Chapter 12
The sun greeted the world with its warmth and bright light. A reminder of not only a new day arises but humanities greatest arsenal against the demons for any found outside at this time would result in instant death. Normally the entire staff was up and about for another day tending the butterfly and looking after patients in the absences of the Insect Pillar, who was resting after a long night from her mission. Yet, there was another who had decided to sleep in today.
"Tāke-kun! Time to wake up! Don't make me come in there" Aoi shouted as loud as she could, waiting for a response. When she heard none, the head nurse decides to search for the keys to enter Yuki's room.
Swarmed in a pit of darkness, Yuki shivered like a victim caught in a blizzard. Blanketed under a pile of snow, silenced by a winter's howl. He cried for help yet his words resulted in echoes at best. A singular snowflake fell onto his hands and he found himself at his family inn's. The inn shined brightly in the nighttime for a celebration. His achievement for spreading the good name of the Subachi family. He covered his ears in anticipation of the screams his guests and servants wailed the night the wolf demon attacked his home. Once the howling had ended, he uncovered his eyes.
At first, he eased up over the familiarity that is the hallways of the butterfly estate. His mouth dropped the moment he witnessed several bodies around him. His heart dropped when he spotted not only patients lying on the floor, but familiar faces. Kiyo, Sumi, Naho, Aoi, Kanao, and Shinobu. None had survived this massacre. He wept as he couldn't bear the idea of losing more people. Not when he considered the girls his family. A weak rhythmic series of footsteps caught his attention and looked up.
"Oh, it seems I missed one. You were lucky I wrote you off dead all those months ago." The demon snarled. It circled the boy on all fours. The demon's silhouette morphed into a canines anatomy. His fur sticking up over his repulsion of the former heir. It bared its fangs, letting out an audible hiss. It dragged its feet, scraping the floor with its claws.
"You should've given yourself to me. These people shouldn't have been punished for your selfishness. You rich folk only see us peasant as expendable. Don't worry, you can make up to them by letting me eat you."The demon lunged towards Yuki's neck.
"Don't do this to me!" The dull eyed boy cried.
"STOP IT!" Yuki screamed as he shot awake and rushed outside, unknowingly collided onto all the butterfly girls who waited outside his shed. After collecting himself, he sat on the floor and immediately lifted all the girls in his arms.
"You're all here. You're okay." The lanky student held them for dear life as he took deep breathes. Shinobu, who was the closest within his embrace, spoke for everyone.
"Subachi-kun, why are you crying?" The Wisteria doctor looked up with concern. The triplets, Aoi, and even Kanao, all couldn't help but worry for him. He took a moment to calm down before explaining his nightmares to the butterfly girls. As a result, Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho cried over hearing his visions. Aoi rubbed his arm softly, providing comfort however she could. Kanao simply looked away. The Insect hashira, wiped his tears with her fingers.
"Shh, it's okay. You have nothing to worry about. No nightmares will get the better of you nor any demons, as long as I'm here. Please, calm down." Shinobu wrapped her arms around him. After several minutes, his breathing had returned to a normal pace and looked at all the girls in his arms.
"You mean it?" His voice filled with doubt.
"I really do. Could you please let us down now?" The wisteria doctor asked sweetly. He obeys her and carefully placed the butterfly women onto the ground. He remained sitting on the floor with his knees.
"I'm sorry for being a hinderance and stalling our duties." He said somberly.
"We can't fault you for having a nightmare, Tāke-kun. You get a pass this time." The head nurse replied.
"Yeah, It's not your fault." Sumi said.
"We don't like seeing big brother crying." Kiyo responded
"We're a family here." Naho stated.
"You have people to reach out to, Gakusei-kun." Kano muttered.
"Thank you all, for being so patient with me." He smiled sweetly. Shinobu looked at Aoi and Kanao, prompting them to head back inside. They heeded her order and led the triplets inside as well.
"Tāke-kun, I have a request for you. I'm going on a mission tonight. It'll last several days and-" She was cut off mid-way.
"You want me to come with you?"He was elated over her consideration.
"Actually, I will be accompanied by Tomioka-san" Shinobu remarked.
"Oh. I see" Yuki said. As polite as he tried to be, his disdain was as clear as day. He tilted his neck slightly, his eyes narrowed accompanied by a looming shadow covering them, a scowl inscribed onto his face.
"Oh, why are you making that face?" The insect hashira expressed worry.
"No reason. Don't worry about it." He muttered.
"Nonsense, I know you want to accompany me, but you're just not ready yet." Shinobu said firmly.
"Fine." He muttered while looking away.
"Hmm?" She looked up.
"Um, yes I understand. Please continue" The lanky student clarified.
"Right. Getting back on track, I've been reached out by Himejima-kun, the stone hashira, to help him with his training session. He's expressed interest in accepting tsuguko's. Initially I was going to send Kanao as volunteer. But, since you're my big and strong student, I think you fit the bill much more.
"Um, you really think so? Last I saw the stone hashira, he was so tall and scary. I never felt so small in my life before." He said nervously.
"Oh my, first time having to strain your neck?" Shinobu chuckled.
"Yes. How do you know that feeling so well?!" He paused as he stared at the petite doctor. He avert his brown eyes in shame for he had just picked up the irony between their dynamic.
Oh, I'm guessing you go through this all the time. I'm sorry." He bowed apologetically.
It's fine. The good thing you only have to face Himejima-san for a little bit. Now let's get you settled in with Himejima-kun for these next few days. Follow me" She giggled.
"Wait, what do you mean the next few days?!" He yelled as he chased after the Insect hashira.
"So, was me being carried by the kakushi part of your plan?" Yuki wheezed. He now found himself being carried by his limbs, while also blindfolded. His body swayed back and forth due the kakushi struggling to maintain their grip.
"Of course, I had a feeling you'd protest and stay at home. Now that you're tired, surely you won't give Himejima-san a hard time, will you?" She said playfully.
"I'll try not to. I just don't know him like you do, M-miss Shinobu." The former heir spoke defensively.
"I wonder if you'll end up wanting to become his tsuguko instead?" She said slyly.
"What do you mean? You're doing a great job teaching me everything you know." He shook his head vehemently.
"I wish I could tease you all day long. Your reactions are as cute as ever, Tāke-kun." Shinobu teased.
"Watashi o ijimenaide kudasai, Kocho-sama." Yuki replied.
Shinobu and the kakushi were astounded over her student's Japanese. This was the first time he said anything in Japanese fluently. Out of respect, she withheld further comments. Her heart tugged for she had wished he could say more phrases earnestly instead of: Don't bully me, please.
Eventually, the Insect Hashira and her followers arrived at the Stone Hashira's home, where a seven foot tall man had been waiting at the entrance.
"Greetings, Kocho-chan. I am grateful of you to lend one of your students to test my training. What is the name of your student?" Gyomei asked. The petite woman nudged her student's arm, who took a moment to realize what she was hinting at.
"Konnichiwa. Watashino namae wa Yuki Subachi." The lanky teen said reading off his notecard
"I am Gyomei Himejima, the stone hashira. You may refer to me as Himejima-sama, little one." He said.
"I don't know if I'd call myself little. I'm six feet tall." The former heir muttered. This was his second time seeing the stone hashira and just as starstruck over this man's stature.
"I wish you best of luck on your mission with Tomioka-san." Gyomei said. Before Shinobu, she felt her student tug her haori sleeve.
"H-How can you trust him so easily?" He trembled.
"Had it not been for Himejima-san, I wouldn't be here today." She smiled politely then waved the men goodbye as she took off to meet Giyuu.
"I guess we'll see ourselves out. See you, Subachi kun." Goto replied as both him and the female kakushi bowed lightly before running off.
"So, what are we doing today, Himejima-sama?" Yuki spoke loudly.
The stone hashira was equally impressive up close as he was from a distance. The lanky teen couldn't get over how tall the senior hashira was. At a staggering 7'2, this one man would hold onto to this record forever. Aside from his towering height, he had a large scar etched across his forehead. His hair was spikey and short, one of many contrasts to the other hashira's. His eyes were white due to his blindness but what stood out to the former heir were the red beads the stone hashira continuously rubbed. The olive green haori was also a great look for the senior hashira.
"Oh, eager to begin our training?" Gyomei asked softly.
"Kind of. I just hope to live up to your expectations." Yuki said nervously.
"You won't go through anything I can't handle. I can assure you of that. This set of training is what I went through in order to become a hashira." The white-eyed giant explained.
I see. Um, thank you for the food by the way." The dull eyed boy nodded and munched on his grilled fish, accompanied by a small bowl of rice and cup of water.
"Once you are done eating, follow me for your first step of my training."
"Yes sir" Yuki replied with his mouth full.
The former teen was amazed how despite being blind, the senior hashira was able to get around without so much as hitting a branch. Meanwhile, the lanky teen got smacked with branches here and there. When the two men reached their destination, Shinobu's student couldn't believe his eyes.
"For the first training, I'd like like for you to stand on this waterfall and repeat the following: Namu Amida Butsu. Let's see how long you can withstand this waterfall.
Yuki stared wide-eyed with disbelief. It was the exact same training Shinobu had tasked him to learn as a prerequisite for the second breathing technique. He was aware she had borrowed this aspect of the stone hashira's training, but he was elated because this meant he could make a good first impression.
"Of course, Himejima-sama. Let me take off my haori and shirt." The lanky teen agreed then tossed his shirt and haori onto a nearby log. He then rushed to the base of the waterfall, but not before mentally preparing himself for what was to come. Just before entering the water, Yuki couldn't help but admire the progress he had made since his tenure at the butterfly mansion. The waterfall's power was somehow stronger than the one he did for shinobu. Even so, he was confident on showing off his confidence with the first training then initiated the chant: Namu Amida Butsu.
He screams the chant for a half hour before Gyomei clapped his hands to catch his attention. Yuki was mesmerized over how much power this one man truly had. With a clap of his hands, the stone hashira made roaring cascade silent in comparison. The dull eyed boy was so starstruck, he lost focus and fell onto the water, only to be picked up by white eyed giant.
"I'm impressed you passed my first trial so easily. How long did Shinobu-chan teach you this?" The senior hashira asked.
"Hmm, I'd say about two months. This was my warm up.
I see. I'm not too familiar with her training methods, but if you were able to endure the waterfall for as long as you did, I have no doubt my tsuguko can do the same for half the time." Gyomei cried.
"You okay, Himejima-sama?" Yuki said anxiously.
Yes, I'm just impressed with how efficiently you completed this task. I look forward to your momentum for my second trial.
"Already?!" Yuki exclaimed.
Shinobu's student frantically slipped on his yellow haori as he stuggled to catch up with the stone hashira, an unfamiliar feeling since in most cases, Yuki was the one everyone tried to keep up with. The men arrived at a wide barren field with a giant boulder in front of them.
For this next task, I'd like you to push this boulder across one chō." Gyomei explained.
"How…far is that? The dull eyed boy wondered.
"One cho is about 109 meters." A crow screeched as it circled around them.
358 feet?! He exclaimed
"What do you mean? The stone hashira asked.
"Oh, I grew up in a western household. While I prefer the imperial system for measurements. My sister and I were taught the metric system, so converting the two is second nature." Yuki explained.
"I see. I'm glad you're adept in the Western ways. Perhaps you'll be assigned on city missions." The white eyed giant said.
"I hope so, I grew up near Tokyo." Yuki agreed. Gyomei stopped at a field where two large boulders stood in front of them.
Now, let's focus on the task at hand and pushed our boulders at the same time. Are you ready?" The stone hashira asked.
"Let's do this." Yuki said. The two men pushed their respective boulders with all their strength. Then lanky teen was giving all he had yet was every so slowly pushed his boulder while Gyomei had long passed him. Regardless, he pushed forward. He didn't want to let Gyomei down because that would mean he let Shinobu down as well.
About two hours later, he had consistently pushed the boulder but decided to take a break.
"How far did I get?"
"About 54 meters. Give or take." Gyomei's crow flew by and passed just as quickly.
109 meters is…179 feet. I ONLY MADE IT HALFWAY?!" Yuki shouted with disbelief. He huffed and stormed in search of finding the white-eyed giant. From a distance, Gyomei observed the former heir behind a tree.
"He came so close to being the perfect student. Perhaps we should call it a day." He muttered.
The next day, Yuki had some steamed vegetables for breakfast. Although he accepted his meal with humility, he was thankful the stone hashira couldn't see his face, which displayed a disgusted look due to its lack of seasoning. Once they had finished eating, the stone hashira led them to Yuki's boulder.
"I've been informed by my crow you made it half a cho. I'd like you finish the remainder by noon." The white eyed giant stated while stepping back.
The former heir sighed but did some stretches before placing his hands on the boulder. Once he cleared his mind, fulfilling the task at hand proved to be an simple task. The task began at 9am and was finished by noon, three hours of steady movements without any breaks.
"I am glad you were able to meet me by the deadline. Although you technically failed the original task, I will give you one chance to make up for it." He offered.
Oh, what would that be?" Yuki asked.
"Your struggle made me realize that perhaps I made the boulder much larger for the average person can handle. Alas, you must push yet another boulder to a complete chō. This time it'll be a much smaller rock. Best of luck, little one." The senior hashira said.
As annoyed as he was over the stone hashira's decision, he held his tongue because he recalled the respect Shinobu had for the white-eyed giant. He took a deep breath and began to push the boulder. It proved to be a much easier feat because the lanky student was able to meet the requirement slightly sooner. He collapsed onto the floor the second he could, only for the stone hashira to arrive.
"I'll make note to use boulders this size for my tsuguko for now on. Thank you, Subachi-kun." Gyomei said
"Yeah, the pleasure is mine." Yuki panted.
He was too exhausted to protest when Gyomei picked the boy in the arms and carried him to their next destination. Once they arrived back to his place, the stone hashira placed him down next to a tree. The heat from a fire was so intense it woke the dull eyed boy from his sleep. At first he was happy because with a large fire on, surely they would feast tonight. However, he noticed the fire pit contained no pot and instead, a towering figure of a man squatting in the middle of the flames. Not only was Gyomei standing on top of the fire but he was carrying a pile of logs on his back, while the tip of the logs were placed on top of several rocks.
"If you extinguish your heart and mind…even fire is cool. This... is the last trial I'd like you help me conduct." Gyomei replied.
Yuki never gave a response because one glimpse of the final trial was all it took to scare the former heir into passing out the remainder of the day.
"How long was I out for?" The lanky teen scratched his head in an effort to regain conciseness. He found himself placed on a narrow bed.
"I am glad you are alive. You were so frightened by my final task you were out for the day yesterday. Not to worry, we'll start the day with breakfast and then we'll conduct my last trial." Gyomei stated.
"I was asleep for that long?!" Yuki eyed widened. "Yes, that sounds fair, Himejima-san"
He took his time to eat his grilled fish and rice. He winced over its saltiness, but was grateful to eat as much as he wanted. Once breakfast was over, Gyomei led him to the fire pit.
"We'll start with a low temperature to warm up your feet. Once we find the right temperature for you, we'll add the logs on your back. Gyomei instructed.
"Okay, you're the expert." Yuki said softly. By 11 am, Yuki could feel the stone beneath his feet flare up quickly, resulting in him reacting to the heat.
"IT'S TOO HOT!"
Until sundown, Gyomei and Yuki would practice standing on the fire pit while reciting the stone hashira's chant. During breaks, Yuki would dip his feet onto a bucket of water to ease the pain. After supper, Yuki asked to give it one more try while the sun was down. The white eyed giant obliged and lit the fire pit one more time. Yuki decided to apply total concentration breathing as he steps onto the scorching tablet. The air surrounding them was thick and smokey, but the boy didn't falter. Instead, he took a deep breath and recited Gyomei's chant over and over. About fifteen minutes later, Gyomei quenched the flames with water.
"I will be honest, you expressed your disdain on my judgment plenty of times. Had you been my tsuguko, I'd give you a scolding. Even so, I applaud you for sticking through my trials to help me determine which ones are fit for my own students. I may have to reconsider this one. For now, get some well-deserved rest. Your teacher will come by tomorrow." Gyomei explained as he rubbed Yuki's head. The former heir wasted no time and got into bed, feeling achieved over accomplished his tasks.
The next morning arrived, meaning Yuki's time with Gyomei was all but over. He slipped on his uniform and yellow haori as he was treated to a fruit salad by the stone hashira.
Subachi-kun, might I ask about your background? Specifically how you become a demon slayer." The stone hashira asked
"Long story short, I belonged to a noble family and they wanted me to help spread their name and influence in this region. That is until a wolf demon raided my home and…I lost everything I knew. Now, I'm learning Insect breathing through miss Shinobu." Yuki paraphrased.
"Is your family deceased?" Gyomei wondered as tears fell from his face.
"No, but my mother chose to write me off dead. I haven't seen my papa or sister since then." He sniffled.
"How do you know?" The white eyed giant expressed concern.
"I tried to find them shortly after Miss Shinobu fixed me up. I hid in a bush and that's when I heard my mother asking my dad to stop the search for me. She said my sister was all they needed." He sobbed quietly.
"I see. Thank you for opening up. I understand where your insecurities stem from."Gyomei said.
"I try to open up. But, this is the longest I've been away from my family. I never traveled anywhere without them or my servants." The former heir said.
"Before the demon slayer corps, I took care of children at an orphanage. Not all them got along due to differences in age and personality. Yet, the one thing that kept us together was our familial bond. We weren't related by blood of course, but we were all we had. I don't know how life was for you back home, but I hope you build trust not just from your immediate family but the friends you made along the way. Enjoy life while you're young, Subachi-kun." Gyomei replied.
"Thank you, Himejima-sama. Before I head back, I have one question to ask. Does Miss Shinobu…like anyone? Romantically?" The dull eye teen's curiosity was piqued.
"I see her talk the most with Tomioka-san. They've been paired up several times already. But, I've yet to hear Shinobu-chan express her love towards someone. While I maintain a relationship between master and tsuguko professional, there is no rule barring said relationship from fruition. Should you pursue your feeling for Shinobu-chan, I won't intervene, just as long as she's happy." The stone hashira spoke.
"Thank you, Himejima-sama." Yuki nodded in understanding. His hesitation however, stems from a fear she would not only rejected him, but would remove him from her estate. One way or another, the former heir needed to muster his courage and confess his feelings towards the Insect hashira.
"Hey, you have a cat? He's so cute." The former heir picked up the kitten and snuggled it in his arms.
"Cats are especially cute. Did you have pets at home?" Gyomei asked.
"I have a pet bird. I hope she is getting by without me" Yuki stated.
Once they finished eating, they lounged around playing with cats until Shinobu arrived to pick up her student and return to the butterfly mansion. She wasn't impressed when Yuki brought one to her face.
"Once you are ready, I recommend you try running while carrying logs. Take care, Subachi-kun. Gyomei waved goodbye, unaware they had yet left. Yuki then life a cat towards Shinobu's face.
"Can we keep him please?" He asked.
Hi everyone, welcome to another taisho era bit. I'd like to introduce to you all to the Demon Slayers strongest hashira, Mister Gyomei Himejima." The former heir announced.
"Thank you for inviting me, Subachi-kun. Here is my taisho era secret: Subachi-kun is a good kid. I'm told he is strong, tall, and kind hearted. He sounds alot like me. It is unfortunate he has a tendency to whine a lot." Gyomei explained
"I didn't whine that much did I? Um, next time on chapter 13: We're going to the beach? You won't find a better place than the Chiba region. Wait, please don't tell Miss Shinobu, Himejima-sama." He pleaded.
Wandering tree here.
I wanted to combine this chapter with the next one where the beach episode took place, but I'm going to test and see if splitting this up because I think reading 7k words for a chapter is insane. My excuse? These chapters are the only instance where my MC interacts with the hashira. In fact, the next chapter will be the end of year one of the time-skip. I want to write a fun chapter with Yuki and Shinobu going to the Chiba region. What does this all mean? There will be two chapters this month.
Also, I'm still looking for an editor, otherwise I'll continue to draft and edit as best as I can.