"She can't live! If she dies, we'll save thousands!" A blonde haired man barked as his red bladed sword clashed with a woman. He wore a black haori with red flames. He had long blonde hair that was tied back with a red streak, his teeth clenched and a mixture of fear and betrayal filled his amber eyes. The woman pushed her light pink sword harder against his causing his footing to slip, pushing him back. She wore a white kimono with a red haori. She had soft pink hair. She glared daggers at the man, her dark pink eyes holding such intensity as if soaking in the mans betrayal. He let out a roar before rushing the woman again. "This is what we agreed to when the time came, Sayuri!" He cried as she blocked his attack. Tears were now streaming down the woman's face.

"We will not kill our daughter Hageshi!" The woman known as Sayuri shouted as her sword clashed with his once again. Cowering in the corner was a 12 year old girl with long pink hair that had occasional blonde streaks in the front. Her left eye matching the same pink as the woman's. An eye covering, covering her right eye. She trembled with fear as she caught the gaze of the blonde haired man known as Hageshi. His eyes held so much pain and sorrow. Tears began to well up in his eyes as his grip on his sword loosened and then tightened again "Forgive me, Mizuki!" He cried as he ran towards the smaller girl. Her eyes widened with shock . "Flame breathing, third form. Blazing universe!" He swung his blade downwards only to be met with Sayuri rushing in front of the young girl.

"Flower breathing, second form! Honorable shadow plum!" Her blade slashed against his a few times deflecting his attack. "Please, stop Hageshi!" The woman cried now sobbing. "I can't let you do this!" It pained him. The woman he loved was practically begging him. He looked down and dropped his blade, tears spilled from his eyes as loud screams from the village was heard from behind him. He rushed over to the two, embracing them.

"He's here. I'm sorry for everything. Now go!" He screamed as he pushed the two towards the back door. The pink haired woman motioned for the girl out of the back door as she turned around watching her husband pick up his sword. Behind him a pale man with jet black hair and plum red eyes burst through the door. His hand ripping through Hageshi's chest.

Mizuki's POV*

I shot up panting, pulling at my pink and blonde hair. A dream. It was only a dream. I laughed it off, regaining my composure and got up, getting dressed.

My name is Mizuki Amanogawa. My parents are Sayuri and Hageshi Amanogawa. They are retired demon slayers. Once they had me they decided they had to put that all behind them to keep me safe but that never stopped them from protecting our village. My mom is a flower breather and my dad is a flame breather. How that made sense to them is beyond me because their personalities are complete opposites but I love them both very much. Looking at them, happiness and warmth beams just from the way they smile at each other. I can't imagine them fighting like that dream. Apparently when they first met each other my mom despised my dad but I just can't picture it because they're so happy and dare I say it, absolutely in love. Them being ex-demon slayers, I always begged them to train me but Mom always said that being a demon slayer wasn't the life for me. Little does she know Dad has been showing me the basics.

Walking into the kitchen my mom greeted me.

I'm not sure why Mom never wanted to train me, I mean shouldn't I be prepared for if a demon comes and they're not around? I'm 12 now! I can handle things on my own! Sometimes she still treats me like a baby and I hate it. If you're wondering why I'm wearing this eye covering over my right eye it's because of my mom being so over protective. My right eye is blue instead of pink and it has specks or yellow. I can see through it just fine actually my vision is quite enhanced but sometimes I have these weird visions that don't make a whole lot of sense. It might sound weird but sometimes I feel like my eye doesn't even belong to me. Like I'm seeing the world through someone else's eyes and for some reason I see so much death. My mom says if anyone knew about it, about the things I'd see, they'd try to take me away so I keep it covered.

"Breakfast?" Mom asked. I nodded and took my spot. My mom sure was a beauty.

Everyone mistakes her for my sister. I thought about telling her my dream.

Dad joined in for breakfast as he raised an eyebrow at me.

"Mizuki, something on your mind?" He questioned. I slightly nodded as my eyebrows furrowed at the weird dream.

"I had a nightmare earlier. You and mom were fighting." Dad chuckled at the thought, a giggle slipped past of my moms lips too. "No, like really fighting. With your swords and breathing techniques!" I cried out. This instantly silenced the two as they looked at one another with a confused look. "It's true! Dad was trying to kill me and you wouldn't let him, Mom! And then there was this man! He was pale with these scary demon eyes and black hair!" The room was absolutely silent. The blood drained from both of my parent's faces.

"Mizuki, answer me this," my fathers voice was low almost like a growl and it even scared me a little. "Did you go out without your eye cover yesterday?" My eyes widened. How did he know? I only went to the training grounds for a couple hours without it at the least. It's not like anyone saw me. Or so I thought.

He gritted his teeth, slamming his fist on the table. I jumped back from the sudden bang.

"Honey, please." Mom whispered.

"Sayuri, must I remind you that he will come if he knew?"

"Dad, who?" I questioned, fear tainted my voice.

His eyes narrowed at his plate in front of him.

"A demon. Your nightmare Mizuki. That demon, he is real." He was deep in thought. My body began to shake at the thought of my parents fighting each other, my father trying to kill me, a demon coming for god knows what. The death I witnessed.

Dad placed his hand over mine. "I will not hurt you Mizuki, or your mother. I love you both more than life itself." His grip on my hand felt comforting. "You have nothing to worry about. I would never raise my sword to either of you. I will protect you with my life." He flashed a sincere smile. Mom walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Dear..." Mom whispered. "Mizuki needs to go, that's how we change the outcome of this vision." My eyes widened. What did she mean go? "She needs to go to Master Haruki west of Mount Otake." There was silence. She then leaned in the whisper something in his ear. Whatever it was that she told him caused him to wince. Eventually Dad sighed heavily pushing back his blonde locks from his face and nodded.

"Mizuki, we must prepare you for the days to come. The journey to Master Haruki will not be an easy one. It will take 3 days with no rest. You must push yourself to get to him. Today we must prepare you." He took a sip of his tea.

Mom turned away.

"I never wanted this life for you Mizuki. But...you must. You must become a demon slayer to become strong enough to protect yourself from those who mean you harm. Especially from this demon."

The room was silent for a moment. Determination filled my eyes as I nodded. Mom sighed and the rest of breakfast was eaten in silence. Dad seemingly had been on edge, almost nervous like.

The day was spent working on stamina. Anytime I wanted to stop Dad would hit me over the head with his fist.

"Ow!" I cried rubbing my head. He shook his head disapprovingly.

"You're too distracted. Don't forget your breathing is supposed to come from here." The butt of a wooden sword slammed into my stomach, catching me by surprise, making me cough up blood. I fell to my knees as I held my stomach, hunched over in pain.

"Must you be so hard on her, my love?" Mom pitched in as she frowned. Dad's stern eyes never wavered. During our regular training he had never been so hard on me. Probably because he didn't want mom to find any bruises. All I could think about was the pain in my stomach as I tried to steady my shallow breathing.

"She must be ready, dear. It's for her own good." I panted heavily as I glared at the blonde haired man. "Stand up, girl. " he demanded. I obeyed and stood up only for him to sweep my feet from under me.

"Ack!" The back of my head slammed to the ground. Dad sighed. His eyes held slight disappointment. I can only assume he was thinking that I needed to be quicker than that

"That's enough for today." The back of my head felt wet. As he began walking away I jumped to my feet.

"No! I will not give up." I yelled. "1,000 swings!" In a swift motion I grabbed the wooden sword from his hip and began swinging the wooden sword, counting with each swing. Dad's eyes widened as he patted his hip where the wooden sword was resting. A chuckle escaped his lips. He flashed a heartwarming smile. One that surprised me. One that concerned me.

Training like this day and night continued for the next few days. Only a couple hours of sleep each night that way I could keep going and keep pushing. In just a few days my stamina had increased. I tried focusing on breathing techniques to prepare for my meeting with Master Haruki. Mom spoke fondly of him. Even though he wasn't her teacher, he was like a father to her. She trained under his wife because he refused to train her. His wife passed away some years ago and he hadn't been seen since but mom revealed they still wrote to each other. I knew I had to make some kind of impression on him to influence him that I was capable of learning his techniques. That I was worthy to be one of his students. I was faster. My reflexes improved. Dad thought I wasn't paying attention and tried sweeping me off his feet but I ended sweeping him off his instead. Dad continued to lie on the ground for a minute, my eyes were wide with surprise. His laugh breaking the trance I was in.

"Amazing!" He grinned as he stood up, dusting himself off. He walked over and patted my head. "I'm very proud of you, my child." Again there was that smile. Something about that smile continued to worry me. He never smiled that way. My eyebrows knitted together.

"Dad-"

"Is everything alright?" Mom interrupted as she came rushing out. Dad nodded with a grin.

"Her reflexes have improved she's doing gr-"

Before he could even finish, screams were heard from the village.

"Hageshi, there's demons!" A man screamed. In an instant, Dad shot up and ran towards the screams. I followed after him as he swung an arm out in front of me.

"No, Mizuki! Let me and your mother handle this, he's here!" My blood ran cold. As if on cue, Mom appeared behind him. Determination in both of their faces, as they ran out in the pouring rain. Clouds loomed over the sky making it look almost as dark as night. I watched as Dad and Mom used their breathing techniques together to slay the demons that flooded our tiny village, their swordsmanship together looking almost like an elegant dance between the two as they destroyed each demon that came their way swiftly. They truly were skilled.

My eyes wandered around the village, it looked like a slaughterhouse. Blood stained the dirt, blood splatters on neighbors homes, I'd never seen so many demons at once. Maybe one every now and then but they never worked together. Not like this. There were at least 10 of them and my parents had slain them all. They panted heavily as sweat dripped down from their faces. No one in our small village but the three of us had survived. Tears streamed down my face as I looked at every mangled body in horror. There were limbs of children, women and men alike. My parents turned to face me with concerned stares. Horror spread across their faces.

"Hageshi, we need to get her out of here!" Mom cried.

"Shit. I knew he'd be here soon but I thought she would be gone by then." Dad growled. "Sayuri, she can't stay. We need to protect her. She needs to-" Dad was interrupted by a hand plunging through his chest. His sword fell to the ground. The blood he coughed up splattering on my mother's face. A blood curdling scream clawed it's way out of my throat. My mother's eyes widened in disbelief at the horrific scene. My fathers face contorted with surprise and pain.

'Run' he mouthed as blood dripped from the corner of his mouth.

"Hageshi..." Mom whispered. The color drained from her face. I could hear the heartbreak in her voice as her lips trembled and tears began to pour down her pale cheeks. Behind him was the man from my vision. Pale with plum red eyes and black hair. "Mizuki! Run!" Mother ordered as she took her stance with her sword. I was frozen still as I stared in horror. The life leaving my fathers eyes. The light was gone. The last thing I saw of him was that same kind hearted smile with tears streaming down his face. He knew this was going to happen and his smiles the last few times were his goodbye smiles. I felt my heart break.

"You...you stole my husband from me!" Mom screamed, her tears flying behind her as she charged the demon. Tears trailed behind her as he simply dodged each one of her swings flawlessly with an expressionless face. "I won't allow you to take my daughter too. Even if it kills me! I will not forgive you Muzan Kibutsuji!" Mom charged at the demon and it was as if everything happened in slow motion. He grabbed her sword and the blade snapped. Her eyes widened as she knew this was her end. "Mizuki! Our lives may be over but you're meant for great things! Run! Now!" She screamed looking at me over her shoulder. She turned to fully faces. She flashed her motherly smile, the same goodbye smile Dad gave. The demon grabbed her by her hair causing her to flinch slightly as his gaze met mine. The corner of his lips curling as her smile never faltered. Tears streaming down her face. "I love you." Before I knew it he had ripped her head from her shoulders. The demon examined the head as my legs took charge. I began to run as fast as my legs could take me. Tears trailed behind me. My head pulsed with pain and images of my parents murder flashed in my mind over and over again. I felt like a coward running away but I knew I couldn't stop him. Not like this.

"I will find you, your eye will be mine." The cold voice echoed. It sent chills down my spine but those words filled my heart with hatred and determination. No, Kibutusji. I will be the one hunting you down. When I am ready I will be the one to slay you!

I ran through the rain until eventually the rain turned in to hail, the hard ice cutting up my body. I pushed the pain aside. It seemed like it had been forever as eventually night fell. My body screamed to stop but I knew I couldn't. I had to keep going. I had to get to Master Haruki. I needed to become stronger! I thirsted to kill Muzan Kibutsuji! Another day had passed and I still continued. I was determined. I would make it. Master Haruki had to train me! The day started with snow and had come and gone just like the previous and then nightfall had come again. It had been three days since the incident. I stopped at a small cabin and fell to my knees. Exhaustion began to take over as I sobbed at the steps of the cabin. I realized I would never see my parents again. They would never receive a proper burial. My parents were dead. He killed them and he will pay with his life. That is my new purpose for becoming a demon slayer. To make sure that no one had to go through the same pain I had to, at least if I could help it. To become strong enough to slay the demon who took my life from me, my family from me. My thoughts were interrupted as the door swung open. An older man with long straight silver hair and aged blue eyes opened the door. A gasp escaped his lips as my eye met with his blue orbs.

"Sayuri?" The tears flowed faster down my cheeks as I shook my head. "No...you must be her child." He mumbled.

"I have traveled for three days to be here without stopping!" I bowed, pushing my forehead against the floor. "Master Haruki! Under the dying wishes of Hageshi and Sayuri Amanogawa, please, help me become a demon slayer in hopes of eventually defeating the demon known as Muzan Kibutsuji!" I cried. "This I beg you!" I screamed. When there was no answer I glanced up to see the mans hand covering his mouth as tears threatened to spill out of his eyes. "Sayuri and Hageshi are-" I nodded before he could finish the sentence. I couldn't hear it out loud yet. Not when I was on the brink of insanity witnessing what I witnessed. "Come child, you must be freezing." He whispered, helping me to my feet. He placed my arm over his shoulder and helped me inside giving me a warm blanket and hot tea. I couldn't drink, I just stared. "Three days you said? You need rest child. Rest for now and we will discuss more in the morning."

"No!" I fell to the ground and bowed again. My whole body shook and threatened to collapse. "Please Master! Say that you will train me!" His eyes glanced at my blistered hands. He then kneeled in front of me, closed his eyes as he took the hot tea from my hands and placed it next to him. He wrapped the blanket around me tighter as he pulled my head into his lap. I couldn't fight it as my eye lids became heavy.

"I will train you child. But for now, rest easy." I stayed in his lap as he stroked my hair. Somehow I found comfort in the old mans lap in front of the fire he had made and drifted off.

Haruki's POV*

What had I agreed to?

I will send this child to her death if she trains under me!

Sayuri, why...what have I done?

I watched her as she slept. Pain strewn across her face. It was heart wrenching. She looked just like her mother. Mine and Anako's Sayuri. Anako's best student.

The girl had Sayuri's eye color from what I could tell and her pink hair. Yet small hints of her father like streaks of his blonde hair color in her bangs and some of his features. He couldn't believe both of their lives were taken by THAT demon. Why them? Why is it that he killed them? What was the bastards intention by taking their lives?

I sighed as the girl shivered and lifted the blanket to cover her shoulders. The eye cover fell off the girl as she twisted and shuffled in her sleep and she slightly opened her eyes, stirring for a moment. I gasped as the one covered was a beautiful blue with specks of yellow. Her eyes shut as light snores escaped. The young girl smiled softly in her sleep. Sayuri's smile flashed in my mind. I was brought back to reality. Even though I had not seen her in years, she was like my own and Hageshi was like a son to me after they married. He treated her well and that's all this old man could have ever asked for. I couldn't imagine what this young girl must have seen. What she had gone through. Watching the slaughter of your family, I know the pain all too well and after 55 years and the thought still haunts me. She says she wants to become a demon slayer but I must keep her safe. At the same time, I couldn't disobey their dying wish. I hadn't trained anyone in over a decade because my training was damn near impossible. Impossible because I wanted to keep the children who came to me, alive. Would she be able to handle it? Did Sayuri and Hageshi truly wish for her to be trained by this old fool? She must be kept safe and the only way she can be kept safe is if she can protect herself. So I will do my best as she must go through the physical and mental hell. She had no idea about the hell she is about to endure. There were two possibilities. She taps out and stays safe or she trains until she is strong enough for final selection which will start the journey she seeks. She will be strong and recognized for her strength no matter what. I will do my best for her. For my Sayuri's sake. For Hageshi.

"She will make you proud. You'll see." I whispered looking at the sky. I could almost feel the couple smiling down on me as tears spilled from my eyes. Such pain they must have felt. I patted the girls head. For now she must rest...