[Revising] The Broken Pillar (Kimetsu no Yaiba x F!Reader | Slow Updates)

Chapter 18: Please, Don't go!

Quick note: (Y/N) is 16 years old in this story

Third P.O.V

It had been a year since (Y/N) became the Neon Pillar. At just sixteen years old, she had proven herself worthy of the title through relentless training and an unwavering resolve. Since her promotion, her responsibilities increased—more missions, frequent patrols, and gathering intel on demon movements in her assigned regions. Tonight, her Kasugai crow had directed her to an abandoned temple where a demon was rumored to be hiding.

(Y/N) P.O.V

I moved quickly, guided by moonlight and instinct, as I made my way toward the mission site—an abandoned temple said to be the hiding place of a demon that fed on humans before vanishing into the shadows again.

~Mini TimeSkip~

By the time I arrived, darkness had fully settled in. The silence surrounding the temple was thick and eerie. Just as I was about to step inside, I felt it—an ominous aura creeping through the air.

I immediately drew my Nichirin sword and readied myself.

Suddenly, a rustling sound echoed behind me. I turned just in time—clashing blades with the demon as it lunged at me. The force sent it flying to the other side of the temple.

"Well, well... what's a teenage girl doing here?" the demon sneered, its grin twisted. "Oh, you're a Demon Slayer. You look weak. Doesn't matter—I'll kill you instantly."

It lunged again. I swiftly dodged, flipping sideways and landing without a sound. The demon froze, shocked.

"You brat! How did you move so fast?! Just stand still so I can—"

Before it could finish, I sliced through its neck with one swift movement. Its head hit the floor with a thud.

The demon's eyes widened in disbelief as its body began to disintegrate.

"You a**hole! How dare you—You'll pay for this, you brat!"

"You're so damn annoying," I muttered coldly. "Why don't you just stay quiet and die? I despise your kind."

Once its body fully dissolved, I wiped the blood from my blade and sheathed it. I was about to head back to headquarters when my Kasugai crow swooped down.

"Caw! The Flower Pillar needs help! I'll lead you to her! Caw!"

Without hesitation, I followed.

Time Skip

The air was tense as I arrived at the scene. I unsheathed my sword and started searching. Then—soft sobbing.

I followed the sound until I saw a figure crouched on the ground, cradling someone in her arms. My heart dropped.

A butterfly-shaped hairpin caught the moonlight.

It was Shinobu-san.

I ran toward her—and then I saw who she was holding.

Kanae-san.

Her uniform was soaked in blood, her body limp and trembling. Her breath was shallow.

"Kanae-san! No... Who did this to you?!"

"...It was... a demon... one of the Twelve Kizuki..." she whispered.

"Nee-san! Don't speak!" Shinobu begged, voice cracking. "You'll make the bleeding worse!"

Kanae gently shook her head.

"I'm sorry, Shinobu... I have to leave you sooner than I thought... But know this—I love you. I love Kanao. And I love you too, (Y/N)-san."

"No! Please don't say things like that!" Shinobu cried. "You just need to hold on a little longer! The Kakushi are on their way!"

"Even if they come... I won't make it," Kanae said softly, tears slipping down her cheeks.

I couldn't stop the sobs rising in my throat.

"Kanae-san..." I choked.

"(Y/N)-san... come closer."

I knelt beside her. She pulled something from her sleeve and gently clipped it into my hair.

I reached up—it was a hairpin.

"This was meant to be your birthday gift," she whispered. "I'm sorry I'm giving it to you this late..."

"You don't need to apologize, Kanae-san! It's beautiful... Please—just hang on. You promised we'd do more things together—with Shinobu-san and Kanao...! I'm sorry—I should've arrived sooner..."

She gave me a small, peaceful smile. Her hand reached up and gently cupped my cheek.

"Don't cry. Please... Don't be sad. I don't have much time, but remember—I love you both so very much. Be strong..."

And then...

Her hand fell away.

Her eyes closed.

Her breath stopped.

"Nee-san!" Shinobu wailed, collapsing over Kanae's body. "No! Please! Don't leave me like Okaa-san and Otou-san did! Please—don't leave me!"

I fell to my knees, trembling, tears streaming freely.

I was too slow.

If I had been faster...

"I'm so sorry, Kanae-san," I whispered. "I'm still not strong enough..."