A pair of siblings.
One male, one female. One aggressive and stubborn, the other soft-hearted and gentle.
Somehow, they got along well despite the differences in personalities.
He was her everything. Her friend, her playmate.
Her brother.
She was hi...
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𝕮𝖍𝖆𝖕𝖙𝖊𝖗 𝕾𝖎𝖝
"Kanao, Kimiko!"
Shinobu was heard calling for her two tsugukos around sunset, the sun was gradually sinking, the sky exploding into shades of blue and pink and pastel, as the Hashira stood at the entrance of the Butterfly Mansion, waiting for the two with her sword strapped to her belt.
""Shinobu-sama."" The two girls greeted.
"Your first mission accompanying me." Shinobu explained briskly, "The mission is at Mount Natagumo, where reports of several demons, led by one of the Twelve Kizuki, there. You two are to stay close to me, and follow my commands with no question. If you encounter any demons, kill unless orders from higher-ups are given."
Her two tsugukos bowed silently, and Shinobu continued.
"We've had reports that a class of heroes-in-training have been staying there and training for several days. If it is indeed true and they are still there, try your best not to engage with them. Or the better, avoid the area altogether. If you are forced to communicate to them, you must not reveal information of the Corps unless orders are given. Understood?"
""Understood, Shinobu-sama.""
"Let's go, then. It takes us a while to get there."
Kimiko spoke abruptly as they set off, her hand tucked deep into her pocket, where her coin probably was, "Shinobu-sama...I've asked Aoi to prepare food for once we return."
"Of course. I think all three of us would be eager for a snack."
It didn't escape Shinobu, nor Kanao that Kimiko had been looking a little more spirited these days. Gone was the cold, empty shell she hid inside...there was something not unlike a faint spark in her eyes. The 'spark' was inconsistent, but it was progress.
And then there was also the occasional staring-into-blank-space times, as well as the several occasions Shinobu caught Kimiko sighing to herself, holding her coin close. Even more shocking was the fact that Kimiko used her coin less now, as though someone had convinced her not to. All of those pointed toward one thing.
𝒦𝒾𝓂𝒾𝓀𝑜 𝓌𝒶𝓈 𝒾𝓃 𝓁𝑜𝓋𝑒.
🌺 🌺 🌺
"Right." Shinobu sounded brisk, and tenser than normal as they met up with the other Hashira assigned to the Mount Natagumo mission, "I will accompany Tomioka-san for now. Kimiko, Kanao. Here are your orders."
The two girls looked up, waiting.
"You two are to investigate the whole mountain. If you come across any demons, eliminate them immediately without hesitation. If you are unable to defeat them, retreat. You must not disobey these orders, understood?"
