We're "damaged"
Really "damaged"
But that does not make us "wise"
We're not "special", we're not "different"
We don't choose who lives or dies

Fuyuka had never known what a sacrifice was.

Nor did she have a father that would do the same for her.

However, seeing her mother turn her back on her older sister to make sure that she doesn't get hurt, made something stir within her. Hotaru's poison claws came in close to her mother's back when she felt it.

Blood Demon Art: Venus Protective Barrier!

A flash of golden light erupted from her celestial sign, causing a barrier to form around her and her mother. Hotaru's eyes widen as she hit the barrier, causing her to fly backwards. Screams were heard as her hand was actually being burned by the pure light. Those screams summoned everyone outside, including her own father who stared at her in surprise.

"What on Earth is going on out here?" Muzan stared down at the barrier covering the two of them. "Sorashi, what happened?"

Sorashi stood up, dispersing the barrier as she looked down at her daughters. She looked and saw her son in Akaza's arms, reaching out towards her. Her other adoptive children even have her some worried glances. The others saw Sorashi stand up from the ground, place Fuyuka on the ground, and stared at her husband.

"Everyone, gather in the main room. I do believe we need to have a family meeting."

In her room, Sorashi stared at her body in the mirror.

This form she has kept on her person for a long time was not how she truly felt inside. This was the disguise she wanted to wear around people and demons alike. Her green hair, brown eyes, nicely unblemished brown skin, and not to mention her hidden star marks. In her conquest to bring about equality between humans and demons, she had to hide who she was from everybody. Tears streamed down her face as she clenched the mirror with gritted teeth.

I…I…I can't keep having this disguise on me just because I want to fit in. Or maybe it's because I just miss my humanity…

Against her better judgement, Sorashi allowed her full demon side to finally emerge after being locked away for so long. Ever since being in her comatose state, she wanted to keep it all in. Now, she allowed herself to finally be herself.

Her hair turned purple, long, and curly with stars entwined within them. Her eyes turned golden as the sun. Her body grew taller and curvier to accommodate her new powers. Her star marks returned, but now they were all over her body now. From her forehead, a singular horn sprouted out. To finish off, her nails grew sharper and longer.

However, in the mirror, Sorashi only saw what she saw for all those months in her mindscape.

A monster...

Is that all you have to say when you see me? After all, I am just another part of you.

Sorashi groaned, clutching her head as the image in the mirror started to distort. Like a puppet on a string, her movements were not her own as the other half emerged. Her eyes were sharper, more distinct as the hand in the mirror moved itself over top her own.

"Why...? Why do you keep tormenting me like this?" Sorashi asked aloud, feeling herself having another breakdown. "I tried sealing you away, I tried asking you to let me keep the disguise, and I even ingested all that wisteria to keep you sedated! Can't you just let me be and allow me to live how I want to live?!"

The image in the mirror seemed amused by her sobs and merely chuckled.

Why do you refuse to acknowledge the fact that you no longer are human? All these years of running from your lover, your admirers, and all your children made you forget that you are essentially immortal? Don't you remember that this mortal side you want to cling on so desperately is dead and gone? You recall falling off that cliff all those years ago? The lightning that struck the side, causing you to plummet to your demise? How Muzan saved you from entering beyond the pearly gates?

Sorashi clutched her face, causing streaks of blood to stream down from her sharp nails.

"I never wanted this! I never wanted to outlive my family, my friends, and the relatives I met. Those twins...the ones with the masks that joined the Demon Corps told me that I was welcome to come back. Do you know how long I desired to return to my birth family? All these years of watching humans be born, live their lives, fall in love, get married, and die happily knowing that there was a place for them on the other side! I'll be the same age for eternity, everlasting youth without being allowed to freely walk in the sun."

And what's wrong with that? You'll never be sick, you'll never know a failing body, and you can be with the ones you love forever. I see this as an absolute win. What's there to complain about?

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND! IT'S HELL TO EXPERIENCE ALL THESE THINGS AND NOBODY UNDERSTANDS HOW YOU FEEL! ALTHOUGH YOU ARE WITHIN MY BODY, YOU'LL ONLY SEE THE DEMON SIDE TO THIS! I JUST-!"

Before she could register what was happening, the mirror in front of her exploded. Shards sprayed everywhere, puncturing her skin, scattering all over the floor. The white kimono that she'd slipped on was now stained red from the drops of blood. Tears cascaded down her marred face, washing the blood off her face. From the shards, her other half gave her a comforting glance. Phantom hands were placed on her shoulder as the room gave a shift as the two were suddenly in the mindscape.

Stars surrounded the black space. The two of them sat among the stardust that formed in the area. Although, the purple haired demon held the stars while Sorashi's form grew grass and flowers. The demon hugged her other side from behind, eyes closed and breath slowed.

Sorashi...I am the being you created to deal with all this unyielding change and strife you put upon yourself. I am the princess from the stars that you wanted to become and you are the fairy of the forest that grants the wishes. We exist because of your desire to help others and create a world where all people can be equal. Look at what you've accomplished so far despite being a demon. You've made friends with humans, demon slayers too. You have children that inherited powers beyond belief. You have men willing to fight for your sake and honor. Not only that, but the progenitor of demons himself is your husband. No matter how hard you think about it, you have been blessed with a family, a plethora of friends, and a kingdom like in the story.

The other half came forward, holding the crying woman's cheeks. Using her thumb, she wiped away her tears and smiled.

The old you is gone, but she will always be remembered. You have to move on, and be okay with moving on. This feeling won't last forever, but if you keep lingering in the past, you will never see what a bright future you have ahead.

Sorashi could only smile gently as she rubbed her face against those comforting hands.

"You're right. The fact that I've been running in circles and away from everything that has caused me minor discomfort and pain says a lot about my character. I was so afraid of making the same mistakes, falling for the same traps, and keeping myself in trauma to stay safe. Now, I am a mother, a wife, a queen, and a friend to all who ask."

She stood up, holding out her arms to her other half. There was no longer a barrier between the two of them as the mindscape melded together to form one place. The darkness brightened up as a sun was formed. The sun didn't burn them, but caused them both to glow. More grass and flowers formed, the petals flying in the wind. In the distant, the white palace of the moon from the stories was created. The symbols of the twelve appeared on the pillars, shining in all their glory. The two embraced, another glow erupting from the both of them as they laughed.

Outside the mind, a newly-made woman stood in her room.

The main room was quiet as they awaited the arrival of Sorashi.

Muzan sat in a chair with Akasei chewing on his sleeve. Hotaru sat beside him, an angry look still on her face as she glared at Fuyuka. Said demon girl was gazing at her hands in awe and wonder while Douma sat proudly with her. Kokushibo looked around for Sorashi, worried about her well-being. Akaza huffed impatiently, arms crossed. Daki and Gyutaro fiddled with their hands. Nakime could barely play as she too awaited what might happen next. Rui stood off to the side, making creations with his webs. Susamaru bounced her temari ball, messing with Yahaba's hair in the process. Even the ever loudly Bashira paced the room fretting over the prospect of the queen being hurt.

The door opened and a wave of calmness overtook all of them. Coming into the room was a Sorashi that none had ever seen before. Her appearance had matured greatly, taller, wiser, and a loving gaze in her eyes. Her kimono was simple, white with a couple of jasmine on for scent and she was barefoot. Her hair was a fusion of green and purple, free flowing behind her. Her eyes were two different colors; the left being gold and the right being green. All on her skin were patterns of stars and vines. The biggest change was that to the untrained eye she appeared human, but her demon side was subtly there. A single horn poked itself from her hair. Her nails were long and black.

Muzan nearly lost his voice at her new form. "Sorashi?"

Sorashi stared at him with a smile. "Hello, my love."

Hotaru's face fell into one of shock, staring at her mother with newfound admiration. "M-M-Mother? What happened to you?"

"You look beautiful okaasan!" Susamaru exclaimed, clapping her hands. "What did you do with your hair?"

Daki gasped. "It's like mine! She's copying me! See that niisan? We match!"

"I can see that...sheesh...don't tug me so hard." Gyutaro had to admit, this style was different.

Akasei leapt from Muzan's arms and waddled over towards Sorashi, who picked him up and gave him a kiss on the cheek. He squealed happily, placing his hands on her cheeks. The two shared a small tender moment, making the hearts of those around the room clench with happiness.

"I feel better than I ever felt in so many years." Sorashi took a seat down between Muzan and Hotaru. "Enough to tell you all this."

Placing Akasei in her lover's arms, she stood back up only to place her head to the ground in front of them. Covering her face with shame, she took a deep breath before speaking what was on her heart.

"I apologize for causing so much grief in this family and to all of you. I know this won't make up for so many years of neglect, betrayal, and lack of participation, but I just want you to know I wish to atone for these years of sin. I did you all a disservice and caused mental harm. Please, from the bottom of my heart, forgive me."

The reactions varied from astonishment to bewilderment. Bashira shrieked and wanted to pick her up from the floor. Nakime stopped playing in shock. Kokushibo also wanted to pick her up from the floor. Douma dropped his fan and jaw. Akaza's breath hitched at the sight of the strong female being vulnerable. Daki and Gyutaro covered their mouths. Susamaru dropped her balls. Yahaba nearly passed out. Rui's eyes widened. The trio of children couldn't believe their mother would do something like this in front of all of them.

Muzan kept face, but inside he was aghast. His first love, his queen, the one whom he married forever was asking for forgiveness and placing her face on the filthy floor. It took him all these years to see that she had never once apologized for doing these acts and leaving him to find her. There she was, in a pure kimono, showing a side to him that he hadn't seen ever. Had it been any other demon, he would've scoffed, reprimanded her, or downright killed her. His hand twitched, trying to find the words to say to this woman in front of him.

Was it mad? No.

Was he upset? A bit.

Was he going to throw her out and leave her to burn in the sun? Hell no.

Sorashi felt a hand being placed on her head. Her eyes were closed, so she had no idea what was going on nor who placed the hand on her. Opening them slowly, she raised her head to see her husband staring down at him. Swallowing, she braced herself to be reprimanded or tossed out. To her own surprise, Muzan lifted her up and embraced her.

"Sorashi...no...my beloved queen, let me be the first to say that I forgive you. No matter how many mistakes you make, the actions you do, and the stories you tell, I won't harm you in any way. I fought demon slayers to save your life, don't think I wouldn't do it again. Raise your head high and showcase that beautiful personality that I fell for all those years ago."

His lips pressed against her own, melding into something sweet. More tears came out of her eyes as she placed her hand on his head and deepened the kiss. This...this is what she missed all those years ago. The sweet Mu-chan that she had fallen for, the sickly boy she entertained from the window.

Things were good.

Life was great.

Her heart was whole.

Unlocking their lips, Sorashi stared at her family with a determined look. There were so many seeds of discord amongst them, especially in her blood children.

"My children, my friends, we have much to discuss and to fix."

A foggy evening overcame the marshy wetlands.

Urokodaki trudged through the waters along with his young disciples. Makomo was trailing behind, but keeping an even pace. Sabito and Giyuu were breathing hard as they competed to see who could hold on longer. The group had gone out to the city that morning to gather some supplies and stayed there too long. Now, as evening befell them, they stuck together while the fog got thicker. The former water hashira worried that the fog would be too thick to travel through after awhile.

He turned back to tell his students when he heard a voice calling from the fog. Thinking it to be a demon, he got ready to take out his blade to strike them down. After all, he would do anything to make sure his foxes were safely returned home. The trio stopped talking, seeing their sensei getting ready to fight while they too got ready.

Instead of being attacked, the alluring voice of a young girl called out to them instead. The fog was getting thinner and thinner the more they went in that direction. Singing was heard instead, a song of woe and longing filled their ears. Sniffling was heard, causing them to stop in their tracks. Ahead, staring upwards into the night sky, was the person who was singing the song.

She had long wavy blue hair that reaches almost to her ankles with blue eyes to match and pale skin. A pearl necklace with a scalloped shell charm hung off her neck, pearls were in her earlobes, and two pearl anklets adorned her feet. Two strands of her hair crossed in a 'x' across her face. Her nails were painted blue and filed sharp and pointed. She wore no formal clothing, only a light blue cloth that covered her bare body. Behind her neck, hidden by her hair, was a three pronged trident birthmark.

Urokodaki placed his sword away, not feeling compelled to fight her no longer. This young girl had a rich voice that made him feel the emotion within them. Her song was so heartbreaking that it drove him to tears. Giyuu and Sabito, despite what Makomo would tell them later, were crying as well. The girl ceased her serenade once she sensed an audience behind her. Before they could ask her for a name, she passed out from pure exhaustion. The hashira ran towards her fallen form, picking her up in his arms.

It was then and there he decided to take her home and help her out. Sure it was another mouth to feed, but he couldn't leave her alone. On the cloth, a single scribbled word was what he assumed her name was.

Hinami Amatani

Oh the everlasting seas,

Your waters draw near ones who use them.

How deep is your love for mortals.

She, who was cast into the waters...

A new child has appeared...but she is not with the others?

Sorashi has now resolved to fix herself and to mend the bonds that were broken from years of neglect? Can she alone fix this or will she need some help?

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