Brothers Through Ashes(Complete)

Where Is She?

AsTanjiro searched the town. his heart could calm only a little. The talk he had had was nerve-wracking. Imagine. Two of the most powerful beings in Japan having a friendly chat about whether the lives of the people around them matter. He wasn't ashamed of his words, in fact, he was quite pleased. He knows the inherited cost of war.

Forced back to the real world, he saw Sumi and Naho panting and doubled over from a lack of air. "What happened? Where is your sister!?" HE quavered. "Gang. Take... Sister. Need. Help." Sumi spluttered. "Get something to eat."

He began walking off having already caught her scent. "Where are you going?"

"To get my sword dirty."

He then disappeared into the sea of innocents he had been willing to slaughter.

Kiyo POV

I was searching a few alleyways when suddenly I was surrounded by a few men. Well great. "Hey, pretty lady. You lost? I can help you find your way home." One of the cat-called. "Sheee, you got a nice body here, don't ya." The other said, trying to pat me down. "Get your hands off me." I chided, swatting his hand away. "Oh, she's fiesty! I like that!" He began trying to rip my clothing off but if a demon couldn't rip it, what chance does he have.

This is disgusting. I whipped out my knife and slit his slit his throat. "If the Commander were here, you'd all be dead by now." I threatened.

"Damn, she killed him! L-let's get out of here!" The rest ran off, scared of a little girl. I then looked down and realized what I had done. I dropped the blood stained knife.

I killed a human.

Tanjiro POV

I watched as Kiyo murdered one of her harassers. The other pimps ran off like puppies. The dying man laid there, silently choking on his blood. His coughs were so pleasing.

"Kiyo!"

Third person. First person doesn't fit.

Tanjiro walked up to her with a grimace, his other partners behind him. "What happened here, Kiyo?" He interrogated with a glare. She began trembling, fearing what punishment awaits. She feared her sisters would view her differently.

"W-well. I was d-d-defending m-m-myself. They were g-going to--"

"Enough blabbering. You killed a man. Do you have any idea what issues this can cause!?"

"I'm sorry! I... I was scared! I just followed what you taught us!"

Tanjiro then slowly reached out.

Tanjiro's outstretched arm sent shivers down the backs, not knowing his intentions. Expecting a slap, Kiyo tensed up but instead felt a gentle caressing of the cheek. "I was so worried. You gave me quite a fright, little one." He addressed softly. He then wiped her cheek and licked the blood from his fingers. "It's not proper for a lady to be covered in blood." He cooed.

Kiyo blushed then smiled happily. "Thanks!"

Sumi and Naho both sighed in relief. The atmosphere had cleared. "Killing demons is easy. It's like hunting... But killing a human is different." Tanjiro announced. "How so, Commander?" Naho queired innocently. "It's like... You become guilty of removing a piece of the universe from existence. Erasing memories and banning the formation of new ones."

"Commander... How did it feel," Kiyo asked. "When you first killed someone. Assuming that you have."

"How did it feel? I don't remember. Mainly because I don't care. Repressing memories is the key to being a great warrior. Forget the killing and pain. Focus on you. In other words, be selfish. You all matter to me. I cannot risk you becoming engulfed in regret."