Drinking from the Fountain (Demon Slayer x Male Reader)

Ch. 5 - Improvement

Timeskip, 2 days of rehab and training.

I fall on my ass from a kick thrown by Yorokobi, completely out of breath. I gasp for air and try to prop myself up, unable to.

"You're getting tougher by the day! I actually had to try there," Yorokobi says, I imagine with her signature shit eating grin plastered on her face.

"You tried... to kick my kidneys apart?" I say through choked gasps. She does not fucking hold back, that's something I've noticed as a theme now that I'm back to full functionality.

Or at least close to full, "Eh. Builds character!" She said that way too happily for someone who just kicked the shit out of me. I hear her footsteps get closer, so I look up, finding her holding her hand out, "C'mon, Hayashi-chan wanted to go pay respects to her parents. We should keep her company."

Right. We buried them the morning before last, along with many of the town members who weren't consumed by the demon with the whistle. I huff, finally gathering myself onto my knees, "Mm, I'll be inside soon."

She gives me a nod. Her usual happy demeanor falling away for just a second, before she seemingly catches herself in the act and hurriedly walks off. Probably a touchy subject, I shouldn't pry. I sheathe my blade and look up to the sky, it's mostly clear with some splotches of white lingering in the air. I close my eyes and take a deep breath.

How long will this peace last? Will the next challenge be harder? What if Yorokobi isn't enough? I shake the thoughts away, and with a sigh, get to my feet.

It's strange.

My body feels fully healed already.

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We arrive at the burial site, Hayashi has some small offerings in hand. She looks back at us both, "May I go in alone? I have some stuff I wanna say."

Yorokobi and I look at each other and nod. I turn back to the girl, "Of course, we will stay here until you're back. If you need anything come and get us, alright?"

She hesitates before nodding. Slowly walking toward the makeshift burial ground. I hold in a sigh, I feel bad for her, truly. I can relate in a way to her, though I was a bit younger when my family went missing, I still know how this feels. The pain of loss can be devouring, almost too much so. I turn to Yorokobi and see her watching Hayashi diligently, her hands trembling ever-so slightly.

I go to ask but stop, how do I word this? I mean, am I supposed to just say 'Oh I notice you shaking what's wrong?'

Wait.

Yes.

I totally can just ask!

Before I can though, she speaks first, "I know the painful feelings she's experiencing right now. How deep and mazelike her own head can be, even at that age."

"Mm. Yes I can relate a bit as well, though not quite in the same way," I say, looking toward Hayashi, "she needs someone to look to right now. Someone who can give her a hero, someone who keeps going no matter what."

Yorokobi hums in agreeance, sniffling, "I didn't have one. It led me down this path of anger and revenge, I don't want that for someone so bright and hopeful."

I start to reach over, but stop, too much. She could use the space right now I think. Instead I hum in agreement as well, "We can try to get her that. Find her somewhere to live, to thrive. To grow."

I hear her sniffling grow a bit louder, but her voice still stays the same, "Right. It's what she deserves."

Just like that, silence once more. We sit, keeping close eye on Hayashi while she says her goodbyes. Deep down I do regret not getting here sooner, though I know there wasn't much I could've done. I killed the demon, and protected that girl. That's what matters.