Chapter Text
For them; who risks their lives before turning into stars
For them; for the diamonds in the stars
For the beloved
pappilon/pappilon de lune
present
the little star's tale
There’s a woman who points unto me. Giving me a title: The Brightest star. Of course, I am happy. Different with the man right beside her, he’s looking at the sky with the most unsettling expression. Maybe he really couldn’t recognize my existence, or he’s really blind. Not because he is blind, but because of an accident, he became color blind. So, how do I look like in your eyes? Do I look like a white dot or a bunch of pitch black rocks? I am always been curious. Because in the future you will meet me in this place.
We (celestial beings) knew a bit about the earth’s language. Whether it’s their names, nor it’s the living or the dead. The man and the woman’s name are included. They always met at one o’clock in the morning. Sharing secrets and warmth. Patting each other heads, sharing old stories, strengthen their abilities, talking about their beloved younger siblings that they must protect, the dream about being Hashiras, dead comrades, and a bunch of other stuffs. Other times, they would play tag, cuddle, and share warm kisses on the green grass accompanied by the insects. Who started it, they wonder. But the woman always speak of me whenever she starts her secrets. Shinazugawa-kun, did you know? The stars on the other side has always been watching us. They blinked as if they wanted to know something. Maybe we need to be closer when we talk. So they couldn’t hear our secrets.
"Kochou ...."
And you’d reply with the woman’s name. You’d caressed her cheeks with your thumb that I know it’s not even a gentle touch. His fingers are harsh probably because he’s a swordsman. Everytime I see them, I wanted to laugh or pity them. Polar opposites. A 16 year old couple. A very beautiful woman with a beast. However she is never disgusted nor annoyed. And he will always behave.
Her tiny fingers would always wrapped against your ugly fingers without fear. And Sanemi would held them back tightly. So tightly. It’s like he could never let her go to the darkness of the night. They would always glance at each other without any care of the world. And with the small light from the moon, I can always see the tiny blush on their cheeks. Are you this close with Kanae?
You’d close your eyes. Feeling the small breeze. The small noise from the insects would always been there. Adding the alert for the two of you while you share affection with each other. And then Kanae would get angry once she notices that you got hurt again. She’d hit your arm and pinch your stomach. You’d complain that it hurts, but you loved her affection. Maybe that’s how you receive her affection.
Kanae’s affection reminds me of mother, and of my younger sister.
One of my disadvantage is that I’m not an esper. I couldn’t read their thoughts and feelings. The moon cringed, looking at me, and say, you’re too curious.
My curiosity increases as I heard Kanae talks about something different from what she always talk. It sounds like a melancholic melody. It‘s crushing your heart. It changes the bright mood into gloom in an instant. Even so, you’re still holding her hand. You can’t let her go. Maybe, she’s the reason why you are still living. And so, you listened.
“Shinazugawa-kun, do you know?“ You tilt your head. “The ones who died first will be up there and become the stars.“ You glanced at her in your serious expression. “My grandfather said so. I believe they would have a very big palace and will be free from any sorrow and pain.”
He froze. It’s like he wanted to give her a piece of his mind. But he continued. “Don’t you fear death? You can live in a safe place, get married, and live happily.” At that moment you stopped talking, the breeze got even stronger than before. Blowing their hair together, and you can see Kanae’s smile has turned bitter.
“Shinazugawa-kun ....”
I liked it when Kanae called your name as she blinks. And she’d say "ara-ara", just like an older sister to her younger sibling. And I thought that you’ll kiss her lips to shut her up. Kanae is cute, isn’t she?
But instead of that, your eyes would give another meaning. Did I say anything wrong?
She’d laugh until her stomach hurts, and her eyes watered. Her two butterfly clips wiggled. It made you frown. “Do you really think that happiness is eternal, Shinazugawa-kun?”
Kanae wipes her tears away. “Being a demon slayer or not, you can’t guaranteed that I will be happy and safe forever.” You threw a very harsh, and heavy sigh. Tightening your grip unto her hand, and still silent listening to her words. “I want to be strong to protect my younger sister, Shinobu. I don’t want that child to surpass me into meeting mom and dad and be the stars up there. I promised.”
I know, you wanted to cut her words. But your words stuck inside your throat. You kept your silence, but you will regret it in the future. If only you could turn back time.
I will protect you, and your sister, including my brother, Genya. I will protect all of you. I’m the one who is supposed to get hurt and die. Not you. This is my promise.
But you didn’t say anything. Because you knew that Kanae is a rock head. More so than you. Instead, you continue to hold her hand even tighter, letting Kanae to tell you everything. Tonight, I feel sorry for you.
“But I believe that one day there will be peace. There will be no demons, no pain, no tears, and I want the person that I care to be able to feel that. Even though—“ Kanae looks down, her fingers couldn’t stay still in your grasp. “I couldn’t take any part on that. I am lucky to be able to meet you and Shinobu. Even if I’m gone, Shinazugawa-kun, you’ll able to do it, right?”
You close your eyes for a moment. Letting Kanae go, making her puzzled. She almost cried, and I did not like seeing that, not one bit.
Say something, Sanemi! SAY IT! I screamed.
The moon who got startled by my voice, wakes up. And he’d say, will the sun come up soon?
You open your eyes again, patting Kanae’s head gently. And she can only face the ground, hiding her upset face. And yet, you whisper something against her ears. I couldn’t hear a thing. Your voice is too small.
I‘m relieved to see Kanae is smiling again, with her eyes mimicking the shape of the moon. You might not show it, but you’re great at comforting people. I thought that you’re just this scary looking guy.
Two crows came with their loud voices as if they’re babies and needs to be feed. Landing on their shoulders, telling orders. And that was it, it was good bye. Giving you both different missions, but one goal. Killing demons. Slaughtering them until there will be no demons. You both didn’t need any coin to tell you who to kill. Because no matter how much you toss those coins, their sides would tell you the same thing.
Kill Demons
The next nights, I didn’t see them again. They won’t let them meet anymore. But I will always be watching. From afar I can see that they are fighting. Bathed in sweat and blood. Swinging your swords until you can’t see any good shape from their fingers. They fought, and fought. Fighting until they can’t see each other anymore. Is that, right?
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