━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ Chapter 23 ━☂

❁ཻུ۪۪ ━ ❝ Revolution of Memories

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Morning light streamed inside the tidy room as the melody of humming could be picked up from inside a house, its notes soft and airy as it flowed throughout the halls of the Wisteria Home, pacifying the people who resided there as well as Sho who rested on (Y/n) lap, nuzzling his face on (Y/n) stomach as he slipped into a peaceful slumber. Gazing tenderly at the dozing crow, (Y/n) continued humming the ditty that was inscribed in his mind ever since he could remember; perhaps it was a song he had once heard long ago when he was but a child—long before he can recall.

Turning his head to the right once he sensed someone was nearing his room, a cheerful smile spread across his sweet lips as he observed Muichiro walk in with a bowl of miso soup in one hand and a mug of green tea in the other, his eyes clouded with his movements looking more like it was an impulse rather than recognized decisions. "Good morning, Muichiro! I thought you wouldn't come back since it's been about an hour after you left, so I was getting worried about you." Communicating his feelings of concern (Y/n) didn't seem vexed as the indifferent Muichiro arranged the two objects on the bed tray that poised on top of (Y/n) lap, stepping a couple of inches away from him, speedily wandering over towards to the window as he sat down near the opened casement, propping his head on the wooden surface with silence once again occupying the room.

Examining the Hashira in a serene state (Y/n) continued on beaming gently in contentment, pleased that his savior was able to relax even though from what he had just experienced only a few hours prior to this moment. Evidently, the demon that (Y/n) so liberally nicknamed "Ma-chan" was a demon of high ranking—and not just any ranking, for example, Lower Moon Six; but was in the ranking of Upper Moon Two. This slightly chilled (Y/n) once he received the message that he could have certainly perished by Doma's hands; but the fact that he didn't was even more chilling. Just why would Doma allow him to live? Adding to that; also safeguarding him? As many times that he educated Muichiro that all demons have goodwill left inside of them, he just did not listen and instead proceeded on punching him in the head every single time he defended them. He continued telling him how naïve and utterly oblivious he was of the pure nature of the world, but all (Y/n) did was smile at him as he remained on declaring that no one was genuinely evil and that all had good in them. To him, good and evil were always perfectly stabilized in everyone; but occasionally the host would favor one over the other, and there was naturally nothing that could be done about it.

Muichiro then interrogated him on why he even aspired to save others if he believed in such things, but all (Y/n) returned was more dubious than anything he or anyone else could imagine. "It is my divine mission."

"..." Divine mission? What did he mean? (Y/n) was very much religious—that was very apparent. But to such an extent? To actually believe and lay your life on the line for others who are more dominant than you? Just what was that simple-minded fool thinking of when he became a Demon Slayer? Just what is he hiding?

Recalling their previous discussion (Y/n) just glanced away from the distant Muichiro and consumed the soup before it got lukewarm. Typically, he, too, would question his devoted mission, but whenever he did, he would always come up with two convictions: One—he was doing this because the gods had granted him a second chance in life and had given him individuals to protect; and two—because he really yearned to end this unending torment of immortality and emptiness that the demons were going through, but what other way was there than to execute them? A much better—but more challenging—way: to slay the maker of all demons himself. Whoever that man was, (Y/n) will not rest until he had personally slain him, no matter what it will cost. That was a pledge he had declared to everyone he had cherished and cared for—and he cared for humans, and so, all humans shall one day hear the sound of flesh against the heated blade to that will end their anguish once and for all, and everyone shall be avenged.

Yet, it was dispiriting for him as well. Why couldn't both species co-exist harmoniously? Even neutrally would be reasonably satisfactory, too. It was just that he aspired for everyone to figure out that both sides are both "good" and "evil", so why should they fight? Simple; for survival. Ending his thoughts once he felt the icy feeling of cloth brushing against his sensitive skin (Y/n) peered down at the black-and-blue colored handkerchief, tracing his eyes all the way up from the arm to the face as he studied the disturbed expression of none other than Muichiro.

"Muichiro? Is something the matter?"

"You're crying. Men don't cry; especially Demon Slayers." Raising a finger near his eye, (Y/n) chuckled as he truly felt the recognizable warm feeling of a tear descending his left cheek, sinking onto the plain white bedsheets that wrapped him up all day and morning long. "I'm sorry, Mint-san... you know," Snickering at the memory that he thought of his sensei, a wistful smile grew on his face as he beamed up at Muichiro, his eyes closed in tenderness as the snores of Sho played in the background. "you sort a remind me of my sensei. He always told me that soldiers don't cry, nor say sorry to anyone, but here I am... weeping over the truth." Muttering a minor 'thank you' as he clutched the handkerchief from Muichiro's hand, (Y/n) delicately pressed it against his skin as he gently wiped all his tears.

"Your sensei sounds like he has common sense." Claiming this as he sat near the edge of the bed, Muichiro glanced over at (Y/n) with impassive eyes as he interviewed him once more: "You speak proudly of this 'sensei', tell me, what is their name?" Finishing drying away his tears (Y/n) expertly folded the handkerchief and arranged it on top of his bedside table, mentally noting down to wash it once he had the chance.

Eventually processing this question (Y/n) thought of him as not deserving to learn it, only for that judgment to be invalidated once he remembered he was chatting with the man that saved him more than once; so, what option did he have? "My sensei was named Shinazugawa Sanemi; most commonly recognized as the Wind Hashira." Peering down once more at Sho, (Y/n) smile returned as he caressed the silky feathers of his friend. "He disciplined me in the art of swordsmanship-"

"You've got to be playing with me." Confused, (Y/n) leveled his head to properly look at Muichiro only to cock a brow once he saw the dead look in his eye that stared intently up at him. "Oh, I am not joking. Oh! I know what can make you believe me! Sanemi Sensei's favorite food is ohagi-"

"I don't know, nor will I ever grow to care."

"Sorry."

"Stop."

"Sorry-"

"Your sensei sucks-"

"I have a sword."

Silence engulfed the two as the both of them blankly gawked at each other, no one moving from their spot even as the door gradually opened with an elderly man emerging from behind the door, a polite smile on his glowing face as he bowed in regard once he identified the two slayers. "My apologies for breaking in without permission, but I came here to inform the young lad in the bed that his therapeutic bath is ready, so if you, dear Demon Slayer, could assist the young man..." Without tearing eye contact Muichiro nodded his head, retorting with a silent 'yes' whilst (Y/n) gave him a thumbs-up as thanks.

"Alrighty then, well, I'll leave you two to your own business now. If you desire anything, just shout and I'll be there, okay? Well, have a good morning, the two of you." Bending his head as he closed the door, (Y/n) blurted out:

"Are you going to help me?"

"Unfortunately, yes."

"So, how are we going to do this-" Yelping as he was abruptly pulled up by the Hashira, (Y/n) immediately clung to his shirt as Muichiro arranged him in his arms in a princess-style position, already going out of the door only for their path to be blocked by an outraged Sho who flew in front of them, dotted eyes glowing with fury as he cawed: "This will be the last time that I will ever—Caw!—be maltreated in such a manner as—Caw!—being pushed to the ground whilst I slept! Caw! Revenge for all mistreated Kasugai Crows! Caw!" He swooped in with valor and conviction as the fire in his heart and eyes continued to blare fear into (Y/n) heart as Muichiro only gawked at the wall next to him, memorizing the pattern and querying why it was designed so... commonly.

"Run, Mint-san! The crow revolution—it has begun!" Both of them ducked their heads as Sho sought to strike Muichiro, hatred emanating from his very core as Muichiro opened the door and ran away, his steps headed down to where the washroom was situated as (Y/n) attempted to pacify the exasperated Sho. "Your crow is much better eaten than left alive. It's not even following its purpose properly." Expressing this with a detached tone (Y/n) stared up at the Hashira in shock only to bonk him in the head, this aggravating Muichiro as he also did it back.

"I'm sorry I hit you, but that is my crow you're talking about-"

"Who is a crow much better left eaten than alive?"

"Peace was never an option!"

Looking at the rebellion with trivial fascination, the elder could not recall when was the last time a Demon Slayer acted as they did—so childish and absurd. Oh well, who was he to question it? Oh, just the person who is taking care of them and allowing them to remain under his roof rent-free. That's all.

So, he calmly lead them to where the washroom was as all three of them continued disputing, with one being impassive and detached, the other being a fiery ball of power, and the other one bothered but hungry.

─── · 。ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Darkness had soon fallen over the sky as the moon hung low upon the Earth, clearly noticeable from where (Y/n) laid as he gazed outwards upon the peripheries of the isolated wisteria-filled land from where he was presently in, wondering on how much longer shall his newfound friend—Muichiro—last with executing the demon that was roaming around the village near from where the Wisteria House was. Other than that, (Y/n) had taken a bath just five hours ago, of which took four hours to calm Sho down since he continued flapping his wings close to Muichiro's face, so this made him dread Sho getting murdered by an aggravated Muichiro.

Even though he was to head out right away tomorrow for his expected future mission, (Y/n) discovered that he could not sleep no matter what approach or trick he tried. He wasn't drained nor did he feel lively, so he just concluded with the anxiousness of everything that had happened today that was keeping him up.

Fidgeting with the sun-printed ring he stuck in his pointer-finger, (Y/n) gazed down at the steel ring with affection, a pitiful smile adorning his features as he commemorated all the wonderful times he spent with his family. They were so forgiving and kind, and understanding, and...

Did he... did he grow up too fast?

A tear fell down on the steel ring as more tears proceeded to go down, nameless sorrow washing over his senses as he drew his knees up to his chest, burying his face behind his knees as he continued to quietly sob as to not awaken the landowner of this sanctuary.

'I miss them so much... I just want to go back home and perform in the temple alongside them, forever... I miss Fumio-san, Keiichi-san, Sora-san, Gorou-san, and Shigeru-sama... I just want to go home...' Words left unsaid in his heart as he wiped his tears, the comments of all his protectors ringing in his ears, requiring him to no longer cry. Nodding his head meekly with these words in mind, (Y/n) stared straight ahead in bravery as he peeked over at the lowered moon, lips set in a firm line as he pulled up his sheath that contained his beloved Nichirin Blade, glazing his finger over the sleek texture.

Whether or not he grew up too fast didn't signify anything to him anymore—he had a mission, and if he wished to finish it, he had to become stronger; both mentally and physically. Once everything is over and Muzan is deceased, then he can go back to his ordinary life and appreciate the rest of his harmonious days alongside his family and friends—even Sho. This put a smile on his face as he settled his head on the hard takamakura—which was a pillow—closing his eyes soon after as the thought of returning to his family was forever fresh in his mind. Soon, he was dead... or asleep.

Night is hushed, wisteria is powerless, the Demon King sees through your window as you sleep. 

𑁍┊𝐏𝐄𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐑 ˎˊ˗

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ʜᴀᴠᴇ ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴅᴀʏ/ɴɪɢʜᴛ ᴍʏ ʟᴏᴠᴇꜱ!

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