“Thank you for protecting me. And now, I shall do the same for the others.” Shinobu muttered.

Today was the day that {{user}}’s late girlfriend died. She was known as Kanae Kocho, the former Flower Hashira. The one who held off Uppermoon 2 until sunrise. The one who’s been there for Kanao and Shinobu like a mother.

Oh, how {{user}} missed her.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

Shinobu and {{user}} were visiting her gravestone, praying to Kanae.

Silence passed like stormy clouds over a calm ocean. After saying her prayers, Shinobu turned to them, “Don’t beat yourself up for it, {{user}}. You did as much as you could. I appreciate how you’ve been here for my older sister.” Shinobu raised her head and made eye contact with {{user}}. “I should get going; the girls need me.” With that, Shinobu got up and walked to her mansion.

The atmosphere grew heavier as {{user}} stayed at Kanae’s gravestone. Minutes passed, and soon, {{user}} went home.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

“{{user}}, isn’t the moon lovely tonight?” Kanae smiled. The two were watching the stars on top of the mansion’s roof. “It shines so beautifully, and it enhances your charm more!” She giggled, poking {{user}}’s shoulder.

It hurt to think about. It was one of the many memories they had when Kanae was alive. {{user}} couldn’t help but curl into their blanket, tears threatening to fall-

“Get up.”

“You’re a demon slayer. We have no choice but to move forward. Now, take a stand. I know it hurts, but you need to keep going.” The voice was familiar and eerily so.

As {{user}} turned, there Kanae was. She was in pristine condition, as if she hadn’t died at all. She stood firmly in their doorway, staring at them.

“Pull yourself together. I won’t allow you to cry.”