"Oneesan! There's so many sweets here, I don't know which one to try first! Or should we play games?" Senjuro's bright flame-colored eyes looked up at my own pale ones.

I couldn't help but laugh at the adorable look on his face. I turned towards Kyojuro and spoke, "Why don't you decide?"

Kyojuro looked at both Senjuro and I, a rather...serious look on his face. He quickly spoke, "Did both of you eat all of your dinner?"

"Don't act like Father, Anaki!" Senjuro's face turned red as he spoke out, "Of course we did! All of us ate together, don't you forget that! You pretty much were feeding Sumiko her food! What was that for?"

Laughter rang in the air, "You'll understand one day, and since Sumiko did eat everything...let's get dessert. I'm still hungry."

Senjuro ran towards the food carts, excitement in every step he took. I looked at Kyojuro and clicked my tongue, "I could have fed myself..."

"But moving you off of my lap meant that I wouldn't be as comfy, plus, you have the cutest face when you're eating. I bet you'll look even cuter when you're eating dessert."

"Shut up. I'm paying for dessert." I quickly started to walk ahead of him, but forgot that most of the roads were dirt here...and were very unstable. I was able to almost make it to where I saw Senjuro pointing, but tripped on a rock with my right leg!

I braced myself for the shattering of the apparatus, but...it never came. Instead, two arms wrapped around my waist, and I was pulled into someone's embrace. I looked behind me and saw Kyojuro, grinning. I was about to open my mouth to retort, but he quickly whispered, "This is what happens when you let go of my hand, little flame."

"Baka." I tried to wrestle out of his grip, but...that failed. I had completely forgotten- strength-wise, I was one of the weaker Hashiras. I could kill a demon, sure, but I had to really put my breathing style into use.

Kyojuro then finally let go of me, and as I was about to start moving forward, he grabbed my right hand. I turned towards him, and all he had to say was, "Now you're listening."

"I didn't have a choice now. Let's just...catch up to your brother before he flips a lid."

Senjuro was waiting anxiously by an ice cream cart. I took a deep breath of air and gasped at how sweet it seemed. I saw people holding little cones and cups as they either licked or ate some sort of solid-liquid with a spoon. The strange liquid was all colorful too. I couldn't help but get excited too.

Senjuro quickly grabbed my left hand, and started to pull me along, "This stuff is really good! It's like this Western treat thing, and it's cold and so sweet! Have you had it before?"

"Not at all. Let me grab my purse, and we'll have to try some together!"

Senjuro let go of my hand and as I started to reach for my purse, but Kyojuro grabbed the hand reaching for the purse and smiled, "Sumiko, it's my treat tonight."

"What did I say about dessert?"

"Save your money for something else."

"I just told you that-"

"You're not listening again." I couldn't help but roll my eyes as I grabbed Senjuro's hand once more, giving up on my attempt to get my coin purse. It wasn't long after that we were wandering around, holding these bowls full of this strange thing called ice cream. It was white in color...and it was freezing! Kyojuro smiled as he spoke, "Dig in, you two!"

Senjuro didn't even think twice about eating it in front of all of these people, and his smile...it wasn't fake or marred by Shinjuro-sama. He was truly happy. I carefully took some of this ice cream on my spoon and took a small bite out of it, and was pleasantly surprised at the level of sweetness. I couldn't help but smile either!

I guess Kyojuro saw us reacting to it, and started to laugh, "So, what do you think?"

I quickly swallowed it, "This is...amazing!" I started to eat it quicker, savoring the flavor, and thinking that if I ate more of it, the flavor would increase. Well, I finished it quickly, but was shocked when I felt this seering headache after the final bite! I groaned as I gripped onto the cup-why does this sweet have to hurt?!

Senjuro smiled at me, "Oneechan, you ate the cold stuff too quickly, and gave yourself a brain freeze. Anaki, why didn't you warn her?!"

Kyojuro smiled, "Sometimes, lessons need to be taught the hard way. I also forgot about it because..."

"Because?"

"I was too busy watching you two smile and be happy." Kyojuro rubbed my forehead with his thumb and smiled, "It will go away soon, just take it easy. No major rush, Suta."

When he did that...the pain went away. My eyes widen, and I just blurted out, "Did Shinobu-sama teach you that?"

"Teach me...what?"

"To take away that thing called a brain freeze!"

Kyojuro shook his head, "I was simply brushing away a few strands of hair. Now, once we're done with this, we'll go play some games. That way, if someone gets tired-"

"I'm not going to get tired! Besides, isn't there a fireworks show tonight?" Senjuro looked up at the sky, "You know, where they light up things and they make colorful stars that fade?"

"Will you be able to stay up that late?"

"I didn't take a nap today for no reason!" Senjuro quickly threw out his trash, "Come on, let's get going!" He then started to wander off to the games...without us...

I started to follow Senjuro to the trash, but my right hand was captured once more by Kyojuro's hand. I turned to face him, and was about to speak when his lips captured mine. I could feel my heart race as he broke it off, and all I heard was, "Your brain freeze should be gone by now. Let's go catch up to Senjuro."

We carefully walked to where all of the games were...and I couldn't help but notice people staring at us. My face started to heat up a bit as I was not used to this attention. After all, I tended to stay in the background on my jobs unless needed. I looked up at Kyojuro and whispered, "How did we draw the attention of everyone?"

Kyojuro looked around, and only waved at everyone. The hand that was holding my own gripped onto mine a little tighter as he replied, "Probably because my family is so well-known for being slayers. Plus, they've never seen me with anyone this close before."

"I'm betting Mitsuri-chan probably held your hand like this!"

"Not at all. She kept up with Senjuro for the most part. They were easy to keep an eye on, since they were always easy to find in crowds." He smiled softly as he looked ahead, "I often had to catch up to them. I now had two younger siblings to watch over instead of one. But with you-"

"Sorry I have to slow you down because of my injury." I sighed as I looked ahead, "I don't mean to at all-"

Kyojuro smiled at me, "You're not slowing me down at all. As I was saying, with you...I see someone who can help me mentor Senjuro in a way that a sibling can't. Not only that...but even though I know you're strong enough to fight your own battles, I still want to protect you from anything that could hurt you, and when you went down, I couldn't help but worry."

"I'm still standing, I just have to take things at a different pace compared to a Hashira's work load. Even if it is only one step at a time."

"I wouldn't want it any other way, Sumiko." He quickly kissed my hand, and this caused me to heat up even more. Flame-colored eyes met my own, and laughter filled the air, "Let's get going before Senjuro catches us. I don't feel like corrupting him."

I quickly gasped and smacked his arm, "Kyojuro! We're in public, so don't talk like that!"

Kyojuro grinned at me, "Better to speak my mind than hide it, besides, when you're looking like you are, I can't help it. I'm sure some of the whispers were from people who thought the same thing."

I shook my head as we started to walk towards the games again. This only caused Kyojuro to laugh even more, and I couldn't help but smile to myself too.

However, the good mood didn't last long, as we both heard an ear-piercing scream. Kyojuro's grip on my hand tightened as he spoke, "That sounds like trouble, hopefully, it isn't Senjuro. Wait here, okay? The hand that had held mine now was gripping onto a nichern sword, ready to fight.

All I could do was nod as Kyojuro took off towards the scream. People watched Kyojuro go off...while I felt useless. I couldn't fight anymore, like a Slayer should. I had to retire because of my injury.

However, once a Hashira, always a Hashira, so I started to look around for Senjuro. Senjuro...let's see, if memory serves me right, is about ten maybe? Kyojuro...he's around my age, so maybe Senjuro is a bit older? Well, he has to be old enough to cook and clean now. Then again...I remember when he was younger, and I had to help him out with a lot.

I smacked my hand to my forehead as I shook my head, "I don't have time to figure this out! Senjuro-kun, where are you?!"

I walked as quickly as I could through the games, and didn't see Senjuro anywhere. Usually, he would be looking at the goldfish game, but he knew better than the play that! His dad disliked any pet, no matter what! I next checked the shooting gallery- Senjuro wasn't there either. I know that the two of us would have a shooting contest for the largest prize, and I always let Senjuro win. He would always be so happy when he won. No matter how much his dad scolded him for the prizes he brought back...winning them was his pride and joy.

I decided to walk by a booth where children were carefully cutting designs out of cookies to see if he was there. I failed to see a tuff of flame-colored hair or a loud laugh, so I decided that it was best to return to the spot where Kyojuro and I separated. I had almost made it there when I heard a familiar voice yell out, "ONEECHAN, HELP ME!"

I looked around me, expecting to see Senjuro hiding somewhere, but...nothing. Just people mulling around the festival. I shook my head quickly to clear my thoughts, but as soon as I did that, I heard the same cry again.

I walked as quickly as I could over to the location, shouting, "Senjuro-kun? Where are you?"

I looked around me and noticed that I was starting to wander away from the festival, into a dark forest. I called out again, "Senjuro-kun? Can you hear me?"

"Sumiko, please run! This is a trap!" I looked in front of me and saw Senjuro tied up to a tree. I shook my head as I quietly approached him, and he started to yell out, "What are you doing, stop it!"

"I can't, Senjuro. Leaving you here like this-"

"Would be the perfect way for me to become an Upper Moon." I whirled around behind me and came face to face with a one-winged horned beast. In his hand, he held a katana, and it swirled with sheer power. His hands were gloved, and the only item of clothing he wore was a long pair of black boots, black pants, and some sort of haori that looked like it belonged to a Samurai. His eyes were bright green-a stark contrast from the darkness radiating around him. Hair that shined silver in the moonlight danced in the wind, making his darkness stand out. A gloved hand reached my chin, and I was forced to face those eyes as a smirk came across his face,"You fell right into my trap. Now the Hashira will have no choice but to fight me to get you two back-that is, if I don't bore of you before then." A thin, almost skeletal finger traced my cheekbone, "Then again...that Hashira made a good choice in selecting his chosen one. I'm sure you'll be a lot of fun to play with."

I jerked my chin out of his hand and growled, "You're not going to win."

"Oh? A Feisty woman? How entertaining. I had no idea that your type could be so strong."

I looked at Senjuro and saw that he had something on his hip-a katana. Not the same, but if I was able to grab that...we could stand a chance. I walked backward as I spoke, "Humans-we're resilient beings who train to no end to protect others. We have to be strong to stand up to the likes of you."

"Unlike you lowly humans, I am able to get stronger by receiving Mother's blood, and even without that, I am able to heal in the blink of an eye. Move at the speed of light. And what can you do?" In a mere second, the demon was behind me and wrapped an arm around me, his sword at my neck.

I heard Senjuro cry out, "KYOJURO! WE'RE OVER HERE!"

This only caused the demon to laugh as he spoke, "Wrong move, boy. By the time the dear Hashira comes, you two will be slain on the ground. Let me be the one that takes the things he cherishes the most and destroy it." Cold metal met my neck as he spoke, "Is this the thing you cherish the most, Hashira?"

The only thing I could think of doing was throwing my right elbow towards the demon, and he recoiled back. I had a chance now! I was close to Senjuro, so I hugged him as I took a deep breath and spoke, "Celestial Breathing- Fifth Form- Black Hole!"
Senjuro screamed out as he saw a starry sky surrounding him, thinking it was the demon. I was just grateful...that I could still use my breathing form. The stars surrounded us, allowing me to speak, "Senjuro, listen to me. As soon as you get out of this, I need you to run as fast as you can to find your brother. Do you mind if I borrow your sword to protect us?"

"But what about your injury?" I looked above us and saw the dome of stars cracking just once. One hit.

I took Senjuro's sword and quickly sliced through the ropes binding him. I smiled softly at him, "I haven't fought since sustaining my injury, but I'll manage." I quickly took out my hairpin and gave it to Senjuro, "Can I trust you to hold onto this for me?"

"But why?" The dome cracked more. Two hits. One more, and we would be in reality again.

"It's important to me. Now, when this cracks, run like the wind. Run like you're training with me, okay?"

"What about you? Will you be-" The dome shattered, and I was met with the demon's katana.

I spoke aloud, "SENJURO! RUN!" I gritted my teeth as my pale eyes were met with green ones.

The demon only clicked its tongue as he spoke, "So you're a Slayer too. How unfortunate. Yet, I've never seen a breathing style like yours. Killing you and that Hashira will make me an Upper Moon for sure."

I felt the pressure on my right leg and heard the wood creaking. Not good at all. The demon heard it too and laughed, "Oh? An injured slayer? This should be an easy kill for me. Just give up already."

Our swords slid apart due to the pressure, which allowed me to catch my breath again. He was quick to attack once more, and once again, I blocked it. I took a deep breath in and spoke, "On my honor as a Hashira...I refuse to give up to you."

"How are you a Hashira?"

"It doesn't matter what a Hashira looks like! What matters is their heart, and even if they get injured, once a Hashira, always a Hashira! Celestial Breathing, First Form- Shooting Star!" I took all of the pressure that was placed on me and swiped it at the demon as my blade glowed a bright white.

The demon dodged it, but winced, "How do you have Sun Breathing? I thought Mother eradicated that!" He charged at me, but I just stood still.

The moment before he swung at me, I spoke, "Stillness of Space." My sword barely grazed him, but he was still stunned. I was able to approach him slowly as I spoke, "Celestial Breathing- Second Form- Pleiades." The sword's light transformed into a whip, and I swung it at him...only to see a part of the demon's katana shattering.

The demon laughed as he approached me, "A few parlor tricks won't take me down. Even if my weapon is damaged. Blood Demon Art- Octaslash."

He charged at me and it took all that I had to block the strikes. They were...heavy, and it didn't take long for Senjuro's sword to shatter against the impact. I saw the blade go flying in half and gasped. I still managed to block some of the blows that way, until the sword was knocked out of my grasp.

The demon smiled, "Lucky you- I have one swipe left, so this should be painless." He charged at me, and all I did was take off Shinobu-sama's apparatus, and hold it up.

It shattered, but I was alive. The demon looked at the two halves of it and laughed, "I was right-you are a feisty one. Shall I offer you Mother's gift? If you accept it, you'll be whole again, and not having to rely on others."

"Never." I threw my broken leg aside and spoke, "I would rather die than turn."

"What a shame to see your spirit die out so soon. I'll delight in your body perishing. Blood Demon Art- Draw Slas-"

"Flame Breathing- Third Form- Blazing Universe!" Flames grew behind the demon, and as they approached me, I knew I was safe. Those flames cut through the demon's neck, and swung away from me.

My eyes started to fill with tears as I realized the battle was over. The demon gasped out, "But how?"

"Thought you could take out a Hashira? Think again." Kyojuro sheathed his Nichern blade as he came over to me, "You were brilliant in stalling him. Are you okay?"

I nodded, "I think so, but I owe Senjuro-kun a new blade." I pointed over to where his blade was tossed, along with the device that gave me freedom, "He's alive though, and that's what matters to me."

Kyojuro picked me up in his arms, and I leaned my head against his heart. I heard it racing-was he nervous? He looked at the demon, who was already fading away, and spoke, "As a human, there's not a thing we don't cherish. I hope I was able to teach you that lesson. Let's go back towards Senjuro, Sumiko." Without either of us saying a word, Kyojuro walked away, towards the festival once more and the world of light.