Never Be Apart ( Tomioka Gyiuu x Shinobu Kocho Fanfic)

On the Scene (Part 2 of 2)

Kyojurō Rengoku

As soon as I heard about Kocho's sudden disappearance I rushed over to the location where she was last seen. I arrived at the town's entrance. Hmm. My friends should be here shortly. I thought. I walked towards the bento stand when two little girls were crying while being held by an elderly woman. I presumed she is their grandmother or caretaker. I approached them slowly while bowing to the older woman.

"Pardon me for the intrusion, ma'am. Are you alright?" I asked. The woman gave a gentle nod before consoling the children. I smile at the girls who gaze at me. I knelt down to their level. " You girls, alright as well? I can tell that you have seen something? I'm looking for my friend, perhaps you've seen her four days ago? She wears a butterfly haori and a butterfly hairpin?" I asked them.  I noticed one of the much younger child gasped before she began crying.

"M-Miss Kocho-sama..." The girl whined.

My eyes widen at Kocho's name. "So you have seen her then? Well that's most reassuring! May I ask what your name is, little girl?" I boasted proudly. Yes, we are one step closer to figuring out who did this.

"K-Kanae..." The girl replied.

I smiled at her courage.

"Well then! Where did you see my friend? It would help if you tell me when and where did you see her and what did she say to you. Please take your time to answer. I have all day!" I laughed out that last part.

Kanae sniffed but nodded at my words. I gave her an encouraging nod.

"Go on, take your time. Don't strain yourself." I told her.

"When Miss Kocho left, I went to look for her and when I got there....our neighbor Mrs. Mei was dead and a large monster was eating her. And Miss Kocho and the monster were talking and I yelled out her name. The m-m-monster grabbed me and wanted to eat me. But Miss Kocho saved me from the monster. I think she must have recognized the monster. They started to fight. She told me to-to run a-a-a-away. I'm sorry Mister." The girl said.

I noticed she was trying to say my name.

I bowed to the girls and to their grandmother. "Apologies. Forgive me there. I am the Flame Hashira. Kyojurō Rengoku." I said proudly.

Suddenly, I heard several footsteps approaching us.

"What the?!?" An annoyed grunt came.

I smiled internally. Ah, they're here.

Just then Iguro Obani and Mitsuri Kanroji arrived as well.

"Rengoku...." I heard Tomioka's voice.

I turned and smiled at my friends. My fellow hashiras.

A/N: Sooo how was that? What did you all think?