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Leaning against a tree, I read a book. The bark dug into my back as the grass swayed in the gentle breeze. Shadows from the shade surrounded the forest, giving me space from the blazing sun and its large blasting rays. Large oaks towered over my smaller figure. My haori and sword were disbanded and left at the house, leaving me defenseless if any attackers would pursue me. Across from my sitting position, was a large boulder. The peak of the boulder was covered in moss, while smaller rocks lay next to it. Birds sang peaceful melodies, and crickets chirped with the buzz of bees that hunted the area for bright hues from flowers. Patches of dirt in the grassy unkempt floor contrasted the brilliant green leaves on the trees as they danced in the breeze.
I tapped my foot against the ground while I turned the page. I hummed a soft tune as my peaceful reading continued. I inhaled the fresh breeze the afternoon had to offer and smiled contently as I began to tap my finger on the page to the song I hummed.
'The art of wind breathing involves solely offensive techniques, the majority of which rely on rotational movements to generate rapid whirlwind-like slashes that substantially extend the wielder's striking range, or rely on the air around them to deliver.....'
I continued to read through the book on wind breathing that Jomei got me for training. He told me to read the whole thing over and make sure I understand how the breathing style works. He told me, if I use it wrong, it could be the difference between life and death, so, here I am, reading in the forest close to our home and memorizing every bit of it I can.
'This breathing style was created by one of Yoriichi Tsugikuni's students who attempted to learn sun breathing but were instead taught an alternative personalized style.'
I paused at this statement in the book out of pure bewilderment. Who's Yoriichi Tsugikuni? Sun breathing? What's that? This book began to open new questions in my mind rather than answering them.
I continued to read until a sudden presence made me pause.
My eyes widened and my breath hitched at the overwhelming and unfamiliar presence that caught my senses like a fishnet. I slowly placed my book beside me and stood up, making sure not to make any noise. The presence brought fear to my mind and the strength of this demon made me want to scream until my voice became silent.
As the intensity of the presence began to ache my mind and body, I grasped my head. I didn't let out a single breath.
As I focused on my surroundings with my senses on full alert, the world around me froze. I could not hear the song of a bird or the buzz of a bee as I sensed the presence gradually becoming more prominent, indicating that it was swiftly approaching towards my figure.
Fear welled up in my system as I clenched my teeth and fell to the ground on my knees as the presence overpowered me, causing an uncontrollable loud ringing in my ears to begin, as well as my body aching like I've been through months of nonstop training.
My ears began to bleed and drip down onto the green grass and I closed in on myself. My brows were knitted, and I stifled a scream due to the excruciating pain I was in as a result of this demon.
I felt a cold blade being pressed against the side of my neck, making my eyes widen and causing my body to freeze. My hands shook along with my breath as the blade was completely still against my neck. "What is...your name?" The creature behind me spoke. His voice was strict, yet regal and mysterious, all the more reason for me to be terrified.
Not knowing his intentions, I refused to answer and instead pursed my lips. The blade began to cut at my skin, making me slightly wince. I felt a cold hand being placed on my shoulder, making me tense, never once removing my hands from my bleeding ears. "Your name..What is it..?" From the corner of my eye, I saw a black and purple checkered haori and long black hair that had red tips.
I gritted my teeth and swallowed thickly. "...(Y/N)," I spoke, my voice just above a whisper as it somehow held strong against the inescapable presence behind me.
I felt the grip on my shoulder tighten, I refused to show fear as I let my hands fall to the side, letting blood drip from my ears freely. I took a deep breath and stopped shaking, refusing to be afraid.
"...I see." The voice spoke. Suddenly, the hand that held my shoulder gripped my left upper arm harshly and forced me to stand.
I turned to look at the demon and my breath became cold while my eyes widened when six yellow eyes with red sclerae bored into my own (e/c) ones. 'Upper moon one'. A bead of sweat rolled down the side of my face as his eyes drilled holes into mine.
We stood like that for a moment before a voice called out.
"(Y/N)!!!" Jomei's voice called through the thickets, making us turn our heads in his direction.
He suddenly burst out from the trees, sword in hand, while glaring at the demon who still held a strong grip on my arm. "GET AWAY FROM HER, YOU BASTARD!" He yelled in anguish as he dashed towards us.
Once he was in range, he attempted to slice the arm that held me in place, only for him to pause once the blade got stuck in the demon's arm with no sign of moving. He gritted his teeth while his eyes widened and my palms began to grow sweaty.
The demon narrowed his eyes as Jomei struggled to rip his katana from the demon's arm. "How troublesome..." The demon spoke before it used its sword to slice off its own arm, making my brows crease in confusion.
As soon as the arm dropped to the ground, the demon had disappeared into thin air and I was left with Jomei in a state of shock.
The presence had disappeared completely and the bleeding in my ears ceased, as well as the ache in my body.
I was brought back to reality when Jomei grabbed my shoulders and made me face him. His expression held anxiety, desperation, rage, and panic as he spoke. "Are you alright? Did it hurt you? Come on kid, talk to me!" He exclaimed as he inquired me.
Once he saw the look in my eyes, he ceased his words, and his mouth parted. He sighed before bringing me into a warm hug. He held my head close to his chest and I could hear his rapid heartbeat, making me hug back. "Damn it, kid...Why are you always getting into trouble like this..." His voice was shaking with concern. "What did you provoke the upper moon one, huh?" He spoke gently as I shook in his arms. His hold was gentle against my body when he used his other hand to wipe the blood from either of my ears, making me dig my face further into his chest.
