September 12th
A young boy around fifteen years old with a fair skin tone and short black hair with red tips and brown eyes wearing a brown haori over a black yukata and black pants was sitting on a stump while gazing at his younger sisters playing near the lake happily. He chuckled as she enjoyed watching the two having a good time exuded a calm, steady presence.
"Big brother Haru!" A voice greeted him pleasantly pulling him out of his thoughts. He glanced down to see an eleven-year-old girl with such striking beauty and fair skin. She had rounded shapes that were a beautiful shade of pink and shoulder-length indigo hair that faded to a light purple at the end framing the side of the face slightly. She was wearing a purple flower-patterned kimono over a black shirt with white pants and a pair of black zori with purple straps.
"What is it Hiruma?" He asked ruffling his little sister's hair which was the spitting image of their mother's hair.
Hiruma glanced up happily."When will mother and father be home?" She asked climbing onto her older brother's lap, resting her head against his chest.
Haruto glanced at Hiruma who was the oldest of his little sister as she climbed onto his lap. Their mother was out delivering the artwork she made and completed for some of her clients, while their father was in the village treating people at his clinic, their family lived on the outskirts of the village in the forest.
"They should be home later soon. Get Akane and I make you both some baked Salmon sushi cups and Rainbow rolls for lunch," He said.
Hiruma nodded happily at the thought of sushi as she ran over to Akane was happily splashing water around near the lake. Akane is a six-year-old girl with a fair-skinned tone and a rounded face. She had short red hair stopping past her ears slightly and was wearing a black and red spiral-patterned kimono with grey trousers.
"Akane big brother about to make sushi for lunch come on!" Hiruma called out.
"Coming," Akane replied as she turned around and stood up her brown eyes lighting up at the thought of her older brother making sushi for lunch.
Hiruma and Akane were sitting in the dining area at a long black rectangular table across from each other, while Haruto was finishing up making the sushi.
"The sushi is almost ready what would you like to drink with the sushi?" Haruto asked as he glanced briefly at his younger sisters.
"Rose milk tea," Hiruma and Akane said at the same time, making them both giggle at each other.
"Alright two rose milk teas will be coming right up," Haruto said with a chuckle as he carefully placed two plates of baked salmon sushi cups and rainbow rolls on the table in front of both of them, before walking away to make the requested tea as their drink.
'This looks delicious.'Hiruma thought as she gazed at the food, before taking a bit of one of the baked salmon sushi cups.
"I'm glad you like it here your tea," Haruto said heading them both their tea before going to make his plate and drink.
Haruto soon then joined Hiruma at the table with his plate and a cup of royal milk tea as his drink. The three siblings ate in a peaceful rhythm, interrupted only by Akane's enthusiastic commentary about her favorite sushi. Haruto listened with patient amusement, while Hiruma added her own thoughts.
"Hey after lunch can you read us a story, big brother?" Akane asked as she looked up at her older brother with hopeful eyes.
"A story sounds good," Hiruma said in agreement.
"Of course, I can just pick out a story when you're done eating lunch," Haruto replied.
"Alright," Akane said happily.
With renewed energy, Akane quickly finished her sushi and darted off to the family bookshelf, her small hands combing through the neatly arranged books. Hiruma took her time, savoring each bite, while Haruto observed her with quiet fondness.
Later, the three siblings gathered in the cozy living area. Haruto sat cross-legged on a zaisu floor chair, a thick blanket spread out beneath them. Akane had settled comfortably on his lap, clutching a worn storybook she had carefully chosen. Hiruma nestled beside them, her head leaning against Haruto's arm.
"Which one did you pick this time?" Haruto asked, brushing a strand of hair out of Akane's face.
"The one about the brave warrior who saves his village," she replied, holding the book up with pride.
Haruto opened the book, his voice steady and warm as he began to read. The story wove a vivid tapestry of courage and sacrifice, pulling the siblings into its world. As he read, Hiruma and Akane's expressions shifted with the tale, their eyes wide with wonder.
Hiruma chimed in occasionally, asking questions about the warrior's motives or guessing what might happen next. Akane, on the other hand, gasped and cheered at the hero's triumphs, her emotions spilling out without reservation.
As the story came to an end, Haruto closed the book with a satisfying thud, glancing at his sisters with a soft smile. "Well? Did you like it?"
Akane nodded vigorously. "It was amazing! I want to be brave like him one day!"
"You're already brave," Haruto said, tapping her nose lightly.
Hiruma leaned further into her brother's side. "You're a good storyteller, big brother."
"And you two are the best audience," Haruto replied.
"Kids I'm home I will start dinner in an hour!" A familiar voice called out.
Haruto looked up from his two younger sisters cuddling against him as he saw a beautiful woman with a fair-skinned ton and long indigo hair that faded light purple tied in a bun and pink eyes. She was wearing a light purple haori with a moon pattern over a light blue kimono along with blue pants and grey tabi socks. This was their mother Aimi Wantaabe who returned from running her deliveries.
"Mom!" Akane said getting up and running to hug their mother.
Aimi Watanabe knelt to hug her youngest daughter, her soft laughter filling the room. Hiruma and Haruto exchanged a glance, their hearts warmed by the simple, loving moment.
"What are you making for dinner tonight?" Haruto asked.
"I'm making Yakisoba tonight," Aimi replied as she ended the hug with her youngest daughter.
"That sounds yummy is father on his way home?" Akane asked.
"He should be here by the time dinner is about ready," Aimi said."Now go do something fun while I start getting ready to make dinner.
Akane nodded and rushed off to play in her room, while Hiruma drew a picture of her and Haruto dancing under the stars as she waited for dinner to be ready.
Hiruma had just finished dinner with her family and was now lying in bed as a tall muscular man with fair skin and short black hair and black eyes was tucking her into bed. This was her father Daisuke he gazed softly at Hiruma kissing her forehead as he began closing her eyes.
"Night, father," Hiruma mumbled.
"Good night sweetie sleep well," Daisuke said walking out of the room and shutting the fusuma door behind him.
Hiruma was now sleeping peacefully as her father dreamt about the starry night sky and enjoying the view with her family together happily.
However, hours later she suddenly awoke to a loud crash and jumped up in bed with wide eyes at the sound of the crash.
"What was that," Hiruma mumbled as she got up just as the door to her room was roughly opened by her younger sister Akane.
"Big sister I heard something and I couldn't Mommy and Daddy or even Big Brother in their rooms," Akane said hugging her older sister in fear.
"Akane listen to me stay in here and don't leave," Hiruma said putting Akane on her bed."I will find them promise you just keep here," She said leaving the room to find her parents and older brother.
Hiruma carefully made her way down to where she heard the crash and her eyes widened at the sight of the house a mess and the front door of the house destroyed.
'What happened here?'Hiruma thought worriedly as she rushed to find her parents and older brother.
"Mother! Father! Big brother Haru!" Hiruma exclaimed as she rushed towards the door.
"Hiruma no don't come out here!" Aimi called out.
But it was too late Hiruma already stepped outside where she spotted her mother bleeding and her left arm missing, but not only that her father and older brother were on the ground not moving.
"No what happened?" Hiruma asked worried rushing towards her mother.
"Hiruma run!" Aimi exclaimed.
"Oh, look at this a child a pretty one she will be yummy," A voice said sending a chill down Hiruma's spine.
She looked over to see a figure covered in dark inky fur that seemed to shimmer and ripple as though alive, giving the impression that he was composed entirely of shadows. Crimson streaks glowed along his jagged quills and limbs, pulsating ominously. His piercing crimson eyes locked onto Hiruma, sending shivers down her spine.
"So pure, so tender. I wonder how much you will scream," The creature hissed his voice dripping with malice.
Hiruma froze, her body trembling. The demon's smoky mist swirled around him, making his form flicker and twist like a nightmare-given shape.
"Hiruma, run!" Aimi's desperate voice cut through the haze of fear. "Get your sister and go!"
The demon laughed, his claws flexing menacingly. "Go? I don't think so."
Before Hiruma could react, the demon lunged forward, a blur of dark speed. But just as his claws were about to strike, a brilliant flash of blue lightning illuminated the scene. A streak of light barreled into the demon, sending him skidding back with a feral snarl.
"Stay behind me," a commanding voice said.
Hiruma turned to see a tall woman with shoulder-length blue hair and piercing sky-blue eyes standing between her and the demon. She wore a dark blue haori adorned with a delicate light-blue lightning pattern. Her Nichirin blade crackled with electric energy, its sharp edge gleaming ominously.
"Shadow Demon," the woman said, her tone calm yet sharp as steel. "Your reign of terror ends here."
The demon growled, his claws scraping against the ground. "Manami Koga, the Blue Lightning Hashira. Meddlesome pest thought I lost you back there."
Manami didn't flinch, her blade steady in her grasp. "I've dealt with worse than you."
With a swift motion, she dashed forward, her blade arcing in a blur of blue light. The demon countered, shadows coiling around him like armor. The clash sent shockwaves through the area, forcing Hiruma to shield her eyes.
The battle was a dance of light and darkness. Manami moved with precision, each strike aimed to sever the demon's control over his shadows. Kagezuma retaliated with tendrils of darkness and bursts of speed, but the Hashira matched him blow for blow.
Hiruma watched in awe and fear, her heart pounding in her chest. She had never seen such power before, and yet, she felt a deep frustration bubbling within her. Her family had been attacked, and she had been powerless to stop it.
Manami leaped into the air, her blade spinning in a flurry of strikes. "Fourth Form: Thunderous Strikes!" she yelled, blue lightning surging from her sword and scattering the shadows around Kagezuma.
The demon roared in pain, his form flickering as the electric energy tore through him slicing his head. "You wretched woman!" he spat, as his body waver away into ashes.
Soon the first rays of dawn pierced through the trees, casting golden light over the battlefield.
Manami lowered her blade, the lightning fading as she turned to Hiruma. "Are you hurt?"
Hiruma shook her head, tears streaming down her face. "My family... My father and Haruto... Are they..."
Manami knelt, placing a comforting hand on Hiruma's shoulder. "Your mother is alive. She's lost an arm, but I'll ensure she gets treatment. Your younger sister is safe inside. As for your father and brother... I'm sorry."
Hiruma's knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground, her sobs wracking her small frame. Manami stayed beside her, letting the girl grieve.
After a moment, Hiruma wiped her tears and looked up, her face a mask of determination. "I couldn't do anything. I couldn't protect them."
Manami studied her quietly before speaking. "If you truly want to prevent others from suffering the same fate, there's a way."
Hiruma's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"
"There's an old man named Isamu Seta who lives in the mountains to the west," Manami explained. "He's a retired Demon Slayer and an excellent teacher. If you want to become strong enough to fight demons, seek him out. He will train you."
"But what about my family?" Hiruma asked, glancing toward the house.
"I will make sure your mother receives treatment," Manami said firmly. "And I'll help them relocate to a safer place. This home is destroyed, and I doubt any other demons will come since dawn is upon us."
Hiruma hesitated, glancing back at the house. She thought of her mother's loving smile and her little sister's laughter. Her heart ached at the thought of leaving them, but she knew Manami was right.
"You're saying... I can become strong enough to stop this from happening to others?" Hiruma asked, her voice trembling.
Manami nodded. "But the choice is yours. Your mother and sister will be safe, I promise you that."
Hiruma turned to her mother, who had been listening from where Manami had laid her against a tree. Aimi met her daughter's gaze and gave her a weak nod, tears in her eyes. "If this is the path you want, I'll support you. Go, Hiruma. Be strong."
Hiruma clenched her fists, her resolve solidifying. She turned back to Manami and nodded. "I'll do it."
Manami smiled, standing and offering Hiruma a hand. "I will get your family to safety Isamu that I sent you,"
Hiruma's heart was heavy yet filled with a new sense of purpose. She glanced back at her mother one last time, Aimi's gentle smile giving her the strength to move forward.
As the first rays of sunlight illuminated the forest, Hiruma began her journey toward the mountains, toward a destiny she could never have imagined.
Here is chapter one of The Ink Pillar and the beginning of the first arc of the story. In this chapter, you meet Hiruma Watanabe and her loving family. However, the peace is shattered by a fearsome demon named Kagezuma. Hiruma witnessed the loss of her father and older brother while her mother suffered grievous injuries. The arrival of Manami Koga, the Blue Lightning Hasira, saved Hiruma from certain doom. Hiruma's frustration at her inability to come and protect her family and starts her on a path to becoming a demon slayer. I hope you enjoyed the chapter.
Thanks for reading!
Question of the chapter: Would you like me to do secrets at the end of the chapter?
[Meiji period secrets]
-This first demon was inspired by Shadow the Hedgehog.
- Her father's hair was fully red as a kid but started turning part black as he grew up.
-Haruto all-time favorite food is Udon noddle soup.
-Manami was the original oc I was going to make Obanai's love intreast and my main character, but then Hiruma came to me so now Manami is one of the Hashira during this time since the others aren't the right age yet only Gyomei is close to the right age when he became one he one year to young at the moment.
Word count:2,585