Disclaimer: I do not own Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba or any of its characters/story.

Some extra information you may want to know: The Japanese school year begins in April, ends in the next March and is divided into three semesters. The first semester begins in April and ends around July 20. For most elementary, junior high, and high school students, summer vacation lasts from July 20 through August 31. I'll be using this for the story's school system.

I also apologize for anyone attempting to make a timeline, because there are many short timeskips (e.g. 1-3 weeks) that are mostly left unsaid.

XII: Formalities

Around 3 weeks later, a new mission was announced.

Kanao sat in front of Shinobu's desk, much like the last time she was given a mission. Her sister had a folder in her hands, which she placed facing toward Kanao. The raven-haired girl opened the file, revealing a map with a circled location. A few small pieces of information and some photos were scattered about, but there wasn't nearly as much as there was in the previous folder.

She locked eyes with Shinobu, waiting patiently for an explanation.

"This mission isn't a small one. Most of the Demon Slayers in the school will be attending. Call it 'The Last Mission of the Term', if you want." Shinobu folded her hands across her lap.

It was true, she supposed. After this semester would be summer break. Things go by quickly. She could still remember when she first came to the school on the day of Final Selection.

"See the mountain on the map there? That's your destination. The Aranea family, one of the Demon's funders, are hosting a party in two days from now. We are going to infiltrate the party, and assassinate the family, along with anyone involved with them." Her sister leaned back in the chair, crossing her arms. "Any questions?"

Kanao hesitated a little, but then asked, "You said 'we', does that mean you're coming too?"

Shinobu nodded. "I am, and a few other teachers."

While it was surprising to Kanao that so many people, including some teachers, were coming on this one assignment, it also made her feel as though she were part of something important.

Her sister looked as though she just remembered something. "Oh, and here's the money for your outfit. You have to wear something formal, as it is an elegant party." She was handed a small envelope that probably had quite the large sum of cash inside.

Oddly enough, she felt excited for this mission.

She'd be ready.

.

After the bell rang, Kanao met up with Rose in the hallway. She wasn't too sure when she began doing this, but she didn't mind much.

"Kanao! Guess what?" The brunette smirked deviously.

Of course, Kanao didn't answer, but Rose continued regardless. "We get to be in pairs for a certain part of this mission! I bet you'll be with Tanjiro~"

Over the weeks of rest, Rose had begun teasing Kanao (and sometimes Tanjiro) about the fact that the two are friends (that was Kanao's guess, anyway). The raven-haired girl wasn't entirely sure when exactly it started or how, but often she'd find herself in these mocking conversations.

Despite it, she found it nice somehow. She wasn't sure just what the smiling brunette was to her. Perhaps a friend? She was pretty sure that they were at least past the 'acquaintance' stage.

"So? Want to go grab dresses together? I'm coming on this mission too, you know." Rose grinned. "I have such a good idea for your colour scheme!" With that, Kanao was grabbed by the wrist and practically dragged toward the main gates.

.

The two entered an expensive-looking store. It had black and white walls, with splashes of colour being in the furniture that was scattered about the large room. Rose appeared to know what she was doing, so Kanao let herself be pulled around.

"I've been in here before, but I've never bought anything. I… couldn't exactly afford it. But the school lended us the money we need!" The brunette pushed Kanao in front of a display. "This is what I was thinking for you."

But Kanao was barely listening anymore. Her eyes were glued to what looked like the most beautiful dress in the whole store.

It was a sleeveless V-neck, with a black top that faded into a flowing nightshade skirt. Starting at the top right of the gown and ending at the waist was a delicate silver leaf-and-flower design which shone under the fluorescent store lights. She also noticed a large silver butterfly in the center of the arrangement, seeming to gleam the most among the leaves and flowers.

"Hey, do you like it Kanao?" Rose appeared to have picked out something already, and was holding it over her shoulder. A flowy dress of pale rose gold, with dove grey accents. Fitting for her.

Flipping her coin, she prayed that it landed on 'Heads'. It did, which permitted her to speak.

"I do like it. I think I'll buy this one." She said, as Rose went to get an employee so they could get the dress off the display. It appeared to be the only one of its kind in the store.

.

They took a while afterward to get the appropriate shoes and accessories to go with their choices. Finally finished with the shopping, the two parted ways.

"That was fun, I hope we can do it again sometime. Bye, Kanao!" Rose smiled, leaving to go to her house.

Kanao figured that she should probably go back to her own apartment. She took off, bag containing the gorgeous dress in her hand.

Once she got back, she went up to her room to try on the dress. She had gotten measured for any necessary adjustments while there, but she never got an opportunity to wear the gown itself.

Stepping into the dress and putting on the necklace and bracelets she got, she took a deep breath and locked eyes with the girl in the mirror.

She didn't notice that she stopped breathing. Kanao didn't consider herself to be the most beautiful person. But standing in the dress that she bought with a friend, in a home where she was accepted, she felt… well, no words could describe it. Grateful, combined with a million other emotions.

It was the first time in a while since she felt truly happy. She finally realized just how much everything she had now in life meant to her.

At some point, Shinobu came inside. Neither of the sisters said anything, just stood there. It wasn't awkward at all for either.

For Kanao, the emotions stayed the same as before.

For Shinobu, the situation was bittersweet. She could remember a time when herself and Kanae had admired themselves in the mirror while wearing gowns for a similar mission to this one. It nearly broke her heart again, but she knew that she now had Kanao. The girl who, even though they weren't related by blood, looked so much like Kanae at that moment. Or maybe it was just Shinobu's imagination. She didn't care much either way.

.

Two Days Later

It was finally the day of the mission. Of course, it wouldn't start until a few hours have passed. Regardless, all the Demon Slayers that were going on the mission were lined up in their formal wear, weapons hidden in the folds of skirts and pockets of suits.

Limos were lined up along the side of the road that led to the school. Kanao, Rose, Tanjiro (Who was in a black suit with a red shirt), Zenitsu and Inosuke (Black suits, yellow and grey shirts respectively) were all in a car together. Interesting, that all the people Kanao knew well were in a group. She wondered if Shinobu had anything to do with it.

She couldn't help but think about the what ifs of the situation. What if this were normal, if they weren't going to assassinate a mafia family? What if they were all regular friends, who were just going to a regular party?

But nothing will ever be normal. Nothing ever was normal. Since the day I was born, I've been destined not to lead an ordinary and happy life. Sad and pitiful as it is, it's the truth.

"Kanao, I think we're leaving now."

She looked up to see Tanjiro, who was pointing out that the teachers were leading groups of students into the cars. She nodded.

Shinobu found her way to their party, and proceeded to lead them to a limo. She winked at Kanao, then went back into the crowd.

It was finally time for the party.

TTTTT

Well, Covid is providing some interesting news. Like Florida. Good job Florida, you get a cookie for setting case records. And still opening places. Wow.

Well, it's party time in the story. Next week.

See ya then!