Butterflies' Dance - [A Kimetsu No Yaiba Full Story]

Chapitre 1

"Nezuko ! Wait for me !"

   She was jumping on rusted leaves with grace, making her way between passers-by, doing chassés and chainés, one after the other, turning, hopping, dancing.

   Caught up in her passion, she must have totally forgotten about him, carrying a heavy bag of charcoal. They went in town to sell it, but, as always, she let herself get carried away, and he was laboriously trying to reduce the distance between them. He was smiling sheepishly, excusing himself, as he was pushing those important people in suits.

   He could not blame her. Not after what they had lived. Whatever that could get it out of her mind was good with him. To some extent.

   For a second he thought he lost her in this sea of human beings, no longer seeing her ombré hair, but her sweet lotus blossom scent was still not far away. He almost missed her, as she stopped, watching hair ornaments on a stand. They were neatly exposed, a myriad of colors, jewels sparkling under the sunlight.

 "Dost thou want me to buy thee one ?"

   She jumped in surprise. Face pink, she vigorously shook her head from left to right, before running away from him with and swift steps and a saut de basque. She landed, bent knee and a straight leg in front of her, quickly straightened, one foot parallel to the other, shaking once more her head. She seemed embarrassed and it made his heart tighten. Although they may not be rolling in dough, the way she persisted not to buy anything for herself, sacrificing her own happiness was hurtful for him. After all, she was the only family he had left.

   He sighed. Readjusting his burden, he heard a voice. He observed the crowd but could not identify who said those words.

   He then turned towards the saleswoman, who was waiting for a couple to decide which ring they would buy. The girl seemed indecisive, her amaranth eyes scanning the display with a light panic, while the man at her side remained stoic, almost annoyed. Nonetheless, his body posture was relaxed, and did not show any sign of impatience. It rapidly changed as the man spotted his rubies on her. His arctic blue eyes began to express animosity, and his marked arms pulled the frail body closer, making it yelp.

   The red-head called the lady, waiting for her to bend down and come his way with small, hasty steps.

 "Good morning, madam. I–"

   As he tried to ask a question, he felt something tugging his sleeve. The impression his little sister gave him was one of distraught. Was she really afraid that he would buy her something ?

   "Ne–Nezuko ! Do not worry. I am just going to ask a question."

   She let go of him slowly, unsure. He bent down at her level. His calloused hand patted her pate.

 "Do not worry, I will always respect thy demands. I just have a request. It won't take long, I promise." He hold out his pinkie, and she did the same.

   He turned towards the severe, yet tractable figure :

 "I am sorry to disturb you. I heard someone say something about dancing." The tugging started again, not for the same reasons. "Would you happen to know what it was about ? And where it would be located ?"

   She placed her tapered fingers on her jaw, wondering. Her somewhat quivering voice finally let out :

 "It was quite some time ago, but I remember that our burgh was well-known for a rising star, dancing in our opera. Fancy people from all the country were fighting to have a place and see her. Unfortunately..." His intense stare made her continue :
 "Unfortunately, it closed. Now, are you going to buy something ?"

   At least, she knew how to handle her business. And, as kind-hearted as he was, he did not want to break his little sister's promise. Indecision started building up in him, drowning him, and he understood the situation of the little woman just before.

   Speaking of which, the black haired man grunted and — now, you could clearly see he was annoyed — shoved her out of the way. He remained careful while doing it, lowering the umbrella he was holding for a long time, and declared in a harsh way :

 "Oi ! We're taking this and that's final." The vendor walked to him with an apologetic smile, and cashed his order.

   The teenager, finally free from this hawk's gaze, took his sister by the hand and ran, disappearing in the mass. They went the wrong way, people looking down at them because of their poor clothing and soot stain, to eventually get out.

   The sun welcomed them again under his embrace. He recognized his client waiting for him, little subordinate at his side. They greeted the old man — the girl just nodded — and they traded. The customer counted the money he had to give away, as the village boy inquired :

 "Mister Saburo ? Would you happen to know where is the opera ?"

 - The opera ? Hmm... There is no such thing here. Unless you are talking about– It must be over there." He pointed a direction. "But there's nothing to see. Anyways, here is your money. Be careful, it is getting late. I heard there were some strange things happening at night. If you need a place to stay, do not hesitate. You know where I live, young Kamado."

   They uttered a polite goodbye and went their own way.

   She jumped on the stones on the way, when they arrived.

   Crumbling down. A hole in the rooftop seemed to overlook the small town. The cut stone was damaged, so much the story it told could not be read anymore. Weeds were growing here and there, on the remnant of the paved, currently perforated path. The rest was made of dust and despair.