The Shadow Hashira - Tengen X Reader X Sanemi

24

I tightened my grip on the spear, feeling the weight of Urokodaki's words settle within me. My past, my losses, the pain I had fought to bury—all of it was woven into the shadows I wielded. I was forged from those memories, from every battle I'd fought and every doubt I'd overcome. But even so, this was my choice: to protect from afar, to remain unseen.

As I let the spear rest by my side, a clarity washed over me. Urokodaki had taught me to keep moving, no matter the pain. I'd done it before, and I could do it again. My feelings, no matter how intense, had to be set aside. They had no place in my mission. Even if it hurt, even if part of me longed to stay close to him, I needed to stay focused. The lingering connection between Tengen and me could unravel everything if I wasn't careful. I couldn't let that happen.

I took a steadying breath, the mountain air sharp against my lungs. This was my purpose—to be the shadow that held the line from the unseen. As much as I wanted to reach out, to let myself feel, I couldn't. I had to settle back into the comfort of my own darkness, my resolve hardening.

Once more, I would be the Shadow Hashira.

And with that, I slipped back into the night, letting the darkness envelop me. I could watch him from a distance, guard him without interference. I would carry this alone.

—-days leading up to inevitable battle—

The days blurred into one another, each moment a test of patience as I remained hidden in the shadows, watching Tengen and the others. Rumors swirled through the Demon Slayer Corps of a powerful demon terrorizing the entertainment district—Upper Rank Six, they said. Daki, known for her beauty as much as her cruelty, had turned the bustling streets into a stage of bloodshed. Her mere presence had sent shivers down the spines of even the most seasoned slayers.

I lingered in the dark corners of the district, ever vigilant. From my hidden vantage points, I watched as Tanjiro, Zenitsu, and Inosuke worked tirelessly to gather information. They questioned locals, piecing together tales of missing persons and ominous whispers in the night. Each fragment of their investigation felt like a step closer to an inevitable clash.

As night fell, the tension in the air thickened. The moon hung high, casting a silver glow over the district, illuminating the path ahead. I could feel the pulse of the night quickening, the atmosphere alive with anticipation. I knew what was coming, yet I remained shrouded in silence, the weight of my double-sided spear pressing against my back.

Tengen had been preparing himself, his vibrant personality dulled by the gravity of the situation. He would infiltrate the district with the others, and I could see the flicker of determination in his eyes as he briefed them. I wanted to call out to him, to remind him to be cautious, but my voice was lost in the shadows. My place was here—hidden, watchful, waiting.

The night wore on, and with each passing moment, I felt the world shift closer to a battle. I observed Tengen's interactions with his comrades, the bond they shared a flicker of hope amidst the impending danger. Yet the deeper I looked, the more I felt the shadows creeping back in, clinging to my heart. I couldn't afford to feel too much. Not now.

Finally, as the clock struck midnight, the atmosphere crackled with an electric tension. I felt it before I saw it—the unmistakable presence of a demon lurking nearby. The air chilled, and shadows lengthened unnaturally. I pressed myself against the wall of a nearby building, heart pounding, as I prepared to watch the chaos unfold.

The moment arrived. Daki made her entrance, graceful yet terrifying, her laughter ringing through the streets. I felt a chill race down my spine, but I didn't flinch. Instead, I focused on Tengen and the others as they positioned themselves for the fight. Tanjiro moved forward, determination etched on his face, while Zenitsu and Inosuke flanked him, ready to take on the demon.

My heart raced. This was it—the culmination of all their efforts, the battle I had known was coming. I could see Tengen, his demeanor shifting from playful to fierce as he readied himself for the confrontation. He drew his swords, the moonlight glinting off the blades as he prepared to protect his friends and face the demon head-on.

I fought to keep my breath steady, knowing that my place was still in the shadows. The battle would begin soon, and I could only hope that I could be there for Tengen without exposing myself. As the first clash rang out, I steeled myself, ready to watch over them as the fight began to unfold.

As Daki's taunting laughter echoed through the streets, I felt a storm brewing inside me. The tension was palpable, and as Tengen leaped forward to engage the demon, every fiber of my being screamed to join him. I had trained for moments like this, but my duty anchored me in place. I was to remain hidden, ready to intervene only if stray demons appeared or the situation became dire.

But each clash of steel against flesh sent a jolt of fury coursing through my veins. I watched as Tengen dodged Daki's attacks with fluid grace, his muscles flexing and rippling under the moonlight. He was a warrior in his element, and the sight was both awe-inspiring and torturous. My heart raced, and I could feel my grip tightening around the handle of my spear, the urge to rush in becoming almost unbearable.

"Stay calm," I whispered to myself, but it felt like a lie. With each hit Daki landed, each blow that sent Tengen staggering back, my body tensed, ready to spring from the shadows. It was painful to watch him fight—his determination shining through, yet the danger was all too real. I seethed in silence, fury bubbling beneath the surface as I watched my friend and protector take the brunt of the demon's wrath.

"You can't!" I wanted to shout, to warn him, but my voice stayed locked away. I could only grit my teeth, forcing myself to remain hidden. Tengen's strength was admirable, a testament to his skill and resilience. I knew he was capable, but the knowledge didn't ease the panic that clawed at my insides.

In moments of stillness between the chaos, I caught glimpses of his unwavering focus—his determination to protect those he cared about. And yet, every time Daki's blade connected with his skin, my heart dropped. I felt the familiar sting of helplessness, the knowledge that I had to stay back, even if it killed me inside.

I forced myself to breathe, each inhale a reminder of the duty I had sworn to uphold. I had to stay patient, to remain the shadow. It was my role to observe, to ensure the safety of those who fought—just not yet. I clenched my jaw as Daki lunged again, Tengen barely dodging in time. I could feel the frustration surging within me, yet I kept my ground, refusing to abandon my purpose.

But the weight of my emotions was heavy. I had trained to be strong, to endure, but this was different. It was agonizing to hold back, to remain a silent guardian while my heart yearned to fight alongside him. All I could do was watch and wait, hoping that when the time came, I would be able to protect him in the way he so desperately deserved.