The Crystal's Whisper and The Wind's Embrace

Chapter 11: The Space Between

Tsukiyo stood in the courtyard, her blue Nichirin blade glinting in the sunlight. "Another mission today, huh?" Tsukiyo sighed, adjusting the strap of her blade.

"Seems like it, I had one too." Hiroshi responded, approaching her with his Nichirin sword in hand. "Looks like we're not partnered up again."

Tsukiyo nodded, "Seems like we haven't been on quite a number missions together recently."

Three years had passed since they became Demon Slayers. Tsukiyo's success in numerous missions had earned her promotions in rank, now holding the title of Hinoe. Hiroshi, on the other hand, was still a Tsuchinoto.

Hikari, noticing their advancements, approached them one day. "Tsukiyo, Hiroshi, you both have been doing well. Hopefully it might soon be time for one of you to take over my position as the Crystal Hashira."

Tsukiyo replied modestly, "I'm just doing my best on each mission, and working hard on improving further. I couldn't have done it without your guidance and Hiroshi's assistance."

Hiroshi, however, looked pensive, his gaze a mix of determination and concern. "I appreciate the sentiment, Hikari-san. I know I've got my own pace. I'll get there."

Hikari glanced at Hiroshi with a hint of worry, "I hope so, Hiroshi. You've been pushing yourself hard lately. Remember, your health should be your priority as always."

"Hiroshi-nisan, you need to be healthy to protect the others. If you need to take breaks to recover, I can cover your missions! I've noticed you've been coughing more these days," Tsukiyo added, her worry evident as she saw him over-exerting and overworking himself.

Hiroshi responded with a smile, "Thanks for your concern. I know to take care of my health, so you two don't need to worry." Yet, beneath his smile, Hiroshi felt a rising frustration towards Tsukiyo. This irritation had been growing for some time, and he couldn't quite shake it off. Was it jealousy? Jealousy towards his long time sister-like friend? How could he feel this way?

(Hiroshi's flashbacks)

During a challenging mission to exterminate a powerful demon terrorizing a local village, Hiroshi found himself paired with Tsukiyo once more. As they journeyed through the eerie forest, Hiroshi couldn't help but notice how effortlessly Tsukiyo managed her techniques and how her strategies were increasingly effective.

At one point, they encountered a formidable demon that emitted a paralysing mist.

"This mist is paralysing!" Hiroshi exclaimed, struggling to move within the dense fog.

Tsukiyo swiftly analyzed the situation and employed her Crystal Breathing techniques. "I'll clear the mist! Cover me, Hiroshi-nisan!"

With a powerful swing of her blade, she dispersed the mist, allowing them to engage and defeat the demon without further complications.

"That was impressive, Tsukiyo," Hiroshi said, a mixture of admiration and frustration evident in his voice.

"Thanks, Hiroshi-nisan. We make a good team," Tsukiyo replied with a smile, unaware of the envy growing within her friend.

The incident acted as a catalyst for Hiroshi's burgeoning jealousy. Coupled with the whispers from other demon slayers about Tsukiyo's prowess, Hiroshi felt the weight of his own stagnation press heavily upon him.

During a brief break, Hiroshi confided in Tsukiyo, "I've been feeling stuck lately, Tsukiyo. It's frustrating to see how far ahead you've come."

"I understand, Hiroshi," she replied gently. "We all progress at our own pace. You'll get there eventually as well, as you have been working hard. We all see that."

However, Hiroshi's thoughts were already clouded, and he couldn't help but feel resentful of Tsukiyo's rapid ascent.

While deep in his thoughts, Tsukiyo was parting ways with Hiroshi for their respective missions. As Hiroshi watched her go, his smile fades as he grappled with his conflicting emotions. The path ahead seemed clouded with uncertainty, and the once clear bond between them now felt strained. The competition was there, but so was the bond of family and shared purpose.

As they set off in opposite directions, the courtyard felt emptier, the space between them seemed to be a tangible thing to Hiroshi, heavy with words left unsaid and feelings unexpressed.