Demon Slayer ~ The Nova Hashira

Chapter Four: Deadly Mistake

The warm evening air brushed against Hikari’s face as she walked through the streets. Currently she was going to see Kyojuro off on a mission, he had told her he planned to stop at a ramen shop before leaving. Hikari had thought about joining him, although assumed he was capable enough on his own.

She walked up to where he said he’d be, it was a small ramen shop and made Hikari smile a little as she entered. Sure enough she immensely saw his fiery red hair and walked up to him, he had clearly finished several bowls and was sitting at a two person table.

“UMAI!” She heard the familiar call of Kyojuro when he was eating, she took a seat across from him and he looked up at her. “Hikari!”

“Hi Kyojuro!” The Nova Hashira gave a bright smile to him and he returned it. “Is the food here good?”

“Definitely!” He gave an approving nod and turned to the counter. “Excuse me, can I get a bowl of this ramen for her and another one for me?” The chef nodded and Hikari felt a warm feeling in her chest at him getting her something.

“You really didn’t need to buy me anything.” She told him, leaning back into her chair and crossing her arms, although her tone was more of slightly guilty, not angry or annoyed.

“No no! It’s fine.” He insisted and Hikari sighed with a smile.

“You’re too nice for this world Kyojuro, I swear you fell from the heavens themselves.” She placed her head in her hand. “I heard you were going for a mission regarding the Mugen Train?”

“That’s right! There have been many people going missing on the train!” He explained as the smell of broth and noodles reached Hiakri’s nose, making her mouth water a little. “I’ve been sent in to deal with it.”

“Well I wish you the best of luck! I’m sure you’ll have the demon shaking in their boots.” Hikari joked a little as their food was placed in front of them.

“Thank you very much!!” Both of them told the man at the same time before digging in. The meatyness of the broth and the taste of the noodles and seasoning reached her taste buds and she hummed happily at how good it was.

“UMAI!” Kyojuro yelled and Hiakri nodded in agreement as she ate. After a few minutes both of them had finished and Hikari glanced outside at the darkening sky.

“Looks like night’s fallen. I suppose I should get out of your way now.” Hiakri gave a small sigh as she stood up. Kyojuro nodded and stood up as well. The two shared an embrace and then Hikari got a terrible feeling in her gut, like something bad was going to happen, and she tightened her hold on Kyojuro for a split second before letting go.

“You okay, Hikari?” He asked, having felt her tighten her grip as if she had been scared to let him go. She looked up, surprised he had picked up on it.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” She sighed, looking away and hugging herself. “I just got… a bad gut feeling, you know?” Kyojuro placed a hand on her shoulder and she looked at him.

“Don’t worry! I’ll be careful.” He promised and Hiakri gave a small smile, he pulled her tight for another hug and she placed her head on his shoulder, refusing to let him go for a little while. She eventually let go, feeling cold without him, her terrible gut feeling staying.

“Please do.” She sighed and with that the two parted ways. Why can’t I shake the feeling something bad is going to happen? No. It’s fine. Kyojuro is a fellow Hashira. Nothing bad is going to happen… right?

She tried once again to shove the thought out of her mind as she walked through the dark streets, the night air cold in her lungs. She just kept on praying that it would be alright, she could’ve gone with him… but she also had something else she needed to get done before that. I need to learn to control the fifth form better. She had recently received a letter from her sister…