~Nobody Else~ { M. Tokito}

Chapter 29 ~ Promise

Things have been better ever since the ordeal in the village. Atsumi, Mitsuri and Muichiro were all good after two days of rest.
Atsumi was feeling extra giddy right now, excited to tell someone about her achievement of killing her fiftieth demon last night. No one was at home when she arrived. Though another letter had arrived from Fumiko. This was the second day in a row that they've been exchanging messages. Atsumi owned the paper up and read the message. Words of wishes to meet again, to take a break from work and relax for a while. The process of relocating the village was difficult for the swordsmiths. Fumiko understood the task, of course, and helped out, but his lack of energy was evident. Atsumi felt for him, but what she really wanted was to be with him again. The short time they spent getting to know each other sure brought them together, and there were many more things she would like to tell him.

There's a demon in a range of mountains north that's been killing villagers, and Atsumi is not at all looking forward to any of it. She's headed in the direction with a light jog when Muichiro shouts her name out of the blue and comes after her. The boy's hair bounced and he waved at her while wearing a goofy smile.
God, he's adorable, she thought.
They've been friendly with each other ever since the aftermath of the two upper moons' defeat. Something about regaining his memories? Either way, it was nice not feeling the need to avoid him anymore.
"Hey. How you doing?" He asked. "Does your leg feel better?"
"My leg is fine, thanks. Shinobu said it's completely healed now, so I should be good."
He nodded. "I still think it's crazy how you managed to get stabbed by a rock."
It was you, you goofball.
"Where are you going right now?"
"A mission. Oh! I just remembered something. I'm having dinner with my family in a couple days. Do you wanna join me?"
The young pillar's face lit up at the invite. "Really? You mean it?"
Atsumi nodded, giggling at his reaction.
"Of course, that sounds great. I'll see you in two days then, Atsumi."
"Right. I look forward to it."

• • •

"Atsumi. Didn't you say you had a guest coming?"
Atsumi carried two bowls to the table and placed them at the center. "I did, mom. It's Muichiro, remember? The Mist Hashira."
Miyu placed more bowls down. "Oh, that's right."
Let's just hope he didn't forget, haha."
And just like that, a knock. Her dad went to see who it was and came back with Muichiro. "Here he is," said Isui.
"Hi." Muichiro went and gave Atsumi a hug she didn't expect.
"Hey. We're setting up right now. You can sit over there."
He saw the bowls and utensils her family was handling. "No, I'll help out."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course." He approached Kane and she took him into another room to get the dishes and show him where they went.
Sora showed up a few minutes later. Atsumi and Kane expected him to make things awkward with Muichiro there, but he was neutral. They shared a nod but didn't speak with one another. That must've been a good sign; Sora didn't look bothered by his presence. In fact, the two even sat right beside each other on the same side of the table. Things we're going well.
Atsumi gave it some time before sharing with everyone her new achievement.
"So," Muichiro turned to Atsumi. "Did you tell anyone else yet?"
This grabbed everyone's interest.
"What's that?" Isui asked.
"Lemme guess, you got a boyfriend?" Kane teased her sister.
Atsumi rolled her eyes. "No, Kane, it's not that. I killed my fiftieth demon yesterday."
Miyu's eyes widened. "Wait, so that means . . . you're a pillar now? Sort of?"
"I guess so. Is that right?"
Muichiro nodded.
"Wow, that's amazing", Isui exclaimed. "I know that the others are very proud of you now, just as we all are." He looked at her sympathetically.
Atsumi looked down at her food, shutting her eyes to hold her years back. "Thank you, dad. That means a lot."

• • •

Sora ate in silence; he didn't engage much in the other table conversations. He was too lost in thought. Everyone knows that Atsumi isn't all that strong. But she's quick and has sharp reflexes, that's how she's killed so many demons. At one point Muichiro brought up something that piqued his interest. He mentioned that the Hashira are currently planning for special training sessions to prepare for a battle that's growing close. All the pillars and lower ranks would have to participate, and this scared him.
No. Atsumi can't do this. I can't have her die that way.
He leaned in and whispered in Muichiro's ear to meet him outside in a minute. He excused himself, got up and walked out the house. He stood under the night sky for a minute before heading footsteps behind him.
"You wanted to talk?" Asked Muichiro. "Is something wrong?"
Sora closed his eyes. "It may be. I hope not."
"Is it about Atsumi?"
". . . Yeah. It is." He opened his eyes and looked at him sternly. "She can't become a Hashira. And I refuse to let her be a part of this last fight against Muzan."
Muichiro lowered his gaze. "You're right." He didn't come off how Sora thought he might have. His expression was serious, sincere. "She told me the news earlier today. I've been thinking about it ever since, and not in a good way."
"Of course she did. You're probably her second best friend after Mitsuri. Or Kane, I don't know."
"Oh trust me, I'm definitely in third place."
They both looked, and Kane was already standing behind them leaning against the tall. Her quiet approach caught them off guard.
"Kane, we–"
"I know, it's a 'private' conversation. Except it's not. Atsumi is my sister, too. And honestly, I feel the same way you do." She walked closer and stood next to Muichiro.
Sora nodded. "Well I'm glad we're all on the same page. I mean, come on. I think we all know that Atsumi isn't the strongest demon slayer. She's quick, and that's how she's gotten to this point. Am I doubting her? Yes, I am a little. But I care enough to try and dissuade her from throwing her life away when I know it's not what she truly wants. You guys understand my point, right?"
The two nodded their agreement.
Kane looked over her shoulder. "I'm gonna head back inside. But someone's gotta tell her, and soon."
"Why don't you do it?" Said Muichiro. "You're her sister, so she'll probably listen to you better."
"I bet you're right, but Sora is more persistent than me. If she says 'no' more than two times, I won't keep pushing it. See you inside."
Sora sighed. "Guess I'm gonna tell her, then." He looked more at Muichiro, stepping closer to him. "Hey, you care about Atsumi, right?"
"I do."
"Thought so. I'm not gonna have you tell her, I'll do that on my own. I just . . . wanted to thank you again for saving her. I heard you guys almost drowned? I don't know what I would've done if she had died—if I hadn't gotten the chance to even try to save her and she died because of that.
"But what I really wanted to ask you was . . . could you do me a favor?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Could you keep an eye on my sister for me? Please? I know you'll be busy working with the lower ranks, but I'll be too busy training." Sora places both hands on his shoulders. "I need to know that she stays safe. So whenever you're free, okay? Will you do that for me?"
Muichiro gave him a curt nod. "Definitely. I'll do my best to keep her safe, I promise you that. And not just you, but your whole family."
And to think you didn't favor him much before.
Sora pulled him in for a hug, patting his back like an older brother. "Thank you so much. Let's go back inside now."
He followed the pillar inside. The second they entered the room and sat at the table, Sora could  taste the tension hovering over their food. And he knew that Muichiro felt it, too, based on his face. He shot Kane a questioning look, but she just shrugged her shoulders. He opened his mouth to ask what the issue was, but decided otherwise. They carried on with the dinner in silence, with each one of them glancing Atsumi's way.
What happened while we were gone?

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