Argentum: I will be honest this will probably be another shorter chapter. If only so we can move past this part. But at least there is only one time skip in the chapter.

Grel'Slyfer: It is a bit of a tricky balance… spent a lot of time describing the training in chapter fourteen.

Shadow: Also because while it's not really mentioned, we decided the final selection takes place every six months. Just a heads up in case one of you actually know how often it takes place.

Slayer: We have read the manga and watched the anime. But even then they weren't precise about it, unless we're mistaken in which case please don't sue us.

Argentum: We will also be going with the option of making up forms six, seven, and eight. We hope you like the choices we made because we thought hard on them.

Grel'Slyfer: We will also be using the movie version of the ninth form. If for the sole reason that we find it awesome!

Shinjuro: I just can't wait to get you out of my hair!

Argentum: Whatever…

Shinjuro: Hmph! Gaki!

Slayer: Okay… moving on unless we get any reviews as we're writing this. I would normally ask the guest to start us off. But-

Shinjuro: Bah! I'll do it.

Slayer: Oh good.

Shinjuro: Hmph… the dark guard productions own nothing but reality building concepts and OC's. Everything else belongs to their respective owners, now let's move on.

Everyone/Shinjuro: Here's the story!

Shinjuro: Finally I'm going to go get something to drink.

Shadow: Should we stop him or…

Argentum: Just let him be.

Hello= Regular talk

Hello= Thoughts

[Hello]= Radio

(Hello)= Telepathy/Mind reading

Chapter Sixteen: How I panicked close to the finish line or… How I met a memory…

Fifteen months… that's how long I've been training for… I was close… so very close now to the endgame. "And what do I have to show for it? Competence with forms one through eight, and I can use Zen Shūchū Jōchū for twenty hours straight." For the breathing I just needed a little push to finally getting those last four hours. It was simply me having a harder time keeping it up when I slept. Around six months ago I finally managed a decent form five, and was promptly shown the next two forms. Roku no kata Piasu En or sixth form piercing flame… it was actually pretty self-explanatory. It was a power thrust that burned the opponent from the inside out. Next was the Shichi no kata Enjo Nejire or seventh form flaming twist. This one took me another two months to use correctly.

This form had you twisting your body so flames spun around you. Both defending and attacking everything around you. Though unlike hi no kata Sei En no Uneri which only dealt with whatever was straight ahead of you. The seventh form wasn't as precise, and more useful for making breathing space for yourself. The next form I learned was the Hachino Kata Kanpeki En or eighth form perfect flame. An attack that utilizes multiple slashes to create a sphere of flames that slams into an enemy. It was just as tricky as the fourth form to master… Though I will admit that while it wasn't nearly as strong as the fourth, it was a much more precise.

After another two months we find myself here… trying to master Zen Shūchū Jōchū as well as the ninth form. It was by far the most powerful and destructive form. In fact I was even taken out into a nearby forest to be taught it. It was called the Ku no kata Rengoku or ninth form Rengoku. Was surprised to find out their family name was based on this last attack. But the rough translation to purgatory was pretty cool. I unfortunately had only a slight idea on how it worked.

I've seen both Kyojuro and Shinjuro use it. With my Lyb'Craeft I could see how it was done. Seeing the enormous flame dragon that turned a large portion of the landscape to ash. Electricity forming from the heat… the attack was devastating.

And I just couldn't do it myself! The most I could get was a small bit of flame to surround myself before it fizzled out. I knew I had to spread the warmth of my Honō no kokyū throughout my whole body. That I then had to charge forward while releasing all the built up heat and flames… but I simply couldn't do it!

Gritting my teeth I took a deep breath before trying once more. "Ku no kata Rengoku!" Charging forward flames engulfed me for a moment before I lost control and tripped. Tumbling forward I rolled right into a tree. "Ow…" Standing up I looked at my stat card. I had made enormous progress these last fifteen months. My physical stats were off the charts… though my mental ones had fallen greatly behind. "Still better than luck though… without Eris' blessing its gone back to what it was before." I didn't blame her for that, and while I was grateful for her blessing it wasn't the biggest deal that I lost it.

Sighing I went back to practicing. "Come on!" Failure after failure after failure… "ARGH! I only have a few weeks left! I need to get this down!" I was starting to panic, and while I knew that wasn't going to help me. I simply couldn't stop focusing on my deadline. "AGAIN!" I didn't even get a flame going this time; instead I just fell flat on my face. Breathing in exhaustion as my body ached from the strain I'd been putting on it. I turned towards the sky. It was cloudy, and a slight breeze was going. Trying to get up I couldn't move, my body had shut down.

"Dammit! I have to keep going!" Using a healing spell on myself, I hoped to alleviate the pain. I even went as far as to use restoration on my body as well. But even that wasn't enough and I had simply wasted a lot of magic. Raising my hands to look at them, I could see just how calloused and bloody they were. "Maybe… maybe if I had another month or two I could do it…" Letting my arms fall to my sides I could feel myself falling asleep. "Damn… I… maybe I can't do it… maybe… I'm not good enough." Falling unconscious I didn't wake up until I felt someone nudging me.

"Are you alright? If you fall asleep out here you might get sick or worse." Opening my eyes blearily I saw a figure looking down at me in concern. "Oh thank kami… I was worried that you were hurt young man." Sitting up I tried to wave off the woman's concern.

"I'm alright… I guess I trained myself to hard…" That only made her look at me in more worry. Wincing I gave her a smile while trying to reassure her. "Hey no harm done right? Besides I have a very important deadline coming up, and I need to finish my training before then. So while it may be harsh I need to continue."

She looked at me for a moment before sighing. "I see… still what would those who care about you think if they saw you like this?" At her red eyes and questioning gaze I couldn't help but gulp. Seeing my reaction only made the woman look at me harder. "I see… I take it that they wouldn't like seeing you like this then?" I couldn't help but lower my head in slight shame.

"I know… but I'm struggling here! I can't seem to finish the last two steps in my training. And I know I'm tearing my body apart but what else can I do?! I'm so close to the finish line yet I can't seem to step over it!" I couldn't help but cry a bit in frustration. Seeing me in my current state softened the woman's gaze. Smiling she leaned over to her side and grabbed a basket which she put on her lap. Opening it she got out a small bottle before taking my hand. "What are you doing?" She simply smiled before opening the bottle and putting some paste on my hand. "Ack! That stings!"

The woman rolled her eyes at my reaction. "Oh I'm sure you can take it. You're training to be a demon slayer yes?" At my nod she continued. "Then you'll be facing much harsher wounds eventually. For now let me help you out now as an apology for Shinjuro Kun's lack of care." I blinked at that, though I know I shouldn't be, I was surprised that this woman knew Shinjuro was training me.

"Who… who are you exactly? I've never seen you around the estate before, and no one's ever mentioned you before." At her soft smile and kind smile I suddenly felt a little calmer.

"I'm Ruka… and I actually used to live here. But shortly after Senjuro was born I had to leave, though I do come back every now and then just to check up on everyone." At her explanation I nodded as she continued. "You know… Shinjuro hasn't always been like this. He was once a very passionate and compassionate man. He trained Kyojuro to take up the mantel of flame Hashira and used to laugh all the time. But when… when his wife died something broke. And it only became worse when he discovered the truth about flame breathing. That it was actually a branch off of Sun breathing, the first and strongest of all breathing styles."

I was now curious now and was no longer paying attention to my hand. "Sun breathing… sounds interesting to me…" Ruka smiled before moving onto my other hand. "But why would that upset him? I mean flame breathing is amazing in my opinion." Shaking her head Ruka got out some white bandages before explaining further.

"It upset him because Shinjuro found out that his ancestor was only taught Flame breathing… because he wasn't strong enough for Sun breathing. The first breath user was a monster of a man. And according to legend even almost killed Muzan. Knowing that his family was simply not strong enough for sun breathing upset him greatly." I could sort of understand that… I mean Flame breathing was already amazing in my opinion. But if I had found out that there was a stronger version, and I wasn't taught that simply because I wasn't strong enough… well I would be annoyed to. Biggest difference between myself and Shinjuro, was that it was literally a part of his family legacy.

So with a nod I spoke my thoughts on it. "Well… I can at least see where he's coming from with all of this. And though I have people whom I love, I haven't lost anyone. So I have no idea how he's feeling with the death of his wife." Roka smiled at my understand before tying off the last bandage.

"There! That should help you out~!" Taking my hands from hers I gave each an experimental squeeze. They still stung a bit, but at least they were no longer shaking.

"Wow… thanks!" Roka giggled at my exuberance before standing. "Leaving then I'm guessing?" She shook her head before motioning for me to stand. Confused as I was I still did as directed. "Well if you want my help with something I'd be more than glad to-." She raised a hand cutting me off.

"No… I simply wish to help you while asking you a bit about yourself." I could only blink as she started walking away. "Well come on then! I think I know how to help you with your "last" two steps." Eyes widening I followed her. To this day I don't know why I simply did as she asked. There was just something about her that made me feel as if I could trust her. But I was glad that I did.

Duh duh duh who're you gonna call?! Ghost line break!

As I followed her a bit deeper into the forest I started to hear water as Roka asked me a few things. "Tell me… why is it that you wish to gain strength?" For a moment I was confused by her sudden question. But thinking on it I answered.

"I want to take back something that was stolen." She peered at me with a raised eyebrow as I elaborated. "Before coming to these lands… I and two of my… closest and most loved friends were attacked. The creature that attacked us wanted something from my… friend Eris. We fought and lost… we lost badly… and to try and save us Eris made a deal with this creature. And because of the deal she lost something very important. And now that creature and his brother are probably going around hurting others using what they stole. I wish to become strong enough to stop them and to take back what was stolen."

At my explanation she smiled softly. "That is a noble cause for strength… but what about after? For while I do believe you will take back what was stolen. What will you do with your strength after you've won?" As we stopped at a lake I frowned. My mind a mess as I tried to think on what Roka had asked me. Eventually I had to answer her as truthfully as I could.

"I… I don't actually know…" Turning to me Roka smiled at me very softly before saying something I've never forgotten.

"It's good that you're honest with yourself… but in my opinion there is only one right answer." Raising an eyebrow of my own I listened carefully to what she had to say. "There are many kinds of people in life. Some are strong… some are weak." She then looked me straight in the eye. "Like my own son I can tell that you were born stronger than others. That you gain strength at an accelerated rate just like him. So I'll tell you what I told him."

I couldn't help but speak something quietly. "Wha-what did you tell him?" Walking up to me she took my bandaged hands still smiling softly.

"I told him that People who were born and blessed with greater abilities than others, have to use their power for the world, for the people. Hurting others with your power which was gifted from the heavens, and soiling your clothes in blood is unforgivable. So I tell you this as well… use your strength to help others, so that you may be a beacon of light in a dark world." Those words struck home… all this time while I have been using my strength to help those I loved. Along with my friends when it came up. I was mostly doing this out of a need for revenge. Revenge on those who had hurt those I loved. But I never really thought of anyone else… of those who might need my help… those who needed my strength.

Looking down at my feet I spoke. "I… I never thought of it like that before. All this time I've simply wanted revenge on those who hurt me and those I cared about. But I've never really thought about anyone else." Looking back up at Roka with her kind eyes I smiled. "Heh… I guess I need a lot more work as a person. But I promise to help those who need help from now on." Her smile grew and she led me towards the lake.

"That is good… very good… and I'm proud to have made such a change in you. Now let me help you once more." Pointing to the lake Roka continued. "In the middle of the lake is a pocket of air… a small pocket, but it's still there. It's caused by an underground stream flowing out from under a huge boulder. Swim down and using the ropes underneath the boulder tie yourself down. Once you do so practice the final Honō no Kokyu form. If you can boil away the water around you, then you will be able to perform not just the ninth form, but all your other forms better. This will also help with your Zen Shūchū Jōchū. The amount of air coming into the pocket is small. So you will need to breathe in more deeply than before to get the air you'll need."

I was honestly a bit skeptical and couldn't help but voice my worries. "And you're sure about this?" She gave me a look only a mother could give. Instinctually I held my hands up in surrender. "Okay! I'll do it!" As she smiled once more she spoke up with her hands on her hips.

"Good! Now hop to it~! Your flame is strong… but you need to set your heart ablaze even more than ever before now!" I was taken aback a bit but quickly nodded with determination. Looking at the lake I took the deepest breath I could and jumped in. The water was still a bit cold, but was very clear. So it didn't take me long to find what Roka had talked about. Smirking I dived a bit deeper and found the pocket of air underneath the enormous boulder. Seeing the ropes that were bolted into the ground, I tied them around my legs.

"Alright… boil the water and take even deeper breaths." Doing as Roka had advised I began to train once more. It was difficult, and I had a hard time keeping my breathing up. But I was once more determined, having a new way to train myself was a blessing. "And I'm not going to waste it!" Breathing heavily I continued giving it all that I had. "Ku no kata Rengoku!"

Duh duh duh who's that?! Ghost line break!

I was no longer sparring with Shinjuro; instead I was practicing blowing up the largest gourd. After the gourd I went off to the lake to train underneath the rock. Day after day after day, and every time I was close to panicking again because of the deadline. Roka would give me advice and kind yet stern encouragement. It honestly felt like having my own mother there to help me out. Though I suppose it only made sense, as it turned out Roka was a mother of two.

Though they sounded familiar and she never gave out their names. I could tell just how proud of the both of them she was. But even with the encouragement, and having now mastered Zen Shūchū Jōchū. Having blown up the largest of the water gourds… I still couldn't perform the ninth form, and now I had only two days left. Sitting at the edge of the lake I peered into the water. It was calm… and a lot warmer than what it once was. Looking at my reflection I could see me hair, now a full quarter white and down past my shoulders.

"One day left…" Feeling a hand on my right shoulder I looked to see Roka. She was smiling as always, giving me a kind and encouraging look. "Hey… I just want you to know… that even if I can't do it today. I just want to thank you for everything. I doubt I would've been able to get this far without you."

She shook her head before giving me a determined look. "No… I may have pointed the way. But you're the one who kept on going… you're the one who made it this far. Even with others showing you the way you still came this far on your own will." Holding my hands she continued now more determined than ever. "But this… this is when you need to climb higher than you've ever gone before! When I say set your hear ablaze I mean it! Give it everything you have and remember the feeling! Go and prove yourself not just a man but also someone who will never give in! Someone who can and will protect everyone who needs protecting!"

With her heard felt speech completed she pushed me towards the lake. Taking the cue for what it was I turned around and walked in, swimming back to where I was practicing for the last month. Hooking myself in I gripped my sword, looking at its now burnt blade. Thinking about everything that had happened I thought of when I first took hold of it. I thought of my anger towards Nel'Ren… towards Grel'Slyfer. And my love towards Cassandra and Eris. I thought about my teachers Marus, Garus, and Darius. Finally I thought of my time spent here. Of Senjuro, Kyojuro, Roka, and even freaking Shinjuro.

"Alright… remember all of my lessons… remember to always breathe… remember to protect those who can't protect themselves! But most importantly!" Bringing my blade up I could feel the flames inside of my now. "Set your heart ablaze! Ku no kata Rengoku!" And I charged forward, ripping the thick ropes that had held me down. Now under the water I finally swung. My own dragon emerging from my body and blade… and in a flash it boiled away all the water away in the lake. The dragon seemed to roar, resonating with something deep inside me as it flew up into the sky. Disappearing as it reached the clouds

Falling to one knee I could feel the steam coming from the ground and also my own body. Looking up I saw Roka standing at the lake's edge. She was smiling proudly… yet her eyes held a sad look in them. She bowed before a mist descended on her. When it dispersed I could no longer see her. Walking out of the lake as the water started to slowly come back in. I looked around, but there was no trace of her.

"What the… Roka! Roka where are you?!" Yelling out I tried to see if she would call back to me. But there was nothing.

Eventually I heard a gruff voice speak behind me. "How do you know that name?" In surprise I turned around sword ready to strike, however I quickly lowered it when I saw that it was Shinjuro. Shaking his head the former flame pillar stepped towards the lake. "You actually did it… I never thought you actually would make it to the dead line…" Turning to me I could finally see the sadness hidden behind his anger. "Roka… that was my wife's name… my wife who died many years ago now." At my clear shock and surprise he shook his head. "She… she was the wisest… kindest… and most determined woman I had ever known. And I have no doubt my sons gained their best traits from her." Walking away from me he continued. "You pass… tomorrow you will be led to the final selection exam. And I expect you to pass and return alive!"

With his piece said he left me to think on all of this myself. Roka was… was a ghost? Or maybe a memory? Shaking my head I turned around and smiled. "Whatever you were… thank you!" I then bowed towards the lake before starting to walk away myself. And as I did I heard a soft whisper.

"Keep your head held high… and set your heart ablaze with compassion and grace." Stopping I looked for the source of the whisper. But as I expected I didn't find any, so I simply shook my head and did as the whisper suggested. I kept my head held high with a new perspective. From that day forward… I would never let despair grab hold of my heart, and more importantly… I would forever use my strength to protect those who couldn't. After all… wasn't that the least I could do for such a wonderful memory?

Duh duh duh who's that?! Ghost line break!

Argentum: Well… that took a lot out of me…

Slayer: Weren't you listening to Tanjiro's theme song the entire time you were writing this?

Argentum: And it helped a lot! Thought I'd take advantage of the fact that ghosts are real in this world.

Grel'Slyfer: And I say it shows, especially for that last part.

Slayer: Heh for those reading at home, listen to Tanjiro's theme for the last little bit. Definitely enhances the experience.

Ruka: I'm sure it does.

Shadow: Oh look the ghost lady.

Ruka: Oh? Just ghost lady am I?

Shadow: Heh heh heh…

Argentum: HA! Whelp I say we wrap this up.

Grel'Slyfer: Agreed… those of you at homes please leave a review. We'll take all questions and take any advice to heart. As long as it doesn't ruin what we're already planning.

Slayer: True… now then Ruka mind ending us off?

Ruka: I have no qualms in doing so. Ahem… This has once again been a Dark Guard production now signing off~!

Everyone: Goodbye!