Stone and Shadow

Chapter One

Himari Ubuyashiki knelt on the edge of the terrace, a scattering of crows gathered around her like shadows come to life. With gentle motions, she tossed small morsels of rice towards them, each crow cawing in appreciation as they snatched the grains from the air. The early morning sun bathed the courtyard in a golden hue, casting a serene atmosphere over her humble home.

"Good morning, my friends," Himari greeted them, her voice carrying a light-hearted melody. "Did you sleep well, my darlings? Here, I brought you breakfast."

Known throughout the Demon Slayer Corps as the Raven Mistress, Himari was revered for her vital role in managing the crows. What most members didn't realize was that she also managed the considerable wealth of the Ubuyashiki family and handled the Corps' finances with meticulous precision. Though her responsibilities were weighty, she approached them with a gentle dedication that endeared her to both humans and birds alike.

As she fed her feathered companions, her thoughts turned to more personal matters. At twenty-three, Himari had always been deeply committed to her role within the Ubuyashiki household and the Corps. Yet, a quiet longing stirred within her—a desire for a family of her own, for a life beyond the walls of her family's mansion.

She glanced at the small framed photograph tucked into her pocket—a picture of her nephews and nieces, whom she rarely had the chance to visit. Despite her deep love for them, her duties often kept her bound within the mansion's confines, attending to matters both mundane and critical.

Just as she was lost in her thoughts, a large crow swooped down gracefully and perched on the railing beside her. It cawed softly, holding out a small scroll tied to its leg. Himari smiled and gently untied the message, her heart skipping a beat when she recognized the intricate handwriting of her brother, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, the current head of the family and leader of the Demon Slayer Corps.

"To think Kagaya would send a message through a crow," she mused aloud, unrolling the scroll.

The message was brief but urgent: "Himari, please come to the mansion at once. There is an important task I wish to discuss with you."

Curiosity piqued, Himari wasted no time in preparing herself. She exchanged her casual robes for more formal attire and donned a mask, partly to maintain the family's tradition of secrecy but also to conceal her striking resemblance to Kagaya. With every step towards the mansion, her heart raced with anticipation, wondering what task her brother deemed important enough to call upon her personally.

Meanwhile, Gyomei Himejima knelt before Kagaya Ubuyashiki, his eyes respectfully lowered as he awaited his Master's words. The room was quiet, filled only with the soft rustle of paper and the faint scent of incense.

Kagaya, seated serenely on his tatami mat, spoke with a voice that carried both wisdom and a hint of melancholy. "Gyomei," he began, "there is something important I must reveal to you."

Gyomei inclined his head slightly, his brow furrowing in curiosity. "Please, Kagaya-sama, speak as you will."

With a gentle nod, Kagaya motioned towards the door. "You will meet my younger sister shortly."

Gyomei's heart skipped a beat at the revelation. His thoughts raced, emotions swirling within him like a stormy sea. This was news to him.

Upon her arrival, Himari was led to a grand chamber where Kagaya awaited her. To her surprise, another figure stood beside him—a tall, imposing man whose presence seemed to radiate strength and tranquility. Himari's breath caught in her throat as she recognized him instantly: Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira.

Kagaya smiled warmly, gesturing towards Gyomei. "Himari, this is Gyomei Himejima, one of our most esteemed Hashira. Gyomei, meet my younger sister, Himari. She is responsible for the finances and takes care of the crows."

Gyomei turned towards her, his blind eyes softening as he listened to her voice. "Lady Himari," he greeted her respectfully, his deep voice resonating through the chamber.

Himari felt a rush of surprise and something else—a flutter of admiration she had kept buried deep within her heart. Gyomei, despite his intimidating appearance and stoic demeanor, had always held a special place in her thoughts since the day she had intervened to secure his release from prison.

"Gyomei Himejima," she replied with a gentle smile, "it's an honor to finally meet you in person."Gyomei's brows furrowed slightly in confusion. "Have we met before?"

Himari chuckled softly, realizing he didn't recognize her from their brief encounter years ago. "Perhaps not formally, Himejima-san. But I was there when you were released. I spoke to the guards on your behalf."

Understanding dawned on Gyomei's features. "Ah, I see. You were the one who showed me kindness that day." His expression softened, a faint smile gracing his lips. "Thank you, Lady Himari. Your compassion did not go unnoticed."

Himari felt her cheeks warm at his gratitude. She hadn't expected such a genuine response from Gyomei, whose reputation for strength and discipline preceded him.

Kagaya had always possessed a keen insight into the hearts of those around him, a gift honed through years of leadership and profound spiritual awareness. As he observed them, he sensed the subtle currents of attraction and connection between Gyomei and Himari. Kagaya couldn't help but smile.

"Gyomei," Kagaya spoke, his voice carrying a weight of authority tempered with compassion, "there is a mission that requires your immediate attention."

Gyomei inclined his head, his expression unreadable yet attentive. "I am ready, Kagaya-sama. Please, tell me what is required."

Kagaya's gaze shifted to Himari, a subtle knowing gleam in his eyes. "There have been reports of a demon lurking in Tokyo—a cunning creature that preys upon women with fair skin, long black hair, and lavender eyes."

Himari's breath caught in her throat as she realized the implications of Kagaya's words. She fit the description perfectly.

"It's imperative that we draw this demon out," Kagaya continued, his voice steady as he laid out the details of the mission. "Himari's presence will serve as bait, while Gyomei will be tasked with confronting and eliminating the demon."

Gyomei's brows furrowed slightly, a protective instinct stirring within him at the thought of Himari being used as bait. She is an important member of the Ubuyashiki household. However, he trusted Kagaya's judgment implicitly and knew the necessity of their roles in this dangerous game.

Himari, though apprehensive, straightened her posture and met her brother's gaze with unwavering determination. "I will do whatever is necessary, Kagaya-nii-sama."

Kagaya nodded approvingly. 

"Lady Himari," Gyomei began, his voice a deep rumble filled with quiet intensity, "I will ensure your safety. This demon will not lay a hand on you."

Himari met Gyomei's gaze with gratitude. She knew the risks involved but also understood the necessity of their plan to lure out the elusive demon. This was the least she could do for the Corps.

"Thank you, Himejima-san," Himari replied softly, her voice tinged with resolve. "I trust in your strength and courage."

************

Himari's heart raced as she made final preparations for their journey to Tokyo. The prospect of working closely with Gyomei Himejima filled her with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She couldn't deny the admiration she held for him.

As she adjusted her travel attire and gathered the necessary supplies, Himari couldn't help but reflect on the significance of this mission. To be chosen alongside Gyomei, to work side by side with someone she had silently admired from afar, felt like a twist of fate she hadn't dared to imagine. Perhaps her brother knew about her secret crush on the Stone Hashira, but she knew Kagaya would always prioritize his duty as the Master.

Meanwhile, Gyomei Himejima's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as he made his final preparations alongside Himari Ubuyashiki for their journey to Tokyo.

Himari Ubuyashiki—the Raven Mistress, as she was known in the Demon Slayer Corps, but also his savior. He couldn't deny the sense of honor that came with being chosen for such an important task alongside Kagaya's younger sister, whom he had known only in passing before today. He can already tell that she's a wonderful woman.

Gyomei felt a surge of determination to protect her at all costs.