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Chapter 4

Your legs are weak as you stumble, grabbing and using your glider as support for your steps.

It didn't take long to find your master, seeing her pray in the snowy graveyard.
The memory of that forsaken night flashes through your mind again, and you hear a loud and sharp sound before clutching your head.

Kana must've heard your grumbling, because she stood up and came to your side, putting an arm around you steady your balance.

"You're awake."
Her voice is soft and full of pity as she brings you indoors.

"How long have I been out...?"

Her facial expression is displeased, her grip on you slightly tightening.
"A week or so. I was very worried, but the doctors said you should awaken soon. And I'm glad you did."

"...Ame is really gone, isn't he? It wasn't just a nightmare, was it?"

She's silent for a moment, but nods solemnly.
"Unfortunately, yes. Your brother... your brother has been turned into a demon, and he ran away."

You tear up and release a shaky sigh.
"Those graves were the nuns he killed..."

"I'm afraid so, may they rest in peace."
A looming shadow follows the two of you, guilt in the back of your minds.

"Did you eat the food I set out for you? Are you still hungry?"

"I ate, thank you. Would it be okay if I go meditate for a while? I really need to clear my head."

"Of course, go ahead. I'll have a doctor come and check up on you later, alright?"

(Song best played from here, slow reading.)

You nod and bow before leaving.
Once past the hall and into the room, you sigh and simply take the sight in.

The snow was falling outside, the room was barren and seemed untouched for centuries, its beauty as fantastic and glorious as ever.

You sat down, back straight and hands folded in your lap as you shut your eyes, glider by your side.

Taking in deep breaths, you very slowly find yourself in a state of peace, thankfully able to clear your mind and ease the grief upon your heart, even for just a moment.

Once in this state, you felt your spirit lighten, as if a painful burden had been lifted off of it.

A knock catches your attention, and you open your eyes to see Hana, the eldest nun in charge, who, alongside Kana had welcomed you with open arms into the temple as one of their own.

You gasp silently and bow before her.
"Hana-Sama."

She chuckles and makes her way to you, and you help her as she sits down.
"Thank you."

You nervously cast your glances to the floor, hearing her sigh, you didn't even need to see her face to feel the pity she felt for you.

"I've been told of the tragedy that came to your brother, I'm deeply sorry."

Your expression saddens, yet you hold a smile for her and nod.
"Ame isn't dead... and I'll find him again one day, and hopefully find a way to turn him back to the way he was."

"....I can see why Kana chose you as her student. You're really determined."

"Ame and my parents meant the world to me. I promised them I'd always protect him. Even if he's a demon now, I have to find him and turn him back. I'll find a way."

"Your parents were Demon Slayers, were they not?"
She asks, earning a nod from you.

"Yes. My mother was the Sky Hashira, and my father was her tsuguko."

She chuckles again.
"It seems greatness runs in the family. But what about you?"

"...I'm afraid I don't understand what you mean, Hana-Sama."
You cock your head to the side, her smile growing.

"Do you want to be a demon slayer like they were, or become a nun like me?"

"I'll continue my mother's legacy and follow in her footsteps. I will forever be grateful for the kindness you've shown me, however."

"You have ambition and strength. But if you don't learn your limits you won't make it far."
With that, she got up and left.

Now you sat, slightly conflicted, but more at ease with your brother's fate, sighing.

"Onee-chan will save you, Ame. I'll save you even if it kills me."

《 •|• 《♡》 •|• 》

End
● Chapter 4 : ●
● "Grief." ●