Lifetimes

- 13 Love -

It's been only a few days since the attack on the village. Plans to revitalize and move the wordsmith village had to be expedited. Once it turns to night, demons will come. There was no time to mourn the fallen. Demons wouldn't wait. The world will never stop turning, even when human lives are lost.  

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That day in the Ubuyashika Estate, an emergency pillar meeting was held. 

''Agh, I envy you guys, damnit. Why can't I bump into Upper Moons.'' The wind pillar groaned. 

''It's not like people bump into them all the time. But how are you doing, Kanroji, Tokitou?'' the serpent pillar added.  

''Oh! Yeah! I'm feeling a lot better!'' the love pillar exclaimed. ''I...Am not at full health yet.'' The mist pillar sighed. 

As the PIllars discussed, Amane Ubuyashiki enters the room, followed by Kiriya Ubuyashiki and Y/n.  ''I'm very sorry for the wait,'' Amane stated, before taking her place in front of the Pillars. Y/n walked off to the back of the room and stood silently, crossing her arms behind her back. As she does, the eyes of a certain pillar trailed after her. 

''For our pillar meeting today. I, Ubuyashiki Amane will be attending in place of Ubuyashiki Kagaya.'' the lady stated. ''Right now, the disease affecting our master Kagaya has gotten worse. He sends his apologies for being unable to attend this meeting in front of you all.

The aura in the room changed, it became dull and full of sorrow, making Y/n feel stressed. ''Understood, I will pray for Oyakata-sama's flickering flame of life to last a bit longer, even for just a day.and for you to stay strong, Amane-sama.'' The Stone Pillar said with a sorrowful tone.

The Meeting went on, discussing about the mysterious marks slayers can obtain. Amane went on, explaining about the mark and getting those who had obtained them to share how they did. 

''So, like, Back then, my body was like superrr light! and uhhh uhhhh...'' the love pillar started. ''It was like BADAMMM!  And DURRR and BUHADD! then my heart went BADUM BADUM! and my ears went SCREEE! and TINKLE TANKLE too!'' Mitsuri exclaimed in excitement. 

However, that causes everyone in the room to glance at the girl weirdly, not understanding a word she just said. Iguro sighed in embarrassment and covers his face with his hands. Y/n on the other hand, chuckled at her friend's excitement, glad that her spirits are high, even in these situations. 

After Mitsuri had excused herself, The Mist Pillar added. ''I wasn't aware of marks...'' 

''But looking back on the previous battle, I became aware that a number of things being different. If you fulfil these conditions, then maybe everyone can get these marks.'' Muichirou explained. 

''So let me tell you how it works now.'' 

[Serious battle music starts playing in the back]

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After everything was settled, the Pillars had planned out the future training, the Pillars slowly took their leave. After listening to the Pillar's proposal, Y/n felt a little terrified. Intense training sessions with the Pillars? Wouldn't that kill everyone even before the real fight? What if I'm not up to the standards... 

As she wonders, the girl found herself walking back to the same hill she often visits. The violet-eyed girl plopped herself down on the soft grass, leaning against a tree. ''I wonder what the Pillars would come up with.'' she sighs, staring at the passing clouds. 

''Could everyone obtain such marks? Or only PIllars could.'' she wonders, fiddling with a certain silver pendant with her finger. ''I believe anyone who works hard enough could obtain the mark.'' A voice rang beside her, shocking the girl. 

''For fuck sake! Where did you come from??'' Y/n exclaimed, seeing the Mist Pillar staring blankly at her by her side. ''I was looking for you and thought I did find you here,'' Muichirou explained, taking a seat next to the girl. 

''Things aren't going to be the same it is? Tokito-san?'' the girl questions.  ''Nothing is going to stay the same Y/n. Things change.'' the boy shrugged, gazing at the clouds. The pair sat silently at the foot of the tree, gazing at clouds. 

This has always been how their friendship worked, silent talks, staring into the sky, exchanging a few words or so. Even with that, they managed to develop a strong bond between them. Muichirou's mint eyes found it's way onto the girl. Silently, he admired her features. 

He gazed gently at her soft cheeks, cherry lips and beautiful eyes. So much about her has changed since he first saw her. She was no longer the helpless girl, taking care of the sick or injured. In his eyes, she became much stronger, she had grown so much strength during their friendship. 

He knew what she had gone through, gaining back his memories help to understand the girl better. He wishes to always be by her side, to be with her, to grow stronger with her, to fight along her side. To protect the one he loves. 

''Tokito-san?'' Y/n spoke, noticing her friend staring at her. The boy kept a cool face as a small blush swept across his cheeks...

''Y/n-san, I...Over the years of our friendship, I've noticed your growth and...and I wish to be a part of that. I want to grow stronger with you. I want to fight alongside you. I...I want to protect you. '' With every word, his tone got more and more passionate. His mint eyes stared deep into her violet ones. 

The girl sat there in silence, listening to her friend. Butterflies started to appear in her stomach as she tries her best not to blush. 

''Y/n, I know it might not be the right time now...but...'' 

Without another word, the boy leaned in, taking the girl's lips in his own. It felt like time froze. The soft contact of their lips shocked Y/n, However, she didn't pull away. The feeling of his lips on hers felt so familiar yet so foreign. Words couldn't describe the way Y/n felt. 

The kiss was short and sweet, but it felt like it lasted for an eternity. (not that she's complaining)

As Muichirou pulled away, his soft mint eyes gazed gently into her violet ones. Part of him was glad that he did it, another part was guilty he did. A giant blush swept across both of their cheeks as they continued to stare. None of them knew what to say. Until Muichirou spoke.

''I love you Y/n.''