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

Chapitre 24

Author's quick note : Last chapter, before a little hiatus.

   Less than a few days, and they would have to present something.

   Hours passed so fast when they all had to train continuously, relentlessly.

   Of course, all the dancers would have to train, and were assigned a character. So far, from what he could understand from Nezuko — since she did not want to spoil the surprise —, there were five girls : the triplets, Kanao and Nezuko. Inosuke, Muichiro (their new recruit) and Zenitsu were the only three boys, to his relief. Yet, she had complained about the lack of them.

  If we had more dancers, only one more boy, it would be perfect. Especially because Zenitsu hesitates about participating.

   He could remember her words, and it was the reason why he had asked help to Muichiro, then Miss Kocho. Both responded negatively, the youngest's friend would not come for sure, and the master of the place had an idea that she qualified of "highly impossible.". He had insisted, and she gave him an address.

 "I do not think he will want to come back. He might try to kill you."

  Very reassuring.

   Letting the girls clean the place before studying, he took his two friends with him, and they went to this mysterious person.

   They arrived at a house, in the countryside. The sun shone, and a black haired man, with a gash on the face, around their age, opened the door. He was surprised, and tried attacking them.

 "It is Miss Kocho that sends us here ! Do you not know her ?" the red haired boy screamed, avoiding a projectile

  Perhaps I was wrong.

 "Shinobu ?"

   A imposing and impressive man came from the shadows. He was as tall as the other one, and had scars all over his body. His white hair seemed to have survived a tornado, going in all directions. He stumbled, cursing.

 "Sanemi– ?"

 - Move. Is she okay ?"

 - As okay as she can be after she got attacked by a maniac." rapidly said the blond one

 - Attacked ?" His tone had risen, and his eyes glistened, seeming to relive a tough memory.

 - Yes. But she is fine. Actually, would you want to help us ? We are trying to organize a performance and–"

 - No." He interrupted harshly. His hands shook, as they gripped the doorframe, veins popping out. "I'll never go there again. Hurts too much. Now, out of here, brats." He threw his arm, showing the direction with it, emphasizing his words

 - Come on. You want to fight ? I think he does." Inosuke was ready, eyes gleaming, fists closed under them

 - It is not the time, Inosuke." He was truly disappointed but knew better than forcing it on them. "Thank you, I suppose." He walked away.

   Each step he took made a sour taste rise in his mouth.

   He could not leave. Not like that. Not when they believed in him.

 "But here, just in case." He pivoted, running back, giving him the paper.

   They walked in silence. They had failed.

 "Just our chance." muttered the one at his right, his hands in his pockets

 - Do not worry, Zenitsu. We will figure this out."

 - Hey. Brats." They turned in sync. The muscular man was out of breath, hand on his leg. He grinned : "I hope the place has not moved, since last time."

   Coming back, as the other two rushed to the kitchen, he spotted the seamstress gently massaging the back of the cook in the costume room. In front of them, Miss Kocho and her sister, exchanged a glance.

  I should probably not listen to doors.

   He scolded himself, before a voice boomed :
 "If I can help you, despite my weaknesses– I promise not to disappoint."

 - I also will !" encouraged the adult

   Those eyes full of determination, made his heart warm.

   Surely, it would be amazing if they decided to join.

 "I do not think listening to doors is very polite." Mister Urokodaki was standing, hands behind his back. Despite the mask he had on, a hint of gentleness was spreading from him. "But it is nice to see that she, no both of them, built up confidence to go on stage again."

   The old man stopped, staring at the ground.

 "Are you okay, Mister Urokodaki ?"

 - Yes, young Kamado boy. But are you ?"

   A knot formed in his throat.

 "I just feel useless. Everyone seems to help and I am here, doing nothing."

 - You are wrong. You are helping in your own way. You did say that to Miss Kanzaki, did you not ?"

   He had to agree. He could not believe his own words were turned against him by a stranger.

 "Oh ! Uh..." He shook himself. "I wanted to know if I could help, by learning an instrument."

 - You will all have to learn, at least one. If we want to move the audience, we will have to."

 - Seriously ?"

 - Yes." His hand white, veins appearing on it, rested on his shoulder. "Do not worry. With me here, and your friends, you have all your chances."

   It was the day. The others fell as autumn leaves.

   While everyone trained hard, dancing or tuning their instruments, the people started taking interest. Not much happened in this small town, and a change of scenery pleased them.

   They all persevered, they fought until the end. They had ideas, but no one knew how it would go, all being a part of this story.

   Stress had build up. So fast, so quick, so high. Her lips quivered as she watched the people sitting down.

   She needed to breathe, she reminded herself.

   Shinobu had played well. Perhaps she was just lucky.

   Surviving a critical situation, one of the people who took everything from her giving her a second chance, having her old friends coming back and bringing people in this haunted opera...

   Second chance.

  How nice it sounded.

   Zenitsu and Kanao had the advantage of knowing well their instrument. He took time — alongside the conductor — to train them with instruments, for the few who did it. She wanted to be part of it, but Miss Kocho refused, wanting for her to be the star of this project. Muichiro had the same treatment as hers, and Sanemi Shinazugawa, who had an old injury acting up, needing some stretching provided by Miss Kocho. They bickered playfully, and for the first time, she saw her teacher laugh frankly.

   Instead, the brother, Genya Shinazugawa, took his place, and they were soon joined by an old friend, who introduced the three charming woman with him as "Friends. A particular type of friends.". Those five newcomers changed many things.

 "Are you okay, dear ?" The costume maker asked, noticing her watching from behind the curtains.

   She had trained until her muscles ached, until they were sore, until she memorized every step and gesture.

   Yes, she was more than ready.

 "Great." Her green eyes tried to peak in the crowd, searching for a special someone. Her shoulders sagged. Her features changed. "Great. Come on, it will start at any moment, now."