The Shadow Hashira - Tengen X Reader X Sanemi

30

I woke in a place bathed in warm light, a familiar comfort mixed with a sense of surrealness. The memories of the fight flickered like a film reel in my mind, but as I blinked, trying to shake the remnants of darkness, I realized I wasn't in the battlefield anymore. I wasn't in Tengen's arms either.

Where was I? I pushed myself up, wincing at the sharp pain radiating from my side. My breath caught as I took in the room—a serene space filled with the scent of incense and soft pillows. Had I returned to Oyakata-sama's residence? Memories of my childhood flooded back, memories I thought I had buried.

Just then, the door creaked open, and my heart leaped. Oyakata-sama entered slowly, leaning on his wife for support. His face bore the marks of battle, but there was a strength in his eyes that radiated love and pride. My mother, her gentle smile reassuring despite the bruises, followed close behind.

"Y/N," Oyakata-sama said softly, his voice filled with warmth. He took a step closer, but his injury made him falter slightly. A primal urge to rush to him flared within me, but the pain in my body reminded me of my limits.

"Stay down, my child," he urged gently, noticing my struggle to rise. "You've fought bravely. Your wounds need tending."

I forced myself to lie back down, my heart heavy with concern. "What happened?" I croaked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Oyakata-sama's gaze softened, the gravity of the battle reflected in his eyes. "You did your duty, even when it wasn't easy. You stepped in when others might not have. I could not be prouder of you, Y/N."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes, a mixture of relief and gratitude flooding through me. "But... I disobeyed orders. I wasn't supposed to interfere," I whispered, guilt clawing at my chest.

He shook his head gently. "Sometimes, the heart knows what must be done, even when the mind hesitates. You acted to protect those you care for." He paused, his expression becoming more serious. "Your strength is a beacon for us all, Y/N. Remember that."

My mother stepped forward, her hand resting on my shoulder. "You've grown so strong, my child. You carry the weight of your past, but you must also embrace the strength that comes from it. Oyakata-sama loves you, and so do I."

As their words washed over me, I felt a swell of emotion that made the pain fade momentarily. They were proud of me. Even amidst the chaos, I had found my place in this family. "I thought... I thought I might lose everything," I admitted, my voice trembling.

"You didn't," Oyakata-sama replied, his eyes fierce yet tender. "You fought with everything you had, and you returned to us. That is what matters most."

I lay back, absorbing his words, the weight of them grounding me. Despite the injuries, I could feel the love surrounding me, a warmth that seeped into my bones. I would recover, I would fight again, and I would continue to honor the family that had taken me in when I had lost everything.

But above all, I knew I needed to find Tengen. I had to see him again, to assure him that I was still here, still fighting alongside him.

Oyakata-sama's gaze shifted slightly, as if sensing the direction of my thoughts. "You're looking for Tengen, aren't you?" he said, his voice steady yet gentle.

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. "Is he okay?" The words felt heavy, laden with concern.

"He is being treated at the Butterfly Estate," he reassured me, a soft smile gracing his lips. "Nezuko and the others are tending to him. He fought valiantly, Y/N. Just as you did."

Relief washed over me, yet a pang of sadness lingered. I had fought to protect him, but seeing him injured as well twisted my heart in knots. The thought of him collapsing beside me, of him exhausting himself to save me, weighed heavily on my conscience. "He shouldn't have pushed himself," I murmured, the guilt flooding back. "I shouldn't have let him..."