Solar Blade

Accomplished

"And what if I don't want your 'godly weapon'?" [Name] asks, their tone filled with defiance as they cross their arms, refusing to be intimidated.

"Oh? You're turning down such an offer?" Doma chuckles, a sly smile creeping across his face as he leans back against a nearby tree, clearly amused by [Name]'s boldness. His laughter rings out, echoing mockingly in the air as if the very notion of refusal has struck him as entertaining.

"What are you going to do about it?" [Name] shoots back, their voice steady but laced with an underlying tension. They stand their ground, positioning themselves as if challenging Doma to take the next step.

"Well, I could always rope Tanjiro into this. If you don't keep my sword, I could always subtly hint at the fact that you used demonic power to cut the boulder. What's he going to think when he smells those demonic scents wafting from your boulder, sword... and you?" Doma taunts, a gleam of mischief evident in his eyes. "My scent is quite strong, you know, and it's hard to get rid of by yourself," he threatens, his voice dripping with sinister pleasure as he watches [Name]'s expression shift from confidence to concern.

"You wouldn't," [Name] spat, frustration laced heavily in their words, realizing the potential consequences of Doma's cruel intentions. They felt a surge of anger rises within them, desperate to protect their brother at all costs.

"Oh, but I would! Who knows, maybe I'll kill him after that too!" Doma's chuckle deepens as if savouring the thought of sowing chaos. His amusement makes [Name]'s blood boil, their heart racing at the implication of violence against Tanjiro.

"Stop! I'll keep your stupid sword, just do not think about laying one of your fingers on my brother!" [Name] interjected fiercely, their voice rising in volume. The protectiveness they feel for Tanjiro flares up, igniting a sense of urgency to deter Doma from his wicked proposals.

"Good. Can I keep yours then?" Doma casually asks, the lightness in his voice contrasting sharply with the tension hanging in the air as if the mere idea of exchanging weapons is a trivial matter.

"Sure, but never use Tanjiro as a bargaining chip again. You got that?" [Name] responds, the resolve in their tone unmistakable. They can't shake the feeling of unease that lingers, but they refuse to let Doma know how much it affects them.

"Whatever you say. Oh, do you hear that? I hear footsteps. I think that's our little bargaining chip running towards us. That's my cue to dip out!" Doma chuckles, a wicked glee illuminating his features as he begins to fade into the surrounding bushes, melding seamlessly into the shadows.

"Come back here yo-" [Name] shouted, frustration spilling over as they reached out, but when they grasped at air-Doma, he was already gone, leaving no trace behind.

"[Name]? Are you okay?" Tanjiro's voice calls from afar, breaking through the tension as he approaches their location, completely unaware of the sinister exchange that just took place. He was just a moment too late, narrowly missing Doma's departure, and oblivious to the light of mischief still flickering in the wake of his presence.

𐙚˙⋆.˚

[Name] walked alongside Tanjiro, the rhythmic crunch of gravel beneath their feet barely masking the chaos within their minds. Too many questions circled like frantic fireflies, darting and buzzing, each one demanding attention. The pressure built behind their forehead, throbbing insistently, a painful reminder of Doma's grip still tightening around the strands of their hair. The ache was relentless, a stark contrast to the fleeting notion that if Doma were human, the pain would have likely faded by now, leaving only the echoes of confusion and fear. They paused for a moment, rubbing their temples in an attempt to alleviate the pressure as they pushed onward, body moving on autopilot while thoughts spiralled chaotically.

"Hey, [Name]? [Name], are you listening?" Tanjiro's voice cut through the haze, gentle yet firm, like a lighthouse beam piercing through a stormy night.

[Name] felt a jolt of realization ripple through them, their eyes widening as they recognized that Tanjiro had been trying to engage them in conversation, his voice echoing in the backdrop of their tumultuous thoughts. They blinked, feeling a warmth creep into their cheeks, a mix of embarrassment and the lingering effects of their earlier reverie.

"Uhm, sorry. I... uh, zoned out," [Name] responded, the words tumbling out clumsily as they tried to reorient themselves. They stole a quick glance at Tanjiro, hoping to read his expression and gauge what they had missed. The way he watched them, a blend of concern and patience dancing in his eyes, made their heart flutter unexpectedly, distracting them from the burden they had almost forgotten. The throbbing in their head faded momentarily, replaced by the warmth of companionship and understanding, a balm for their aching mind.

Tanjiro nodded his head. Thank goodness he hadn't seen Doma. Would he recognise him? As the doctor who saved [Name]'s eye and a customer he had met briefly? Tanjiro had only seen Doma on two occasions. As a baby and when he was selling charcoal. As they walked back, Tanjiro grabbed [Name]'s wrist, dragging them to the boulders.

"Tanjiro? Where are we going?" [Name] asks.

"I want to show you something,"

𐙚˙⋆.˚

Tanjiro led them to the boulder. [Name]'s hands flew to their mouth as they saw Tanjiro's stone cut in half. So he had done it, on his pure strength alone. This disheartened [Name]. They had only managed to do it with a bucketload of rage and Doma's... Blood Demon Art, whatever it was called.

[Name] still wrapped Tanjiro in a much-needed hug. As they rested their chin on his shoulder, Tanjiro spoke, "We can go to Final Selection Now! The both of us!"

"Yes, I suppose we can, brother,"

In truth, [Name] didn't feel like it was just the two of them going to Final Selection. They felt as if it was three people. They looked down to their scabbard. The three people were Tanjiro, themselves and Doma.

A/N

I feel like I made a comeback with these two chapters. Remember that last chapter called 'Shock' or something? Bleugh, I hated that one. Don't bother voting for it. But you can if you want to. Also, for clarification, [Name]'s blade sources its power from Doma's strength. Whenever they swing, it has the power and ferocity of an Uppermoon, Uppermoon 2 to be exact. But, the catch is that it leaves Doma's scent wherever it goes and each strike leaves behind frost.

Question: What is your favourite Breathing Style?

Taisho Era Secret: The blade that Urokodaki originally gave to [Name] has been thrown into a river