Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The forest was calm and still the leaves of the trees were the color of dusk. Footsteps crushed the leaves below the trees. Heavy breathing accompanied the sound of a haori swishing in the wind. The footsteps eventually stopped at a clearing bathed in silver moonlight. A masked figure looked around standing still, the only sound was the wind slowly blowing. Suddenly, the sound of claws scraping on the rocky ground caught the figure's attention. A creature of black and red rushed out of the forest causing trees to snap and crack. Lunging at the figure with sharp teeth and claws. A fury of motions happened, the creatures letting out a grueling growl as its head was removed from its body. The figure breathed holding out a sword with a brilliant flame colored blade, that glowed in the moonlight.

“Okay, that's another demon down, the people of the surrounding towns can sleep peacefully tonight”. The figure whispered to herself

Slipping the kantana into the sheath the figure started walking back towards the direction they came. The morning sun shone down on the figure, the wolf-like mask on their face white as snow. A band of woven fabric of black and teal was used to tie the mask onto the back of the figure's head. The figure's black hair was shaggy and short, the tips of which were green. Black covered their shoulders where their haori sat. The uniform they wore was the standard slayer garb.
Walking at a steady pace the sheath of their sword on their left side. Suddenly black crow landed on the figure's shoulder.

“ Rook ,Squawk Master sends congrats on a successful mission”. Shouted the crow

“Thanks Onyx”. replied Rook with a smile

“you're welcome”. replied Onyx

Rook lightly ruffled the crows feathers and reached in the bag on her side. Pulling out some seeds for the crow. Stopping for a second and sitting down on a log. Rook pulled out some paper and started writing a letter. Onyx moved closer toward her master watching her write.
After a few moments Rook stood up and gave the letter to the crow.

“Onyx can you deliver that letter to my mother she probably worried sick, I told I would be back two days ago”. Said Rook worriedly

“Of course, Miss Rook, and I'm sure your mother understands”. Replied Onyx rubbing her head against her master's cheek

“Thanks Onyx, I just don't want to worry her” Replied Rook

The crow flew off with the letter in its jaw. Rook kept walking toward her destination thinking to herself.
“My mother is someone I care deeply about, even if it seems like she prefers my brother more. She does so much for us, and I try my best to do right by her. I just hope I'm making her proud.”. Thought Rook to herself frowning slightly under her mask. She continues to walk toward her destination, the sound of her boots hitting the ground as she walks. A few hours later the sound of fluttering wings caused Rook to look up in the sky. It was Onyx coming back with a letter in her talons. Onyx landed on Rook’s shoulder; she grabbed the letter from the crow's talon opening it.

Dear, Keori
I'm so happy you are alright
I was worried sick when you didn't write back.
Kabu told me not to worry, told me I quote my big sis can handle anything…
When you get back, I'm going to make sure you eat because I know you, you focus too much on the demon and protecting innocent people.
Which isn't a bad thing, it just means you care and reminds me of your father……you look a lot like him. Stay safe Keori I love you.
Love, Mom ❤️

Rook put the letter into her pocket and started walking back towards her home with a smile under her mask. She let out a sigh and kept moving hand on the grip of her sword. A few hours passed and she finally made it back to her home.

The moon was high in the sky; the breeze was slow and steady as it hit the trees surrounding the estate. Looking around the courtyard, she noticed a figure wearing an obsidian-colored Serpent-like mask standing off to the side. It lunged toward her sword in its hand. Clinking echoed through the courtyard as swords met each other in a fury of motions. Cornering the figure into a wall and with a fury of motions that the figure couldn't keep up with Rook sent the blade flying out of their hand. Heavy breathing could be heard as Rook gasped for breath, coughing slightly. Pink hair gleamed in the moonlight as the figure removed their mask. It was a young boy around 13 or 14 ish his right eye was goldening like the sun, and his left was as green as leaves on a plant. He was fairly muscular for his age and a little taller than Rook. He was wearing a haori that was the color of fresh fallen snow, and his uniform was similar to Rook’s. The sheath where he kept his sword was a dark black color, his sword was similar to Rook’s. He grabbed his sword from where it landed after being disarmed. Letting out a grumble and growl he walked up to Rook and shaked her hand. Shaking his hand Rook pulled the boy into a big bear hug and ruffled his pink hair affectionately.

“Good to see you Kabu, nice to see my little bro’s been practicing”. Said Rook a smile on her face

Yeah, right Keori or should I say Rook, I’ve been practicing with my teacher Sanemi.” Bragged Kabu confidently

“That's good and you know everyone calls me Rook because it's just a nickname that stuck. You and Mom are the only ones who call me Keori. You keeping the mask on like Mom said too” Replied Rook looking at her younger brother

“Yeah, but why do we have to wear these stupid masks anyway”. Growled Kabu

“I don't really know but mom got her reasons for it. It's just like her rule to stay away from the other pillars, but I guess she made expectations if they are training us”. Rook replied

“Well, it's stupid rules, we don't even know our dad because of stupid rule”. Shouted Kabu

“You know why the rules are in place, they are to protect us, and you know why we can’t meet dad.” Said Rook sternly looking at her brother

“Really, Rook, you believe that stupid Story Mom told us. Heck, he probably wants nothing to do with us and probably left mom as soon as she had us”. Replied Kabu with venom in his voice

“Don’t say that Kabu, I trust Mom and what she says. If someone is tracking us, then I believe her. She has never steered me wrong, she wants to protect us all, why can’t you understand that Brother”.
Replied Rook tears in her eyes

“The truth is if she wanted to tell us the truth then she would tell us who our deadbeat of a father is so I can confront him”. Growled Kabu

“You don’t mean that Kabu do you”. Rook Replied

“I do, if our father or should I say sperm donor cared then why haven’t we met him or heck why hasn’t he visited us. All he does is send us those stupid letters, and those gifts of his. Does he think that letters and gifts are going to make up, him not being here with us”. Shouted Kabu whacking Rook in the face knocking down her mask.

Eyes of Gold and Blue stared up at Kabu wide with panic and fear. A coughing fit racked through Rook's body as she tried to catch her breath and calm down.

“Kabu, you know why, he can’t be with us. He stays away from us to protect us, why can't you understand that.” Said Rook in a firm tone looking up at her brother
“I understand that you're stupid enough to believe mom’s lies and stories” Replied Kabu venom in his voice.

“Don’t disrespect mother like that, and our father does care. If he didn't, he wouldn't have sent us letters, asking how we're doing, or send us things we like as a gift” Replied Rook in a whispered tone
slightly coughing.

The sound of footsteps broke the sibling's conversation. A woman with her hair pink with green tips in braids had woken up hearing the commotion. There was a look of worry on the woman's face, her green eyes looking back and forth between the two siblings.
“Sorry we woke you Mom” Apogized Rook

“It’s fine I have to wake up early anyway, Kabu, are you okay do we need to have a talk.,” Replied the kids Mother quietly, avoiding looking at Rook who was still coughing slightly

It’s fine Mother, I'm just dealing with some stuff". Replied Kabu in a smug tone

“Let’s come inside you two, I'll make pancakes. I know there your favorite Kabu, I'll even put out some of those delicious strawberries you love. Keori don’t think I forgot about you, I got some Sakura Mochi for you too because I know how much you like it”. Said Their mother looking at Kabu and Keori warmth in her eyes

“Thanks, I guess" said Kabu a scowl on his face

“Thanks Mother” said Rook looking at her mother happily

Rook picked up her mask from where it had fallen after being knocked off her face and quickly slipped the mask back on. She let out a sigh and turned to follow her mother and brother back into the house for some much-needed breakfast.
“Is Kabu right, does dad not care about us? I worry for my brother because he's always been an angry soul. I just hope he doesn't do something drastic or harmful to others.”Thought Rook to herself looking up at the sky, worry and sadness under her mask.

Chapter Text

The sun was high and there was barely a cloud in the sky. Sounds of footsteps hitting the ground on the gravel path. The Woman’s boots hit the ground as she quickens her pace toward the house where the meeting was to be held.” I'm going to be late, I hope the master understands I had to take care of Keori and Kabu. I’ve never seen Kabu act that way before he seemed so angry and he hit Keori. I understand he was upset but he didn't have to say those awful things about his father. Obanai was so happy when I told him that Kabu was training under Sanemi. I heard recently that Obi got a lead on that awful woman's location. I hope he can get rid of her soon so we can be one big happy family. Though Mitsuri to herself, as she walked. Eventually, she made it to the Master's house and slowed down.

A woman with black hair up in a butterfly hairpin was waving at her as she arrived at the entrance to the estate. Mitsuri ran up to the woman giving her a giant bear hug.
“Shinobu It's been so long since I saw you". Replied Mitsuri excitedly

“It's been so long”. Replied Shinobu happily

The duo headed inside the house where the other pillars were waiting for them.
“So, your finally here took you long enough” Yelled a man with spikey white hair and scars

“Sorry Sanemi I had things to take care of” Replied Mitsuri

“Don’t be mean to Suri, Sanemi she probably has a good reason for running late” Replied a man with bandages covering his mouth and shaggy black hair

“Thanks Obi” Replied Mitsuri Blushing slightly

“Umm where am I” said a young man with long black with teal tips

“Muichiro, we're at the Master's house for a meeting’’. Replied Mitsuri looking at the young man worriedly

“Okay….” Replied Muichrio a blank expression on his face

“I wonder where the master is at,” said a Blind older man

“Who knows but I'm sure he’s going to be here soon”. Said a man with reddish black hair wearing a black, green checked haori

“IM HUNGERY ". yelled a man wearing a boar's head

“I’m sure that the master is just running a tad late "Said a man with yellow hair nervously

“Calm down everyone the Master, is coming” said a man with black hair wearing a two tone Haori.
The rest of the pillars calmed down as the master entered the room and looked around.

“Welcome, everyone, now you are probably wondering why I called this meeting”. Said the Master.

“Of course we are, I was in the middle of training Kabu one of my students,” Shouted Sanemi

“Umm...” Murmed Muichiro

“Be quite the Master’s trying to tell us something" Replies Obanai in a whispered tone

“As I was saying, we gathered here because Tengen has gone missing he was last seen in the entertainment district," said the Master
There was a whisper of worry around the pillars, and several were looking around.

“I have already sent word to Tengen three eldest to go to the entertainment district to find him and bring him back.” Replied the Master

“Those 3 really they destroyed half A town and fought amongst themselves for a good amount of their last mission” yelled Sanemi

“Are we sure they're the best choice”. said Gyomei the blind man

“Master, should we send a someone to go with them”. said Shinobu

“I agree with my wife" replied Giyuu looking at Shinobu

“Ara Ara what a supportive husband you are Giyuu” teased Shinobu looking at Giyuu
Giyuu looks at Shinobu with an unimpressed look on his face.

“That's a great idea “Replied Tanjiro the man in the checkered haori

“Okay then it’s decided I'll be sending another slayer with them. I have the perfect one in mind. Their name is Rook they are a bit on the younger side but nothing less they have completed all their mission successful”. said Master

“Another mission she just got back from, I hope she stays safe. She is my daughter. I can't help but worry for her... Though Mitsuri to herself a look of worry and sadness on her face, she looked over to Obanai who had a worried expression on his face. The master talked for a little bit more about general slaying and the like then the meeting was over.

Mitsuri got up and followed the other pillars outside and started to head home, the sky already darkening. Then she felt a hand clasp touch her shoulder. It was Obanai, the man she loved and married the father of her children.

“Why were you late today for the meeting are you and the kids okay” Replied Obanai in a worried hushed whisper
“Their fine Kabu got into a fight with Keori” Replied Mitsuri in a worried tone looking at Obanai

“What about” said Obanai worry in his tone

“You of course Kabu thinks that you're a deadbeat, while our Keori defends you. He hit her in the face you know after she defended you” Replied Mitsuri

“Kabu hates me, doesn't he? I can understand his frustrations but that doesn't mean that he needs to take it out on others especially Keori”. Replied Obanai sadness in his tone

“Our son doesn't hate you he’s just going through a hard time right now I’m sure it will get better with time”. Replied Mitsuri pulling Obanai into a hug

“I hope so Suri”. Replied Obanai hopefully

The duo started walking hand and hand together toward the serpent Hashira’s estate to comfort each other about their worries.

“I hope Kabu is going to be okay. He was very upset with me early today. He’s my brave and healthy boy; he came out happy and full of life. Born on the most sunny and clear day in June, I was so happy. The opposite of Keori who was born on the coldest and snowiest day in December, barely breathing, so tiny and sickly. I wasn't in the best mindset when I was expecting her. I did things that I shouldn't have done before and after she was born. My actions from the past still affect her to this day, I can’t help…blame myself for her not being the healthiest kid…

Chapter Text

The clouds were covering the moon and the moonlight shone down on Rook as she passed through the forest, her feet rapidly hitting the ground. Crunching the leaves under her, the sound echoing around her.

"Almost there”.’ Rook to herself as she continued to run toward the meeting place

Arriving at a small town with very few buildings there was barely light, just the lanterns that lined the streets. The sound of Rook’s boots hitting the stone pathway echoed through the town as she headed towards the center of the town. A fountain was at the center of the town; the sound of the water trickling was all that could be heard in the silence of the night. Rook stopped at the fountain and leaded up against the side of it waiting. She looked around the mask on her face shining in the moonlight. ‘Where are they? I'm supposed to meet them at the fountain in the center. Did I get the wrong town? Are they even coming? Will they like me?” thought Rook to herself lowering her head, mask slightly sagging.
The sound of footsteps caused Rook to turn her head, hand on her sword handle. Three figures stepped out of the darkness breathing heavily. All the figures were taller than Rook; she had to look up to see their faces. The tallest of the figures was a young man with snow white hair and purple eyes. He was wearing a sleeveless slayer uniform and a purple colored haori. A dark blue bandanna was wrapped around his head under some of his shaggy white hair. The next tallest was a young woman with white hair and light brown eyes. She had yellow bangs, and her hair was in a ponytail. The scarlet colored haori she wore was over her uniform. The final figure was a young woman with long black hair and fuchsia-colored eyes. She was wearing a light blue haori and a light pink belt over her slayer uniform.

“Look Millie, their so short and adorable” said the young woman with long black hair

“Of course, Master sent us the smallest little slayer “. Replied the woman in the red haori in a sarcastic tone

“Hey, let’s calm down we are here to come up with a plan to get our father back from the entertainment district” said the young man in a stern tone

“Okay Caspian” Replied both young woman at once

The young man went up to Rook offering up his hand for a shake.

” My name's Caspian Uzui, these are my younger sister’s Millie and Sasha”. Replied Caspian a grin on his face

“Rook” Replied Rook in a whispered tone shaking his hand

“Okay with introductions out of the way, what’s the plan” said Caspian still looking at Rook

“He’s asking me, sure I’ve had several successful missions, but I've never actually had to work with other slayers before. Okay Rook breath in and out you can do this just like mom said focus on one thing at a time”. Thought Rook to herself hand underneath her chin thinking.

“Well, I think we should just go in and shout dad’s name from the rooftops” said Sasha happily

“Really Sasha that a terrible plan, we should just kill the good for nothing demon and then find dad” shouted Millie in an excited tone

“No, that is not a good idea if we let the demon know we are looking for it the more likely it might hurt your father. I think the best plan of action is to ask the locals about any demon attacks or weird happenings and if they have seen your father.” Replied Rook in a calm and serious tone

“I think my plan is still better” Replied Sasha in a excited tone

“I STILL THINK MY PLAN WILL SAVE DAD FASTER WE KILL DEMON THEN WE RESCUE DAD”. Millie said confidently shouting

‘These guys really fight a lot, Is my suggestion even a good one. I don't have enough information yet. What if Tengen died? What if I'm wrong? What if the demon kills us before we can get to Tengen? ” Thought Rook to herself worriedly as the sisters kept fighting in the background

“Both of you stop, we aren't getting anywhere fighting, we need to find dad” Replied Caspian in a serious tone. His arms crossed against his chest leaning against the fountain. The sisters stopped fighting and stared at their brother.

“Okay here’s plan, Rook made a good point of asking the locals about where our father's last known location was and that locals probably know some things about that demon he was tracking. Sasha and Millie why don’t you two track down information on that demon and report back once you find it. Me and Rook here will track down information on our father and meet up with you guys once we find where Dad’s at” said Caspian Putting a hand on Rook’s shoulder.

The sisters imminently started sprinting towards the entertainment district after Caspian told them his plan. Rook picked up Caspian's hand and moved it off her shoulder. As she and Caspian started to walk towards the direction of the entertainment district. The sound of leaves crunching the ground could be heard as the Duo walked in silence.

“So, what’s the deal with the mask you're wearing?” Replied Caspian pointing at the mask

“I just wear it”. Said Rook rubbing the back of her neck as she walked

“Okay, is there a story there, is your face messed up or something?”. Replied Caspian in a joking tone looking a Rook

“No, I just wear it, I don’t really want to talk about right now maybe after we finish this mission, I'll tell you ". Said Rook in calm tone looking at Caspian

“I’m going to hold that to yah, because I'm a curious guy”. said Caspian in a light tone, as he punched Rook’s shoulder in a friendly way

“So, your father’s the Sound Hashira aka Tengen the flashiest Hashira”. said Rook looking at Caspian

“Yeah, he’s pretty cool, He’s very supportive of me and my siblings becoming slayers” said Caspian grinning at Rook

“That’s Good, he sounds like a good guy from what I've heard” Replied Rook

“So, what’s your dad like?”. Questioned Caspian looking at Rook curiously

“I don’t know, I've never met him.” Replied Rook her mask slightly sagging down over her face, sadness in her voice.

“Are you good, I didn’t mean to make you upset” Replied Caspian looking at Rook

“It’s fine you didn’t know, it’s complicated” Rook said looking down at the ground

They continued to walk towards the entertainment district in complete silence and a few hours later they arrived at the district. Bright lights covered the streets reflecting off the ground as the duo continued to walk together looking around for signs of Demons or Tengen. Rook moved closer to Caspian; the loud bustling district was something that she wasn’t used to. She stayed next to Caspian as they walked down the street watching the locals move about their day ignoring the two slayers. The smell of grease and seasonings flooded Rook senses as she passed by several food carts. Her stomach started to growl, and Rook realized that she hadn’t eaten anything since that morning when her mother made her breakfast. Caspian must have heard Rook's stomach growling because he stopped at a cart and bought some chicken on the stick. He handed one of the sticks to Rook and she gave him thanks. The greasy chicken was exactly what Rook needed after a long day of travel. She adjusted her mask a little bit so she could eat the chicken. Caspian looked at Rook as she happily ate the chicken on the stick, a grin on his face.
The duo kept on walking down the street eating and looking around for anything suspicious that might help figure out what happened to Tengen. Rain had started to fall down as the sun just started to rise. The sky was gray, almost black, the duo had been looking around for several hours at that point.

“So, you notice anything, Strange yet”. Caspian Asked his voice tired

“No not yet Cas” said Rook looking around alert and awake unlike Caspian

“Cas…huh no one's ever called me that” said Caspian curiously

“Did I do something wrong I just thought…You wouldn’t mind I thought friends give each other nicknames” Replied Rook anxiety in her voice

“It’s fine I kind of like it” Replied Caspian grinning at Rook

The sound of glass breaking caused the two slayers to stop. Glass shards landed in the street covering the pathways. A crowd was already starting to form in front of a building with a broken window. "What’s going on does it involve that demon that Lord Tengen was tracking”. A man with dark brown hair and reddish-brown eyes was addressing the crowd.

“The demons have taken another young man, from his home and I know where the demon is at” said the man looking at the crowd

“Is that so” said Rook staring at the man suspiciously not trusting him

“Can you tell me about the disappearances?” Asked Caspian grinning at the man

“You're the second person who was asking about the disappearances". Stated the man

“Was the person who asked, about the disappearances a man with white hair wearing a
headband?” Asked Caspian a hopefully look in his eyes

“Think so He keeps mentioning how flashy he was, he kind of looks like you” Stated the man looking at Caspian

“Do you know where he went ?” Asked Caspian

“ I think he was heading to the Black Dragon. It's a teahouse toward the outskirts of the town I’ll show you the way there” said the man looking at the duo

“Thank you for the information and the directions''. said Caspian handed the local a few yen for the info and directions.

Rook grabbed onto Caspian’s haori, getting the young man's attention. She pointed at the man and whispered something into Caspian’s ear. Caspian gave Rook a serious look and followed after the man cautiously.“I hope we find lord tengen soon who knows how much longer that demons gonna keep him alive for. I hope Caspian keeps his guard up, I'll do the same. I don't trust this man one bit . Thought Rook to herself walking with her hand on the handle of her sword, following the man toward the Teahouse.