(DISCONTINUED) 𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓 || Douma

𝙊𝙣𝙚

'𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐑𝐄𝐓'
By Yanyujii

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐍𝐄
IN THE BEGINNING

"YOU'RE DOING WELL, (Y/N)."

You chuckled lightly in agreement after finishing your training session with Kanae, who had that usual soft smile on her lips.
"Why thank you!" You bowed, resting your hand on your hip while you held your sword on the other; You had been training under Kanae's flower breathing technique while Shinobu would rather study medicine and poisons on her own time because she was too small to get rid of demons like everyone else.

Like Kanao, you were also an adoptive sister of the Kocho sisters after being found asleep behind a large oak wood tree in the snow. Although you vaguely remembered your past, you knew that your parents were gone. Gone under the hands of a filthy demon. You were extremely lucky to have been taken under Kanae's wing; having trained you with the breath of the flower and along with some useful knowledge when it came to defeating demons.

Kanae stepped closer to you and placed a hand on your shoulder. "You and Shinobu would make excellent pillars, I really hope to see you up there one day."

You smiled softly at her words before she decided to take her leave. She never really said anything about her work as the flower pillar, but she made it a promise to always come back to you and Shinobu.

"(Y/n)?"

You shot up from your seat from the voice that called out to you, snapping you back into reality. "O-oh, sorry, I didn't mean to startle you." Kanao apologized after stepping into your room. "No, don't worry about it at all." You chuckled nervously as you turned around to face her.

Unbeknownst to you, a single tear had rolled down your cheek and Kanao gave you a worried look. Surprised you failed to notice your own tear, you hastily lifted your sleeve up to wipe it away. You let out a shaky breath before resting your hands at your sides. "So, what did you come here to tell me?"

"I.. came here to let you know that Kagaya-sama would like to speak with you.."

Must be another assignment.

"Alright, thanks." You nodded before quickly exiting the room as Kanao watched you brush passed her. She knew you sometimes had reoccurring flashbacks about your dear sister Kanae and former flower pillar, but after working so hard up the ranks, you finally became a pillar and claimed the title of the flower pillar. It hurt at first, but the more you thought about it, it was more like you were honoring her legacy.

You awkwardly made your way down the gravel road to meet with the leader of the pillars, Kagaya.

You've been a pillar for a good three years now alongside with Shinobu who was the same age as you, while Kanao still trained under her, but after all these years, you were glad that she and Kanao managed to stay alive.

"Ah, (Y/n). Good to see you." Kagaya greeted once you entered the room. "Good afternoon, Kagaya-sama." You said, kneeling before him.
"I have an assignment for you." He began "I'm sure you'll be able to handle this specific one."

You kept silent, allowing him to elaborate on what sort of mission you'd be sent on. "You are assigned to go to Keashi village where there have been a sudden rise of missing persons. Apparently there have been no physical evidence of the disappearances, and are gone without a trace so it's safe to assume that this is the work of a demon."

You nodded, hands clenching on top of your lap. "An important thing to note is that we are not sure what this demon is capable of so please, be on your guard and be careful. We need you back alive at all costs." He finished, a condescending tone in his words. Although you knew he meant it in a way that he cared about your well-being, the other half of you felt like he was calling you weak. Of course, the breath of the flower didn't seem intimidating but it surely was beautiful when displayed on the battlefield; even so that most would stop and stare at the pink glow and flower petals from your sword.

"When do I leave?" You asked, eyes meeting his empty ones.

"Tomorrow morning at five. I wish you good luck, my child."

Your eyes peeled open the moment you awoke, the cold air and the sound of birds beginning to chirp told you that it was time to leave for Keashi village. After getting up you changed into your uniform, and put on your socks until suddenly there was a feint knock on the door. "Come in." You spoke and the door creaked open to reveal Shinobu and Kanao. You raised your eyebrows and stood up to greet them "What are you guys doing here?"

Your two sisters shared a look before approaching you. "I wanted to give you this," Shinobu replied, handing you a small pouch, "it has the poison I use on my blade, I thought it might come in handy."

You gave her a smile and thanked her while Kanao simply bowed respectfully and quietly like she usually was.

"Just be careful and come back alive."

"Thank you but, what's the occasion? You've never done anything like this on my other missions." Shinobu stepped closer to you, her hand resting on your shoulder. "It's the same day that she left us." Your eyes widened slightly. How could you forget that fateful day that Kanae never returned and was pronounced dead.

"...right." You breathed out, keeping your head hung low but Shinobu gave your shoulder a light squeeze. "Just promise us you'll come back, and don't break that promise."
You raised your chin up, a determined look on your face.

"I promise."