Lifetimes

- 15 Protect -

After a few weeks of training with the Pillars, Y/n finally completed all the training, almost all. Right after she had finished her training session with the Wind Pillar, she has gotten an urgent message from Ubuyashika for her to return to the Ubuyashiki estate immediately. Fearing the worst, Y/n quickly packed up and left the Wind Pillar's estate, bidding him farewell before taking off. 

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In a day, Y/n has finally returned back home. Entering through the front gate this time, Y/n noticed a huge difference. The aura in the Mansion had gone completely quiet and swallow. Almost peaceful. ''Eh, are the guards dismissed?'' the girl thought, locking the gate before heading to Oyakata-sama's room. ''Something's wrong.'' the girl wondered, stalking her way through the halls.

''May I come in? It's Y/n.'' The girl stated, knocking at the wooden door of the room. Hearing a soft response, Y/n entered.  ''You've called for me Oyakata-sama?''

''Y/n...please sit... '' the man coughed, turning his head to face her. This time, the room only contained the two, it seems that he wanted to speak to her alone. The girl sat next to him, watching him closely with pitiful eyes.  ''Y/n, we don't have much time...Please fulfil your promise and protect my son and my two youngest...They're a hiding in a house, far behind the mansion... Go there now...Please.'' the man begged, smiling gently at the girl. 

''Oyakata-sama, what about you? Amane? Hinaki and Nichika??? What about you guys?'' the girl cried, she couldn't contain herself any longer. ''You're asking me to abandon you guys...I can't do that...'' She continued, tears bubbled up in her eyes, threatening to fall.

''Y/n...'' a soft whisper escaped through the man's lips. He weakly placed a soft hand on the girl's cheeks, comforting her.  ''Please stay strong. Kiriya, Kuina and Kanata need you. I need you to protect them. Please...'' Oyakata-sama coughed. 

Watching her 'father' in this state crushed her. Tears fell from her violet eyes, streaming down her cheeks. ''Stay strong Y/n. Pick your head up. I have faith in you...'' the man comforted, wiping her tears with his thumb.  Breaking down, the girl threw herself into his arms, hugging her 'father'. Silently, the man patted her back, allowing her to cry. 

''Thank you father...'' she whispered before pulling away and cleared her face of her tears. After composing herself, she gave the man a respected bow, mumbling ''I'll protect and ensure the safety of your children Oyakata-sama...'' 

Without another word spoken, Y/n stood up and left the room, leaving the man. As she walked through the hallways, she bumped into Amane. Y/n and Amane quickly exchanged farewells and a warm hug before Y/n took off into the distance. 

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The night quickly falls. The aura in the small building, housing Kiriya, Kuina, Katana and Y/n, changed to strong and determined. Uzui-san and Rengoku's father, both former pillars, came to assist the four. Tables were set in the middle of the room, scattered with papers and brushes at the ready. 

Paper stamped with eye markings are neatly placed at the of the desk. The Ubuyashikas were discussing on their mission, briefing each other on what to do. Y/n stood just outside the building. Her uniform neatly wrapped around her body, her blade polished, ready to slice any treat. Her haori flew gracefully with the night breeze. 

Her violet eyes scanned the surroundings carefully. After ensuring that they weren't being spied on or followed, the girl returned into the building. Everyone was setting up and getting ready for something big to start. ''Y/n.'' Kiriya smiled, approaching his friend. 

''Kiriya-san.'' the girl smiled back as her friend engulfs her in a warm hug. The pair cherished the short moment they had with each other before pulling apart. ''Do you're best Kiriya, The whole demon slayer corps is counting on you. And I know you can do it.'' the girl assures.  ''Thanks, Y/n-san. You stay safe.'' The boy smiled. 

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Midnight quickly came, the group silently waited for the signal. What if their plan wouldn't work out? What if Muzan out-smarted them all? Thoughts frantically rushed through Y/n's mind as she waited.  The demon slayers, as well as the Pillars, would need every single bit of help they could get. 

Suddenly, a loud thundering bang exploded from the distance. Y/n rushed to the doors, viewing the awful site. A large explosion erupted at the Ubuyashiki Mansion. A frown appeared on her face, determination lit up in her violet eyes. ''That's the signal, Uzui-san and Shinjuro-san please stay here an assist the leaders. I'm going over to help the Pillars.'' the girl ordered. 

''Stay safe Y/n!'' the group shouted. Y/n sprinted out of the building and through the woods, trying her best to reach the mansion. ''I hope I'm not late...'' the girl through as she jumped across to the rocky path. Her training with the Pillars really helps her to improve her skills. And now it's time to put them to the test. 

As the girl sprinted across the woods, a figure rushed towards her from the side. Being too fast, Y/n was unable to slow down and smashed headfirst into the figure. From instinct and adrenaline, Y/n got up and moved her hand to the handle of her blade, only to be stopped by a stronger force. ''Y/n it's me!'' A familiar voice rang. Y/n cleared her vision, clearing the fog, she was met with none other than Muichirou. 

''Muichirou...'' she whispered. 

''Listen, we don't have much time, I think you saw what had happened at the Ubuyashiki estate. I fear Oyakata-sama's live. We have to get there quickly. '' the boy stated with a serious tone, not letting go of the girl's hand. Y/n nodded, seriousness returning to her violet-eyes. ''Let's go then,'' she said, getting ready to run again. 

However, Muichirou's grip on her tightened, preventing her from moving. ''Muichirou?'' the girl questioned, confused at his actions. ''Y/n listen...I don't want anything to happen to you so please stay safe...'' the boy pleaded, worry hidden behind his mint eyes.  ''Only if you promise the same too...'' the girl added, looking into his eyes. 

''I wouldn't hesitate to sacrifice myself if it means the death of Muzan,'' Muichirou stated, clear of his words. ''Then I too can't promise the same Tokito...'' Y/n replied. She knows Muichirou would say that he would die if it means killing Muzan and protecting those he cared for. But, deep down inside her, she secretly didn't want that. 

She wanted to him to live, live a normal happy childhood, a normal life, with her. But she knows that very clearly, that wasn't the case. Without a second to lose, Muichirou leaned in and captured Y/n lips in his. 

The sweet and soft feeling returned as his lips laid peacefully on her. This time, she kissed back, yearning more of him. Their lips moved in sync with one another, a perfect fit. Both yearned for time to stop, for them to stay like this longer. Muichirou snaked his arms around the girl's small waist, pulling her closer into his embrace. While Y/n brought her hands up to rest softly on the boy's shoulders. Muichirou longs to hold her in his arms, to stay like this forever. However, in this world, not everyone could get what they want. 

Before the kiss could get more heated, Y/n pulled away. Their cheeks warm from their contact. Both their eyes priced into each other's, none of them had the strength to let go. 

''Stay safe Y/n... '' Muichirou whispered.  ''You too...'' Y/n whispered back, pulling away from the boy's grip. In a blink of an eye, the pair sprinted their way towards the Ubuyashika estate. 

Together. 

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