She pushed me down to the dirt and forcefully shoved one foot onto my chest— pushing me down as I struggle to get up like a fish out of water. She smiled kindly at me and continued to push me down as I writhe under her touch. Her smile was warm, but as she watched me struggle helplessly, a dark, sadistic shadow graced her elegant visage.
“Poor, poor, child..” She cooed, as if mocking me. The blade of her katana gently caressed my neck. “Fighting back won’t help you anymore. Just give up. It’s much more easier.”
She roughly shoved me further onto the ground. Tears were threatening to leak from the corners of my eyes. She was too strong. A beginner demon slayer like me could never beat her. No, thinking like this would never get me anywhere.
Glaring at her with sheer determination, I use all my strength to push her off and get back up on my feet. I spat out some blood that was dribbling onto my chin. Its metallic flavor feuling my anger and will power.
“I refuse to lose. Not without a fight, hashira.” I fix my stance and position my katana. Concentration is key. “Water-breathing. Third form.”
She smiled kindly and positioned her katana—ready to fight. “I’m glad you have such resolve, Kiyari.”
I didn’t hear her words, all I could focus on was the blood pumping through my body. Like water rushing from a river. I slowly open my eyes as the water circles around me. Water-Breathing Third form was just like any other forms. But this was different. It felt more... powerful... It was like a tsunami was rising and about to hit the rocks on the beach. Even the Insect Hashira, Shinobu, smile tensed up as if she were surprised by the aura reflecting off of me.
“Yare, yare, you won’t be able to walk after this move, Kiyari.”
I don’t care anymore. All I can see is the waves splashing around me. Soaking my loose kimono and licking at my hair. I’m in a state of limbo. Pain doesn’t matter to me anymore. I close my eyes. I don’t care anymore.
I run with all my strength and slice. I don’t know what I sliced. But it felt important to me.
I open my eyes. There I see an insect hashira smiling at me as her half of her mask falls apart and shatters to the ground. The other half soon follows and hits the dirt. The fragile material of the mask shining in the grace of the moon.
I look up at the sky. It’s midnight. How long had we been fighting?
I look back at Shinobu in shock. She smiles kindly, this time, with true genuine happiness for me.
“Congratulation, my child.” She bowed respectfully. I quickly answered back with another bow. “You have passed the exam.”
Hi! This is Aislaaaa here! This is my short story that I wrote in the middle of math class lol im rlly bored so this was a good way to pass time. Hope you like it! This is heavily referenced by the anime demon slayer btw