’t reach him. With a sigh, she turned her head back to the window, watching the countryside pass as Giyuu’s hair occasionally tickled her neck.

“Tomioka-sama, our stop is next.” Akari placed her hand on Giyuu’s shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. The long train ride was about to come to an end, and the sleeping man next to her did not wake once.

His eyes snapped open, looking up at Akari from her shoulder. He quickly ripped himself from Akari, sitting straight up in his seat. “You should have woken me up.” He muttered.

“It’s fine. You were really tired, so I didn’t mind..” Akari’s voice came out more shyly than intended.

“Once we get off the train, it will take another two days by foot until we reach headquarters. Prepare yourself,” Giyuu said, keeping his eyes fixed ahead.

☀

Akari and Giyuu walked quietly side by side, covering as much distance as they could before sunset. The bustling energy of the city was gone, replaced by the tranquility of the outer city.

“We will camp here tonight.” Giyuu broke their silence. Akari was so lost in thought that she didn’t even notice when he led her to a small cave by a lake.

“Okay...” Akari replied nervously. She had never camped outside before, and definitely not in the middle of winter.

Giyuu began collecting wood for the fire, and Akari followed suit, eager to help. 

“This lake will probably be the last opportunity to bathe until we reach headquarters. You should go in while I finish setting up camp.” he said, focused on lighting a fire.

Akari hesitated. She definitely felt the buildup of dirt and sweat on her skin from walking all afternoon, but there was another issue at hand… “It’s okay, but if you need to bathe, go ahead.”

“This lake is clean, if that’s what you’re worried about.” He replied dully.

“No… that’s not it…it’s just…” Akari began to stammer, unsure how to explain herself.

“I won’t loo-”

“I don’t know how to swim!!” she blurted, hiding her face with her hands. 

Akari heard the softest snicker, prompting her to peek at Giyuu between her fingers. His head was turned away, but she could see the slightest upturn of his lips from her angle.

“Did you just laugh!?” 

“No.” But she saw his lips twitch again, trying to hold in a laugh.

“You were laughing!”

Giyuu smirked, no longer hiding his amusement. The unexpected lightness in his expression warmed something deep inside her, knowing she just witnessed a rare crack in the stoic armor he always wore.

The two of them sat next to each other in silence, listening to the crackling of the fire. 

“Tomioka-sama-“

“Just call me Giyuu.”

She blinked at the sudden permission. “Then- Giyuu, why do you choose to kill demons for a living?”

“The weak don’t have a choice in how they will die. So it’s the duty of the strong to protect them. It’s simple, really,” Giyuu replied, his gaze fixed on the fire before them.

“If it’s that simple, why is your aura so layered and complex? Why is there so much remorse and self-hatred beneath that soothing summer breeze…?” Akari leaned closer, her voice soft but firm. Giyuu’s eyes widened, startled by her insight. “Sorry, that was invasive. You don’t have to tell me,” She murmured, shrinking back as she hugged her knees.

Giyuu was silent for a moment before speaking quietly.  “...When I was younger, my home was attacked by a demon. It was the night before her wedding, but my sister sacrificed herself to give me a chance to run and hide.” He paused, his body tense as if the memory itself tightened his chest. “I tried to turn that anger and sadness into something good- to become strong and protect the weak. But it led to another failure. My best friend Sabito, who was much stronger than I was… died the same way. Protecting me.” 

Silence fell between them.

“I’ll never truly understand because I’m not you. But... I think I get it. I’ve had similar thoughts and feelings these past few days… It’s like being dragged underwater, but it’s so hard to break the surface when you can’t even breathe to begin with.”  Akari whispered. They locked eyes- his dark blue reflecting in her golden gaze, then looked back at the fire after realizing they had been staring at each other a moment too long.

“You’ve mentioned auras before- what are they?” Giyuu’s quiet question caught her off guard. 

She hesitated, her voice barely a whisper. “I don’t know if you will believe me....”

“I will.” Akari’s eyes met Giyuu’s once again, and she could tell he was being sincere. It was the opposite of Ryuu, who often taunted her for being ‘weird’.

“For as long as I could remember, I’ve felt what I call auras. Everyone’s aura is like a story whispered in the wind- a warmth, a chill, a storm or a calm..… Just by being near someone I know the kind of person they are. It’s very subtle, so I always assumed I just had good intuition... However in the shrine, everyone’s auras were vivid. Instead of just brushing the surface of someone’s aura,  it was like I could bask in it…. If any of that makes sense.” 

“And for demons?” He asked.

“Nothing- they’re like a void. My only indicator is the lost souls that loom around them.”

“I see,” Giyuu got up from his seat. “I’m going to use the lake. I won’t be far so just call if you need me.”

“I will.” 

Once he left to bathe, Akari allowed her thoughts to consume her.

☀

“Hime-sama,” Giyuu’s figure emerged from the entrance of the cave. “There’s a large tree trunk toward the right of the lake. Use that as an indicator and don’t swim past it. The water is cold, so don’t stay in it too long.” He passed her his lantern, his thick hair still dripping wet from the lake.

“Thank you,” Akari said as she took the lantern and made her way to the lake. It was even more breathtaking at night, the moon and stars mirrored perfectly on its surface. After removing her clothes, she waded in carefully, remembering the fallen tree Giyuu had mentioned. Despite the ripples in the water, the sky’s reflection remained so clear, as if she was bathing in the galaxy itself.

Akari stayed in the lake until the chill numbed her fingertips. Even after drying off and changing into the clothes Giyuu had lent her, she found it hard to leave the lake’s serene beauty. Kneeling by the shore, she closed her eyes in prayer.

Father, Mother… I know I was never allowed to take up a weapon, and I ask your forgiveness for breaking that rule. But I must fight.

The heavens revealed it is my duty to defeat Muzan- a duty I’ve failed in every life.

Once it’s done, I will take my place as empress, strong enough to protect our people and restore peace to this land.

Only then can I finally rest.

Akari felt Giyuu’s aura graze across her skin. She quickly pulled herself up from the ground, dusting off the dirt. “Giyuu? How long have you been there?”

“Just got here. You were taking a while, so I had to make sure you didn’t drown.” he said matter-of-factly.

“I see,” Akari chuckled as she gazed at the lake. “It’s so beautiful here, so I didn’t want to leave.”  

She wrapped her arms around herself in an attempt to ease her growing anxiety. From the corner of her eye, she saw Giyuu shrug off his haori and offer it to her. 

“Oh, I’m fine… I’m not cold. Just a bit..” 

Not taking no for an answer, he stepped closer to her and draped his haori around her shoulders. Akari felt butterflies flutter in her stomach. 

“It’s winter and your hair is still wet. Take it.” 

A blush crept up her cheeks. Her eyes lingered on his face, softened by the glow of the lantern and moonlight. His sharp, dark blue eyes stood in contrast to the soft roundness of his face.

Was he always this handsome?  

“Let’s head back.” Giyuu said, snapping Akari out of her trance. He was already turning toward the cave.

“Giyuu,”

He paused his steps.

“If winter is here, then spring must not be far away, correct?”

“Maybe. But sometimes winter persists longer than we would like.” His voice was steady, offering no comfort- only the truth.

Akari nodded as her gaze shifted to the starlit sky. It wasn’t the answer she wanted- but it was the kind of honesty she was beginning to expect from him.

She hoped her ‘spring’ would come soon.

Chapter Text

After another full day of hiking and camping, Akari and Giyuu finally arrived at the headquarters. At the gates, a woman with white hair and purple eyes awaited, bowing deeply the moment they came into view.

“Your Highness, I am Amane Ubuyashiki. Wife of Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. I hope your journey was smooth.”

“It was, thanks to Tomioka-sama. Please- raise your head.” Akari responded graciously.

“My husband looks forward to meeting you. However, would you like to freshen up before seeing him?” she offered.

“I would like that.”

Amane then turned to Giyuu. “Tomioka-sama, please head to the meeting room to deliver your report. All Hashira will be present.” Giyuu nodded, heading into the manor, clearly familiar with the place.

“Follow me, Your Highness,” Amane said as she led Akari to the bathhouse. “Please take your time. I’ll have an attendant check in with you shortly.”

Akari smiled and bowed. “Thank you, Ubuyashiki-sama.”

“Amane is fine,” she said with a kind smile before turning back.

Akari washed herself and slipped into the wooden tub, feeling her muscles relax almost instantly. Her body ached from the long journey, not once asking Giyuu for a break. As she soaked, her fingers began to absentmindedly toy with her earrings. How could she convince the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps to teach her swordsmanship? She knew she was a liability, and being on the frontlines would only make things worse. But this was a fight she had to be part of- whether she liked it or not.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. “Your Highness, I’ve brought a fresh kimono for you. Is the water to your liking?” an attendant asked.

“It is, thank you.” Akari said. 

“Please let me know when you are finished, and I’ll help you prepare for the meeting with the master.” The formality of having someone attend to her again felt strangely distant after the week of travel, but it was a welcome return to something familiar.

After stepping out of the bath, the attendant dressed Akari in a beautiful purple kimono adorned with cranes at the hem. “Your highness, would you like to use your own accessories for your hair?” the attendant, whose name Akari learned was Isuzu, asked.

“But I didn’t bring any,” Akari said, puzzled.

The maid opened a box, revealing a cherry blossom hairpin and comb. “Tomioka-sama said these were yours,”

Akari blinked rapidly, her confusion evident as she stared at the unfamiliar hair ornaments. “I’ve never seen these before…are you sure he said it was mine?”

Isuzu gave Akari a sly smile.“It must be a gift then, because he definitely said it was yours.”

“I see… Let’s use these today then. It matches anyway.” Isuzu agreed and skillfully braided Akari’s hair before wrapping it up in a bun and adorning it with the pink hair accessories Giyuu provided. 

“Is everything to your liking?” the maid asked, handing Akari a hand mirror. Akari held it up, studying her reflection. The rich color of the kimono, combined with the pink flowers in her hair and the warmth of her red hair and golden eyes, created a palette that resembled a sunset. For the first time in over a week, she felt like a princess again.

“Yes, thank you. Please lead me to Ubuyashiki-sama now,” Akari said, getting up from her seat. 

Isuzu led to where the master of the Demon Slayer Corps awaited. As Akari entered the room, she saw a man seated beside Amane. His black hair framed a face marred by patches of raw, purple discoloration that hinted at a deeper ailment. Despite this physical affliction, there was an undeniable warmth emanating from him, an aura she recognized, though she couldn’t recall from where.

Both he and Amane bowed their foreheads to the floor as Akari took a seat in front of them. “Before introductions, I want to express my deep regret for the loss of your family. I knew your father very well, and it pains me to know that he is no longer with us.”

Akari bit her lip. “Me too. You may rise.” 

The master of the manor lifted himself from his bow, sitting up straight. “I’m pleased to meet you once again, Princess Akari. My name is Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the leader of the Demon Slayer Corps. Going forward, I am also your legal guardian, appointed by your father’s will.” His voice was soothing and kind, the kind of tone that could lull someone into a state of calm.

My legal guardian?

Akari’s heart ached at the thought of her father being replaced by someone else. It was a reminder that he was truly gone.

“You seem familiar. Have we met before?” she asked, unable to shake the feeling that she recognized him.

Kagaya gave her a gentle smile. “We have. I have visited your family a few times in the past before I became too sick to travel. Although, you were still very young.” He beckoned her to come closer to him.

“You have grown up well, Akari-hime,” he said affectionately, stroking the top of her head with the same tenderness Seiya once had. She felt the warmth of nostalgia grow in her chest.

“Akari-hime, I would like you to join our Hashira meeting. Giyuu already gave the report on the incident, so there’s no need for you to recount everything. However, the Hashira do have a few questions, if you are willing to answer.”

Akari took a deep breath, trying to calm the memories that began to resurface. “As the days go on, I admit the details are becoming more distant, but I will try to answer them to the best of my ability.”

Kagaya gave her a reassuring smile and stood, offering his hand to help her up. Akari gladly took it. “Then, let’s join the Hashira. You may see some familiar faces.” 

☀

As Akari stepped into the meeting room, the Hashira bowed in perfect unison, their voices harmonizing together in a formal greeting. They were seated in two neat columns, each of them with their own auras that seemed to dominate the room.

Kagaya’s voice echoed through the room, drawing all attention to him. “For those who have yet to meet her, this is Akari Miyamoto, the princess of our country.”

“It is an honor to be in your presence,” the Hashira replied in unison as Kagaya and Akari took their seats before them. Kagaya gave her a small nod, a silent gesture that she could now take the lead.

Akari inhaled deeply, her heart thudding in her chest. This would be her first time speaking in such a formal setting. 

“Raise your heads,” she said, voice steady despite the tension knotting inside her.

Her eyes swept across the room, and just as Kagaya had said, she recognized several faces. “Thank you for looking after my family up until this point,” she continued, bowing deeply in gratitude.

“The princess has agreed to answer any questions that you may have regarding the incident,” Kagaya said gently.  “However, her wounds are still fresh so I ask that you proceed with care.”

Akari nodded, her hands trembling as she gripped the folds of her kimono. Her eyes scanned the room once more before landing on Giyuu, who was sitting at the very back. His expression was unreadable, but knowing he was there calmed her nerves a little.

It’s just a few questions, I can do it, she inhaled slowly.

“You may begin,”

"You met Muzan,” someone started, not wasting a second. “What did he look like?”

Akari’s jaw clenched, trying to remember past the pain she endured while the demon lord bit at her neck.

“Sickly pale skin, black hair, and red eyes.” Her voice came out calmly.

“Any other distinct features?”  

“He was a beautiful man… and could pass as a woman if he wanted,” she replied.

“Where was his domain?”

“I’m not sure of the location, but it was a large castle, its interior endless and beyond comprehension.”

“Did the demon who took you have numbers in his eyes?”

“I don’t remember,” She clutched at her sleeves. “But his eyes were like opals. I believe his name was Douma.”

The questions kept coming- sharp and relentless. She understood everyone in the room was passionate about eradicating demons, but their intensity was overwhelming. It made her appreciate Giyuu’s calmer and forbearing approach when he first asked her to recall the events of that fateful night.

“There is one thing that I don’t understand- if you were within his grasp, how did you escape?” A deep voice cut through the silence, and Akari’s eyes locked with a Hashira with yellow and red hair. If she remembered correctly, his name was Shinjuro Rengoku, and he had come to the estate about four years ago. Although, his aura did not feel as fiery as before.

At this point, Akari’s fingers were white from how tightly she was gripping her kimono. “I was in and out of consciousness so I am unsure. But I do remember a blinding white light.”

“A bright light… how auspicious.” The monk, Gyoumei Himejima murmured.

“Then, he must not be done with you yet,” a soft voice said. It belonged to a girl about her age with long black hair that was adorned with pink butterfly hairpieces.

Akari swallowed hard, her anxiety threatening to surface. “I believe so, and I am afraid of what that might mean.”

The room went silent.

“I guess we could move on,” a Hashira began. “Master, what is an appropriate punishment for Tomioka’s screw-up?” Akari’s eyes widened. Punishment?

“A demotion makes the most sense.” Tengen Uzui, the shinobi that visited her home last year commented.

“I think Seppuku is more appropriate-" another voice began, but Akari shot her hand up, cutting them off. The room fell silent at once. 

She looked each Hashira directly in the eyes, commanding their full attention. “What happened to my family and I was a tragedy. It was the duty of the Demon Slayer Corps to protect the estate and you failed.” Akari paused, the tension in the room growing as everyone waited for her next words. She shifted, turning to face both the Hashira and their master before bowing her head to the floor.  “However- do not punish Giyuu Tomioka. No one could have predicted my elder brother’s betrayal. Tomioka-sama has been a great help thus far, and for all we know, I could have been captured again if he was not there.”

“You defend him, even after such failure?” a Hashira snapped, barely containing his disdain.

Akari raised her head. “This is non-negotiable,” she replied firmly, her stance resolute. 

The mere thought of Giyuu being punished for something beyond his control was unbearable. Even though he hadn’t been there at the exact moment of the attack, he had been by her side every step of the way since rescuing her. Punishing him felt unjust.

“I agree with the princess. Giyuu will not be punished for this incident.” Kagaya agreed, his calm authority resonating in the room. Akari glanced at Giyuu, who was staring at her with uncertainty. She offered him a reassuring smile, hoping to convey her sincerity.

“Now, let us discuss the princess’s living arrangements until her marriage.”

A moment later, Kagaya extended an offer: Akari could live with him and his family at the Demon Slayer Corps headquarters, where she would be safe and could continue her bridal studies until her marriage. He assured her the location was well-hidden, with Hashira often present for protection.

“I appreciate the offer,” Akari said, her tone unwavering, “But I must decline.”

A murmur rippled through the Hashira, their shock evident.

“Ungrateful!” Another hashira growled, fists clenched in outrage.

But Ubuyashiki raised a calming hand, signaling the Hashira to let her explain.

“I spent my entire life behind the walls of my family estate,” Akari began, voice steady yet thick with emotion. “I was thoroughly educated- yet I’ve never felt more ignorant. If I’m to rule this country one day, I need to understand the world beyond those gates.”

“I understand how you feel,” the female Hashira said gently, “But your safety is our top priority.”

“Because if I’m captured and eaten, the demons will grow stronger?” Akari cut in, her voice rising. “If I hide here, wouldn’t that only draw them to this place?”

She knew this wasn’t about her title- it never had been. Why would an underground organization concern itself so much with the imperial family anyway?

“You are correct, but the imperial family is also relying on us to protect their future empress,” Kagaya responded, his tone gentle but firm.

“Then teach me swordsmanship so I can fight,” Akari demanded, her voice laced with urgency.

“I may be a noble, but I’m also the daughter of a Hashira. The blood of the Miyamoto samurai runs through my veins. I order you to teach me how to kill demons.” Her commanding tone toward their leader riled the other Hashira, all of them gripping their sword hilts tightly, their expressions a mix of disbelief and anger. 

Akari’s lips tightened as Kagaya considered her words, weighing the options in silence.

“Master, do not meet her demands just because she is a noble!” Shinjuro retorted.

“Calm down my children,” Kagaya responded gently. “Hime-sama, there must be a greater reason why you insist on learning swordsmanship. Could you tell us so we understand your motivations better?”

She took a breath, carefully deciding her words. “I was told this is my divine duty.”

“And from whom did you receive this information?” one of the Hashira pressed, clearly skeptical of her words.

“Tomioka-sama and I visited a shrine-”

“What does that have to do with this?” 

Kagaya raised his hand again, silencing the growing impatience among the Hashira.

Akari hesitated. 

I’m about to sound like a mad woman.

“Susanoo, the god of storms and the sea, told me the spirit of Amaterasu keeps returning to the mortal plane to defeat Muzan… That I’ve failed before- many times, and I won’t be able to return to where I belong until he is dead and I lead the country as its empress.”

“A celestial unable to return home, how lonely and tragic,” Himejima said, tears trailing down his cheeks.

Kagaya’s entrancing voice broke the silence. “I understand now. That is quite the responsibility you were given.” He paused before continuing, meeting the eyes of all the Hashira in the room. “The princess will be allowed to learn swordsmanship. With that being said, is anyone willing to take her as their Tsuguko?” Kagaya’s voice was calm but authoritative. 

Akari’s heart raced as she glanced toward Giyuu, hoping he would volunteer. But he remained silent and unmoving.

“I will take her in!” Tengen exclaimed as he raised his hand. “She’d be a flashy addition to my household, and she can learn a thing or two from my wives before she marries!” His booming voice echoed in the room, full of enthusiasm. 

Although Akari had hoped Giyuu would step forward, she didn’t mind training under Tengen. When he came to her family estate last year, he was very kind and fun to talk to. Her brother Seiya would often speak highly of him as well.

“The princess needs to be guarded at all times. What will we do when Uzui-san is assigned a mission?” a Hashira asked, concern in his voice.

Kagaya paused for a moment to come up with a solution. “If it’s a short mission overnight, there shouldn’t be any issues. An available Hashira can guard until Tengen returns. For extended missions, the princess will have to move to another Hashira’s care and continue her training with them. It will be a rotation of sorts.” Kagaya turned to Akari. “Will this work for you?”

Akari didn’t like the idea of the Hashira practically babysitting her at all times, but she knew this was the most they were willing to risk. “Yes, this will work for me,” she replied.

“Excellent. I will call for my old tutor so you can continue learning between your training sessions. This meeting is dismissed.” Kagaya reached for her head and gently stroked it again, just as he had earlier. “Akari-hime, I look forward to watching you grow.”  

“Thank you,” Akari said softly. As the Hashira began to shuffle out of the room, Akari rose to her feet and approached Tengen, who was waiting for her.

“I look forward to learning from you, Uzui-sama.” She bowed respectfully.

“Hime-sama, still flashy as ever! Have you gotten taller since last year?” Tengen greeted her with his usual exuberance. 

“I have,” Akari smiled. “And you look even more flamboyant than I remember,”

From the corner of her eye, Akari noticed Giyuu quietly slipping out of the room. “Giyuu! Wait!” she called out, hurrying after him. 

Without a second thought, she threw her arms around him in a tight hug. Giyuu stiffened in her embrace and awkwardly held out his arms, unsure what to do.

“Giyuu, thank you for everything.” Akari murmured. “Though the circumstances were awful, I’m grateful that you were by my side as I took my first steps into this shitty world.” 

Leaning in close, she whispered near his ear, “And thank you for these,” she said, tilting her head to reveal the hair accessories he had given her. 

Giyuu said nothing, but the flush across his face was evident to everyone in the room.

“Oh man, princess, did I just hear you say ‘shit’? It looks like you’ve been spending too much time around Tomioka!” Tengen chuckled as he slung an arm around Akari and led her out of the mansion. “I can’t wait to introduce you to my wives!”

Chapter Text

Akari adjusted to living with Tengen and his family surprisingly quickly. His vibrant energy provided a welcome distraction from her lingering worries, and his wives doted on her with the warmth of elder sisters. 

She especially enjoyed watching the way Tengen and his wives lived together- the shared laughter, the gentle touches, even the way they did mundane chores side by side. Everything between them felt so natural and effortlessly affectionate.

Akari had been very young when her mother died, so she never had the chance to witness her parents’ love firsthand. Because of this, she’d always viewed marriage as a duty- never something that could be as beautiful as what Tengen’s family had.

Lately, she found herself hoping that her marriage with Prince Haruhito would grow into something similar. However, despite exchanging letters since they were young, his words were always too formal to be intimate. It was a far cry from the supposed infatuation vassals often whispered about. Even when news of her estate’s massacre reached the imperial palace, his condolences came across as routine. Maybe he didn’t know how to comfort her, but she had still hoped for something more. A visit, at the very least. Afterall, it had been four years since they last saw each other. But after three months with no intention to see her in his letters, she stopped waiting.

Instead of dwelling on the prince, Akari threw herself into training and study. Mornings were dedicated to training with Tengen, while the afternoons were for lessons with her tutor. Training sessions were grueling. Her body wasn’t accustomed to rigorous activity, so Tengen focused on building up her stamina and strength before starting combat training.

Some days, the morning training made it difficult for Akari to concentrate during her afternoon lessons. Luckily, the tutor Kagaya had recommended was incredibly lenient and nothing like the strict tutors from her home, allowing her to pick more exciting subjects like astrology, or take days off to spend with Tengen and his family.

On days off, Tengen often took her to the nearby village, whether it was to shop, eat, or visit a shrine. Spending time with Tengen and his wives was always so fun, with them making sure she experienced something new each outing. 

During shrine visits, she reconnected with the celestials, gaining insight on how to better wield her powers while sharing casual conversations. But bound to her mortal form, her divine energy was limited and could only grow with time and faith. And every time she left a shrine, a quiet ache lingered in her chest- her soul yearning to return to the celestial realm she could barely remember.

☀

It was already summer, and the whole family lounged on the engawa, trying to cool off. Akari and Tengen were painting each other’s nails when Nijimaru, Tengen's Kasugai crow, swooped in and landed gracefully beside him. Akari's eyes immediately darted to the bird’s legs for any letters, but it returned empty-handed like so many times before.

“Still nothing.” Akari exhaled softly. Ever since she moved in with Tengen’s family, she had been writing to Giyuu regularly- sending updates on her training, sharing fleeting thoughts, or anything that crossed her mind. He was her benefactor, and she felt it was important to maintain a good relationship with him. However, the effort was always one-sided. He hadn’t even come to fill in as her guard when Tengen went on missions.

Tengen clicked his tongue. “Akari, I don’t know why you keep sending that dull guy letters when he has yet to respond to you,” 

After the third unanswered letter, she finally told Tengen, worried about Giyuu’s well-being. It was then she discovered that Giyuu wasn’t close to anyone, and, in fact, wasn’t particularly well liked among the Hashira

Akari shrugged, focusing on painting Tengen’s nails a bright red. “I won’t give up. Plus, if my letters truly annoyed him, then he would have told me to stop by now.” 

“Maybe... But if I were as unflashy as him and a pretty girl like you sent me letters all the time, I’d cling to her like crazy!” Tengen declared, grin wide and confident.

“Tengen-sama, let the young ones figure it out for themselves,” Hinatsuru softly chuckled. 

“She’s been exchanging letters with the imperial prince quite often anyway, who is far more important than Tomioka!” Makio added.

“Prince Haruhito is different. We’ve known each other since childhood. But Giyuu…” Akari hesitated, “Is someone I’m still trying to figure out.”

☀

Giyuu approached Uzui’s home, hidden deep within the dense forest by the mountain. It had been nearly five months since the princess moved in with Tengen, and he had managed to avoid guarding her until now.

He had explained to master Ubuyashiki that, after the incident at the princess’s family home, he did not feel adequate to be responsible for her safety. The guilt still lingered, gnawing at him whenever he thought of her. The Master, ever empathetic, understood Giyuu's turmoil and agreed to excuse him from the duty until he felt ready. But now, there was no escape. None of the other Hashira were available, leaving Giyuu no choice but to finally face the duty he’d been evading for so long.

By now, the princess must have hated him for not replying to any of her letters. He couldn’t fathom why someone of her importance would even want to be involved with him. He was just a footsoldier who had yet to prove his merit. And it wasn’t like he was known for being good company either. Most of the other Hashira barely tolerated him. How could someone as graceful and refined as her feel any different? Yet, despite it all, she kept reaching out- and each time, he retreated.

Without a sound, Tengen appeared right next to him. “Yo! Tomioka! Are you finally the one filling in?” 

Giyuu gave him a curt nod. “Where is she?” he asked, not batting an eye at Tengen.

Tengen threw his arms behind his head as he led Giyuu through his home. “Akari is training in the courtyard. She is a great student, you know! She’s becoming flashier everyday!” he said proudly. Giyuu felt his brow twitch at how casually Tengen addressed the princess.

As they turned the corner, Giyuu immediately spotted Akari’s small frame in the middle of the courtyard, practicing her swing with a long stick. He remembered in one of her letters she wrote that she had recently begun to practice using a naginata. However, what caught Giyuu’s eye was not her strike, but her outfit. He gripped the hilt of his sword. Tengen.

Akari wore a sleeveless yukata that was far too short, its hem barely brushing her mid thighs. The side slits swayed dangerously with each step, threatening to bare more than Giyuu could tolerate. Her attire was undoubtedly Tengen’s doing; his wives often donned similarly revealing styles.

“Uzui-san. That training uniform is… impractical.” Giyuu said irritably, his fists whitening against the hilt of his sword.

“Oh come on Tomioka. She looks great!” Tengen snickered, giving Giyuu a playful nudge.

“Giyuu. Is that really you?” Akari called, her voice filled with disbelief. With her mouth slightly agape, she looked at him as if she saw a ghost. Dropping her practice weapon, Akari rushed over to greet him. “It’s been so long.” She said breathlessly, excitement in her words. “Are you here to fill in for Tengen-sama while he’s gone?” 

Now that she was facing him, Giyuu noticed that the collar of her yukata crept far too low for his comfort, exposing the soft slope of her breasts. He felt his muscles tense, trying to focus his eyes on anything else- the foliage in Tengen’s courtyard, the practice weapon on the ground, the straw targets. Anywhere but on her.

“I wouldn’t be here otherwise.” He replied flatly, trying to maintain his usual demeanor.

Akari tilted her head, sensing his discomfort. “Giyuu, is there something wrong?” Her large eyes filled with concern. The princess’ eyes were often described as dragon-like, but to Giyuu, they were more like the eyes of a cat. 

A cute one. 

He blinked, then quickly pushed the thought aside. “It’s nothing,” he muttered. Giyuu then turned to Tengen, who was smirking at him the whole time. “Since I’m here now, you can leave for your mission,”

“Aren’t you eager to have Akari-hime all to yourself!?” Giyuu’s eyes narrowed at Tengen. He had only been at Tengen’s home for a few minutes, but was already tired of him.

Tengen placed a hand on his shoulder, breaking Giyuu away from his thoughts. “Don’t mess up this time.” he whispered, his tone serious. Tengen gave him one last nudge before heading towards the house.“I’ll say goodbye to my wives first before leaving!” 

Akari quickly bid farewell to Tengen, then returned to Giyuu’s side with an eager expression. “Giyuu, how are you? You haven’t replied to any of my letters, so I was worried.” 

“I’ve been fine.” Giyuu muttered, unsure if she was going to press further about his lack of responses.

Akari’s eyes drifted downward, her voice softening. “I see….” An awkward silence settled between them before she spoke up again, her tone hopeful. “Now that you’re here, will you help me train? The other Hashira have, like Kanae helped me with-”

“No,” 

He was far from qualified to train the princess. Only the best of the best should teach her, that way she had better odds of survival. Akari pouted, clearly unhappy with his response, but quickly masked it with her forced smile.

“Maybe I can watch you train instead? I’ve yet to see your swordsmanship skills after all,” she said wistfully. Before Giyuu could respond, a woman who he assumed was her teacher emerged from the house, summoning her for her lessons. “Oh, I guess I need to get ready for my lessons now. Let’s catch up later!” she said, hurrying off to meet with her teacher.

Giyuu’s gaze lingered on Akari as she left, her long wavy hair looking like flames in the afternoon sun. “Let’s catch up later!” He was unsure of what there was to catch up on between them. After returning, his life synced back into his usual routine: Wait for orders, kill a few demons, report back, and repeat. That’s all he had.

☀

Giyuu sat on the engawa, entertaining himself with a tsume shogi booklet. The summer breeze accompanied by the princess’ graceful piano playing from another room seemed to fill the air and put him at ease.

“Hime-sama’s piano playing is so relaxing, isn’t it?” One of Tengen’s wives, Suma, stepped out to bring him some tea. Giyuu curtly bowed as she handed him a cup. “She even knows how to play the koto! I wish I could play instruments.”

“It’s because you’re too scatterbrained,” Makio said, joining them on the engawa. “Hey Tomioka. I have something to ask- Why do you not reply to the princess’ letters?”

“I’m not obligated to share why.” he answered nonchalantly.

Makio’s expression turned into a scowl. “Tsch- you brat. Tell me you at least read them?”

Giyuu averted his eyes to the courtyard, unable to meet theirs. “... I do.” He read every letter- he knew about her progress in training, how she preferred her new tutor over the one from the estate, and even her concerns about her relationship with the imperial prince. Yet despite knowing every word, he couldn’t bring himself to reply. Each letter radiated a warmth he didn’t deserve, especially as someone who had essentially ruined her life.

“Giyuu, do you like to play shogi?” Giyuu turned his head to find Akari’s face right next to his. He hadn’t heard her approach at all- Tengen’s training seemed to be already showing results. Makio and Suma seemed to have slipped away as well, leaving the two of them alone.

“I like doing checkmate challenges….” Truthfully, he hasn’t had much experience playing the actual game, because he had no one to play it with.

Akari’s eyes brightened with a soft smile. “Then you must be really great at shogi! Would you like to play with me?”

“...Uzui-san has a shogi set?” He carefully asked, not wanting to sound eager.

“He does!” Akari stood up and promptly left the room, returning with a shogi board and tiles. Taking a seat in front of him, she began to sort out the tiles. “I used to play a lot with Seiya, but I never won a single match against him.”

This will be an easy game. Giyuu thought to himself, as he watched her set the last tile in its place. 

“Let’s make this more interesting.” Akari proposed. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she held up her index finger. “Whoever loses has to grant the winner one wish.”

“But I don’t want anything from you..?” Giyuu said with a blank expression. What could he possibly ask for from the princess? Money? Although, she did still owe him for that sake from the ryokan…

Akari chuckled. “It doesn’t have to be redeemed right away. You might think of something later- And I will see it though.”

“..Alright,” he agreed, turning his focus to the shogi board. “You can go first,”

To his surprise, the princess was able to put up a good fight. She was far more tactical than he expected. He didn’t know Seiya for very long, but it was evident that he was very clever. Akari was no different. As he closed in on her king, her brows furrowed with concentration, and each round it took her a bit longer to make a decision. Giyuu found himself enjoying the sight of her deep in thought.

He studied the shogi board to make his next move. As long as Akari didn’t have a surprise move hidden up her sleeves, he predicted it would only take him two more rounds to win. His hand hovered over a tile, the next play already in mind, but he hesitated. 

A part of him wanted to let her win.

He glanced at Akari, who was utterly focused on the board with her chin perched on her fist. She was determined to win, probably so he would grant the wish she had on her mind. It wouldn’t hurt to just let her win. After all, he owed her more than he could ever repay. She had forgiven and defended him, even after he failed at his duty. 

At the last moment, he picked up his bishop tile and moved it away from his king, opening a path for her to check it. The hard expression on her face softened, replaced by a grin. Without a second thought, she grabbed her promoted rook and checked his king tile. 

“I won..!” she exclaimed, her face lighting up with a bright smile. A smile threatened to tug at the corners of his lips.

“Do you have a wish in mind?” he asked.

“I do!” Akari moved closer to him, taking his hands in hers. Giyuu felt something flutter in his chest as she leaned closer to him, their faces too close for his comfort . “Will you come with me to the Tanabata festival tomorrow?”

Chapter Text

“This is the one,” Makio declared, stepping back to admire her handywork. After hours of trying on yukatas with Uzui’s wives, the three of them finally reached an agreement- A light yellow yukata patterned with red goldfish. 

“Didn’t you say he gave you a hair pin? We should use that for your hair,” Hinatsuru suggested. 

Earlier that morning, Akari casually brought up that she and Giyuu had plans to go to the Tanabata festival together. She didn’t think much about it, but Uzui’s wives were adamant about letting them dress her up for the occasion. Now, Akari found herself even more dolled up than the times she met Prince Haruhito.

“Are you sure you all don’t want to join us?” Akari asked.

Suma held both hands in front of her, shaking them dismissively. “Oh no- we’re fine. We have been to the festival many times in the past, so you two can go and have fun together.” 

“If you say so,” Akari was actually really excited for the festival, as it would be her first time attending one in person. It was the perfect opportunity to spend time and reacquaint herself with the Water Hashira, but part of her wished everyone else would come along too.

“You’re good to go,” Hinatsuru said as she inserted the hair pin into Akari’s hair. 

“Thank you all,” She gleamed, giving them all a hug.

Suma began to push her towards the door. “He’s waiting outside. Have fun!”

Once Akari stepped outside of the house, she spotted Giyuu waiting for her by the gate and gave him a wave. Under his usual haori, Giyuu wore a dark blue yukata with thin white stripes that brought out the color of his eyes. 

He looked striking. 

“Giyuu, I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen you without your uniform. It’s refreshing!” Akari complemented.

Their eyes met, and Giyuu’s mouth parted slightly, as if caught off guard. “....I was planning to wear it, but Makio-san made me change.” He shrugged, looking away.

“Don’t be shy, I think you look great!” Akari smiled as she gave his haori a small tug. “But, aren’t you hot in this?”

“I need to wear it to conceal my sword,” he explained.

“Oh right- that’s true. Hopefully it cools down more by nightfall then.” Now that Akari was always around members of the Demon Slayer Corps, she often forgot that swords were banned.

☀

After an hour of walking they finally made it to the festival. The city’s streets were lined with colorful stalls, and the delicious aroma of street food permeated the air.

“What did you want to do here?” Giyuu asked.

Akari looked at what the various stalls had to offer, her eyes twinkling with curiousity and excitement. “I want to experience everything- playing games, visiting the shrine, trying different foods, and-” She stopped herself, her cheeks reddening at how eager she sounded.

“I guess we could just go down your list then,” 

A coy smile reached Akari’s lips. “Then- should we try some games first?” She looked around and pointed at a shooting gallery stall. “Like that one? I heard it’s very popular.”

“Out of all the other games, you choose the most violent one?” Giyuu remarked as he looked at her, his expression clearly judging her choice.

Akari put her hands on her hips.“Violent!? It’s just a toy gun that shoots cork pellets!” she protested.

“Have you even shot a gun before?” he countered, glancing down at her, his eyes full of skepticism.

“Of course not, but that’s not stopping me,” she declared, striding confidently toward the stall and not taking no for an answer. Giyuu let out a resigned sigh before reluctantly following her.

Akari handed a wad of cash to the stall owner, gleefully taking the toy rifle. “Giyuu, do you have any tips?”

“You need to choose your prey wisely- one that’s light and easy to knock down,” Giyuu said in a calculative tone, his arms crossed as his eyes scanned the shelves.

“Prey? We aren’t killing demons you know,” Akari teased. 

Giyuu’s eyes widened, his mouth opening, but unable to respond.

Akari laughed as she leaned over the counter with the rifle, eyes scanning across the shelves looking for an easy win.

She pointed the rifle’s nozzle towards a snack box on the middle shelf, then paused, her eyes drifting to a miniature black and white target on the top shelf.

As her eyes closed in on the center dot the view before her shifted- the toy rifle vanished and in her hand was a kyudo bow. Dressed in a priestess uniform, her body moved naturally as she drew the bowstring and aimed at a distant target in an open field. When she released, the arrow sang as it cut through the wind and hit the center of the target.

“GRAND PRIZE!!” 

The stall vendor’s loud voice snapped her out of trance, bringing Akari back to the present. Before her, the miniature target was knocked over, with a pellet lodged at the center of the target. She looked down at the rifle in her hands, her fingers locked down on the trigger.

Akari turned to Giyuu, who was staring at her absolutely stunned. “You said you never shot a gun before..?” He uttered.

“Never,” she replied breathlessly as the vendor handed Akari two glass windchimes painted with red goldfish and bubbles. “Shrine next?” She said as she shoved the windchimes into her bag. 

Giyuu nodded and they began walking towards the shrine in silence. Akari was too lost in thought to talk, processing what she saw at the shooting gallery. She could still feel the smooth wood of the bow in her hands, and the gentle breeze on her cheeks. The vision was too vivid for it to be a simple daydream- it must have been a memory from a past life.

“Giyuu, projectiles like arrows and bullets are not enough to kill Muzan, right?” Akari asked softly.

“No,” he said without hesitation.

“...Maybe that’s why I died.” Akari uttered under her breath.

Giyuu stopped walking.

“Died?” he echoed, his voice full of alarm.

Akari froze, realizing she accidentally said her thoughts aloud. “Oh! It’s nothing serious- I meant in a past life,” she said quickly.

She glanced around, then beckoned Giyuu to come closer with a hand cupped over her mouth. He looked at her, unsure, before leaning in and tilting his head to hear her better.

“Earlier at the stall,” she whispered, “ I think I saw a memory of a past life- one where I was a miko and very skilled in archery.”

“I see. That would make sense if that were the case.” Giyuu said, his expression unchanged. He didn’t even blink- just accepted her strange words like they were perfectly ordinary.

A warmth bloomed in Akari’s chest.

She’d always been hesitant to share anything related to her divinity- especially after growing up with a cautious mother and teasing older brother. But Giyuu was different. He always listened earnestly, and never questioned. 

Any other person would believe she had gone mad- but not him. 

His quiet, unwavering acceptance of her always stirred something deep inside her- a warmth she couldn’t explain. 

A warmth she wanted to keep chasing.

☀

The shrine for Orihime was much smaller than all the other shrines she had visited recently, but it was packed with festival attendees stopping by to pay their respects and make their wishes. In addition to the lively noise from the festival, the voices from the heavenly realm were just as joyous, evident that they were celebrating. 

To her surprise, Giyuu stayed by her side in the shrine, quietly mirroring whatever she was doing. “It’s loud,” Giyuu remarked, as they stood in line for the altar. Akari eyebrows shot up and looked at him in astonishment. He voiced exactly what she had been thinking, and for a short moment, she thought Giyuu, too, could hear the voices of the heavens.

‘Amaterasu?’ A soft female voice called in her mind.

“Are you Orihime?” Akari asked out loud. Giyuu looked at her with his head tilted.

‘Yes,’ Orihime replied. Upon hearing her answer, Akari gestured for Giyuu to follow her. They walked through the shrine grounds until she found a quieter corner, where she could speak to Orihime without being overheard.

Akari clasped her hands and closed her eyes. I want to congratulate you for enduring a long year apart from your lover.

‘It’s an honor, Sun Goddess. I see that you’ve been diligent in relearning how to use your divine energy. The stars notice when you pray.’

Yes, I’ve been praying often and tending to shrines whenever I can. But… I still have trouble drawing it out. Maybe I haven’t accumulated enough energy yet.

‘It will come with time. Continue to serve the people of this land and your divine energy will flourish.’

More than anything, Akari wanted to use her divine energy and join the battle against Muzan. But she could barely wield it. A fleeting thought crossed her mind before- to go on a pilgrimage, tending to shrines and for victims of demon attacks. It would increase people’s faith and, in turn, help her accumulate divine energy. But that kind of journey would draw too much attention, leading Muzan right back to her. The easiest way, at this time, was to kill as many demons as she possibly could. But despite her progress in training, Tengen said she was still not yet ready to be put on the field.

If only I were more of a patient person… Akari sighed.

A soft laugh echoed in Akari’s mind. ‘It’s a beautiful night. Go on and spend it with your companion.’ Orihime’s tone shifted, into something more tender. ‘Remember- hold those dear to you close. Don’t take the time you have together for granted. I speak from experience.” Her voice was gentle, but Akari sensed the pain behind Orihime’s words. How tortuous it must be, to only be able to meet your lover once a year.

I’ll keep that in mind. Thank you.

‘Before leaving the shrine, make sure to write your wish on tanzaku paper and hang it on the bamboo. We will do our best to assist you.’

“I will. Thank you for spending a few minutes of your precious time with Hikoboshi with me.” Akari whispered to herself.

‘Of course, Amaterasu,’ Orihime’s voice faded away from Akari’s mind.

When Akari opened her eyes, she found Giyuu looking at her, patiently waiting for an explanation. 

“Um…Orihime told me they will do their best to fulfill our wishes, so we should go write them down and hang them before leaving…” She mumbled, unable to look him in the eyes.

“Then we should do as she says,”

That warmth in her chest returned.

“Yes!” She cheered, her smile glowing. Akari took his hand and eagerly dragged him to the small wishing station the shrine had set up. 

Picking up a pen and tanzaku paper, she quickly scratched;

The strength to kill Muzan Kibutsuji.

Akari quickly hung her wish on the bamboo branches, carefully tucking it behind other wishes so Giyuu couldn’t read it. For someone as strong as him, the Water Hashira, her wish might seem delusional.

Giyuu took a little longer to decide on a wish and write it down. Coincidentally, he also buried his wish under all the others like she did. It made Akari even more curious about what was on his mind.

“I’m hungry,” he said flatly.

“Let’s go and buy food then,” Akari replied, nodding her head towards the shrine exit.

Outside the shrine, the festival had transformed into a sea of people, the once-open streets now overflowing with bodies. The energy around her felt chaotic- everyone’s auras felt as if they were clashing with one another, and the voices from the celestial realm, which usually faded after leaving a shrine, only grew louder.

It became nearly impossible to distinguish which sounds came from the festival or the heavens. Akari’s brows furrowed and brought a hand to her temple. The stimulus was so intense a headache threatened to form. Why aren’t the voices fading like usual? It was as if they came down to this plane to celebrate with the mortals. Were the festival rites effectively summoning the gods near?

Her breath caught at the realization.

Is that why I’m so drawn to festivals?

Then, a sensation akin to a cool water on hot skin crashed over her like a wave. The noise around her hushed, and the headache lifted. Her body eased, taking in the sweet relief.

“Hime-sama?” 

Akari’s eyes shot open and met Giyuu’s, full of concern. She hadn’t even realized she stopped walking. Her eyes glanced at his hand that was gently placed on her shoulder, probably trying to snap her out of the daze she was in. As his fingertips left her, the noise and headache came back with force- like a dam breaking.

Akari gasped, and instinctively grabbed his hand. Relief washed over her again. It was his aura- that gentle cool breeze that always seemed to comfort her, somehow had the ability to still the chaos in her mind too.

She tightened her grip around his hand. “Sorry I’m a bit… overwhelmed,” she admitted, her voice quieter than usual. “I just…” she paused, feeling heat in her face rising. “Need to hold on to you for a bit.”

Chapter Text

As soon as they left the shrine, Giyuu noticed the shift in Akari’s demeanor. The lively glow in her eyes she had moments ago dimmed, and her shoulders were tense. He didn’t need to ask why- the crowd was too much.

His first instinct was to take her back to Tengen’s estate. But then he remembered how wistful she was back when they first met, to experience a festival like anyone else. He couldn’t bring himself to take this opportunity away from her. 

Get food, watch the fireworks, then take her straight home. That was the plan.

Giyuu stared at their joined hands, his heart rate rising by the second. This was…. highly inappropriate. She was engaged- Akari, of all people, should know better. As if sensing his uncertainty, she gave him a sheepish, almost apologetic smile. 

He should have pulled away- but instead, he tightened his grip. If holding her hand helped ground her, then just this once, he’d let it go.

It’s safer like this anyway. he reasoned, So we don’t get separated.

The princess was nearly silent as Giyuu went stall to stall buying different street foods. She never let go of him- except for the brief moments when he needed to pay. And each time, as soon as he was done, her hand slipped back into his. 

His hand had grown clammy, like it did in a tense battle. He didn’t understand why, but Akari didn’t seem to mind.

“Castella?” Akari said softly as she eyed a stand selling small castella bites. It was the first word she was able to voice out. 

“Do you want some?” Giyuu asked.

Akari slowly nodded her head, her eyes lightening again. Seeing her answer, Giyuu pulled her towards the stand and bought some for her without delay.

“Is there somewhere less crowded where we could view the fireworks?” He asked as the stall owner passed him their order. 

“There’s a park that’s popular among couples your age- just keep walking south of here until you reach a hill.” the stall owner said with a smirk.

Giyuu rolled his eyes at the implications, but thanked him anyway as he shoved the castella into their bag. On cue, Akari’s fingers found his own, and they began walking towards the park.

Suddenly, a strong shove from behind sent Giyuu stumbling forward, crashing into the person ahead of him like a domino. The unexpected force made him lose his grip on Akari, and before he could steady himself, the sea of bodies swept them apart.

“Hime-sama!” he called, but it was no use. Akari was already swallowed by the mass of people. 

Giyuu began pushing himself through the crowd, in search of the princess. But as soon as he spotted her, a firm hand clamped down on his shoulder.

“Hey. Swords are banned. Care to explain why you have one at a large event?” a leery police officer asked.

“I’m part of the Demon Slayer Corps,” Giyuu responded, his eyes quickly flicking back to the crowd to look for Akari. 

The officer rolled his eyes. “Sure kid, and I hunt dragons for a living.” he mocked as he grabbed Giyuu’s arm and pulled him toward the side of the street.

Giyuu’s jaw clenched. He couldn't afford to lose her now- not when the sun was down. “I’m also a noble woman’s guard,” he stated, irritation growing as he was dragged further away. Both of his statements were true, yet this man treated him like a child.

He was about to rip his arm free when a familiar voice cut through the noise.

“Is there a problem here?” Akari approached, chin high, and back straight. Whatever discomfort she’d shown earlier was completely gone. 

Giyuu let out the breath he was holding, relieved she was okay.

“Miss, please don’t get any closer- this man is armed,” the officer explained, not sparing her a glance. 

Giyu noticed the frown she made before she tapped the man’s shoulder to get his attention. 

“He’s with me, so let him go.” She commanded, her sharp eyes looking down on the policeman.

The officer’s eyebrows twitched at the princess’ tone. “Even if that were true, there is no reason for him to have a sword,” he insisted.

Akari let out a frustrated sigh, then pulled out a small lacquer inro case that was tied to her obi. On it, were intricate floral designs etched with gold, paired with a solid gold medallion of the Miyamoto family crest that hung off the end.

Giyuu mentally noted her inro case could probably sell for the same price as his entire house.

“Mi-Miyamoto?” the officer shuddered, as Akari let the inro hang in front of his face in an arrogant manner.

“Yes.” she replied coolly, with a poised smile forming on her lips. “I trust you understand why my guard needs a sword now?”

“O- Of course, My Lady. I apologize,” The officer bowed deeply towards her, before scurrying away into the crowd. 

Akari let out a loud sigh. “Ugh, I don’t know how I pulled that off with this headache,” She said, bringing a hand to her temple. 

Giyuu glanced at Akari, who was now hunched, brows knitted together like earlier. That authoritative confidence she had moments ago vanished the moment the policeman was out of sight. Her act even had him convinced that she was feeling better.

He could have handled the officer himself, but he appreciated the princess’ willingness to help him, even when she was feeling unwell herself.

Giyuu felt his expression soften, and without a word, he reached out and took her hand that was massaging her temple. He saw the tension in her body immediately ease at his touch. 

Akari’s eyes widened in surprise, and Giyuu quickly turned his head back to the crowd.

“So we don’t lose each other again,” he muttered, as he tugged her gently towards the direction of the park.

He hoped she didn’t notice how red his ears had become.

☀

They situated themselves on top of a grassy hill, the soft blades tickling their skin. The park was still lively, but it offered more space compared to the main festival area. From there, the view of the festival stretched wide across the town, glittering with lanterns.

Akari exhaled and let herself fall into the grass beside him.

“Thank you for helping me earlier,” Akari said, her gaze lingering at the stars above them. “Your aura is really calming.”

Giyuu turned to her, puzzled by what she meant. 

“Calming?”

Akari’s eyes stayed on the stars, her fingers absently twirling her earring. It was a habit Giyuu had come to recognize whenever she felt unsure or overwhelmed. 

“I’ve always heard quiet voices whenever I prayed…” she began, her voice quieter, with vulnerability. “And when I’m inside a shrine, I can hear them clearly- even converse with them. But that usually stops the moment I leave the shrine…”

“And this time it didn’t stop?” Giyuu asked, piecing together the implications.

“Yes… and mixed with the noise of the festival, it was too much. I couldn’t even hear my own thoughts.” Akari sat back up and leaned in closer to him, her face mere inches from his. “But whenever we touched, your aura rushed through me and all the chaos settled. Isn’t that weird?”

She pulled back and smiled softly again. “I’m sure it was uncomfortable having me cling on to you like that, so thank you.”

Giyuu turned away, feeling a blush forming. As he looked around the park, he noticed that the hill was riddled with couples, some leaning against each other and others being… boldly affectionate.

“Let’s eat, yeah? Weren’t you hungry?” Akari said, breaking his train of thought.

Akari shoved a few yakitori skewers into his hand before pulling out the bag of castella for herself. He found it amusing how she went straight for sweets before anything else. Giyuu wasn’t one for sweets, but each time she took a bite of the castella, her eyes seemed to shimmer like stars. 

The fireworks began shortly after they finished eating, filling the night sky with color. They watched it together in a pleasant silence, the bursts of light painting the princess’ face in her colors- gold and red.

As if she noticed his gaze, Akari broke the silence.

“Hey Giyuu… doesn’t this feel kind of nostalgic? Like that time at my family home?” She gave him a cheeky smile, then playfully nudged him with her shoulder. “At least this time you’re not sitting two meters away from me.” She laughed, and turned back towards the fireworks.

"It's different this time,"

He remembered that night vividly- how her pure, carefree smile shone brighter than the fireworks themselves. 

But this smile wasn’t the same. There was a faint sadness that subtly dulled her eyes, and an unspoken tension behind her laughter.

His hands curled into fists, ripping out the grass underneath him. It was hard not to blame himself for why her smile changed.

Earlier at the shrine, he’d written just four words on his tanzaku paper:

May she be safe.

Knowing she was here- alive and safe, was the only thing that gave him any sense of peace. As long as she stayed like this, maybe one day he’d be able to forgive himself.

☀

It had been a few days since Tengen returned from his mission, Giyuu having left without much fanfare. Akari and Tengen’s family were enjoying dinner when a loud, familiar screech echoed from outside, followed by frantic banging on the door.

Suma rushed to open it, only for Giyuu’s crow, Kanzaburo, to swoop in, dropping a package neatly into Akari’s lap.

“Giyuu instructed me to bring this to you,” Kanzaburo announced in his usual no-nonsense tone.

“Thank you, Kanzaburo,” Akari said, smiling softly as she gently patted the crow’s head. The room was quiet, all eyes on her as she untied the note attached to the package.

For training. – Tomioka

The message was brief, direct- and so undeniably Giyuu, it brought a smile to her lips. As she carefully unwrapped the package, Akari revealed a short-sleeved kimono and hakama made of durable fabric.

Tengen erupted into loud, uncontainable laughter. “Looks like someone doesn’t approve of my fashion sense!” he boomed, holding his stomach as he laughed. Makio quickly joined him on the floor rolling in laughter.

“Maybe Tomioka-san’s just a little more practical,” Hinatsuru suggested as she tried to calm the other two down.

“Or, Tomioka-san cares about you more than he lets on!” Suma said as a cheeky grin grew on her face.

Akari was unsure on how to respond, but a soft warmth spread through her chest. Her fingers brushed over the fabric, admiring the dark blue of the kimono, reminiscent of Giyuu’s calming eyes, and the maroon of the hakama, like one side of his haori. She was definitely wearing it for tomorrow’s training session with Tengen.

Perhaps this means we’re a little closer now.

Chapter Text

Akari was running- from what, she didn’t know. The only thing that was clear was the visceral fear that pricked every inch of her body.

Suddenly, something gripped her ankle, yanking her into the cold earth below. She groaned, pain thrumming through her wrists from the impact. 

That's when she saw it- an intricate pattern of red spider lilies crawling across her arms, burning hot as it spread.

The flower of death.

“Found you,” the voice was sinister and mocking, sending chills down her spine.

Muzan.

Akari jolted awake, eyes snapping open to the ceiling of her room. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to steady the frantic pounding of her heart.

“Akari-chan, are you alright?”

The sound of her heartbeat was so deafening, she didn’t even hear Tengen enter her room. “Another dream?” he asked as he crouched beside her futon.

Akari nodded before pushing herself up, wiping off the cold sweat from her forehead. Tengen placed a gentle hand on her back, rubbing slow circles to comfort her. 

“Your heart was pounding so loudly, I thought you were having a medical emergency.” Tengen chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

“Sorry if I woke you,” she whispered. “It was… strange.”

“Want to talk about it?”

Akari shook her head. ”I’ll be okay.” she smiled, not wanting to worry him more than she already did.

Tengen sighed and began playfully pinching her cheeks, causing Akari to squirm in protest. “Princess, you’re always smiling despite all the burden on those little shoulders of yours. It worries us, you know.”

“I hope you know how much I appreciate you all,” Akari said, throwing her arms around Tengen’s waist in a light hug. “But truly, I’ll be fine.” 

Tengen pursed his lips, unconvinced, before speaking. “Whatever you say. Just remember we’re all here for you alright?” He ruffled her hair before standing to leave. “There’s a Hashira meeting in the morning- rest up before then.” 

“I will. Goodnight, Tengen-sama.”

“Goodnight,” Tengen replied, shutting the door.

Akari took a deep breath before getting up from her futon and moving to her desk. She had to write her dream in her journal before she forgot the details. 

Shortly after moving in with Tengen, he encouraged her to record all her dreams in a journal. Most of her dreams were uninteresting, but there were a few occasions where her dreams proved to be useful. A few weeks ago, she had a dream of a demon that lurked around a port. After notifying Kagaya, corps members were immediately dispatched to all major ports in the region, successfully locating and eradicating the demon.

This dream however… was nothing like the rest. It was vague, with little logic and details. She could only hope that this meant this was just a “normal” nightmare. After quickly writing down her dream in her journal, she went back into her futon, hoping for a dreamless sleep.

☀

Cicadas hummed throughout the garden of the Ubuyashiki mansion, an indicator that summer was ending soon. Akari didn’t participate in Hashira meetings, but she enjoyed chatting with the other Hashira before her tutor whisked her away.

“Hime-sama, you look lovely today!” the Flower Hashira complimented, smiling warmly.

“Thank you Kanae-san, you as well! How are your sisters?” Akari replied with a polite smile. Despite the compliment, Akari felt the opposite.

After writing her dream in her journal, she couldn’t go back to sleep. No matter how optimistic she tried to stay, the ominous feeling of the dream kept her tossing and turning until the sun rose. She tried to conceal the evidence with makeup, but no amount of powder was able to hide how tired she looked. 

“Hime-sama, how is the development of your breathing technique going?” Gyoumei asked.

“It’s going well! Tengen and I have created three forms so far- now it’s just a matter of training until I can strike hard enough to cut down a demon.”

“Trust me when I say it’s one of the most flashy styles- second to mine! Perfectly suitable for our princess!” Tengen boasted.

When Tengen finally deemed her ready, Akari insisted on learning her father’s shadow breathing technique. However, Tengen explained to her that her father’s style was unique to her lineage, and no one would be able to teach her properly. Instead, he helped her develop her own style- heavenly breathing. Where shadow breathing forms drew inspiration from yokai, heavenly breathing drew inspiration from the gods.

Spotting a familiar figure walking through the gate, Akari waved at Giyuu. As if unsure, he slowly returned the wave, barely lifting his arm.  She laughed under her breath at his awkwardness before approaching him.

“Giyuu, did you notice? This is the hakama you gifted me. I really like it, so thank you!” She said, gesturing towards her pants.

To feel better about her appearance, she dressed up for the occasion- Giyuu’s maroon hakama pants, a lace blouse, and heeled boots. The outfit was very modern compared to her usual attire.

“Do you not use it for training?” His voice was quiet, but there was a faint tension in his voice.

“I do… I just wanted to wear it today for something else.” She explained, hoping it was the answer Giyuu was looking for.

His body relaxed after hearing her answer. “Good.” 

Behind them, Tengen burst out laughing. Giyuu’s expression immediately turned into a frown, his eyes throwing daggers at the Sound Hashira- only fueling Tengen’s laughter. Akari’s eyes darted between the two men, uncertain of what went unspoken between them.

“What do you think about this combination?” she began, trying to cut the awkward tension. “When I put it together, I thought I looked like a modern girl. How do I look?”

Giyuu’s eyes gave her a quick once over before resting on her face. His expression was unreadable. 

“....You look terrible,”

Akari’s jaw dropped, and her face immediately became as red as her hair. 

At lightning speed, Tengen seized Giyuu and put him into a headlock. “What the hell did you just say to my tsuguko you bastard!?” he yelled.

“Even if that’s your opinion, that was not very gentleman-like Tomioka-san.” Kanae scolded. 

“Giyuu, your lack of chivalry is quite disappointing,” Gyoumei said, as he pulled Tengen off the Water Hashira. 

Once free, Giyuu gave Akari another look before crossing his arms and turning away. His silence only seemed to make the others more irritated. 

Seeing Giyuu cornered by all his peers made her feel guilty. He was often misunderstood, so she knew he didn’t mean it to insult her- simply answered her question honestly. If anything, it proved how observant he was. 

“Everyone, it’s fine! I’m sure he didn’t mean it like that! I am very tired, so I do look awful…. in that aspect…” Akari rambled, trying to calm everyone down. Although, her words came out unconfident.

“Hime-sama, the Hashira meeting is about to begin. Come inside.” her tutor called, beckoning her to come inside the mansion.

“I guess that’s my cue to leave. I’m really okay, so don’t pick on Giyuu too much.” She laughed nervously, feeling the weight of everyone's gaze as she followed her tutor in.

☀

Akari’s tutor could tell something was on her mind, so instead of difficult accounting exercises, she was assigned to refresh the aging ikebana throughout the Ubuyashiki mansion. 

Even while preoccupied with something as relaxing as flower arranging, she felt anxious about her dream. She thought about reporting it to Kagaya, but she couldn’t find a valid reason. Nothing about the dream would benefit the corps, and bringing it up would potentially make a big deal of a non-issue.

Akari exhaled, focusing on the air leaving her lungs, letting go of her anxieties along with it. It was no use dwelling on her dream. After a few minutes of meditation, she felt more relaxed and began working on her next flower arrangement. 

As she reached into the vase to remove the wilted flowers, a gentle glow emanated from her hands, and before her eyes, the flowers bloomed anew.

Her breath caught, eyes wide, unable to believe what she saw.

She quickly grabbed more dead flowers from the other vase next to her, trying to make them rebloom. But no matter how hard she focused, it didn’t work. She began listing what exactly she did differently when she held the other flowers. Then she remembered;

I was concentrating on my breathing. 

She took a deep breath, then slowly exhaled little by little. In that moment, she felt warmth radiate from her hands, and their glow surged through the flowers, bursting into life again.

Her heart raced in excitement, unable to contain her smile.

She was finally one step closer to killing that man.

“My lady, you are being summoned to the meeting room,” one of the Ubuyashiki children announced, cutting her celebration short.

“Yes… I’ll be there,” she replied softly, carefully setting down the flowers in her hands. 

The news Kagaya brought was bittersweet. Tengen had been assigned a long-term mission involving both reconnaissance and elimination, with no clear end in sight. Without Tengen’s consistent presence, she would be living with another Hashira going forward. Akari knew this day would come eventually- but that didn’t make it any easier. She was going to miss Tengen and his family dearly.

“Who will I be living with next?” Akari asked, a certain raven-haired swordsman coming to mind.

“The newly instated Wind Hashira,” Kagaya replied, his voice as soothing as ever.

Akari couldn’t help the flicker of disappointment- it wasn’t who she had hoped. Still, she found herself curious about meeting the new Wind Hashira.

“Akari-hime, this child has been hardened by his past, and just recently lost a close friend. I ask you for your patience with him.” Kagaya continued gently. “With your gift for attuning to others, I believe you are the person who can dull his sharp edges.”

“Of course, Kagaya-nii-sama. I will see to it that the Wind Hashira and I become great companions.” Akari bowed, accepting the challenge Kagaya gave her. “Is he still here now? I would like to greet him.”

“He had to leave early to prepare for your arrival. But you will meet him in two weeks' time.” The corp’s leader explained, his soft smile never leaving his face.

Akari turned to Tengen. “Tengen-sama, do you know the new Wind Hashira well?” she asked.

“Not really, but based on our interactions today, he’s uh...” Tengen paused, “Well, he’s strong, so you’re in good hands!” he added with a reassuring smile.

☀

“What a pain in the ass,” a man loudly groaned from the courtyard. “I finally became a Hashira, and then what? I gotta babysit some noble chick!?”

“You wouldn’t be complaining so much once you meet her,” Tengen replied with a laugh. “She’s quite flashy.” 

That must be the Wind Hashira, Akari laughed, overhearing the two’s conversation. She took no offense to his disdain. After all, it must be frustrating risking your life everyday climbing the ranks only to become a girl's personal bodyguard.

Sheathing her naginata, she made her way out of Tengen’s home and to the garden where everyone was waiting. Her eyes immediately landed on a man with unruly white hair and a body marked by scars. Akari approached him with a polite smile despite his intimidating aura.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Akari Miyamoto.” she bowed.

“…Sanemi,” the Wind Hashira muttered, clearly caught off guard by her formal tone.

“I heard you’ve recently become a Hashira. Congratulations.” She said warmly, looking into the Wind Hashira’s purple eyes. They were just as wild as his hair.

“Whatever,” he shrugged.

“Akari!! We’ll miss you!” Suma cried, hugging her tightly. The rest of the family joined in for one last, warm embrace.

“Please be safe on your mission,” Akari said softly, holding back the tears forming in her eyes. She was so grateful that the first few months of this new life was with them.

“Of course. Train well, little Sun Goddess!” Tengen exclaimed, ruffling her hair with a bright grin.

“Hurry up,” Sanemi grumbled, already turning on his heel.

Akari's eyes lingered on the smiling faces she was leaving behind, before following closely behind the Wind Hashira.

Once Tengen was out of earshot, Sanemi turned to her, scowling. “Listen- I don’t give a rat’s ass if you're noble, a goddess, cute, or whatever. Don’t expect me to be at your beck and call like some goddamn servant.”

Akari’s brow twitched, then quickly masked her irritation with a practiced smile.

“You think I’m cute? I’m flattered!” Akari beamed. This was exactly the kinds of conversations her etiquette classes had prepared her for- conversations with assholes.

Sanemi’s scowl deepened. “What? I never said that!” he argued.

“You said, ‘I don’t give a rat’s ass if you’re a noble, a goddess, or cute ,’” she repeated, mimicking his gruff tone. 

Sanemi’s jaw slacked, and a faint blush appeared on his cheeks. “Ughhh! Whatever! Just get moving already!” He said, gritting his teeth as he stomped ahead.

Akari couldn’t help but savor the small victory. She knew she promised Kagaya to be patient with the Wind Hashira, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t stand up for herself.

Two can play at this game.

When they made it to his home, Sanemi led her around the main building, stopping at a stone garden. Picking up a wooden sword left on the ground, he stepped into position, as if he was ready to attack.

Akari stared at him, confused.

“Why are you just standing there looking like a dumbass? Pull out your naginata. You wanted training didn’t you?” Akari smiled once more, feeling a vein begin to bulge on her forehead.

“Sanemi-sama, I heard you’re still injured from fighting a lower moon. We shouldn’t-“

“Your tiny ass really thinks you can hit me? Also, enough with that -sama shit. ‘Makes me uncomfortable,” he barked.

Akari's fists tightened around her naginata before she whipped it to the side in one swift motion, the scabbard flying free and exposing the blade. “Fine then, I will strike you now.”

Sanemi rolled his eyes. “Idiot- don’t announce to the enemy your next move.”

“Uggh!!” She lunged at him, pouring every ounce of frustration he’d stirred up in her over the last hour into the swing. The wind hissed as her blade cut through the air- only to be deflected with ease.

Akari continued to strike him again and again, only to be blocked, tripped, or thrown onto the ground. Nearly an hour passed without landing a single blow.

She fell to the ground once more with a groan. 

“And that would’ve been the 28th time you died,” he said flatly, looming over her. “Why don’t you just give up?”

“I won’t-” 

“I hate you damn nobles.” Sanemi began to rant, stomping in a circle. “You all get to live a luxurious life thanks to the suffering of those under you. Then you show up, acting all righteous- only to run as soon as things get a little risky.”

Akari slowly stood up, brushing off the gravel from her palms. “I know I’m privileged- I don’t deny it.” she said evenly. “And I’m mad at myself for how little I knew up until recently.”

Her eyes locked with his, burning like the sun- fiery and unyielding. “But I will not tolerate being disrespected based on your assumptions of me. Muzan must be killed, and it is my duty to see it through. Running is not an option for me.”

Akari picked up her naginata from the ground and got back into stance. “If you still hate me after seeing who I really am, then I’ll accept it.” A sly, defiant smile crossed her face. “With that said- one more time, please.” 

For a moment, Sanemi just stared, almost in disbelief. Then, his expression slowly shifted into a wolfish grin. 

“Fine then- but don’t go crying over some bruises later.”

☀

Sanemi’s aura confused Akari. A majority of the time, it felt like a raging storm- wild, turbulent, and unpredictable. Then in rare moments, a gentle breeze that could barely rustle the leaves.

Those rare moments came exclusively when they had afternoon tea together.

About a month into living with the Wind Hashira, Akari’s tutor insisted she needed to master the art of tea ceremony. Since her tutor had to observe and critique her technique, they needed a guest- and the most readily available person was Sanemi.

At first he resisted, grumbling about it being a waste of his time. But the moment Akari mentioned that wagashi would be served- in particular, ohagi, she caught his interest.

From that day on, they made a habit of having afternoon tea together once a week. 

The first few times were filled with awkward silence and muttered sarcasm. But slowly, something softened between them. The two of them still bickered a lot, especially while training, but it didn’t mean Akari disliked him. In fact, she began to wonder if she and her brother Ryuu could have formed a similar bond if things turned out different.

Akari pushed a cup of freshly brewed tea towards the Wind Hashira. “Sanemi, do you have a brother? A younger one, perhaps?” she asked.

Sanemi’s hand hovered over his cup of tea. “How the hell do you know that?”

“I had a dream the other night,” she began, “You were yelling at a boy with black hair and purple eyes just like yours. He kept calling you ‘Nemi’, so I gathered he must have been your brother.” 

Sanemi’s lips tightened into a straight line. He didn’t need to say anything for Akari to confirm her suspicions.

“Why don’t you live together? You have such a large home now, and it feels odd that I live with you, but your brother doesn’t.” She knew the question was invasive, but the way his stormy aura wavered at the mention of his brother deepened her concern.

“That’s none of your damn business ‘Kari,” Sanemi snapped.

“I’m sorry, it’s just..” Akari paused, carefully choosing her words. “Even if we didn’t get along, I would like my elder brothers to be present in my life.”

“Even the one that betrayed you?” He questioned, with one brow raised.

“Maybe we could've talked it out.”

Sanemi scoffed. “That’s dumb wishful thinking,”

“I know,” Akari replied softly, her gaze falling to her tea cup. She missed her brothers dearly, even Ryuu. She knew that even if he survived, their relationship could never be amended… But a small part of her still hoped it could.

Sanemi’s nose wrinkled. “Hey, what the hell is that smell?” He said, breaking the silence.

Akari sniffed the air, gasping at the scent of smoke. “The rice!!” She bolted towards the kitchen, Sanemi following right behind.

“How the hell do you burn rice!?” he rebuked.

In panic, she ripped the lid off of the rice pot. Before she could look inside, hot steam burst out, causing her to yelp and drop the lid on the ground with a clatter. Sanemi shoved her to the side, throwing water into the kamado before hauling the pot outside so the smoke wouldn’t build up in the house.

Akari’s chest tightened as she stared at her burned forearm. The angry redness of her skin sent her reeling back to the dream she had months ago- of red spider lilies etched on her skin.

“What are you doing? Pour water on it!” Sanemi yelled, but her body couldn’t move. 

Frozen in place, Sanemi grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the sink. Holding her arm out, he began to carefully ladle water over her burns. The cool relief brought her back from her trance.

“I’m sorry…” she muttered. “I thought cooking rice was simple, but apparently not.”

Sanemi blinked. “Wait. You’ve never cooked rice before!?”

Akari turned her head, feeling heat rising to her cheeks. “No…At home we had kitchen attendants… and at Tengen’s, his wives cooked everything….”

“Rich people, I swear to god-”

“Hey!” she snapped, puffing her cheeks. “You’re pretty rich yourself! I’ve been helping Kagaya-nii-sama manage the corps’ finances- I know how much you make!”

Sanemi gently pushed her to sit on the raised kitchen floor, tossing her a towel. “Yeah, but I worked my ass off to earn that money. You’re just a spoiled brat.” he said, clicking his tongue.

She bit her lip, unable to argue.

Sanemi rummaged in the cabinet and came back with a small tin of salve and bandages. Kneeling in front of her, he began gently dabbing ointment over her burned skin. 

She stared wide eyed at the white haired man before her, his gentle care taking her by surprise. Observing his features, his usual fervent eyes were much softer now, and there was a small curve on his lips.

“Seriously, how are you so smart, yet so damn dumb at the same time?” He laughed under his breath, as he wrapped up the bandages around her arm.

“Sanemi,”

“What?” He replied as he tied the last knot of her bandage.

“You’ve been a lot kinder lately,” she said softly.

Sanemi froze, his eyes flickering to meet hers before hastily standing up. 

“Whatever. Since you messed up the rice, let’s eat out instead- you’re paying.”

Chapter Text

“I swear- if there’s no demon, then you owe me for wasting my time.” Sanemi grumbled, chucking a rock into the lake.

“Why? The lake is quite lovely right now, even with all the yokai around it… not that you can see them.” Akari replied, humming as she made a lotus pod rebloom its petals with her divine energy. 

Earlier when the two of them were in town, Akari noticed there was an unusual amount of yokai lurking amongst the mortals. While seeing a few yokai here and there was normal for her, the amount she saw was enough for her to become suspicious. 

When she first mentioned it, Sanemi dismissed it as her being paranoid. It was only until later in the night when she ran into multiple kappas and suikos in the house that he took her words seriously. Since a majority of the yokai Akari saw were of the water-goblin type, they found themselves staking out at a nearby lake. 

“Can’t you practice on other plants? You’re getting muddy,” Sanemi remarked.

“I could,” she said lightly, making another lotus bloom. “But lotuses are my favorite.”

“Why not wisteria like all the other chicks in the corps?”

“As beautiful as they are, I can’t stand the scent anymore. Growing up, my attendants used to lather me in wisteria scented everything- soaps, lotions, perfumes…you name it.” Akari’s expression hardened before reaching for another dead flower. “Only until the massacre did I understand why.”

“...So why lotuses?”

“Because they bloom beautifully, even though they grow from mud.” Akari delicately placed her hand on the dried flower, and in an instant, her hands glowed and the flower came to life once more. She was getting a lot better at controlling her divine energy, and believed it was only a matter of time she’d be able to heal people’s wounds on command. 

“What?” Feeling Sanemi’s gaze on her, she stood up and turned to him. With his white hair illuminated by the moonlight, he had a mystical glow.

His jaw clenched, eyes flicking away too quickly. “It’s nothing,” he muttered, throwing another stone across the water. Not getting a real answer, Akari shrugged and brought her attention back to the flowers. 

As she knelt down, a kappa surfaced from the water in front of her, making her jump upright in surprise. Its unnatural slick green skin and jagged beak would make anyone skittish.

The kappa stared at her with its large eyes before pointing to the far end of the lake. At the edge of her vision, she noticed another yokai appeared walking along the shore. It wasn’t like any she’d seen before, wearing a paddy hat that hid its face of fish-like scales. When their eyes met, its face contorted into a snarl as drool dripped from its fangs.

No, thats not a yokai that’s-

Before she could finish the thought, Sanemi grabbed her arm and yanked her behind him with such force it made her slip into the shallow water of the lake.

“Wind Breathing: First Form- Dust Whirlwind Cutter!“ Sanemi bellowed, blade ready as he dashed into action. The demon sprang back, narrowly evading his strike, but Sanemi reacted instantly, snatching the demon by its hat and pulling it back towards him.

Right when Sanemi’s blade was about to meet its neck, the demon unhinged its jaw wide open and ejected a putrid mix of saliva and dirt right into his face. The sudden assault made him stagger, and he lost his grip on the demon.

The grotesque scene made Akari gag in her spot.

“Fucking disgusting!” Sanemi groaned, spitting out the sludge that landed in his mouth while wiping it from his eyes.

With Sanemi disarmed and Akari wide open, the demon immediately darted across the water in her direction. She gasped and quickly scrambled to get out of the water, but her boots were caught, sunken into the mud.

She tugged at her boots, panic rising as the demon closed in. “Ugh, come on!” she shouted.

  “Amaterasu! I will bring you to the Master and finally become one of his kizuki!” The demon roared.

“No you won’t!” Sanemi growled through gritted teeth. With one powerful leap, he caught up with the demon and tackled it into the shallows. Trapping the demon with his bodyweight, Sanemi seized its head and cut through its neck with ease.

Akari could only stare in awe at Sanemi’s speed and fluid movement, even while having a disadvantage. She knew the Hashira were of a different caliber- but seeing their prowess in action was breathtaking.

Once the demon burned to ash, Sanemi sheathed his sword and walked toward her.

“Here,” he said, offering his hand to help her up. Akari gladly took it, and as if she was light as a feather, he hoisted her out of the mud.

“Thank you,” she smiled, as she wrung out the water from her blouse. “I told you there was a demon nearby.”

“Whatever,” He raked a hand through his hair with a sharp sigh, then shrugged off his haori, drying off his face.

Akari glanced at him. With the mud smeared on his face and streaked in his white hair, he looked like something very familiar…

”Pfft,” Akari clamped a hand over her mouth, trying to hold in her laugh.

“The hell you laughing about?” He glared.

“I'm sorry- it's just that…” she wheezed, “With mud all over you…” 

“Spit it out!”

“You look like a tanuki!” Akari said, bursting into laughter. 

Sanemi brows knitted together, and his usual scowl grew deeper. “Tanuki!?” he spat. “Then your ass looks like a red panda!”

“Please, that’s hardly an insult. Red pandas are very cute.” She laughed again, stepping closer with her hands on her hips. “By the way, did you really need to pull me back so hard? My new blouse is ruined because of you!”

“You were already wet to begin with!” he argued.

“Serves you right, eating the demon’s mud-vomit.” 

“I was protecting you, you brat!”

“If you had let me bring my naginata, I could’ve killed it,” Akari said flatly.

Sanemi scoffed, smirking as he leaned down slightly. “Right. If I remember correctly you couldn't even pull yourself back up without me.”

“You put me there!” Akari pouted with her arms crossed.

“Sure, whatever you say.” Sanemi snickered, then threw an arm around her shoulders, dragging her forward. “Come on, let's go home.” 

Akari laughed. “Yes, but I get to use the bath first.”

☀

Akari and Sanemi sat at the edge of the engawa, sipping tea as the autumn leaves swirled around them in shades of gold and crimson. “I haven’t seen Tomioka-sama in a while- I should invite him for tea.” Akari mused. 

“No.” Sanemi gruffed beside her.

“And why not?”

He sighed and laid back with his arms behind his head. “Are you serious ’Kari? I’m not going to suffer through a long ass tea ceremony with that brooding son of a bitch next to me.” 

“That’s mean, Sanemi,” Akari scolded. “He is your colleague and comrade in battle.” 

“Don’t care, he’s still an asshole.”

“Maybe if you fixed your personality first you’d realize he is not a bad person.” She said sweetly, sipping her tea.

“Hey-! You-!” 

“Shinazugawa Sanemi! Please report to headquarters for your next mission! Giyuu Tomioka to be on guard duty!” Sanemi’s crow Sorai cawed from above.

Sanemi shot up like he’d just been slapped in the face. “Goddammit- You knew he was coming didn’t you!” 

Akari waved her hands innocently, laughter escaping her lips. “Of course not!!” 

She lied.

A few nights ago, she had a dream that she and Giyuu were enjoying castella and tea together in Sanemi’s home. It was simple and mundane- a dream that could have meant nothing, but she hoped that it was one of those that came true. 

Sanemi always completed his missions so quickly that Akari would only need to be left at the Butterfly Mansion with the Kocho sisters for a few hours before he returned. Because of his efficiency, there hasn’t been an opportunity to meet Giyuu.

He did reply to her letters every now and then- but never about himself, of course. His letters were mostly responses to her random ideas or rants. Not necessarily offering advice, just a different perspective. She appreciated that about him, but she hoped that during this visit he might begin to open up about himself, even just a little.

☀

Giyuu lifted his hand, ready to knock, when the estate’s gates suddenly swung open. Akari’s red head peeked out from behind them, a wide smile lighting up her face.

“Giyuu, welcome!” She beamed, her features complemented by the sunset. 

Giyuu blinked, startled by the princess’ sudden welcome. He didn’t announce his arrival, let alone notify he was on the way- so how did she know he was there?

“Oh! I felt your aura nearby while I was in the courtyard,” she explained, as if reading his mind. 

Akari pointed at the box in his hand. “Is that from the castella shop in the next town over? I’ve been wanting to try it but Sanemi doesn’t like cake.”

Giyuu nodded and handed her the pastry box, which she accepted with glee. He noticed the shop on the way and remembered how much she liked the castella at the festival. Before he realized it, he was inside ordering a whole cake.

“Alright ‘Kari, don’t let that bastard bore you to death,” Sanemi said as he strode past, not even sparing Giyuu a glance. 

His fingers twitched. Kari?  

“Be safe, Sanemi!” Akari called.

“Yeah, yeah,” Sanemi threw up his hand in a lazy wave as he left for his mission. Despite Sanemi’s usual gruff antics, it actually seemed like the two got along. 

“Hime-sama, how do you live with that guy?” Giyuu asked.

“It’s no question that Sanemi’s personality is terrible… but if you focus on his actions, they’re all rooted in good intentions,” she said, watching the Wind Hashira’s silhouette fade into the town.

Akari burst into laughter, holding her stomach. “You know what’s funny, he actually asked me the same thing about you not too long ago.”

Giyuu’s eyes snapped back to Akari, nervous about what she could have said to Sanemi about him.

Akari put an index finger to her lips. “But I’m not telling you my answer,” she teased. “By the way, after dinner, would you like to play shogi with me?”

“Sure.”

☀

After a game of shogi, the two of them enjoyed the castella paired with the princess’ freshly brewed tea. 

“So, if we develop the surrounding area of the rice territories, we could attract tourists,” she said, as she whisked Giyuu another fresh cup of tea. “That would boost the local economy and increase rice production. Maybe even create more jobs.”

Giyuu listened carefully. He actually enjoyed hearing her thoughts and ideas. Akari was sharp, and had a way of tying everything back to the people. Occasionally he offered input of his own, and she always took his feedback seriously.

But what he appreciated most was that she never pushed him to speak more than he wanted. She could fill the silence with ease, but always left space for him to simply exist beside her.

It was comfortable.

“That reminds me- if Sanemi hasn’t returned by then, could you escort me to town tomorrow? I want to go shopping.”

“Of course.”

Akari smiled and clasped his hands in hers. “Great! Just remember- the people in this town think I’m just a random noble, so don’t call me ‘princess’ when we’re out and about.”

“Then what should I call you?”

“Just call me Akari.”

“...No.” The word slipped out before he could stop himself. Calling her by name felt too intimate- like stepping over a boundary he wasn’t ready to cross.

A boundary he didn't deserve to cross.

Akari pouted, puffing her cheeks in disappointment. “Giyuu, when are you going to start calling me by my name? Even Sanemi has a nickname for me.”

“I don’t think that’s appropriate,”

Kari - That’s what the Wind Hashira called her earlier. For some reason, that annoyed him more than it should have.

“Then what will you call me in town?” Akari leaned in, completely unaware of just how close their faces were.

She was too close. Again. 

“I just won’t say anything,” he muttered, pulling his hands away from hers and turning his head to the side. He tried to look unbothered, even as his face began to heat up.

He wondered how Sanemi managed to grow close to her so quickly- close enough that nicknames came naturally. Not that it mattered. She was someone he had been assigned to protect, nothing more. 

But sometimes, in moments like this, he felt an urge to cross the line he had drawn so clearly at the beginning, to let himself be closer. 

And that feeling alone left him deeply unsettled.

She was his duty- nothing more.

Chapter Text

It was rare for Sanemi not to complete his mission before dawn. The delay made Akari worried, but Giyuu reassured her it was only because his assignment was all the way in Tochigi prefecture- which was why the Master assigned him to stay with her instead of being left at the Butterfly Mansion.

Now, she and the quiet hashira walked quietly side by side through the town’s shopping district. Her mission for this shopping trip was to find gifts for all the Hashira- Giyuu included. 

As they browsed, she often turned to him for input, but as promised the night before, he spoke very little. She didn’t show it, but his continued distance upset her. His walls were up again, and she didn’t know why.

“Please take another for yourself- on the house!” the shopkeeper said, handing Akari an extra lip rouge with a smile. 

She had just finished choosing a set of pretty shades she thought would suit the Kocho sisters, carefully mixing and matching them with their styles in mind. She hadn’t considered picking anything for herself.

“Thank you,” she replied graciously. It was already her third gift from a vendor that day. 

As they walked away, she whispered to Giyuu, “The people of this town are so kind, I always get gifts like this every time I visit.”

Giyuu glanced at her. “They’re not being kind.”

“Why is that?” Akari met his gaze and tilted her head, unsure what he was suggesting.

“They’re giving you things because you’re pretty,” he said bluntly.

She stopped mid-step, nearly tripping over herself. “What?”

“They think you’re beautiful. If someone like you is seen using their products, it helps their business,” he explained, not batting an eye.

Her mouth opened, then closed again. Giyuu hasn’t spoken much all day, and now this?

Akari's face flushed. She was confident in who she was as a person, but her appearance had always been a different matter entirely.

“I- I don’t even think that’s true,” she stammered. “I’m not exactly the beauty standard, you know! I don’t have long black hair or pale skin- my hair’s this weird bright red and my eyes- ugh, I’ve been told they look like a snake’s..”

She gave an awkward laugh and fidgeted with her earring, unable to meet his eyes.

Giyuu crossed his arms and looked at her closely. She felt herself squirm under his scrutinization.

“You lack self awareness.” he said dismissively, and walked away.

Akari gaped. “Hey wait!” At this point, her face flamed a brighter red than her hair.

Giyuu didn’t answer- just kept walking, his expression unreadable as he led her towards the next row of shops.

☀

The earlier conversation long forgotten, Akari had successfully selected gifts for every Hashira- except for the one beside her. She led him from shop to shop under the pretense of browsing for herself, but secretly, she was closely watching him hoping something might catch his interest. However, in every store he simply trailed behind her, not sparing anything a glance- until they stepped into a tailor’s shop. 

The walls were lined with chic clothing samples- a mixture of both traditional and western styles. Giyuu drifted along the displays in his usual quiet way, but his gaze lingered a little longer on a sample rack that held modern robes and western button up shirts.

Akari smiled. 

Finally.

She turned to the shop attendant and pointed to the rack. “Everything from here to there- I’ll buy them all.”

“All of them, miss?” the tailor asked in disbelief.

Giyuu turned sharply, placing a firm hand on her shoulder. “Hey-”

“I want each of those designs custom fit. He is very active, so please make sure the fabrics are of high-quality but still breathable.” she told the tailor, not sparing Giyuu a glance.

The tailor nodded at her request, beginning to pull out fabrics that might suit him.

Giyuu squeezed Akari’s shoulder gently and turned her to face him. “Please stop,” 

“He’s also partial to the color blue!” she added, as if she hadn’t heard him. She finally looked at him, his eyes almost screaming at her. Akari began to laugh, finding it amusing how flustered Giyuu was getting over this. 

“Why are you laughing?” he asked, almost pouting.

“Shall we begin with his measurements?” The tailor smiled.

Akari agreed and stepped behind Giyuu, giving him a gentle push towards the tailor. Giyuu sighed, shoulders slumping in resignation. 

To his discomfort, the tailor had him remove his haori and shirt for more accurate measurements. After many sighs and shy glances towards Akari, Giyuu finally removed his uniform top, revealing his strong build.

Akari stood by, arms loosely folded. She wasn’t the type to be flustered by a shirtless man. Growing up with two older brothers who trained constantly, she was used to seeing muscle. Sanemi was also always too lazy to button up his own shirt. Although, she had to admit Giyuu’s form was… very well put together.

The tailor hummed as she took his measurements. “You have a great build,” she murmured. “With your handsome face, if you just dressed up a bit, women would flock to you.”

Giyuu did not respond to the tailor's compliment, but Akari could tell by the way his muscles tensed and his ears reddened that he was embarrassed.

Akari hid a smile. “I agree,” she added, cupping her chin, as if she was evaluating him. “If he just trimmed his hair a bit, he’d probably get marriage proposals every day.”

The tailor giggled in agreement.

Giyuu frowned and gave her a side eye. “Don’t say things that aren’t true.”

Akari tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Aren’t true?” she echoed. “You lack self awareness.” she said, throwing his own words right back at him.

☀

The sun had begun to set by the time the two began their walk back to Sanemi’s home. Giyuu walked beside Akari in a comfortable silence, his hands full with all the parcels from the day's shopping.

“I had so much fun today. Thank you, Giyuu.” Akari said cheerfully. She wasn’t able to get him to speak more about himself, but she had picked up on a few things- like the way his ears flushed pink whenever he was embarrassed, or how his head slightly tilted when something caught his interest.

“I think we have different definitions of fun,” Giyuu mumbled.

Akari giggled. “Are you sure? You looked pretty happy while eating dinner earlier.”

As if on cue, Giyuu’s ears started to turn pink. 

After Giyuu finished getting his measurements taken, a restaurant owner had offered them dinner on the house. When the food arrived, simmered salmon and daikon- Akari caught a shift in Giyuu’s expression, like he was trying to stop himself from grinning.

“Is that dish your-” Akari stopped mid-sentence, her steps halting.

Just beyond an alleyway, something caught her eye.

A white fox, faintly glowing.

A kitsune. 

“Hime-sama..?” Giyuu followed her gaze, brows drawing together. 

“You can’t see it, but there’s a kitsune in the alley.” she answered, eyes not leaving the little fox figure before her. 

The kitsune held her gaze for only one second, then turned its nose down the alley. Without a sound, it darted away.

“I’ll be right back…” she murmured, already chasing after the kitsune, leaving Giyuu behind.

“Where are you going!?” He called, quickly matching her pace.

She didn’t answer right away- her eyes locked on the fox as it weaved ahead of them through the streets. She had no explanation, except for a feeling that she needed to follow it- that this little fox was going to lead her to something important. “I don’t know… but I need to go.”

The kitsune led them beyond the edge of town and into the forest. There, nestled between the trees, was an unkept path that led to a small and long-forgotten hokora shrine.

“Is this where I need to be?” she asked the kitsune, her voice barely a whisper. In response, the fox gently rubbed itself against her legs before vanishing.

Akari turned to Giyuu who followed closely behind. “It’s too narrow- I’ll wait here.” he said, dropping their bags and leaning against the tree. 

“Thank you,” she smiled, stepping through the mossy torii gate and walking down the path.

She knelt before the altar, palms resting on her thighs. Offerings lined the stone the hokora sat upon, including an old kusanagi- the layer of dirt being a testament to how long it had rested there.

She bowed and clapped her hands, the sound of a temple bell rang through her ears.

‘It’s been a while, Amaterasu. I am Kukunochi, the god of trees. I sent the kitsune to bring you here because we must speak of your mortal brothers.’ The tree god’s voice was stern.

Akari felt her body stiffened. My brothers?

‘The kodama of the woods have seen them- devouring humans, staining the forest floors with blood.’

Her heart twisted.

When questioned, she told the Hashira her brothers had died. But knowing what she did now, she feared that it was not their death she saw as they withered before her in Muzan’s lair, but their transition into becoming demons. Still, she had hoped- prayed that they had passed on, their next life kinder than this one.

‘I trust you know what you must do.’

I understand. The words came bitter on her tongue, tears threatening to spill. Another duty she must fulfill- a cruel one.

How could she kill her brothers? Even after what Ryuu had done, she didn’t feel enough anger to be able to kill him without restraints. And Seiya? Her sweet, caring, older brother?

Branches snapped overhead.

‘Amaterasu! A demon is approaching from above!’ Kukunochi’s voice boomed.

Akari’s eyes shot open.

Her hand flew to the rusty kusanagi resting on the altar, its blade changing colors into a gradient of red and gold. She stood just as the demon dropped from the trees, its claws outstretched towards her. 

She moved to strike- just as Giyuu charged through the torii gate, his katana already mid-swing. 

Their eyes locked. If they both attack, they’d hurt each other.

'Do not bleed! If you do, he will find you!' the tree god warned. 

Don’t bleed?

In one seamless motion, Giyuu dropped his sword and grabbed the demon by its collar. With brutal force, he hurled it away- just before his momentum sent him crashing into Akari.

They slammed through the old wooden altar, broken wood and dead leaves erupting around them. Giyuu shielded her with his body, one arm wrapped protectively around her head.

When the crash settled, they scrambled to their feet. The demon began circling them a short distance away, gauging its next move.

“Stay back,” Giyuu ordered, stepping in front of her.

Akari’s eyes darted across the ground looking for his katana. It was several paces away- there was no time to retrieve it.

He’s going to take the hit to protect me.

The demon lunged.

Without thinking, Akari surged forward, heart pounding, the kusanagi tight in her grip. Gold clouds began to swirl around her, her breathing technique manifesting.

“Heavenly Breathing: First Form-”

 She ducked as the demon swiped at her, then slashed low across its legs.

“Ame-no-Uzume’s Dance!”

She twisted upward, each step light and fluid, her blade carving graceful arcs from foot to neck. The demon’s head hit the ground with a thud, its body soon collapsing beside it. 

Akari stood there, chest heaving, watching as the remains burned to ash.

I killed it.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a figure- small and translucent. A girl, sobbing quietly behind the trees.

Akari dropped her blade and strode to the girl, kneeling beside her. She reached out, gently placing her hand on the child’s cheek.

“Was that your brother?” she asked softly. “Did he… hurt you?”

The ghost nodded, tears streaming.

“I’ve put him to rest now,” Akari murmured, brushing the child’s tears away. “But don’t linger here too long, okay? You don’t want to become a yokai, do you?”

The girl blinked, startled, then nodded again.

“The next life will be better,” Akari whispered. 

The ghost took her hand and smiled, mouthing the words thank you before slowly fading away.

Light footsteps approached behind her. 

She quickly stood back up, dusting off the dirt from her clothes and turned to find Giyuu watching her- his eyes full of questions.

Akari’s hand shot up to her earrings, already fidgeting as she looked away. “That must have looked strange. There was actually a ghost of a young girl and I…”

“Akari,”

She froze at the sound of her name escaping his lips. It was the first time he’d ever spoken her name aloud.

Giyuu stepped closer, reaching for her hair. Gently, he plucked out a few leaves and twigs caught in it from their crash. His fingers lingered, combing through it delicately.

“You did well,” he said quietly, tucking her hair behind her ear. His eyes had softened, and his lips curved into a small, charming smile.

Akari's heart exploded like fireworks in the night sky. 

She had never seen him smile like that- so gentle and unguarded. And somehow, it made him even more handsome. A blush began to creep up her cheeks, making it hard to look at him. Yet, she couldn't look away either.

It was a smile she wanted to keep seeing over and over again- directed only towards her.

Chapter Text

“Giyuu, take off your shirt.” Akari said, her eyes looking straight into his. 

She was serious.

For the third time that day, the red-headed princess had managed to completely short-circuit his brain. Giyuu stared at her, stunned, with his thoughts scattering into the unknown.

Akari puffed her cheeks. “Why are you making that face? Just take it off, I want to try something,” she persisted.

Try something?

His mind raced, thinking of all the possible reasons why she would suddenly tell him to remove his clothes in front of her. Akari was naive- he had no doubt that she did not realize the situation and implication of her words, as a young man and woman alone in a room together.

“What exactly do you want to try…?” he asked carefully.

“Your injuries from when we crashed into the altar- I want to treat them.”

Oh. 

Giyuu straightened. He honestly would not even consider the minor cuts and bruises he had as injuries. He’s experienced far worse from missions.

“There’s no need-”

“Just sit down and take off your shirt.” she ordered, pointing to the floor. She never took no for an answer- he should know that by now.

He sighed and reluctantly slipped off his haori and unbuttoned his shirt before sitting down. Akari followed suit, kneeling behind him and placing a hand on his bruised shoulder.

Giyuu’s body tensed at her touch. “What are you-” 

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a soft glow rising from her hands. A soothing sensation washed over him- like stepping into sunlight after a harsh winter- gentle, warm, almost blissful. The dull ache in his shoulder eased, and the purple marks on his skin slowly faded.

He glanced back. The princess’ expression was calm and focused. “When did you learn how to control your powers?”

A satisfied smile formed on her lips before moving onto another bruise on his back. “I’ve been practicing at the Butterfly Mansion whenever Sanemi was on a mission. First with plants, then small animals… but never someone else. You’re the first.”

Giyuu nodded and stared ahead, lost in thought. He knew the princess was a quick learner, but he didn’t think she would make so much progress in a little less than a year since the estate massacre. Now, that sheltered girl who was desperate to see the world beyond the estate walls, just killed her first demon and can heal people with her divine energy.

He was proud of her. 

“Giyuu?” she said. “Can I tell you something?”

He nodded.

“The god at that shrine told me that both my brothers are demons now.”

Giyuu said nothing- because he already knew.

When the princess claimed that she saw her brothers die, all the Hashira agreed during a later meeting that they were most likely turned. After all, why would Muzan bring them to his domain just to kill them? It was then agreed that if anybody faced her brothers, they would deal with them silently, never telling Akari.

Giyuu felt her hands curl into fists against his back. “I was told it’s my responsibility to kill them… but would I even be able to?” Akari dropped her hands. “I killed that other demon so easily- without a thought. But my own brothers..?”

He turned to face her. “If it’s too much, send for me. I will take care of them in your stead.”

Part of him felt responsible for her brothers’ fate. That was why, if he could lessen even a fraction of her lifetimes of suffering, he would gladly take on that burden for her.  

Akari’s eyes widened for only a moment before she gave him a weak smile. “Thank you,” she said quietly, as she wrapped her arms around his torso, resting her head on his bare chest. “But this is something I must do myself,” she whispered, uncertainty laced in her voice.  Her arms tightened around him, as if to anchor herself.

Giyuu hesitated, before gently returning her embrace- hoping she could not hear the pounding of his heart. He remembered how she clung to him at the Tanabata festival because his aura calmed her. So while inappropriate, he’d let this one go too.

They stayed in each other’s warmth, Giyuu keenly aware of her faint scent of jasmine and amber, his chest tightening, until Akari suddenly let go. “Oh? Sanemi is back,”

The door to the room slammed open a second later.

“Alright, get the fuck out of my house Tomioka.” Sanemi’s eyes bore into him, accompanied by his usual scowl. 

Akari ran up to Sanemi with a smile. “Welcome home!” she said sweetly.

Something about the way she warmly greeted the Wind Hashira stirred something in Giyuu’s chest. He didn’t understand what it was, so he quickly shut it down and chose to ignore it.

“Guess what, today I killed-”

“Hey,” Sanemi shouted, ignoring Akari and pointing at Giyuu. “Why don’t you have a shirt on?”

Giyuu felt his eyes roll to the back of his head.

“That’s rich, coming from someone who never buttons up their own shirt.” He said as he pulled his shirt back on. 

“You bastard!” Sanemi gritted his teeth and began to stomp towards him.

Akari quickly slid in front of Giyuu, preventing Sanemi from getting any closer. “Sanemi. I was talking to you- I killed a demon today” 

”You did!?”

“Yes, and you would have found out sooner if you didn’t cut me off.”  Akari turned Sanemi around and began pushing him out the door. “Come on, let’s all have some tea together before Giyuu leaves,” 

☀

Giyuu had never gotten along with Sanemi. They’d been paired up for missions together a handful of times, and each mission ended on a bad note. Sanemi was far too loud and aggressive, and Giyuu never knew how to speak to him.

Never in his life had he imagined he’d be sitting next to the Wind Hashira in the dead silence as the princess gracefully prepared them tea.

“You guys can talk, you know. It’s not like this is a formal tea ceremony.” Akari teased as she placed a bowl of thick matcha in front of him. He bowed in thanks, and she mirrored the gesture before turning to serve Sanemi with the same formal care.

“So. What exactly were you trying to do with ‘Kari?” Sanemi blurted.

“Sanemi, I’ve already explained this to you earlier.” she said, her voice steady. “I was just tending to his wounds.” 

Sanemi barked a laugh. “Bet he enjoyed that.”

Giyuu glared at him. “I don’t make a habit of enjoying injuries, unlike you.” 

“Giyuu, don’t-” Akari warned, her voice stern.

“You smug little-”

“Sanemi,”

“You can’t blame me for being suspicious,” Sanemi grumbled. “You’re naive as hell, and he’s an egotistical bastard.”

“If decorum is what you’re worried about, you should start with yourself.” Giyuu muttered.

“Say that again-”

Akari slammed her ladle into the kettle, the crack of bamboo and iron silencing both men immediately.  “I’ve had enough,”  She smiled, but Giyuu could tell by the way her brow twitched that she was mad- and something about her restrained anger was extremely scary. 

Giyuu watched carefully as she stood up, looking down at the both of them. 

“I was hoping to have a pleasant tea time together so the two of you get to know each other better, but I guess I expected too much from you.” 

“Wait, ‘Kari, I didn’t mean-”

“Hime-sama I-”

“I don’t want to hear it- you are both Hashira, and there will be times you must fight alongside in battle. You need to learn how to speak respectfully to one another.” Akari’s piercing eyes cut through both of them before turning to leave..

She slammed the door closed, the sound echoing in the room.

Sanemi ran his hand through his hair. “Shit, she’s actually mad.”

Giyuu said nothing, staring at his untouched tea on the floor.

Shit.

☀

“Alright ‘Kari, you know the rules- three demons by sunrise. If I have to help you, you fail.” Sanemi said, crossing his hands behind his head.

Akari nodded, eyes determined as they hiked toward the base of Mount Fujikasane.

Once word of her first kill reached Kagaya, the leader of the corps determined that she was ready for one final trial before becoming an official member of the Demon Slayer Corps. She had insisted on taking the Final Selection like everyone else, but Kagaya refused to take the risk despite both Sanemi and Tengen’s endorsement.

After heavy discussion, they reached a middle ground where Akari had to eliminate three demons without the help of Sanemi, who would be with her in case of an emergency. A part of her felt morally challenged by this knowing so many people her age or younger lost their lives for a chance to join the corps while she was guaranteed to walk out alive.

Akari turned to Sanemi. “When you took the Final Selection test, how many demons did you end up killing in the week?”

He shrugged. “Prob’ly ten, but it’s been a while.”

She tightened her hold on her naginata. Suddenly, killing three demons in one night sounded much more fair.

When the lavender glow of the wisteria border came into sight, nostalgia swelled in her chest. Memories replayed in her mind- planting and nurturing wisteria saplings on this very mountain long ago. Akari quickly ran to the trees and took a branch in her hand. 

“Sanemi, how long has the corps been using this mountain?” she asked, admiring the flowers.

Sanemi raised his brow, unsure where the question came from. “Couple of centuries, from what I’ve heard.”

“And they bloom year-round?”  she murmured, nose wrinkling. The scent of wisteria still gave her a headache.

“Yep,” He shoved his hands in his pockets, began marching through the wisteria. “Hurry up, we’re wasting time.” 

She smiled, quietly following his lead. It was reassuring knowing that not every life of hers was fruitless- that ever so slowly, she made steps to getting closer to her goal.

“Don’t stray too far away from the border,” Sanemi said, looking over his shoulder.

“Why? Would demons even come if we stay this close to the wisteria?”

“They will.”

“How do you know that?”

Sanemi clicked his tongue. “So many damn questions today,” he groaned under his breath. 

Akari’s eyes narrowed, waiting for him to explain.

He sighed. “These demons are starving. And you and me? The rarest strains of blood they could have.” A mischievous grin stretched across his face. “In fact, one is already headed this way.” 

Before she could respond, he leapt into the trees to observe from above.

Her focus shifted to the sound of rushed footsteps, and there, a demon appeared from the shadows. Its eyes were wild and desperate- ready for a meal. 

Akari inhaled deeply, filling her lungs and letting her breath ignite her muscles. “Heavenly Breathing: First Form-” she chanted, before dashing towards the demon, meeting it head-on.

“Ame No Uzume’s Dance!” Her steps were light as Tengen’s, while the brute force of her swing matched that of Sanemi’s. In an instant, her blade sliced through the demon’s neck. 

She steadied her breath, watching the demon’s body burn to ash.

One down. Two more to go.

☀

The second demon came as quickly as the first, and Akari killed it with no issue. Now, her and the Wind Hashira sat against the tree eating the rice balls they packed, waiting for one last demon to appear. 

“Where are they? The sun will rise in two hours…” Akari asked, taking in the last bite of her rice ball. It had been over four hours since the last encounter, and she was getting impatient.

“‘Kari, I swear you’ve been asking me the same question every 10 minutes,”

“Well if you’d let me go deeper in the mountain, I probably would’ve been done by now.” she argued. After the one hour mark, she pestered Sanemi to allow her to go deeper in the mountain, but he refused. His reasoning being that if she were to get injured, he wanted to be able to get her to safety without delay.

Sanemi groaned and stood up, unsheathing his sword.  “Fine then. You want them coming your way?” he said with a devious smile.

“How do we-” Before she could finish, Sanemi slashed his palm with his blade.

Akari gasped. “Are you insane!?” She yelled as she grabbed his wrist, healing it immediately.

“Nah, just making the demons desperate, so they come here,” he replied nonchalantly, pulling away from her grip. He flicked his bloodied hand, scattering his blood across the forest floor, then used the sleeve of her kimono to wipe the rest off.

Akari gave him an incredulous stare. “Excuse me!? I liked this kimono!”

“You asked for it,” Sanemi snickered, then promptly leapt into the tree canopy to observe.

Within minutes, slow, heavy footsteps erupted from deep in the forest. 

A massive demon, twice her size, emerged from the trees. The moment it spotted her, it swung a long, clawed arm. Akari leapt back, barely avoiding the strike by a hair.

She raised her naginata, steadying her breath as she widened the distance. Its size was intimidating, but its movements were slow. The real threat was its wingspan- despite her added reach with her naginata, it could still reach her with ease.

I need to attack it from behind.

Akari sprinted around the demon with blinding speed, waiting for the exact moment it lost track of her before attacking its legs. Just as her blade cut through, a loud crack followed- but before she could pull back, the demon’s upper half violently twisted toward her, its claws tearing across her collarbone. 

She gasped, then whirled her naginata and drove the blunt end into its chest with all her might, sending the demon crashing into a tree.

Blood soaked into her kimono, stinging where the gash split her skin. She forced herself to ignore it. The demon’s body was mangled against the trunk, but it wasn’t dead yet.

She needed to get the head.

Akari stepped towards the demon when a sudden sharp pain shot through her head, causing her to drop her naginata. As she lifted a hand to her temple, she gasped at the sight of her arm- markings of red spider lilies spread across her skin. It was just like the dream she had before.

‘Found you’ Muzan’s voice invaded her mind, and as if on cue, hot, searing pain ignited throughout her body. 

Akari fell to the ground with a scream, clutching her chest as visions from a past life flashed before her eyes- a shrine maiden that resembled her, with one of Muzan's hands piercing through her heart. His mocking laugh echoed in her ears, as if he were right in front of her. 

“What the hell!?” Sanemi shouted, jumping down from the trees and unsheathing his sword.

“Don’t!” She yelled. Sanemi halted. 

No. If she accepted his help, she would fail Kagaya’s test. Akari squinted her eyes, forcing herself to focus on the present instead of the visions that played in her mind. 

“What do you mean don’t!? You can’t even stand!”

“I’ll finish it!” Akari said through gritted teeth. 

She needed to act now before the demon finished regenerating.

Akari thought of the Corps members who came before her- The scars all over Sanemi’s body, the old wound on Tengen’s shoulder, the faint mark on Giyuu’s forehead he hides with his hair. All of them had suffered through great pain as she did now, and endured.

Why couldn’t she?

Akari ripped the sleeve of her kimono and shoved the silk fabric into her mouth. With one deep breath, she forced herself to stand, teeth clenching down as she fought through the pain.

Heavenly Breathing: Third form- Jealousy of Sakuya-hime!

Akari swung her naginata in one wide horizontal strike, imagining the mountain goddess’ rage at the thought a mountain can grow taller than hers. Her form was sloppy, her grip faltering mid strike, but the sheer force was enough to sever the demon’s head clean.

I passed.

The moment its body began to burn to ash, she collapsed. A scream tore through her throat as the pain consumed her whole. Then came the visions- Muzan biting off her fingers one by one, praising her taste as if she were a delicacy. It was so vivid she felt every single bite.

Sanemi immediately rushed to her side and leaned her against him, pulling out the fabric from her mouth. “Talk to me- what the hell is going on? The demon’s already dead, Blood demon art shouldn’t-”

“I don’t know!” she screamed. She clawed at Sanemi’s collar, unable to control her body and see what’s in front of her. She couldn’t tell if her hands were on Muzan or Sanemi. “Just knock me out!” Akari cried.

“What!? Why would I..!?”

“I can’t- I just can’t!! I don’t want to feel this pain anymore. I don’t want to see this anymore! ” She screamed, tears flowing from her eyes.

“See what!?”

“SANEMI, PLEASE!”

Sanemi’s eyes searched hers, then looked around, as if looking for help. “Fuck,” he uttered. “Shit- fine! But your ass better wake up later!” Sanemi yelled, before slamming the side of his hand hard against her neck.

“...Thank you” Akari whispered with a weak smile, before letting darkness consume her.

Chapter Text

“I’m telling you, it wasn’t a Blood Demon Art. Those marks lingered long after that piece of shit was dead!”

“But the markings you spoke of are no longer there. Other than lesions on her shoulders and chest, her condition is completely normal, ”

Akari stirred awake to the sound of Sanemi and Shinobu arguing. As she slowly opened her eyes, she realized she was lying in a private ward at the Butterfly Mansion. The last memory she had was begging to Sanemi to make the pain go away.

Shinobu rushed to her side and helped her sit up. “Akari-hime, how do you feel? Any pain?” She asked, already checking her vitals.

Akari looked down at her hands, opening and closing them, checking that her fingers were still intact. The pain she experienced felt far away, but the gruesome visions she had still haunted her.

“I’m okay, no pain- not anymore, at least.”

Shinobu nodded and continued to assess her condition.  “I’m still trying to find the underlying cause of it all, do you recall anything else other than pain?”

Akari hesitated. “It might sound ridiculous… but I had visions of my past life- so vivid it was hard to differentiate between the past and the present… and he was there, killing me.” she said, sparing the two from the details of exactly how Muzan killed her. Thinking too much about it brought a chill to her spine.

Shinobu and Sanemi were still as they processed her words.

“I’m sorry you had to go through that again.” Shinobu said softly as she began jotting down notes. “The good news is that other than the lacerations and the bruise Shinazugawa gave you, your body is in perfect condition. The bad news is that it leaves us with no clues to understand what happened.”

Akari bit her lip, fingers curling into fists as she recalled all the warnings she’d been given. That dream from months ago, Kukunochi’s words- everything began to align. “Last week, the god of trees warned me not to bleed. My blood must trigger this… ‘curse’, for lack of better word.” 

“Blood, you say?” Shinobu cupped her chin, taking a moment to think. “Akari-hime, could I take a few samples of your blood? I want to study it- hopefully find some leads.”

“Of course,” she replied.

As Shinobu carefully poked her with needles to draw blood, Akari’s thoughts were elsewhere- of the complex, guilt ridden aura of the ocean-eyed Hashira.

“I have an odd request...” Akari said carefully, with the image of Giyuu’s gentle smile lingering in her mind. “Please don’t tell Tomioka-sama about this… whatever this is.”

Shinobu and Sanemi glanced at each other.

“Why would you care?” Sanemi butted in- the first words he’d spoken since she woke.

The thought of Giyuu learning about this condition scared her, because she knew if he’d ever find out, he’d distance himself again. Not just from her, but from all his peers.

“He…” Akari’s gaze dropped to her lap. “He already blames himself for everything that has happened to me- it’s the only reason why he’s so kind to me. I just… don’t want to add more to his burden.”

“Well, everything is his own damn-”

“Sure!”  Shinobu interrupted with a laugh. “Only because he’s already insufferable as it is. I can’t imagine it getting worse.”

Akari’s eyes lightened. “Thank you,”

“And with that said, you’re good to go- just be diligent in keeping your wound clean.” Shinobu said, after filling the last syringe with Akari’s blood. “Also, now that you are an official member of the Demon Slayer Corps, you’re going to need this,” Shinobu slid a box of matches in Akari’s hand.

Akari tilted her head in confusion. “What’s this for?”

“Trust me, you’ll know when the time comes.”

The walk back home was unusually quiet for Akari and Sanemi- each step heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Truthfully, she was angry. She didn’t know what this ‘curse’ was, but she had no doubt it was Muzan’s doing. He must’ve done something to her when they captured her a year ago, and she was scared to learn what.

She clenched her fists, nails digging crescents on her skin. It was as if each time she took a step forward, Muzan found a way to pull her back.

In every single damn life.

“Hey, ‘Kari…” Sanemi’s voice cut through her thoughts.

“Yes?” she said, forcing a smile.

“How are you going to fight? With this…curse thing you have?” Sanemi’s voice was more gentle than Akari had ever heard. 

Akari knew this would be brought up eventually, and she had no answer. She was not backing down- that much was certain. But everything else… she’d just have to figure out later.

“Sanemi, are you worried about me?” Akari teased, trying to make the conversation feel lighter. 

He rolled his eyes. “Ugh shut up, I’m being serious right now. How will you complete missions if you get like that every time you get injured?”

Akari clasped her hands behind her back and continued walking, eyes drifting up to the afternoon sky. “You know, when I was in all that pain, I thought of you.” She said softly.

Sanemi halted so suddenly Akari almost bumped into him. “...What?”

She took his hand and pulled his arm toward her. “This,” She pointed at his scars on his forearms. “And this,” She said, gently tracing the large scar on his chest with her index finger. “Your scars are proof that you’ve dealt with great pain, but still managed to come back out alive. If you can, why can’t I?” She said, her eyes burning into his like twin suns.

A faint blush appeared on Sanemi’s cheeks, placing an unsure hand on the back of his neck. “...Whatever, just don’t go off doing dumb shit and die alright?”

“Yes sir,” Akari laughed, but it came out weaker than she intended.

☀

Giyuu’d been distracted all night.

Even during his mission, his mind had been somewhere completely different. The demon wasn’t particularly strong, but his lack of focus granted him a slash down his chest. The Kakushi practically begged him to go to the Butterfly Mansion for immediate care, but he didn’t want to waste time.

He had to see her- the source of his distractions.

Akari’s final trial was three nights ago, but he has yet to hear any news from her. Shinazugawa was strong, and without a doubt could’ve handled any demon on that mountain- but that didn’t mean she would come out unharmed. Maybe he was projecting his own trauma from his Final Selection onto her, but he had to make sure. 

Giyuu scaled the Shinazugawa estate walls, quietly walking to the main building. He was only going to check for light coming from her room- just some form of proof she was alright.

Turning the corner, he froze. There she was- standing on the balcony, her long hair flowing with the night breeze. For a moment, he could only stare, stunned that she was there- real.

Her face lit up as soon as their eyes met, giving him a wave. 

“I thought I felt your aura,” she said gently, leaning over the railing. “What brings you here?” 

He didn’t reply, jumping to her balcony to meet her.

Akari’s smile faltered as soon as her eyes landed on his bloodied clothes. “You’re hurt.” She grabbed his arm, scanning the cuts and bloodied fabric with furrowed brows. “Why didn’t you go to the Butterfly Mansion?” she asked, her voice quiet but firm. 

“This gets the job done faster.” Giyuu blurted, saying the first excuse that came to mind.

Akari sighed. “Giyuu, it’s better for you to get treated at the Butterfly Mansion. I only just learned how to do this, and there might be some ailments I’m unable to heal.” she scolded.

He shrugged, gently pulling her hands away and leading her into her room.

She shook her head in disapproval before leaving to fetch a first aid kit. Giyuu took off his uniform with a wince and sat against the wall by her desk, being careful to not stain it with blood.  Now that he saw her in one piece, his worry earlier felt almost foolish.

Akari returned with the first aid kit and a small basin of water. “Excuse me,” she said, settling between his knees, legs folded beneath her.

Too close.

“What happened? Did you fight a kizuki?” She asked, wringing out a towel. 

He could hardly hear her, too overtly aware of their proximity. The sleeve of her haori brushed against his thigh lightly. Giyuu tried to breathe evenly, but each inhale caught the subtle scent of jasmine from her hair.

The cool press of the towel against his cheek jolted him back to reality. 

“No. I was just careless,” he muttered.

Akari hummed as she dabbed his cheek with the towel, cleaning up a scratch he’d forgotten about. Once dry, she delicately placed her fingers over the cut and let her divine energy flow to seal it.

He watched as she moved on to the large cut on his chest, gently wiping away the blood.

“...How was your trial?” He asked, his voice low, trying to not think about how her fingers felt on his chest.

“Oh! Not too bad- I passed. Although, the last demon managed to land quite the blow. Luckily, that was the only time.” A small laugh escaped her lips. “Actually, it’s funny, we have cuts in the same exact spot,” she traced a line along her collarbone and chest with her finger, before setting aside the towel. 

Akari leaned closer, both hands against his chest as she began to heal him. Beneath her long eyelashes, he saw how her gold eyes glimmered with quiet focus. 

A strand of hair slipped forward, brushing his skin before she quickly tucked it behind her ear, her gaze never leaving his ripped skin.

That’s when he saw it- a large bruise, partially hidden beneath the collar of her kimono.

Before he could think, Giyuu’s hand shot out, cupping her neck. “…What is this?” His voice dropped lower than intended, a mix of anger and concern. His chest tightened as he brushed his thumb over the dark mark that stretched across her neck. 

Akari’s breath hitched, head snapping towards him- suddenly, their lips were only inches apart. Their eyes widened, locking for a moment too long before they both pulled away, shifting back to put distance between them.

Giyuu’s pulse deafened his ears.

“It’s nothing,” she stammered, covering her neck with her hair. “Just the usual bruises you get from fighting demons. You don’t need to worry about it.”

She’s lying. 

It was the way her eyes darted from his to the side, and the tightness of her smile. It was the kind of smile she only used when she didn’t want to be pressed further.

His lips pressed into a straight line. “...Alright.” The moment he spoke, the tension in her shoulders lifted, and her smile changed to one of relief.

Giyuu stared at the ceiling as the princess resumed tending to his wound. The bruise on her neck shouldn’t have bothered him so, but her lie made it linger on his mind. He forced out a slow breath, focusing on the blissful warmth coming from her divine energy.

It was no use dwelling on it.

☀

Giyuu’s eyes fluttered open, finding himself on the ground with a pillow under his head and a thick blanket wrapped around him. His hand instinctively went to where the demon had slashed him- it was completely healed. He must have dozed off while Akari was tending to him.

His gaze drifted to the oil lamp burning low on her desk where Akari had fallen asleep, pen still in hand. A quiet huff of laughter escaped him.

Getting ready to leave, he reached for his sword. Beside it, was a neatly folded jinbei and haori, with a slip of paper in her handwriting.

Your uniform is ripped- please use this for now. I’ll have the tailor stitch your haori.

He slipped on the clothes she left for him and moved to her desk, intending to wake her. Ledgers, textbooks, and letters lay scattered across her large desk. With how lively she always was, he often forgot how tirelessly she worked behind those cheerful smiles.

Giyuu peered over her shoulder, curious about what she had been working on before drifting off. He gently brushed the strands of hair that had fallen across her face, revealing the letter she was writing.

Dear Crown Prince Haruhito,

I look forward to our reunion when the cherry blossoms bloom.

He didn’t read the rest.

Giyuu was about to wake her, when he heard footsteps approaching from the hallway.

“I swear to god, how many times do I have to tell this woman not to fall asleep with the oil lamp on.”

The door to her room slid open.

Giyuu froze.

Sanemi stood still at the door, caught off guard by Giyuu’s unwanted presence.

“...The hell are you doing here?” Sanemi growled, stepping into Akari’s room. “Actually- I don’t even want to know, just get out.”

Sanemi strode over to Akari, not sparing him a glance. In one seamless movement, he crouched down, hooking one arm underneath her knees and the other around her back to scoop her out of her desk. It looked practiced- like he’d done this hundreds of times before.

Akari’s head lolled against his chest, not stirring once.

“And here I was thinking she was just talking to her ‘friends’ the whole time.” Sanemi mumbled, carrying her to her bed.

‘Friends’

Sanemi must have meant the gods Akari spoke to. Giyuu had seen it before once- at the Tanabata festival, where she whispered quietly in the corner of the shrine. Was she able to speak to them without a shrine now?

Giyuu watched as Sanemi carefully laid her down, lazily throwing the blankets over her. He noticed how Sanemi’s hand lingered, brushing red strands away from her face.

“What are you still doing here?” Sanemi huffed, his gaze not leaving Akari. “I said get out.”

Giyuu didn’t realize how tightly his fists were clenched until Sanemi spoke. He didn’t respond, turning on his heel and slipping out through the balcony without looking back.

He didn’t belong here.

Chapter Text

Little Sun Goddess-

Congratulations on finally becoming one of us. It’s hard to believe that just last year you were a scrawny little princess- and now you’re even more flashy than before! The mission in Kyushu is going well, though we’ll need to stay here a bit longer to ensure all the demons are purged flamboyantly. We found tons of natural onsens out here. My wives and I keep saying how we want to bring you sometime!

P.S Remember, you’re MY tsuguko. Not Shinazugawa’s.

-Tengen Uzui, God of Festivals

Chapter Text

Akari knew her schedule would tighten once she passed her trial, but she didn’t expect to become utterly exhausted before she even went on missions. Over the last few weeks, on top of her regular lessons with her tutor, were frequent meetings with Kagaya to help with budgeting for the new year, as well as follow-up appointments at the Butterfly Mansion. Today, she had back to back meetings with her swordsmith and uniform tailor before her lessons.

“Greetings, my lady. I’m Genzo, and it’s an honor to serve the Miyamoto clan once again.” The swordsmith bowed, his voice worn with age.

“It pleases me to meet the man who once forged swords for my father. Please, raise your head.” After she passed her trial, Kagaya said he’d have the same man who made her father’s swords assigned to her. Genzo was an elder gentleman, but his aura felt fiery yet controlled- perfect for someone who dedicated their life over the forge.

“First, you must pick one of these ores to have your naginata made.” Genzo pulled several ores from his bag, laying them before her. “These ores derive from Mount Yoko, which is perpetually bathed in the sunlight all day. Because of this, the ores have taken on properties akin to sun energy.” Genzo explained graciously.

“Sun energy…?” she echoed. 

Fragmented memories flashed before her eyes like photographs- a lifetime living off the mountain. Hiking everyday, imbuing every square meter with her divine energy. Endless kagura dances at the summit, drawing in the sun closer.

A faint smile tugged at her lips. These ores were proof that her sacrifices in that life were all worth it.

“Any would be fine, but if I had to pick…” Akari reached for the ore in the middle, brushing her fingers along its rough edges. “I’ll take this one,” 

“I’ll see to it that I forge a beautiful naginata,” Genzo bowed.

“That reminds me- I found this kusanagi at an abandoned shrine and used it to kill a demon. Could you check if it’s made of the same metal?” She asked, showing Genzo the rusted blade.

It bothered her how a random blade, one that shouldn’t have held any power, was able to kill a demon. Had it once belonged to a corps member long ago? Or, did she imbue the metal with sun energy, like how she did with Mt. Yoko many lives ago?

The swordsmith cupped his chin, eyes narrowing in thought. “How peculiar. I will gladly examine its materials and report my findings, my lady.”

A knock came at the door.

“Pardon the intrusion. I am Masao Maeda, here to deliver your uniform.” a man said from behind the door.

“Please come in. Welcome, Maeda-san,” Akari greeted warmly, as Genzo bowed and quietly excused himself.

As she watched him leave, a wistful sigh escaped her. If only her schedule weren’t so tight- next time, she would love to share tea with him and hear stories of her father’s days as the Shadow Hashira.

The uniform maker, dressed in a kakushi uniform and large round glasses, stepped into the room and bowed deeply, presenting her neatly folded uniform. “My lady, please try it on and let me know how it fits.”

Akari gleefully accepted the uniform and ran to her room, eager to try it on. However, what she saw in the mirror was very different from what she’d seen others wear. 

Her top was hemmed right below her ribs exposing her midriff, and she couldn’t button it all the way to her collar properly. To make matters worse, her skirt was much shorter than she’d like. If it were just for training, she wouldn’t mind- it looked really cool, in a way. But now that she had a mysterious condition that only came when she bled, the lack of protection made her uneasy.

Akari headed back downstairs to where Masao awaited. 

“Umm, Maeda-san. By chance, did the Kocho sisters opt to wear the men's uniform? I’ve never seen anyone with a uniform like this.” she asked carefully.

“This is the standard uniform for females,” Masao said with a straight face. “In fact, it seems to fit perfectly on you.” Akari felt a waver in Masao’s aura, but she couldn’t name it.

“....I see. Could I have a men’s uniform made for me as well? I have..” she paused, not wanting to scare him by using the word ‘curse’. “Henmophilia, you see. If I get cut, it could be bad.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. If I may, could I take a closer look? I might be able to fix this on the spot.”

“Sure,” Akari smiled. 

Masao stepped closer, his gaze flickering downward as he reached for the buttons near her chest, mumbling something about the stitching. 

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?”

Sanemi’s thunderous voice cracked through the quiet room, and before she blinked, he pummeled Masao across the room without a thought.

Akari gasped, startled. “Sanemi! Wait-!”

He ignored her, throwing his haori at her before stomping to the tailor. “That’s the future empress of our country.” He growled, grabbing Masao by the hair. “Watch your damn hands.”

“Shinazugawa-sama, I was just seeing if I’m able to fix the buttons on her uniform!” Masao cried.

“Fix her uniform? I’ve seen your scummy self harass other girls in the corps before. You probably did it on purpose!” Sanemi slammed Masao’s face into the floor before letting go. “Make her a proper uniform. Now.”

Now that she understood Masao’s true intentions, Akari felt a pang of embarrassment at how naive she’d been. Giyuu had warned her about this sort of thing back when they first met, but she still hadn’t learned.

“Yes sir!” Masao yelped, quickly scurrying away.

Sanemi clicked his tongue as he watched Masao run away from his property. “‘Kari. Where’s those matches Kocho gave you? We need to burn that.”

“Burn it? I thought I looked cool, so I was going to keep it for training.”

Sanemi gawked. “Cool!? Hell no. We’re burning that thing.”

“I want to keep it. What’s your deal?”

He rolled his eyes, grabbing her hand and pulling her upstairs to her room. “‘Kari, I know you’re comfortable around me, but I’m still a man.”

“You’re a man? Who would’ve known?” she chuckled.

Akari felt his grip around her wrist tighten, and without warning Sanemi pressed her against the wall between his arms.

He tilted his head towards her, his voice dropping lower. “Yes. So don’t test me- change into something more proper.”

Heat crept into Akari’s cheeks, clutching his haori tighter against her chest. “..Okay.” She said quietly, unable to look him in the eyes.

Sensing her discomfort, Sanemi pulled away, running his fingers through his hair. “Sorry. I went too far. You’re just so damn clueless sometimes it drives me insane.” 

“It’s fine, I know.” she murmured, before slipping into her room. As soon as the door shut behind her she leaned against it, letting out the breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. 

What the hell was that?

☀

Once Akari’s naginata and uniform were delivered, she immediately began accompanying Sanemi on missions two to three days a week- a pace Kagaya approved to allow her to gain field experience without neglecting her studies.

Completing missions felt rewarding. Not only could she feel herself get stronger, but it made her feel like an asset to the corps instead of a burden. Her divinity was especially useful, not only in first aid, but in reconnaissance. If there was a shrine nearby, she was able to ask her celestial companions for information, and sometimes they even sent kitsune to lead the team directly to the demon’s location. Occasionally, Kagaya would assign her alongside a Hashira other than Sanemi, knowing she could assist them if shrines were involved.

Despite her growth over the past few months, one thing continued to hold her back- the curse. Sanemi always kept a close eye on her, stepping in whenever her strength began to falter, but she still ended up injured at times. Kanae or Shinobu often joined them to observe her symptoms firsthand, but until tonight, neither had seen the curse truly manifest.

Blood trickled from Akari’s arm as the demon before her disintegrated to ash.

Her knees buckled, the familiar burning pain spreading through her veins like lava. Then came the memories- Muzan’s condescending voice, his mocking laughter, and his sharp claws- all surging at once.

“Kocho! It’s starting!” Sanemi shouted, catching Akari before she hit the ground. He pulled her against him, shoving his haori in her mouth for her to bite down on. Akari let out a muffled scream, digging her nails into his uniform like it was the only thing that could bring her back to earth.

“Shinazugawa-san, please hold one of her arms out,” Kanae instructed gently. She knelt beside them, preparing her syringes. 

“Breathe, ‘Kari.” He said under his breath, tightening his hold around her with one arm, using the other to steady her arm for Kanae. “This ain’t the first time- you can get through it again.”

Akari could hardly hear him. Muzan’s voice drowned everything out- mocking her for being an exiled goddess as he pierced his talons through her skull. She let out another scream, thrashing her head against Sanemi’s shoulder.

“Can’t you hurry up and give her pain killers already!?” Sanemi yelled. 

“Almost there,” Kanae worked quickly, extracting several blood samples while murmuring reassurances to Akari. 

“Done,” Kanae held the pouch of vials up in the air, ready for her crow to take it.“Send this to my little sister for testing- immediately.” Her crow cawed in acknowledgement before seizing the pouch from her and soaring back to the Butterfly Mansion.

“Hime-sama, you are so strong, hopefully this helps you a little,” The Flower Hashira said softly, as she injected a painkiller into Akari’s arm.

Within minutes, Akari’s grip on Sanemi loosened and her breath steadied. The pain and visions were still present, but the intensity was subdued. Now that Akari had control over her body again, Kanae took the opportunity to examine her while the symptoms were still present.

“Hime-sama, I admire your compassion for Tomioka-san, but what will you do if you are on a mission together and this triggers?” Kanae asked quietly as she inspected the red flower markings on her arm.

Akari gave a bittersweet smile. “I could only hope I can find the right words by then,” she said breathlessly.

☀

Akari felt the cool brush of Giyuu’s aura approaching before she even opened her eyes. Pulling herself out of bed, she blinked just as the door to her balcony slid open.

“Sorry, did I wake you?” Giyuu whispered.

“It’s fine. Are you hurt?” she asked as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

“I’ll just go to the Butterfly Mansion,” he turned as if to leave.

“Just stay. You came all the way here,” she insisted, taking his hand and guiding him toward his usual spot against the wall. He flinched slightly under her touch, drawing her gaze to his wrist where she noticed the swelling. Akari gave his shoulder a firm pat, signaling him to sit. He obeyed with a resigned sigh, and she followed suit.

Giyuu frequently visited her in the early hours after missions to receive treatment. Most of his injuries were negligible- ones that would’ve healed on their own. Yet, he always came by, calling her powers ‘convenient’. He visited so often that Akari even bought an extra futon for him in case he wanted to stay the night. He always refused when offered, but sometimes he’d accidentally fall asleep while she tended to him. 

Sanemi used to argue with her about Giyuu ‘bothering’ her all the time, only relenting when she said she’d never turn away someone seeking her help.

“You know,” she started, “I like it when you visit, so don’t ever think you’re bothering me.” 

“You do?”

“Yes.” She took his swollen wrist into her hands, her touch delicate. “Because it means you rely on me.”

Giyuu’s eyes widened just a little before turning his head away. Akari huffed a laugh. She found it endearing whenever he got flustered. 

As her divine energy from her hands lit the room, the swelling in his wrist slowly returned to normal. “Is there anything else?” she asked once the glow dimmed.

“...I have a headache,” Giyuu mumbled.

Akari cupped her chin with her hand, thinking. “I’ve never tried healing something I can’t see… but I can try.”

Maybe… just push the energy to every part of his head…? she thought, unsure if it would even work.

She reached up, brushing her fingertips against his temples. Giyuu froze, his breath catching.

“…Hime-sama?”

“Tell me if it’s working,” she whispered, closing her eyes.

She let her energy freely flow from her to Giyuu, unsure where to direct it. Then, before she could stop it, her divine energy rapidly surged through her, bursting into a bright flash in the room.

“Ah-” Akari gasped.

Giyuu’s head dropped suddenly, his body slumping forward. He fell against her shoulder, sending them both to the floor in a tangle of limbs.

“Giyuu…?” she whispered, pinned beneath his weight.

No answer.

“Giyuu!?” she repeated, this time more frantic. In panic, Akari smacked his back multiple times in an attempt to wake him, but he didn’t budge.

Oh gods, what did I do?

Whenever Giyuu fell asleep when she healed him, it was always gradual- a natural culmination from both her relaxing divine energy and his exhaustion. He’d never been knocked out cold like this before.

Akari closed her eyes, attuning herself to his breathing. A sigh of relief escaped her when it evened out, slow and steady. Feeling his breath tickle her neck, she suddenly became aware of their compromising position. Blushing, she carefully eased him off and rolled him onto the futon.

Once she was done making him comfortable, Akari turned toward the balcony and stepped outside. The spring air was cool, the moon full and bright in the night sky.

“Tsukuyomi, what did I do wrong?” she called quietly.

A tender laugh echoed in her mind.

‘You poured too much divinity into him. The human brain can only handle so much of our energy before it dysfunctions.’ Tsukuyomi’s voice echoed in her head. His voice was so quiet and  tranquil compared to her other celestial brother, Susanoo.

“Dysfunctions!?” she panicked.

‘He’ll be fine, Amie. He just might be in a daze when he wakes up, like he’s in a dream.’ Tsukuyomi reassured.

“I thought I was getting better at controlling my powers, but this time it really just surged through me all at once.”

Tsukuyomi laughed. ‘You will get there soon, just keep practicing. Luckily, you have someone who offers themselves to you as your test subject,”

“Do you have to say it like that?” she muttered, puffing her cheeks.

The door to the balcony slid open.

“Giyuu!” She was so deep in her conversation with Tsukuyomi that she didn’t hear him wake. “How are you feeling? My brother said you might feel a little dazed.”

He blinked slowly. “Your brother..?”

She smiled faintly, pointing to the moon. “Tsukuyomi.”

Giyuu followed her gaze to the moon, then back to her. “…Right.” His voice was calm. “I’m fine-  headache’s gone.”

“Thank goodness.” The tension in Akari’s shoulders lifted. “I was really worried.”

They stayed on the balcony, Akari filling him in on her recent missions and studies, while Giyuu shared snippets from his own. Eventually, their words tapered off, leaving them in a familiar silence, simply enjoying each other’s presence.

“Hey Giyuu,” Akari started, breaking the silence. “When you look at the moon, do you see a rabbit or a face?”

Giyuu followed her gaze. “A rabbit.”

“Me too!” she said with a smile. “You know, sometimes I’m jealous of Tsukuyomi. The moon is always so pretty, no matter what shape it takes, or how you view it.”

He looked at her then, the soft glow of the moon catching the gold in her eyes. “I think I prefer the sun.”

Akari blinked, warmth fluttering in her chest and rising to her face until her cheeks burned. She playfully punched his arm, then covered her face and leaned against his shoulder to hide the smile tugging at her lips.

Giyuu’s eyes widened at Akari’s reaction, realizing what he’d just implied. “…Maybe I am feeling strange from your power.” he mumbled, turning his head away and covering his face with his hand. “I should just sleep it off,”

“Y-yeah, me too..” Akari stuttered.

The two of them awkwardly walked back into her room and settled in their respective beds without exchanging a single word. Akari curled into a ball beneath her blanket, fidgeting with her earrings. She couldn’t explain it, but Giyuu’s words echoed in her mind, making her unreasonably happy even if he didn’t mean it that way. Akari closed her eyes, letting the familiar warmth bloom in her chest, wishing it would stay a little longer.

☀

They were woken the next morning by the sound of Giyuu’s crow slamming against her balcony door.

“Sorry, Kanzaburo’s eyesight has gotten worse lately.” Giyuu said, his voice husky from sleep.

“It’s fine,” Akari laughed.

Giyuu quickly got up from his futon to let Kanzaburo in the room. The elderly crow swooped into the room, landing gracefully on Akari’s shoulder.

“New orders from the master! Take Akari-hime with you to Enoshima! Fishermen have gone missing!”

Akari and Giyuu turned to each other in surprise- this marks their first mission together.

Excitement bubbled up in her chest, but so did nerves. For this mission, mistakes were not an option- she wasn’t ready to tell Giyuu about her curse.