For a moment, it was silent, until a gush of wind gradually became louder. The distant howls of an ongoing storm outside became recognizable. My vision of black slowly faded into warm tones of bright light. I struggled to open my eyes and was suddenly greeted with a beaming flare from a lantern on the bedside table. It was the only light source in the room as I assumed it was night time already. My head throbbed with a terrible migraine. What happened? I knew I blacked out, but what had occurred to me during the time I was unconscious? I turned to see a note and a cup of medicated water on the table. Carefully, I grasped the parchment of paper and read it:
"Lady Y/N, I hope you're doing okay. If you don't remember, you fainted. I stayed for a couple hours with you but I have to leave for hashira training now. Don't worry, they'd understand that I'm late. I'll make sure to tell Giyuu about what happened.
Get better soon, Kamado Tanjiro."
"'I'll make sure to tell Giyuu...'" I quietly repeated in my head. I then realized what that meant. Giyuu was going to know that I was here. That I still existed. That I'm still alive. Glancing at the window, I remembered that it was the middle of the night as it was pitch black outside. The rustling of the trees and the tapping of raindrops became more agile and lively. I decided to sleep on it so I blew out the candle in the lantern and I tucked myself back into the linen sheets of the bed.
Throwing on my Demon Slayer Corp uniform, I rushed for the door, wanting to leave the Butterfly Estate as quick as possible. The early morning sunshine gleamed in every room as I ran pass them. I could smell the freshly clean scent of my uniform that had just been in the laundry and I started to feel a sting of guilt for wanting to leave.
"Y/N..." I paused hearing the familiar voice, "... where are you going?".
I slowly turned around to see Aoi glaring at me, expecting a response.
"Oh, Aoi! Sorry... I have to leave for um... H-Hashira training as well!" I excitedly said trying to make up excuses.
"There's no need. I already informed the instructors that you wouldn't be able to make any sort of training. You need to rest." Aoi insisted.
I sighed, feeling more anxious than ever. I can't stay here. I don't want to see him.
I quickly came up with another lie, "I'm fine! I'm feeling much better today. Yesterday was just a minor setback.".
She raised her brow suspiciously. "I'm just trying to look out for you, Y/N. You know how much I care about you." She said sentimentally.
Feeling bad, I raised my head down. Maybe I should just tell her... Without warning, a crow's loud voice echoed throughout the manor. Both me and Aoi quickly sprinted outside to see what the fuss was about. "All demon hunters and anyone associated with the Demon Slayer Corp, please meet and gather at the bottom of Mount Akaishi! (--- note that this mountain isn't an official/canon thing)" the crow announced, flying with spirit. It then repeated again, "I repeat, please meet at Mount Akaishi!". Aoi grabbed the hands of the other assistants: Sumi, Kiyo, and Naho and nodded to me. I nodded back with determination and we all ran on the path to Mount Akaishi.
I knew very well that Mount Akaishi wasn't too far from the Butterfly Mansion so I was relieved. However, as I turned back to check on Aoi and the other assistants, the three little girls already had sweat dripping from their foreheads. Aoi appeared more serene than them, only panting a bit. I nervously smiled but the closer we got to our destination, the more worried I got. How important would this matter be if everyone in the Corp had to be called here for a meeting? It was a very odd thing to decide from the master, Ubuyashiki. Although, I'm sure it was necessary. Squinting out into the surrounding forest, in the trees I noticed other demon slayers running up the same direction. In less than a second, I could distinguish hundreds of demon hunters and associates scampering in the area. Finally, a red plank platform stood out in the distance, crowded with people kneeling. In the center of the stage was the master and his two eldest daughters beside him. Their unique faces and demeanor always stood out to me. As soon as we arrived, our knees hit the ground in a passionate respect. I glimpsed up to see who else was on the stage and I staggered with shock. That same shock that caused me to black out. My eyes widened as I saw a line of the current Hashiras stand before me on the platform. "All of the Hashira together..." a boy in front with short yellow hair of varying lengths, cutting off squarely at the ends, said with astonishment. He had a haori that consisted of white triangles and had a gradient from yellow to orange. I went back to observing the Hashiras and... there he was. Someone I never thought I would see again. Giyuu Tomioka. He stood leisurely, staring out into the crowd. My stomach tensed up. He still had those same emotionless sapphire eyes with an unimpressed glare. His muscular stature and pale complexion. And finally, that signature low ponytail. Suddenly, something clicked within me. Some sort of feeling. I realized that even though I was angry at Tomioka for lying to me all those years ago, I actually missed him. This mixed feeling slowly subsided and I remembered my life without Giyuu. I started feeling resentful again. He was my only friend growing up and we connected more than anyone... until he left without a trace. Abandoning me, because he quit becoming a demon slayer after final selection. Because he thought he didn't deserve to be a demon slayer. That jerk left me without a single goodbye, leaving me to wander this path alone. My face darkened from recalling all the bitter anguish. Look at him now, not only did he continue to become a demon slayer, he also became a pillar as well. I painfully resisted back tears as I continued to bow my head in silence.
While the last few people settled into the area, Kagaya Ubuyashiki finally spoke. "My children, it is with pride that I announce that we are getting closer and closer to defeating Muzan Kibutsuji. We have already encountered a few of the Upper Moons, which is great progress but it will get even more difficult. This is why the Hashira Training you are participating in right now is vital and a good way to enhance your skills. Myself, and the pillars, expect great things from you all. Thank you." He finished saying with compassion. The respectful quietness continued to prolong. One of his daughters. Hinaki Ubuyashiki, stood out to the crowd and said, "Before everyone clears out, to the left here, you can see a lighted path. Beyond this path is a multitude of traps and obstacles that will help you train. It's also a minefield of captured demons. We require that the demon slayers present here, participate in this event. Including the Hashiras. Good luck." As people started getting up, half were going to the illuminated path and the rest leaving the designated area. This was like final selection. Then I realized that... I would have to do this training regimen with Giyuu actually nearby. I gulped. Would we encounter each other... face to face?
〜〜〜〜〜
hiya fellow human beings. yes i have finished chapter 2 and it may have been a lot to take in, idk >v< also, sorry if my writing has kind of went downhill this chapter-- online school has kinda messed me up a lit lol. hopefully you enjoyed reading this! remember if u want chapter 3 as soon as possible, all u gotta do is comment~~ thank u for the support!
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Giyuu x Reader ~ "Times Have Changed"
RomanceIt's been so long since you first saw him. He's a hashira now. That boy, one of Urokodaki's children. He survived Final Selection only because of Sabito. And you knew this because you witnessed it with your own eyes. My, my, oh how do the years pass...
