Blood And Steel
Chapter 1
In a dark room, Hidden away in a secret location, An eerie red glow casts long shadows over cold stone walls. Within the cascading red glow, Stands Muzan Kibutsuji, His form motionless as he looms over a workbench covered in various vials and tools. After a moment, Muzan reached toward a small vial filled with his own blood before speaking with a trace of frustration.
" Perhaps this time. " Muzan had an empty expression on his face as he reached toward a larger vial before pouring his blood into it. After a moment, Muzan moved with practised precision, Mixing various chemicals into the vial, The stench of decay and sulphur quickly filling the room as he continued his work.
Each ingredient he added caused the mixture to hiss and bubble, Releasing wisps of smoke that danced through the air as his eyes filled with a mixture of anticipation and cruel curiosity.
As he added the last ingredient, Muzan leaned forward slightly, Watching carefully as the mixture frothed and churned. As the mixture fell still and silent, Muzan groaned disappointingly, Thinking he had failed before the mixture fizzed violently before the vial trembled slightly, Regaining his attention as he knelt down and stared into the vial intently, Watching as the liquid within began swirling, A small black dot at the centre, A shadow of a shadow threatening to disappear entirely before the liquid seemed to be sucked into it as a form slowly took shape.
As Muzan's empty expression slowly changed into a wicked grin, Betraying his normally impassive face with a look of excitement as the vial quickly began giving off heat as a small hand pressed against the glass, Followed by a second hand before the vial suddenly shattered, Shards of glass flying in every direction as the contents spilled across the workbench.
As he looked toward the workbench, Muzan expected a puddle of liquid or an oozy reminder of past failures, Yet his gaze was met by a small, Infant like figure curled up on the workbench, The base of the vial sitting beside it.
For a moment, A flicker of uncertainty entered Muzan's mind before the tiny creature's eyes slowly opened, Causing him to gaze into the seemingly endless pools of blood red before the child seemed to grow slightly before sitting up and looking toward Muzan, Locking his gain with it's own as he once again knelt down before speaking calmly as the child reached toward him slowly, Causing him to place his finger within it's tiny hand. " Welcome to your new life little one. Let's get you where you need to be. My plan depends on it. "
Nightfall
As a gentle breeze whispered through the forest surrounding the Demon Slayer Headquarters, Ubayashiki Mansion, Carrying with it the scent of Wisteria laced with notes of wildflowers, A young Kakushi, Hana, Was diligently gathering herbs and medicinal plants to be delivered to Butterfly Mansion, Her wicker basket already half full, She froze as a faint sound caught her ear. At first, She simply dismissed it as a sound on the wind but as it caught her ear a second time, Slightly louder, She stood and rushed through the trees as she realised it was an unmistakable sound. The cries of a baby.
As she followed the sound, Hana ran for what felt like hours before emerging into a small clearing, Her eyes widening in shock at the sight before her. The clearing was filled with flowers except a tree stump that sat in the middle. Leaning against the stump appeared to be a tall, Jet black box with a long strap hanging from it.
Upon the small stump was a large blanket with several cushions piled upon it. Nestled among the cushions, Hana could only see two small hands reaching toward the sky, Causing her to slowly walk into the clearing, Looking in all directions to ensure that it was not a trap.
After a few moments, Hana stood next to the stump, Not realising that the baby had ceased crying and was gazing up at her, Before she relaxed as no sign or sound of an ambush or anything amiss caught her attention.
As she turned, Hana gasped as her blood ran cold at the sight of the baby. The pale, Almost translucent skin, The deep blood red eyes and the small fangs as the baby opened it's mouth to make noises as it reached toward her, Opening and closing it's tiny hands slowly. After several moments of terror, Hana spoke softly.
" This cannot be... A... A Demon baby... How is this possible... " Hana's hands trembled as she quietly debated her next move. The idea of alerting the Demon Slayers was accompanied with a heartbreaking truth. The baby would be killed. Especially if she were to alert the Hashira. Hana had heard of the unwavering hatred toward Demons that specific Hashira displayed. As the thought filled her mind, A keen pang of sympathy tugged at her heart. This baby was innocent, Demon or not. No baby was guilty at birth and Demon or not, Did not deserve to die.
As she began to question herself, A second idea filled her mind. An idea that cut the Hashira out of the equation altogether.
The leader of the Demon Slayer Corps, Kagura Ubayashiki, Respectfully referred to as Oyakata-sama, Was well known for his wisdom and compassion among members of the Corps. As the idea occurred to Hana, She looked down at the baby again to see that it had sat up and was looking up at her with an innocent curiosity that made her heart ache. Despite her fear, Hana found herself kneeling down as she spoke soothingly.
" Look at you... A curious little... " Hana froze as the baby leant forward and placed a tiny hand on her nose as it made a soft noise, Melting her heart as she sighed softly and smiled before speaking calmly, Her previous fear and hesitation washing away as the baby smiled at her. " How could I doubt myself... I know exactly what to do with you little one. "
As Hana smiled, The baby sat upright again before reaching toward her as it smiled happily before Hana giggled and stood before placing the strap attached to the large box around her torso at an angle and tightening it before gently scooping up the infant and cradling it in her arms delicately. As Hana held the baby, She couldn't help but notice that it's skin was cool to the touch and that despite being slightly bigger than other babies of the same age, This infant seemed to weigh almost nothing.
As she thought for a moment, The baby made a small noise, Snapping Hana out of her thoughts as she spoke softly. " Shh... Shh... It's alright. I've got you. "
Hana smiled soothingly as the baby relaxed in her arms, Making soft cooing noises as Hana felt a mixture of fear, Uncertainty and tenderness as she once more looked cautiously around the clearing, Half expecting a Demon to emerge from the shadows or attack from the branches of the trees, Yet, The more she looked around, The more she realised that this baby had been left here alone and unattended, Causing her to turn and walk briskly back toward where she had left her basket.
After gathering the last few plants and herbs she needed, Hana looped her free arm through the handle of the basket before again examining her surroundings to ensure she wouldn't be followed and setting off toward the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters.
The path ahead of her seemed much longer than when she made her way here but despite her uncertainty, Hana pressed on, Driven by a mixture of duty and an unexplainable instinct, Urging her to protect the helpless creature in her arms. As she approached the headquarters, Carefully weaving between the Wisteria trees, Her heart raced, Knowing the gravity of what she was about to do.
After taking a deep breathe, Hana entered the mansion and set her basket of herbs and plants on a desk that had a small delivery sign on it before she turned and made her way toward the main room where Oyakata-sama met with the Hashira and attended day to day duties. As she approached the door, She took a slow breathe before knocking and entering the room.
After sliding the door closed behind her, Hana turned to see Oyakata-sama and his family sitting around a Kotatsu, Sharing a meal before noticing they had all turned their attention to her, Causing her to bow as she spoke politely.
" I apologise for the intrusion but I have found something in the forest during my gathering duties and I... " Hana gasped softly and froze as the baby smiled and made a loud cooing noise, Causing the woman sitting beside Oyakata-sama to quickly rise to her feet and walk over.
As she approached, Hana stood straight and remained still before the woman turned her gaze to the baby in her arms as she spoke.
" A... Child? Wait... A... A Demon child... Kagaya... " The woman backed away cautiously as Kagaya made a small humming sound, Causing the woman to rush over and help him to his feet before walking him over to Hana as he spoke calmly.
" A Demon baby? I have never heard of such a thi... " Kagaya paused as the baby made a happy sound before it's tiny hand touched his arm gently. " How curious... If I am not mistaken, You are Hana correct? "
Hana looked shocked at the fact that despite being blind, Kagaya knew who she was simply based on her voice, Causing her to speak shakily. " Y... Yes... Oyakata-sama... What... What should I do... "
" While a valid question, It is the incorrect one. Bringing her to me is what you should have done and so you have. What happens going forward is the question you want to ask. " Oyakata-sama smiled reassuringly as Hana whimpered softly before speaking slowly.
" Y... Yes sir... " Hana trembled lightly as Kagaya nodded knowingly before speaking calmly.
" I admire your sense of duty Hana. Had another member found this little one, It could have been a drastically different result. But I am told you have always shown compassion and care in your duties even when you felt uncertain of something. " Kagaya smiled as Hana blushed lightly from the compliment before Kagaya continued. " For the moment, Come and sit with me. I would like to hear how you found the child. "
" Of course Oyakata-sama. Thank you for your time. " Hana waited until Kagaya was seated again before loosening the strap on the box and carefully setting it down before sitting a short way away from Kagaya with the baby sitting on her lap as she spoke calmly.
" I was gathering herbs and plants for delivery to Butterfly Mansion when I heard a noise. I dismissed it at first but when I heard it again I knew that it was the sound of a baby. I dropped my basket and ran to find the source. I found the baby in a clearing on a tree stump in a bundle of cushions on a blanket. " Hana fell silent as Kagaya thought for a moment after listening intently. After a few moments, Kagaya sighed and spoke calmly.
" You did very well Hana. This is an unprecedented situation and you have carried yourself with grace and care. Well done. " Kagaya paused and smiled as Hana bowed politely before he continued. " Her existence gives rise to many questions. As well as many concerns. She could very well be the key to fully understanding Demons. " As he finished speaking, Kagaya turned his head toward the woman next to him, Causing her to sigh and speak as he smiled expectantly.
" I agree Kagaya. It is a good idea. " The woman smiled happily as Kagaya turned back to Hana and spoke calmly.
" From now on, Your duties as a Kakushi are indefinitely suspended. From now on, Your duty is to care for this child within this household. Kuina will assist you. The baby will be adopted into my family as one of my own children. Entrusting this to you is a heavy burden Hana. While I will understand if you decline, It would put me at ease to know that some as attentive in her duties as you is watching over this little one. Can I entrust you with this task? " Kagaya smiled reassuringly as Hana looked down at the baby slowly before looking back toward Kagaya and speaking firmly, Causing a serious look to appear on Kagaya's face.
" Of course Oyakata-sama! I will do my best. " Hana bowed her head politely as Kagaya smiled again before speaking calmly.
" Wonderful. For now, You are welcome to join us for dinner. Once we have eaten, Amane will show you to the guest room. I will arrange with the Kakushi to acquire anything you need for the child. You need only ask. Which reminds me, Is the child male or female? " Kagaya paused as Hana laid the baby down and opened the small cloth enclosing the baby's body as the baby giggled happily.
" Female sir. " Hana re-wrapped the cloth before holding the baby gently as she began sucking on Hana's thumb gently, Causing Hana to smile down at her tenderly as Kagaya turned to face Amane and spoke calmly.
" You should name her Amane. " Kagaya smiled as Amane bit her lip before placing her hand over Kagaya's as she spoke tenderly.
" Thank you Kagaya. We should call her Yakino. " Amane smiled as Kagaya nodded and motioned for Hana to move beside him, Causing her to nervously shuffle over to the table, Gently bouncing Yakino on her knees, Causing her to giggle playfully before she placed her tiny hand onto Kagaya's arm again and made a soft cooing noise, Causing Kagaya to smile as his family returned their attention to the lovingly prepared meal.
Eight Years Later
" Father! Look what I found! " Yakino spoke excitedly, Her ghostly skin glistening in the faint light of the candles on Kagaya's desk, Which cast strands of light over her face, That had dark freckles over her nose and cheeks. Yakino had silvery violet hair and blood red eyes with black slits for pupils that were surrounded by several smaller slits, Mimicking the notches on a clock that represented hours. As she stopped beside Kagaya, She spoke calmly. " I found a black stone! "
" Hmm? Oh... Digging around in the storage rooms again were you? Shall I assume you tricked Hana again? " Kagaya smiled as Yakino giggled and spoke happily.
" Yup! Hana is funny! I don't know what this stone is but I like it. Can I keep it? " The young girl smiled happily as Kagaya chuckled and nodded before speaking.
" Certainly. Now, Should I assume that you were in the storage room to hide from your sisters? " Kagaya waited as the young girl sighed before plopping down next to him and speaking softly.
" My sisters are mean. They won't play with me. They just keep telling me to study and be a good girl. I want to play! " The young girl sighed a second time as she fell backwards before Kagaya patted her stomach gently.
" Yakino, Your sisters are just trying to teach you new things. I know you want to play, But perhaps they struggle to think of games to play inside. " Kagaya smiled as Yakino sat up before looking toward him with confusion.
" So we should play outside? " Yakino looked confused as a sad look appeared on Kagaya's face before he spoke calmly.
" No, My little one. You mustn't go outside. But I think I know a few games your sisters could play with you inside. Finish your studies and I will talk to them. Sound good? " Kagaya petted Yakino's head gently as she smiled and nodded, Hana entered the room, Breathing raggedly and looking like she had run a marathon before speaking hoarsely.
" Apologies Oyakata-sama... Yakino... Is quite cunning... " Hana slowly regained her composure and caught her breathe as Kagaya chuckled and Yakino giggled mischievously before walking over to Hana and holding her hand as they left the room.
Nightfall
" Father! Father! Wake up! "
" Kuina? What is wrong? " Kagaya sat up slowly as Kuina looked toward him with teary eyes before speaking.
" It's Yakino... She found the sword... She touched it... She won't wake up... Mother is with her... Hana is inconsolable... " Kuina sobbed softly as Kagaya stood before Kuina quickly stood and led him out of the room.
After walking through the house, Kagaya heard Amane and Hana crying before they entered the room and Kagaya sat down before Amane spoke shakily through her sobs.
" Yakino... She... She has no heartbeat... She isn't breathing... Kagaya... " Amane cried loudly as Kagaya placed a hand on her shoulder before Yakino made a soft noise, Causing them all to freeze before she slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes as she spoke.
" Wh... Where am I... What happened... " Yakino looked toward the sword before holding her head tightly as a throbbing weaved through her mind before she sighed softly and turned to see Amane and Kuina looking toward her with teary eyes and Kagaya looking shocked before she tilted her head and spoke with confusion. " Mother? Big sis? Hana? Why are you crying? "
" My sweet girl... " Amane pulled Yakino onto her lap and hugged her tightly as Kuina and Hana hugged them both before Kagaya spoke.
" Yakino... Why are you in here? " Kagaya looked toward Yakino as she wriggled her head high enough that she could see him, Despite being wrapped in Kuina, Hana and Amane's arms, Before speaking softly.
" I... I was sleeping when I heard someone call my name. I thought it was mother until I got here. When I touched the sword, I... I blacked out... Then I woke up and you were all here... " Yakino looked confused before Kagaya sighed softly.
" Take Yakino back to bed Kuina. Mother and I need to speak. " Kagaya had a stern tone to his voice as Kuina stood and quickly pulled Yakino from the room with Hana in tow before he continued. " Amane... We should tell her... "
" I know... But I don't want it to change how she sees us. I'm her mother Kagaya. If she were to leave or hate us... My heart couldn't take it... " Amane sniffled softly as Kagaya reached out, Causing her to rest her cheek on the palm of his hand as he spoke.
" I know. But she should know who she is. What she is. She should know why she can't play in the sun and why this sword... " Kagaya paused before sighing and continuing. " Why it killed her. "
Kagaya and Amane froze as a gasp filled the hallway outside the door before Amane rushed over and opened the door but looked confused as she noticed the hallway was empty. After closing the door and sitting back down, Amane spoke shakily.
" She probably heard everything we said. We should speak to her in the morning. Let's go to bed. " Amane wiped her face before standing and helping Kagaya back to their bedroom. As the door closed behind them, They failed to notice it was Hana who had heard them, Not Yakino.
The Next Day
Yakino was laying on Kuina's bed, Reading a book with Kuina and Hana as Amane walked into the bedroom and spoke softly.
" Yakino, Can you come with me please? Father and I need to talk to you. " Amane smiled sweetly as Yakino stood and walked past her before Kuina and Hana looked toward her with heartbroken expressions. After nodding silently, Amane left the room before they quietly followed. As Amane walked into the sitting room, Kagaya spoke calmly while Yakino sat down.
" I feel that it is time to tell you who you are. " Kagaya paused as Yakino made a confused noise before speaking.
" I already know that. I am your daughter. Yakino. " Yakino grinned happily as Kagaya and Amane smiled before Amane bit her lip and spoke softly.
" Sweetheart, We love you so much. But... I... " Amane bit her lip as Kagaya put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly before she took a slow breathe and continued.
" I did not give birth to you. You were found by Hana as a baby. You had the sword with you. You... You... "
After biting her lip again, Amane burst into tears before covering her face with her hands as Kagaya spoke.
" You are a Demon, Yakino. That is why..." Kagaya paused and took a slow breathe before continuing. " That is why the sword killed you when you touched it. " Kagaya had a stern expression on his face as a mix of shock, Horror and confusion appeared on Yakino's face before she stood and ran outside, Causing Amane to speak quickly.
" Yakino! Stay inside! " Amane and Hana both stood and chased Yakino as she stepped into the sun and screamed in agony as her skin rapidly burned and smoked as several patches burst into flames. As Yakino fell to her knees, Amane draped herself over Yakino to shield her from the sun as the flames on her skin receded but looked heavily burnt as she cried heavily before Amane looked toward the house and spoke firmly. " Kuina! Get a blanket! Hurry! "
Kuina quickly ran back to her room before pulling the sheet off her bed and rushing back to Amane as she draped it over Yakino.
As Amane motioned to pick her up, Yakino lunged sideways, Sending the sheet flying and knocking Hana over as she stood and spoke shakily.
" Look at me... I'm... I'm a monster... " Yakino cried heavily as her skin burst into flames again before Amane spoke.
" Please... Cover yourself with the sheet Yakino... I don't want you to die... " Amane bit her lip as tears built up in her eyes before Hana picked up the sheet and ran over to Yakino but froze as Yakino's skin made a loud sizzling noise before the flames disappeared and her skin began healing.
After about fifteen minutes, Yakino's skin had completely healed. As the last patches finished healing, Several small, Intricate pink flowers appeared on several parts of her skin before fading quickly. As everyone watched, Yakino sat down and sniffled loudly before Amane moved over to her slowly, Causing her to speak.
" You are going to tell me to leave aren't you... I don't belong here do I... " Yakino sobbed softly before Amane pulled her close and held her lovingly as she spoke soothingly.
" Of course you belong here. You are my daughter. I love you with all my heart just like I love your sisters. You don't have to go anywhere and I won't let anyone take you away. " Amane cried softly as Yakino nuzzled against her chest before Kuina walked over and hugged them both tightly before Amane stood and carried Yakino inside with Kuina and Hana in tow.
The Next Day
As Yakino awoke slowly, She realised that she was wrapped in Amane's arms. After wriggling free and sitting up, Yakino yawned slightly before wandering out of the room. As she walked into the main room, Hana scooped her up before carrying her outside and pointing as she spoke.
" You've never seen the sunrise Yakino. It's beautiful. Watch. " Hana smiled as Yakino blinked several times before looking toward the horizon as a blazing mix of orange and yellow with a faint shade of pink mixed through it, Lit up the hazy morning sky as Yakino sighed softly.
" So... So pretty... " Yakino looked stunned as the sun slowly rose over the horizon, Making her brace herself for the burning pain she had felt the day before but sighed softly as the sunlight warmed the exposed skin of her face and neck. " It's so warm... "
" Isn't it? Just think, You don't have to stay inside anymore. You don't need to hide in the darkness anymore. There is so much out there to see Yakino. Now that the light doesn't burn you, You can see everything. " Hana smiled brightly as Yakino bit her lip while tears built up in her eyes before she nodded happily. After watching the sunrise with Hana, Yakino walked back to the room the sword was in but gasped as she noticed the sword was gone.
" Wh... Where did it go... " Yakino looked around in shock before Kagaya spoke from the doorway with Kuina standing beside him, Holding his arm gently.
" I have hidden it somewhere you cannot go. Not until you are ready. Come with me. " Kagaya walked down the hallway with help from Kuina before leaving the building and walking toward what looked like a training area. As they got closer, Yakino noticed someone dressed in a sleeveless, Dark turquoise outfit and two large cleavers on his back that were connected by a small chain. As they walked over, Kagaya stood beside the man as he spoke. " This is Tengen Uzui. The Sound Hashira. Member of the Demon Slayer Corps. Whenever he is free, He will be training you as a Demon Slayer. Another Hashira has agreed to help as well. "
Yakino looked confused as Tengen spoke calmly. " I can't guarantee that I can train you every day but I will train you as often as I can. As long as it takes. Let's get started. "
Five Years Later
" Oyakata-sama, There is nothing more I can teach her. She is incompatible with every breathing technique she has learned. While she can use Water Breathing, It is much less effective. Until she retrieves the sword she was found with, I see no way for her skills or technique to progress. " Tengen spoke sternly as he stood beside Kagaya while Tengen turned his attention to Yakino sparring with a woman that had pink hair with green tips wearing pink robes and holding what appeared to be a blade that mimicked a whip before the woman disarmed Yakino and pinned her to the ground.
As Yakino stood, She looked toward them and smiled before smiling happily as the woman hugged her tightly while Kagaya spoke.
" Then we have little choice in the matter. Make sure she knows where to go and give her a Nichirin blade. She may have need of it. " Kagaya walked away as Tengen nodded and walked over to Yakino.
Some Time Later
Yakino was walking along a trail as she looked at the map Tengen had given her. As she examined the map, Yakino noticed that the trail passed through what appeared to be a forest with a swamp at the centre. After walking another hour, Yakino approached the forest before noticing there was a mix of different scents making the air heavy and nauseating.
As she walked into the forest, Yakino paused as she heard skittering sounds before continuing on her way toward the swamp. As she walked through the forest, Yakino took note that each scent on the air had a sticky, Sickly sweetness to it. The further she walked, The heavier the air was until she arrived at the swamp where the air felt as if it coated the inside of her lungs. As she motioned to step into the swamp, She was hit by a blob of yellow goo and slammed against a tree before the goo quickly went solid as a voice filled the air.
" I followed the murky river that runs from the south. It led me here. The perfect place to live. A place where my power is unmatched. Surrounded by almost infinite sap. "
Yakino looked around before seeing a silhouette shrouded in the heavy air that was now thick with fog before the voice spoke again.
" Look how much power you have... You must have eaten so many humans. "
" Eat humans? Why would I do that? " Yakino looked confused as the silhouette spoke with a tone of confusion.
" You've never eaten a human? What... What are you... " The silhouette sounded terrified as Yakino smirked before the sap entrapping her shattered and she dropped to the ground before speaking calmly.
" I don't completely know yet. But I know I've never eaten a human. Now, I am here for my sword. Get out of the way and I'll let you live. " Yakino's smirk faded as the silhouette laughed loudly before speaking.
" As if you could harm me. While you are strong, I am leagues ahead of you brat. " The silhouette smiled maliciously before looking irritated as Yakino giggled and moved into a combat stance.
" Have it your way. Water Breathing: Third Form: Flowing Dance! " Yakino drew her blade as she moved her body in a winding pattern and swung her blade in a twisting motion. As she got closer, The silhouette dodged before Yakino pivoted and spoke again. " Water Breathing: Second Form: Water Wheel! "
As Yakino swung her sword, The silhouette stumbled before seeming to disappear into the water of the swamp. As she turned, Yakino sighed softly before falling to her knees as she breathed slowly before speaking. " Shouldn't have used the second technique midway... I feel like I got the wind knocked out of me... "
" Such a novice. To make so simple a mistake. " The silhouette laughed maliciously before Yakino noticed something was gripping her legs and gasped as she was pulled underwater, Causing her to hold her breathe before she got a proper look at the silhouette.
Despite looking like a young man, He was clearly a Demon. The Demon had pale skin, Violet hair that was down to the middle of his back, long, Curled horns and blood red eyes with glistening green pupils that formed slits. He wore a black ninja outfit that had a red undershirt and silver armbands.
As Yakino held her breathe, A bolt of fear shot through her as she realised that she wasn't in water. She was in what appeared to be tree sap. As she realised she couldn't move much, Yakino groaned as the Demon slammed into her, Forcing it's claws into her shoulder before it darted away, Leaving her suspended as the sticky, Thick sap held her in place before she tried to move again, Achieving nothing but making more sap stick to her before the Demon slammed into her a second time, This time forcing her backwards slightly as it spoke.
" Look at you. So helpless. So full of fear. You radiate strength and yet, A little sap stops you. Pitiful. I might just put you out of your misery. " The Demon smiled maliciously before rushing forward and running it's claws across Yakino's throat, Causing her to choke, Despite no sound coming out due to the sap. As the Demon watched, The tendons and muscles in Yakino's throat reattached before the slices on her throat closed as the Demon laughed loudly before speaking. " You heal yourself so quickly! Oh, What fun I can have with you! What pain I can inflict on you! How joyous this day has become! "
As the Demon laughed maniacally as he sliced her throat over and over, Letting it heal each time before slicing it again, Yakino could do nothing but repeatedly choke as she closed her eyes while tears built up in her eyes.
After what felt like hours, Yakino heard a blood curdling voice echo into her mind.
" Ah... Another... Death brings another... Not here... Use this... "
As the Demon sliced her throat again, Yakino's eyes shot open before her Nichirin blade glowed a malicious mixture of black and purple before the Demon gasped as Yakino's voice echoed through the sap.
" Death Breathing: First Form: Devour. "
As Yakino's voice faded, The sap split open as if it were cut before the Demon made a choking noise before his skin quickly turned to ash as he disappeared. As Yakino watched, She made a slight noise as the sap erupted upward, Throwing her into the air.
After landing with a loud thud, Yakino coughed heavily and sighed as she noticed the Nichirin blade she had been given had decayed to the point that it looked as if it were thousands of years old. As she placed what was left back into the sheathe and wrapped it in her coat, Yakino heard the blood curdling voice again.
" You must taste it. Taste the nectar..."
As the voice faded, Yakino felt a pull at the back of her mind, Causing her to stand before walking toward a tree in the middle of the swamp. As she approached, The trunk of the tree withered and split, Revealing a sword.
The sword had a pointed pommel, A straight, Jet black grip with a small outward notch that acted as a hilt, A black, Vase shaped extension that held the blade in place and a jet black blade that shifted colour to blood red at the tip in a slow gradient. The blade was perfectly straight and had a malicious energy to it as Yakino gripped the hilt with both hands and groaned loudly as she strained before the sword pulled free, Causing her to fall backwards.
Once the sword pulled free, The tree immediately decayed as Yakino watched curiously before turning and walking back into the forest.
One Month Later
" She should have returned by now Kagaya! It's been a month! " Amane spoke with fear and agony in her voice before Kagaya sighed and spoke.
" I know. Perhaps it was... " Kagaya paused as Hana rushed into the room and spoke quickly.
" Oyakata-sama! She has returned with the sword! " Hana had an expression that was a mix of pride and concern as Kagaya spoke calmly.
" To think, I would doubt her for even a moment... " Kagaya smiled as Amane helped him up and walked with him to the courtyard.
As they stepped outside, Yakino walked toward the house with the sword resting on her shoulder before speaking softly as she smiled. " Mother... Father... I'm home... "
As Amane smiled through teary eyes and rushed forward, Yakino twirled her sword in her hand before stabbing it into the ground and stepping forward as Amane hugged her tightly.
" My sweet girl. How we have missed you. " Amane kissed Yakino's head gently as Kagaya spoke calmly.
" You were gone longer than we intended. What happened? " Kagaya waited as Amane released Yakino before she spoke.
" When I arrived to retrieve my blade, There was a Demon present. He appeared to control sap from the trees. He dragged me into... I'm not sure what to call it but it was full of sap. He... He cut my throat... Over and over... It felt like eternity... " Yakino looked like she was in a daze and her eyes looked empty before Amane wrapped her arms around her, Causing Yakino to gasp softly before speaking shakily. " Sorry... I... I've been zoning out when I think about it... I lost count of how many times he cut me... "
" It is alright. Without fear there cannot be courage. Given that you are here, I can assume you defeated the Demon? " Kagaya smiled as Yakino nodded slightly before speaking.
" While he was hurting me... I heard a voice... It said that death brought another... I moved without thinking... I used a technique I didn't even know... " Yakino trembled lightly, Causing Amane to look shocked as Kagaya spoke.
" This technique, Do you recall what it was called? " Kagaya spoke sternly as Yakino glanced away sheepishly before mumbling softly, Causing Kagaya to speak firmly. " Yakino. "
" It's called Death Breathing! " Yakino spoke shakily but with a stern yet fear filled tone before looking toward her sword as she continued. " It obliterated the Demon and the Nichirin blade decayed. It looked ancient. After I retrieved the blade I was found with, I went to find a sword smith and he told me that he has never seen anyone disrespect a blade so thoroughly. It hurt to hear someone think I had destroyed the blade intentionally, So I apologised and left it with him. After that, I went to train with my sword. The sword smith that examined it refused to touch it. He said that it radiates death and decay. "
" I apologise. I did not mean to upset you Yakino. " Kagaya sighed as he petted Yakino's head gently as she cried softly and spoke shakily.
" Training with it was so hard... It kept whispering to me... Kept telling me to taste the nectar of death... Kept telling me to kill... Urging me to use the techniques... " Yakino trembled as her eyes glazed over again. " Even now... It's whispering... "
Kagaya continued petting Yakino's head gently as she stared with hollow eyes towards her sword. As she continued staring, Kagaya spoke softly. " What is it whispering to yo... "
Kagaya paused as Yakino trembled violently for a moment before speaking in almost a whisper over and over. " Kill them all... Kill them all... Kill them all... "
" Yakino? " Kagaya spoke softly but looked terrified as Yakino looked toward him with a mix of malice and bloodlust in her eyes before they glazed over again as he continued. " You must be tired from your long journey. Perhaps some lunch? "
" Food... Yeah... Food... " Yakino breathed out a soft sigh as Amane petted her head gently before they all walked inside.
Nightfall
Despite her best efforts, Yakino failed to fall asleep and couldn't ignore the whispers in her head. After leaving Kuina's room, Who had insisted that she stay with her for the night, Yakino walked to the main room and quietly opened the door before walking in and kneeling on the floor as the whispers grew louder.
" The nectar... You must taste the nectar... "
" Please... Stop... " Yakino cried softly as she held her head before looking across the courtyard to where her sword stood, Still stabbed into the ground where she had placed it. " Please... I don't understand... "
" Come to me... Taste the nectar... "
Yakino trembled before standing and walking toward her sword. As she knelt in front of it, She spoke softly as the tears on her cheeks glistened in the moonlight. " I don't understand... "
" You are starved... The base holds the nectar... Taste it... "
" The... Base... I don't... " Yakino paused as she noticed a small gap in the pommel. As she gripped the two sides of the pommel, It easily opened to reveal a small vial full of blood.
" Yes... The nectar... From the one who came before... Taste it... "
" I have a bad feeling about this... But okay... " Yakino trembled as she held the vial over her mouth before carefully snapping it, Causing the blood to trickle down her throat.
After a few moments, Yakino groaned as her heartbeat throbbed in her ears and she felt lightheaded. As she held her head, Yakino cried out in agony as a rush of techniques and memories filled her head before she fell sideways, Unconscious.
The Next Morning
Yakino awoke slowly and groaned slightly as she sat up before coughing lightly and holding her head. As she motioned to stand, Yakino gasped softly as Amane spoke calmly.
" Are you alright Yakino? " Amane looked concerned as Yakino rubbed her head but sighed in relief as Yakino smiled and nodded before Kuina helped Kagaya walk over and sit down as he spoke.
" Yakino... What was in the vial? " Kagaya waited as Yakino looked around, Realising she was in Kuina's room again before speaking.
" Blood. From the person who had this sword before me. Dojikiri told me to drink it. Called it the nectar. When I drank it, My head filled with all her memories and techniques. It hurt a lot and I guess I passed out. " Yakino rubbed her head gently as Kagaya thought for a moment before speaking.
" Dojikiri? " Kagaya looked confused before Yakino nodded and spoke.
" My sword. It's name is Dojikiri. It told me. While the techniques were rushing into my head. " Yakino rubbed her head again slowly as Kagaya looked thoughtful for a moment before speaking.
" Then we should see how you handle your new techniques. " Kagaya smiled before standing and leaving the room with Amane's help. Once they were outside, Kagaya spoke calmly as a woman ran over excitedly. " I am sure you remember Mitsuri Kanroji? "
" Like I would ever forget her. Hi, Mitsuri! " Yakino smiled brightly as Mitsuri swept her into a tight hug as she made several girly noises before Kagaya cleared his throat, Causing them both to freeze and sit down quickly before he continued.
" Mitsuri will accompany you on a mission to a nearby village. Young children have been disappearing. It is quite apparent a Demon is responsible. Kill the Demon and Recover any surviving children. "
Yakino and Mitsuri bowed politely before Yakino retrieved her sword and they quickly left and headed in the direction of the village as Mitsuri spoke calmly.
" I'm interested to see your new techniques. The description of your attack in the swamp was a bit vague. " Mitsuri smiled as Yakino giggled slightly before speaking.
" Yeah... Sorry about that. You'll get a good look soon enough. " Yakino smiled as Mitsuri giggled softly.
Chapter 1
End
