1st POV

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"Are you sure you don't wish to stay for a few more days? There's plenty of rooms available for you." Amane inquired softly, as she stood next to her husband at the estate entrance, to the guards' and some kakushis' shock.

'Why are Oyakata-sama and Amane-sama outside in this weather?!'Their eyes then shifted to me.'WHO IS THAT?!'

Ignoring the stares, I shook my head, still sporting the mask and the cloak, entirely concealing my figure, "Nah, I'm good, don't wanna impose! Plus I must go and tell Tengu gramps the news asap before I start my journey!" I heard several gasps and choking sounds coming from the people.

"in this case, we will provide you with a guide, the time that we find a suitable kasugai crow for your future travels." Kagaya spoke, his voice smoother than usual. Dang the curse had done a number on him, he looks much more healthier now than yesterday, able to stand with no one's help.

I made a sound, "it's okay, I'll manage! Can't I have a regular crow tho?" I jolt as they both shook their head.

"No this is the least we can do after what you've done for us. Your kasugai crow will meet you in three days at Mount Sagiri, please wait until then." Kagaya dipped his head, his wife mirroring him, getting various reactions from some bystanders. Man, that's annoying lmao.

I shrugged, "sure thing! Then off I shall go. Take care guys!"

"DID HE JUST CALL THEM 'GU—" someone screeched before being silenced. Dayum, whoever that was must be a hardcore follower. Sheesh.

The three of us sweatdropped as we watched a bunch of Kakushis restrain another one before Amane turned to me with a warm smile, ignoring the commotion as though that was a common occurrence. Guess it was.

"Thank you for the gifts, Nichika and Hinaki were really happy though if I must inquire, how did you know they loved cats?" the woman slightly tilted her head to the side.

I hummed, then did a peace sign, "I asked them of course!" they seemed taken aback but I continued, "Also don't be too hard on them ight? I've got kids too so I know how much pressure can do to them. I'm aware they're heiresses and all, that the context you're living in isn't that simple to handle but, try doing parents-children activities, dunno. OH yeah, Here..." I made more plushies pop out of thin air, heard something crash on the ground, and briefly glanced to see a passed-out Kakushis being dragged away, before giving them to the two. "I dunno what your other children like, but this is for them!" this time it was a purple puppy just to stay in the theme for Kiriya and two pastel yellow/pink rabbits for the second set of twins!

At this point, they didn't even question how I knew about the three but they easily accepted them with grateful smiles.

"Do not hesitate to come back as much as you wish, the Ubuyashiki family will always welcome you with open arms." to my horror, Kagaya and his wife performed a deep bow, an immense show of respect and gratitude toward me. Least to say those eavesdropping and I freaked out ight. After telling them that it wasn't necessary, I went to take my leave.

"Ah and don't forget about the thing I told you!" I finished, waved one last time then brought two fingers to my mask forehead, instant transmission-ing away, leaving stunned people behind.

The couple stared at the spot I was previously standing in for a while whilst not paying attention to those freaking out before Amane turned to her husband with a sweatdrop. "How come we've never thought of massively handing those charms to every village?"

At that, Kagaya blinked for a few seconds before a chuckle broke out of his lips, "I...have no idea either, dear." he shook his head, "Although I find myself optimistic about our victory. I am sure we will be the generation who will finally put an end to Muzan's reign of terror once and for all, allowing those who offered their lives for our cause to finally rest in peace." He looked up, his hair swaying from the gentle breeze of winter. Amane watched her husband tenderly.

"I'm glad...that our prayers were finally answered." She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently, receiving a squeeze from him that still left her stunned over the fact that he could now reciprocate a grip with ease. "I'm glad that you're okay, Kagaya-kun. I'm glad to be your wife."

Kagaya's cheeks lightly flushed, though his wife carried on with a contemplative look. "How are we to explain your sudden recovery? Colith-san wishes to remain anonymous. What should we tell them ?"

" A friend..." his hand went to his now functional eye, wistfully hovering in front of it. " A friend stopped by..."


"I'M BA—ACK" I didn't get time to finish my sentence when I received a blow to the temple which was followed by a snap, "WHAT THE HELL?!"

"C-COLITH-SAN?! KAMI-SAMA ARE YOU HURT?!" Tanjiro shrieked in horror, quickly dropping his katana...or what was left of it like it was fire as he rushed to see if I was okay.

"not really, just surprised gosh," I mumbled, massaging the throbbing spot. Thank Allah, I was tough enough to sustain the damage, otherwise, it was bye-bye to my head. First Giyuu, now Tanjiro. I'm beginning to see a pattern here haha.

Tanjiro let out a relieved sigh after noticing that I was unharmed. That is until he did a double-take on me, "EEEH?! HOW DID YOU GET HERE?!" he screeched in alarm, finally realizing that I just appeared out of thin air.

"instant transmission."

"isutan...?"

I chuckled at his attempt before waving my hand lazily. "Don't bother kiddo! Anyway, you keeping up? The training isn't too hard on you?" I ruffled his head, removing the mask to grin down at him.

The boy's cheeks flushed at the sight of my face, "a-ah y-yes ! It isn't easy but I won't give up!" he made a guts pose as he held a determined look. I smiled.

"I know you won't. After all, It's just the beginning and I'm sure you'll become a great slayer in no time!" the boy seemed to brighten at my support. "Also...", He hummed as I pointed to the broken sword on the ground with a sweat drop, "didn't Tengu gramps say he'd snap your bones if you ever damaged a sword...?"

The teen froze, a horrified expression morphed on his face as he slowly looked toward the katana he was previously using and proceeded to screech in fright.

Chuckling, I decided to save him on this one since I was the one who led to the broken sword, thus repairing it with a snap. Tanjiro didn't even question how I did it, profusely thanking me for avoiding a beating since we both knew how serious Tengu gramps was with his threats. Trust me, that old man is ruthless.

Eventually, Tengu gramps found out since the boy couldn't lie to save his life, his guilty scent an obvious giveaway when the old man came to check on him. In the end, he got to train twice as hard for punishment while I sheepishly stood at the side. Well, that'll make him stronger I guess?


That night I recounted everything that happened over dinner— this time I got to cook since I wanted them to taste my food. Least to say, they loved it which boosted my ego. Tengu gramps was understanding of my decision since I was literally a sitting duck while Tanjiro expressed some sadness, though he couldn't blame me for wanting to explore while he trained. Who knew how long it'll take for him to finish his training? Besides with Nezuko asleep, I clearly had no one to talk with so he could understand my desire to go.

To cheer him up, I promised to send him letters every two weeks which was enough to get a smile out of him. He was such a ray of sunshine!

Three days eventually passed, and true to Kagaya's words, something tapped on the window of the washizu Tengu gramps and I were in. At the time, we exchanged a look, more like me staring at his mask while wondering what was outside since it was, night? Tanjiro was fast asleep in his room, exhausted as usual so he missed the loud gasp I released after opening the window. I was expecting some random bird or some shit, seeing as crows were apparently not suitable for someone like me—their words, not mine— but how surprised was I when my eyes landed on a beautiful snowy white owl! It even had golden eyes like me!

"LE GASP! YOU'RE SO BEAUTIFUL!" I gushed happily as I outstretched my arm for it to land, which it gracefully did to my surprise. "Do you have a name?" I asked eagerly.

The bird stared at me intensely for a moment before showing me its talon where a small note was neatly tied to it. I made an O with my mouth.

'Maybe only crows can speak, I guess,' I concluded, remembering Zenitsu's Chuntaro, even though Tanjiro seemed to understand the bird. Humming, I gently untied the note and read.

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Good evening Colith, thank you for waiting for us to find you a suitable bird. As you can see, it is a snowy owl. Although she does not possess the gift of speech like crows, she is fast and stealthy, a great companion for your travels be it daytime or night-time. She can guide you to any place you wish as she is familiar with every town and village. Just ask away.

Also, she does not possess a name, we thought it better for you to bestow her with a name of your choosing.

Again, thank you for everything.

Best Regards, Ubuyashiki Kagaya.

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I whistle, "so you don't have a name yet? Do you want me to name you?" I direct my gaze back to the bird. She, since it was a she apparently, tilted her head to the side and then bopped it softly. Oh, so she can indeed understand me, neat!

"What is it?" Tengu gramps asked from his spot on the floor where carving tools were scattered around him. He had been carving masks for the past days, was it Tanjiro's? I turned to him with a big smile, showing the owl in the process.

"My guide! Isn't she beautiful? Never thought they'd send me an owl of all things!" I caress her head with my index finger, she leans into the touch with a soft coo. Ouh, what an affectionate bird, "Though I need a name for her, but my naming skills are atrocious. Do you mind helping me out, please?"

The old man seemed to think for a second as he observed the owl. "Seppen." he stated finally.

I deadpanned, "Snowflake? Really?"

He grunted, "I never said I was good with those either." Gathered his tools then stood up to walk to his room after uttering a quiet 'Goodnight', leaving me alone with the bird.

I sighed, "Old people I swear," I shook my head then turned to the bird with a soft smile. "is that good with you? Seppen. Now that I think of it, it's pretty cute! Do you like it?" the owl responded by flapping its wings in eagerness while producing coos, making my smile widen. "Seppen it is then!" I giggled.

Back home, people tended to fear owls since there was a saying that they would gouge unaware people's eyes out if they stayed late outside. Of course, as the gullible kid I was, I believed it and thus was never seen out of the house after 7 PM in fear of...well, losing my eyes. And the fact that our house had a lot of trees, therefore making it easier for flying things to reproduce didn't help anything since I'd hear any kind of screeches late at night. So yeah, I was afraid of owls. Unlike now as I'm literally talking to one!

'oooh! I'm so excited to start my journey now! Who knows what I'll discover?'

And thus the next day found me standing at the house entrance, ready to depart.

"Well, this is it! Take care gramps, Tanjiro, see you soon!" I waved wildly, acting like an actual 14-year-old despite my age. Eh, I should probably return to the appropriate age. Don't want to stay like this forever. With a last wave, I went to turn around, my mask in hand about to go when I heard Tengu gramps call for me.

"Colith."

Curious, I turned to him with a questioning look only to yelp in surprise as he tossed something I clumsily caught.

"Take this with you." he crossed his arms afterward.

"Huh?" I blinked at his words then looked down only to gasp upon discovering what he just tossed, my eyes widened.

It was a black kitsune mask with gold eyes and what surprised me the most was that it greatly resembled my titan form,[Mother]! I do remember showing him drawings of her, never thought he'd take it into account!

"I've noticed that you seemed to particularly affectionate masks, so I carved one for your future travels," he said.

So this is what he has been carving for the past week! And here I was thinking he was making Tanjiro's, never thought he'd go through such lengths just to give me this! My view blurred suddenly as tears welled up in my eyes, touched by the gift. I never thought he'd make this for me...! I ain't even his student for Rose's sake!

'Alright, that's it!'

The two males jolted when I rushed to them, catching them in a hug.

"thank you! It's so beautiful! I'll wear it till my death!" I bawled dramatically. Tengu gramps sighed wearily though he didn't push me away and instead patted my back while sunshine stuttered in surprise, meekly trying to calm me down.

After thanking him one last time, I departed with a joyful grin as I wiped leftover tears, still emotional over the gift. It was the first time I received something from an elder actually, having never gotten to know my grandparents but enough of that!

"Seppen!" I called for the owl. She shot out of a tree, having been silently waiting for me. I had taken the time to introduce her to Tanjiro so he wouldn't freak out the moment I'd decide to send him a letter! She hovered in circles above me in question as I put the new mask on, making the old one disappear in the meantime. No Tobi for a while I guess. "I wanna see a beautiful temple! Can you lead me to one? And don't bother going slowly, I'll easily catch up!" I informed cheerfully, already planning some sightseeing and other places to visit! Of course, using Google was of importance since I didn't know most towns' names for now.

Nodding with a purpose, she took off toward a random direction, her wings flapping silently, gliding with ease and grace as I easily kept up, and thus began my journey in an ancient Japan! Who knows what I'll discover...?


[1 year and 8 months before canon.]

It's been 4 months since I began my journey and sure enough, things were pretty chill! I got to see plenty of places, ranging from traditional Temples to modern towns. By 'modern' i mean 1912 modern of course. It was pretty cool to discover that mix between the two since things were slowly on their way to modernization, knowing it began during the late 1800 with new means of transportation like steam trains, cars weren't a thing yet, though early models were introduced in the capital so that was that. In short, it had that old western-ish vibe while still keeping that ancient touch proper to japan which gave the Taisho period a certain charm. However I was more intrigued by the traditional aspects of the country so I didn't dwell on the 'new' things, therefore, exclusively kept my visits to the less modernized parts of the country. There was this particular house that seemed really familiar to me that was situated in a clearing, itself located in a mountain. Dunno why but it gave off mount paozu vibes.

Moving on, I didn't cross paths with any known characters which, in the end, seemed really unlikely since I had no idea where they were at the time, plus It wasn't like I was actively searching for them either, too busy acting like a tourist to hunt demons. Though that didn't mean that I didn't stumble upon some demons, or...more like them trying to ambush me, mistaking me for an easy target to feast on since I would sometimes travel at night. Don't look at me like that, walking at night, surrounded by nature was kind of satisfying, and it reminded me of my nighty strolls in the forest back in aot so I couldn't help it. Yeah, powers make you cocky enough to do things you usually wouldn't do. Anyway, It usually went like this:

—"so give me one good reason why I shouldn't obliterate your ass right there and be done with this shit." I uttered jadedly, kicking a pebble away as I stood in front of random demon #12 who had the audacity to interrupt my peaceful walk. I would've been nicer if my man didn't look like an amalgamation between a lizard and a cockroach. A mix I loathed with passion. Bro be lookin like one of my old CE2(5th grade) doodles like damn! It was as if Muzan didn't give a flying fuck about their appearance. Poor them.

"PEH! YOU?! BEAT ME?!"I stared blankly as it proceeded to ugly laugh,"Don't make me laugh! Unless you're a demon slayer, I have nothing to fear from a punny little human like you!"it boasted, licking its lips with barely restrained hunger as he eyed me up. Berk."Almost mistook you as one of us, though, who knows what kind of abilities I'll get from eating you? You must be some rare human..!"it exclaimed."I might even become a lower moon who knows..!"

I snorted, "You..? A lower moon? Yeh, there's no chance."

The demon stared blankly at me before fuming,"WHAT DO YOU KNOW?! YOU MASKED FREAK! WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE TO TALK DOWN ON ME, HUH?! YOU PATHETIC HUMAN! I'LL EAT YOU—"

"Alright, I'm not dealing with this..." Unimpressed and not really in the mood to discuss, I walked past him, ignoring him on purpose, continuing my way like he wasn't there.

Naturally, this offended the demon so much that he tried attacking me in a fit of rage for being ignored, and again naturally, he was rewarded with an effortless backhanded punch that sent him hurling to who knows where, head probably blasted off, dunno, wasn't invested. Whoever it was, It probably died, didn't feel like checking.—

So yeah, It was like this almost every time I decided I wanted a stroll in the night. Can't a woman have her night walks? Dang! Anyway, Seppen had been a great help throughout my travels as she guided me to more interesting spots, and true to Kagaya's words she really did know around which eased my worries about getting lost. Speaking of him, we kept contact, and apparently his 'recovery' had caused a great uproar in the corps to the point where it eventually reached the pillars' ears. Kakushis were apparently gossips. Who knew. Sweet Enoki, who I also kept in contact with, refused to disclose my identity to anyone. Least to say, she woke up the next day with a mountain of taiyaki in her room. Yeh, rewarding her for being a good friend although some of her comrades asked how she got those, knowing she was damn broke. Heh.

Back to the topic, apparently, there was a meeting last month. Didn't get a lot of details but I read that some of them were interested in meeting the mystery 'friend' aka me. Oh well. It wasn't like I didn't want to. The only pillar's aura I'm familiar with is Giyuu, granted I met him on day one by plot convenience, unless I crash their next meeting, there was next to no chance of me crossing paths with any of them, that is unless the autho— anyway!

Ah yes, returned to my adult form after the first month. Yeah Nah. Mood swings and wild hormones were a no-go for me. Wasn't about to go through that for the third time. Anyhow, today I was particularly interested in trying hot springs. I dunno, after watching animes where characters tend to relax in them...well I wanted to try too y'know? Just to know how it feels! Of course goings to public ones was out of the window for obvious reasons, plus I wasn't particularly inclined to be naked around strangers, even women.

"Seppen!"

I looked around for her. I had grown attached to this ball of feather, who had been a great help all the long. Always made sure to give her mice as rewards every time I got to the right place.

She looked from her previous stalking of whatever creature she heard in the tree line and landed on my outstretched arm, cooing curiously. Smiling, I asked if she was familiar with any natural hot springs in the region and requested if she could lead me to one. Being a bird, she didn't question why I didn't just go to towns known for their onsen and simply bopped her head in affirmative. Dang, this bird is better than a GPS! No wonder they're used as guides so often.


Night was on the horizon as Seppen successfully lead me to my destination. Somehow, the place looked untouched by humans. No wonder it is, would've had trouble getting here if I was normal either, knowing just how inaccessible this place was, wouldn't be surprised if no one discovered this spot yet. Had to jump from tree to tree branches, naruto style, just to get here.

I glanced around while sending a burst of aura to scan the perimeter to see if anyone was around. Aside from the owl and I and some rodents, nothing seemed out of place which was good enough. With the certitude of no humans around, I thanked Seppen with a reward and watched as she flew away, probably to do owl things the time I situate myself.

"Alright!" I turned to the water, scanning it to see if anything weird was inside as steam rose from it, checking the temperature after removing my gloves, and yup! It was nice enough to dive into it. After one last check of my surroundings, I disregarded my clothes, folding them neatly and placing them on a rock not far from the water, gently placing the mask atop while making a water bucket, a wooden stool, and soap pop into existence that I quickly used to wash myself. Apparently, it was frowned upon to enter a hot spring with grim, soap, and dirt on the body. Didn't need to anger old Japanese spirits by violating this rule, alright. Once clean, slowly and surely, I gingerly slipped into the water, blissfully sighing the moment my body was submerged up to my neck.

"This is it...I'll die here." I exhaled as I leaned on a rock behind me, its warmth successfully taming this beast into a house pet.

Truth be told, I underestimated how satisfying it would be to bathe in a hot spring. Gosh and here I was running around when this was a thing! Dang I regret not trying it sooner but hey better late than never! I could spend the rest of my life here! Which...would be a long time. Huh.

From that point on, the sky began to dim, darkening my surroundings the more I relaxed and changed spots ever so often. The moon being the only light source present pushed me to somehow refine my vision, though that was for naught as I kept my eyes closed, lounging in the water. Relishing in its warmth, uncaring of how long I spent inside. I eventually dove into my thoughts, planning next spots to visit, and things to buy— discovered I had access to my house. Well. A version of my house seeing as I didn't cross paths with the other Colith. Had to make a door appear to go inside tho. So it was funny to spawn a door in the middle of nowhere. Heh.

Two years was a long time to wait before canon settles in. I had nothing better to do, after all, this wasn't my story. I was no protagonist, just an intruder brought here to satisfy whatever's up there's curiosity. As a Muslim, I was convinced of a paradise's existence, heaven, hell, who knows where I would have landed?—heaven—So to suddenly find myself thrown from fictional universe to another was not something I was expecting after death. Perhaps it is a reward from Allah? After all, everyone portrays paradise as a place. Maybe it was a reward of some sort? Eh. What the hell am I babbling about. The excess steam must be messing with my brain.

Back to the storyline, I could start collecting blood for Tamayo? Yeah, that'd make things easier for the siblings, knowing that I was shit with chemistry—JESSICA— there was no way of me finding the cure by myself. Sure I could attempt the thing I did with Kagaya unless that was only possible for him, seeing as he was still human, therefore didn't risk getting obliterated by me.

I wistfully brushed my hand over my collarbone, while humming random tunes that eventually evolved into me softly singing openings.

"Dan Dan Kokoro hikareteku

Sono mabushii egao ni

Hatenai yami kara tobidasou Hold my hand..."

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"kimi o matta

boku wa matta

togirenai ashita mo sugiteitte

tachitomatte furikaette

tomedonai kyou o nagekiatta..."

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"Hikari no naka de yureteru

Omae no hohoemi

Ashioto dake wo nokoshite

Yami ni kieru SHIRUETTO

Mitasare habataki

Megami ga senaka mukete... Ima

Dakara kyou yori asu yori ai ga hoshii

Yume yori aisuru kimi ga hoshii subete ga..."

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So on and so forth. Pretty sure I spent like an hour singing. It was calming in itself. The sound of crickets, coupled with the almost magical atmosphere provided by Ufotable's art style, made me want to just...close my eyes and let myself be drifted away by the flow of things. You know, this lulling feeling when you spend too much time in water and your body just..starts doing that rocking motion. Yeah.

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I've seen enough anime to know that intrusion while girls were in their most vulnerable states, that is, naked in hot springs was the moment when someone, usually the pervert or the main character finds himself stumbling upon them. So color me surprised...or not when I heard a twig snap. I stopped singing.

'honestly, this is too cliché at this point.'

Clicking my tongue in irritation, and truthfully affronted that something or someone had the gal to interrupt my well deserved me time, I snapped my eyes open and angled my head to the general provenance of the noise, ready to scare off whatever was there only to be met with three sets of eyes.

"..."

This must be a joke.