Chapter Text
The harsh winter was coming to an end, the last of the crystallized snow was clinging to the blades of grass peaking out from the soil. It was twilight, a comforting glow to the terrain guided your path, not quite light but not the deep black of night that consumed the woods just hours ago. You could still see the fog of your breath in the air as you scaled the all too familiar mountain; it was a good reminder to control your breathing.
You set out early to chop down bamboo that was hopefully thawed enough so the job would be swift. The thought of building something with your hands for the first time in months excited you; your strong legs now felt a new energy to continue the tiring journey. Gorgeous green columns riddled the summit, you reach out and touched them gently, paying your respect to earth for the plant you were going to harvest. It indeed was quick work; your blade glided through the stalks. Quickly becoming lost in thought about what you would build first; a new tea table perhaps? Although your nightstand really should be replaced, that will be your priority for the day, unless—snap!
You froze in place, becoming increasingly aware of your surroundings. That branch snapping was much too loud, it was one of 3 things: a large animal, a human or worst case scenario, a demon. Using your ki energy to reach out you identified the target. Approximately 26 meters south east, 4 meters above ground level...no, now it was 15 meters north east. It's moving quick, and through the trees. You smoothed your hands over your double sided staff katana. It's deep purple hue came to life with your intentional touch and the weapon shifted and molded to your new hand placement. 5 meters away...A spark emitted and ki energy buzzed through your body in a way you hadn't felt before. What evoked this visceral reaction?
Focus! Quiet your mind!, you scolded your internal monologue.
"Void breathing, second form: dark cloaked slash", you inhaled the crisp air and swung your blade while turning 180 degrees to cut through the blur of a figure with unwavering solidity. The body hit the earth with a heavy thump; in two pieces. You exhale. It's head rolls towards your feet and you crouch and rest on your heels to get a better look. The demon was young, it didn't have that look of sadism in its eyes that the ancient one's did, but it's blood lust was palpable. Inky hair laid over its pale skin, blue veins visible under the surface; red eyes which were once filled with hunger and rage now sat lifeless. Slowly, the corpse turned into dust, taken away by the breeze. The sun suddenly broke over the horizon and it's rays scattered throughout the forest; the warm light kissed your exposed skin.
Letting out a sigh, you stood tall on your feet. "Step into the light, I'm not fond of being spied on.", your voice boomed with conviction. You craned your neck to eye the human life form whose presence you noticed just before the demon pounced towards you. As soon as your eyes locked onto the human....wait where the hell...?
Whoosh.
A gust of wind directly in front of you blew your hair back and sent your robes flapping in its wake. Snapping your head forward, a mountain of a man stood looming over you with arms crossed over his broad chest, blocking out the sun. The ki energy inside you once again raced through your body in that strange way.
"I wouldn't called what I was doing spying.", the man stated. You peered up at him inquisitively through your lashes. He looked about a few years older than you, maybe around 24. His maroon eyes were focused, a strange red tattoo encompassed the left eye. His head of white hair was adorned with a band of jewels, strands of diamonds falling on each side of the crown of sorts. By the looks of his clothing and the two katanas on his back, this was was clearly a member of the demon slayer corps.
"Then what were you doing, standing idly by while a demon tried to devour a civilian?", you calmly retorted.
"What's a civilian doing with a Nichirin sword?", he questioned while leaning down to meet you head on, an playful almost smile on his face.
"Long story and one I don't feel like telling." You broke eye contact and turned on your heels to resume your task of the day, tying up the bamboo for transport.
"That style sword", the slayer remarked, "and your breathing form is an extreme rarity. You aren't in the corps. Who has trained you?", he inquired while following behind you.
"Someone who is long dead. Now if you'll excuse me, I have something that needs tending to.", you muttered.
What was that ki I felt minutes ago? And twice at that. What about that situation conducted such energy?
You still felt the aftershocks of the surge of ki ruminating and vibrating around your bones, refusing to settle. You began a breathing technique to reduce the frequency of the energy.
"Ah, so you feel it too. I had begun to think it was only me."
You abruptly stopped, ceasing to fool with the twine you were tying.
The man took a seat on a nearby tree stump, resting his elbows on his knees.
"You use ki?", you basically whispered.
Shinobi we're the only known group to harness and utilize ki, and they had all been...well.
It had been graciously passed down to you by—
He interrupts your thought, "Always have. I'm a descendant of the shinobi. Curiously, our ki reacts to one another." he mused.
You started to pace in front of this strange man and failed to weave the pieces together.
"Why?", you ask.
Glancing up at him and locking eyes, and searching them for answers. Finally being able to appreciate how handsome he is, now that you've relaxed, a smile threatens to pull at your pink lips.
"There's not a simple answer to that question, but I'll be more than happy to explain if you have the time." , he offers.
"I do, but first be a gentleman and help me carry this home.", You motion to the pile of bamboo. "It's not too far from here."
The dual swordsman heaves the pile onto his shoulder with ease and looks down at you.
"Oh by the way, the name's Uzui Tengen; sound hashira of the demon slayer corps and the most flamboyant member to exist.", he gloated.
"Tell me yours, sweetheart.", he bids with a shit eating grin.