*ON HOLD* Natsumi Hara never thought he would ever love anyone other than his little brother. Sure, he cared about many people and always had a smile on his face. But that was until he met two souls over his years of being a demon slayer.
sanegiyuu...
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CHAPTER ONE - THE MOONS WITNESS
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THE MOON CLIMBED HIGHER IN THE SKY, its silvery light casting long, wavering shadows across the landscape. Natsumi Hara moved with a determined purpose, his small but strong frame carrying his younger brother, Hanae, through the darkness. The weight of Hanae's fragile body pressed against him was a constant reminder of the urgency and importance of their flight from the village.
Hours passed as they trudged through the uneven terrain, the ground beneath them shifting from rough gravel to soft, damp soil. The forest's trees loomed like silent sentinels, their branches swaying in the wind and occasionally creaking in a way that set Natsumi's nerves on edge. Each sound was a potential threat, a reminder that the danger they had fled from might still be lurking nearby.
Natsumi's breath came in heavy, labored gasps. He was exhausted, but the thought of stopping—of resting—was unacceptable. Hanae's life depended on him, and the demon that had decimated their family was still out there. The night air was cool and crisp, but it did little to soothe the heat of determination burning in his chest.
Hanae stirred occasionally, his small hands clutching at Natsumi's shirt as if to anchor himself in the midst of the turmoil. Each time Natsumi felt Hanae's grip tighten, he would murmur soothing words, trying to provide comfort even as his own strength waned.
"Hold on, Hanae," Natsumi whispered. "We're going to find a safe place. Just a little further."
As the hours wore on, the forest began to thin out, giving way to a more open landscape. The dense trees and tangled underbrush gradually receded, revealing a wide, flat area that stretched toward a distant cluster of buildings. The glow of lanterns and the faint murmur of voices hinted at a settlement ahead.
Natsumi's heart leaped at the sight. Though he had hoped for a place to rest, the sight of the settlement was both a relief and a new source of anxiety. He quickened his pace, pushing through the fatigue, as the thought of finding safety for Hanae became his sole focus.
The settlement was a small district on the outskirts of a larger town, a place where the villagers lived in simple, utilitarian houses with sturdy walls and thatched roofs. The streets were quieter than Natsumi had hoped, and the homes were modest, but the presence of people and the warm light spilling from their windows provided a beacon of hope.
Natsumi moved cautiously, keeping to the shadows as he approached the district. He had no way of knowing whether the residents were friendly or if they would react with hostility to strangers arriving at such an hour. His primary concern was finding a place to rest without drawing attention.
As he navigated through the narrow streets, he spotted an old shed at the edge of the district. It was a dilapidated structure, its wooden walls weathered and its door hanging slightly ajar. The shed seemed to be unused, and Natsumi's keen eyes discerned that it might offer some protection from prying eyes.
