SMILE!

Bold= Yaujta Language

Your eyes peeled open as light filtered through the windows. It was warm, almost to warm. A heavy arm was secured on your waist, making you unable to move.

“You are awake,” Your husband stated, “Time to get up.”

A whine escaped your throat, you didn’t like getting out of bed. He let out of huff of amusement as he gently rose from the bed.

“Did you forget about your guest?” He asked.

You made a confused noise.

“Your brother.”

.

That woke you up.

Right. Your brother was locked in the guest room on the other side of the house, you did in fact forget. You let out a groan as you realize what you have to deal with today.

*

*

*

You almost didn’t want to open the door.

On the other side will be your brother, who— if he wants— has the chance to expose an entirely new alien species to planet Earth. That was the last thing you needed.

You adjust your tube top and ankle long skirt, having learned your lesson from the lion cloth situation yesterday. The bruises were will there. You had small bones and ropes around your waist, neck and wrists as jewelry, your sandals, and your wrist armor.

Pressing the button next the door, you peek in as the door slides open. Your brother snaps up from the bed on the far right corner of the room.

He breaths your name in relief, “You scared me.”

“Sorry,” You apologized, “We need to talk.”

He nods, “Yeah… Yeah we do..”

You bite your lip, this was a little awkward. Wait!

“But first!” You exclaimed, startling your brother a little,

“Breakfast!”

* *

*

Okay maybe having breakfast together was a bad idea.

Your husband was glaring your brother down as he ate, growling whenever they met each others eye. Your brother hasn’t touched his plate, making your husband feel even more offended considering he was the one who cooked.

You awkwardly pick at the meats on your plate.

“It’s safe to eat,” You start, “You’ll make him more mad if you don’t.”

“What even is it?” He asked, almost whispering.

“It tastes like jerky, trust me just try it.”

He glanced down at his plate, a nervous look on his face as he slowly picked up a small piece of meat. Only to drop it right back on the plate.

“No- nope i can’t do it.” He shuddered.

Your husband let out a growl at your brothers distaste.

“He cooked it for us, now eat. it.” You sharply whisper.

“It’s fucking green!”

Your husband roars, standing from his chair and snatching the meats away from your brother. He walked away chewing it in anger. You sigh.

“Well, no breakfast..” You aren’t hungry anymore, so you push your meats away.

Your arm was yanked away and you were pulled from your chair before you could. Your brother dragged you to the front door, opening it and rushed outside.

“What are you doing?!” You yell, trying to tug yourself away.

“We’re getting out of here!”

“Are you insane?!” You growl, ripping your arm away from him as you look at the direction your husband left.

“You are going to get us killed!” A desperate tone left your throat.

“He’s gone! i figured out how to use one of their ships before they got me, we can leave! We can go home!” He cupped your shoulders as a way of confort, but to you it felt threatening.

“You don’t understand!” You whisper, “It’s not what you think! I lied to you!”

He stopped, confusion twisting his face as he looked at you. “What?”

“I married him. Consensually. We fell in love and i don’t want to leave.” Your face was desperate, wanting— needing your brother to understand.

He hands fell from your shoulders. Shock filled his face as he stepped away from you. You felt your heart plummet. You knew this was going to happen, but as he turned away from you, the pain turned into something worse than you had ever imagined.

You called out his name softly. He turned back to you.

“I’m sorry..” He said.

“Sorry? For wha—“

You twist your body out of reflex. His fist inches from your face. The shock in his face tells you he didn’t expect you to dodge.

“What are you doing?!” You made sure to keep your voice low enough to not alert anyone around.

“I’m taking you home one way or another, this place has done to much shit to you!” He charged at you once more, opening his arms as a way to try to wrap them around you.

“I am telling the truth! I understand it is hard to believe, but it is true!” You run to meet him, striking him directly in the stomach as you dove under his arm.

His breath leaves him as he crumbled to the ground.

You let out a tsk, “I’ve fought in the arena for years. Unless you catch me by surprise, you won’t win this fight.”

You tried your best to ignore his desperate gulps of breath, “The truth is, the scars are not from training or slavery. They are from frighting in the exact same arena I saved you from. My time on Earth left so many locked emotions i never knew i had until i started fighting, it made me feel… free. The king took a liking to me so we started meeting… and meeting, and meeting, heck, even fighting. Eventually, we fell in love, and he took me in.”

He pants, gripping his stomach in pain as he groans out, “…of all things… why that… why.. why so far from home…”

You gaze softens on his crumbled form, “We never planned this, but we are happy. And i don’t wish to leave.”

“Why not?!” He croaks, “You have so much back home! You have us!”

“You all left me!” You strut to him, grabbing his chin to make him look up at you, “After you all chose me as the problem, you left me! I have nothing on that planet!”

You released his chin, standing back to your full height, “Here i am respected! Here the people are treated equal! I am an equal!”

He huffed, pushing himself off the ground, “So it’s a pride thing?”

“No, you never realized, but you never respected me. None of you did.”

“Didn’t respect you?” He scoffed, “You were spoiled!”

“Spoiled?! Spoiled physically yes, but never once have any of you checked with me! I always changed myself to make you all happy! But never once did you all see my struggles! My attempts!” You yelled, not caring for your volume anymore.

“You all saw through me! You all assumed i was fine!” Your voice started to crack as you stared him down.

“I-! I… I hated it there… I dreamed of running away, of cutting you all off so you felt the pain i felt all those times i was ignored…” Tears started to seep out of your eyes, no matter how hard you tried to hold them in.

“I thought… that if i went missing… maybe you would care…” You sniffed, wiping away any fallen tears.

Your brother stood, wincing as he held his stomach. “We’ve always care about you.. I can’t believe you think so low of us.”

“Just come home,” He sighed, “Please?”

You blinked, “…No.”

“You can’t be serious,” He scoffed, “He’s an alien! He doesn’t know you like we do!”

“You’re right… He knows me better.”

You interrupted him before he could speak, “I can get you out. Under one condition, you can not speak of this planet, this species, any of this to anyone.”

“Wha— Im not leaving without you!”

“Then i guess you’re not leaving.”

He sputtered, looking at you as if you’ve grown a third head. You gaze held strong.

“Let me help you,” You spoke his name softly, making yourself appear less of a threat, “You can go home, and if you’d like, i will give you a communication device so we can speak to one another.”

He stared at the ground for a moment, his eyes turned red with tears and yet none had fallen out. After a moment, he shook his head.

“…I wanna go home,” his voice shook, “But I… I’m scared. I don’t want to leave you here but you… want to be here. And i can’t… i can’t change your mind, can i?” He lifted his head for the question, staring directly at your eyes, hoping he’d fine the answer he wants in there.

You pursed your lips, “…no, you can’t.”

A small sob left his mouth, he quickly looked away. “…i just got you back… and i have to let you go again…”

…You didn’t know what to say, so instead, you wrapped him in a gentle hug. He immediately reciprocated, holding you tight as if you were going to fade away.

To him, you technically were..

He cried softly on your shoulder, you gently rubbed his back.

“…you could stay for a day, i could give you a tour before we send you back…”

He didn’t answer for a few seconds. It wasn’t until he slowly peeled himself off, he nodded.

“…i’ll keep quiet. But i want that communication thing.” He wiped his face as he spoke.

You nodded, “As long as you don’t speak to anyone about this, then you can get the communication device. Trust me, we will know if you say anything.”

Your brother nods, “I promise to keep quiet.”

You smile.

Footsteps from behind you made you turn.

”Oh! I’ve explained ev—“

“I heard.” You husband spoke.

You blinked. He heard? You for sure thought he had gone back to the bedroom.

“We will meet his conditions of the device and the tour of our territory. I’ll get a ship and guards ready to take him back first thing tomorrow.”

He chuffed as he stared down your brother, “I will play nice for now. But you owe me an entire day for us wife.”

“Of course, i’m sorry about all this, it obviously wasn’t planned. I’ll go hunting for your favorite meat as well!”

He turned to look at you with a growl in his voice, “That his not what i meant when i said an entire day to ourselves.”

His sharp gaze trailed from your eyes to down south.

“Oh!” You flushed.

“What? What did he say?” Your brother asked.

“He- Uh- He just agreed to your terms!” You stuttered out.

“Wait for us outside alright? We will be right there.” You move to the door and opened it for him.

He gave your husband a suspicious look before giving you a wary one, “You sure everything’s okay?” He whispered as he approached the door.

You nod, “Do not worry.”

“Alright… if you say so…” With that, he walked through, letting your close the door gently behind him.

As soon as the door closed, you felt a large hand cup the back of your head and turn you around.

“I hate giving you away.” He clicks.

“It’s only for today,” You hummed, taking his other hand to press kisses on his knuckles. You know how much he likes the feeling of your soft skin compared to his.

He purred, “Show him what we pride ourselves with.”

You let out a hum as you leaned on him, “I will… Maybe not the arena or how err… violent, we can be, but everything else i’m sure he’d love to study.”

A hand cupped your face and tilted your head up.

“I’m glad you are loyal to me, and only to me.” He growled.

You giggle, “You belong to me just as much as i belong to you.”

He clicks in satisfaction.

—————————

”…This is the place..?” Tenya’s mom asks, her hand on the steering wheel as she parks in front of a house in the middle of the desert.

The house was a simple one story home, but there was cracks and dirt all over it. It looked like it was a blow away from completely crumbling apart.

“…It’s the address she gave me…” Tenya said, glancing from his phone and to the house with a very concerned look on his face.

His mom shuddered, “Tenya… does she struggle financially..? Because if she does we can always—!”

“Mother please! This is not her house! She lives in the middle class neighborhood remember?”

“Oh right… Could you ask her to come out then? Just so i can say hello of course!” She giggles nervously.

Tenya nods, sending you a quick text. To which he gets a quick reply of ‘omw!’, he just recently learned that ment ‘on my way’.

“Oh is that her?” His mother asks.

Tenya turns, seeing you rush out the long drive way to their car. He quickly opens his door, a smile on his face as he catches you in a hug.

“Hii! I’m so glad you’re here! You have no idea how long i’ve been—! Oh my gosh hi Mrs. Iida!” You wave at his mother.

“Hello hunny! I hope the two of you have fun, and remember to stay safe! My that music is really loud!” She happily called out.

“Thank you for the ride mother.” Tenya spoke, closing the door gently as his mother waved goodbye.

The two of you turn as the car pulls off, walking up the drive way to the side of the house.

“Is this where your cousin lives?” Tenya asks, still nervous about the structure of the building.

“Yep! It safe i promise” You giggle at his stressful face.

You lead Tenya around the house to the backyard, which was just a larger dirt patch. A large crowd was there, some near huge speakers blasting music, others sitting on stained plastic tables and chairs. Children ran around and rolled in the dirt, there was a crying baby somewhere, the smell of cigarettes and beer was overwhelming. All in all…

It was very overstimulating.

“Ayy, mira quien llegó!” (ayy, look who came!) You’re tio walked up noticeably drunk as he wrapped his arms around you, being careful not to spill his freshly opened beer bottle.

“Hola tío! Cómo está?!” (Hello uncle, how are you?!) You yelled over the music.

“Bien bien! Y este que?” (good good, and this guy?) Your uncle points at Tenya, who is incredibly stiff and sweating. “Bien profesional no? Mira ahora este si tiene dinero!” (very professional no? look now this guy does have money!) He points at Tenyas cargo shorts, collared shirt, and very clean sneakers.

“Estés mi novio Tenya Iida,” (this is my boyfriend Tenya iida) He jumped at the sound of his name.

“Ahhh! Mucho gusto Tenya!” (ahhh! nice to meet you Tenya!) Your uncle grips Tenyas hand, pulling the poor boy into a tight hug before releasing him to pat him on the shoulder hard.

“U—Uhm..” He glances at you, forcing a smile on his face as his tried to hide how uncomfortable he is…. He is failing very miserably.

“No entiende español tío, habla japonés” (he doesn’t understand Spanish uncle, he speaks Japanese) You laugh.

“Ahh, pues estamos en Japón no?” (ahh, well we are in Japan no?) He questions.

You laugh and nod at your very drunk uncle.

“Bueno, vengan a ver el bebé de mi hija! Vamos vamos!” (well, come see my daughters baby! let’s go let’s go!) He leads the two of you to a crowd around a table, pointing at a baby sitting on your cousins lap.

“Mira! Trajo a su novio Japonés!” (look! She brought her Japanese boyfriend!) He points at Tenya, who is still sweating buckets as he shows your family a very stiff bow. Your family stood up, walking up to him as they hug him and give him a kiss on the cheek, happily ignoring how stunned his was by this whole situation.

“El es Tenya Iida!” You introduced.

“Mucho gusto Tenya!” Your cousin says as she bounced her birthday baby.

“No entiende el español! Jaja!” Your uncle laughed.

“Ay déjalo en paz Julio,” (ay leave him in peace Julio) Your grandma scolds, “Míra nomas! Le va dar un infarto!” (just look! he’s gonna get a heart attack!)

You snort at her comment, Tenya blinked. He leaned into your side as he cups a hand around his mouth.

“Is this… A one year olds party?” He whispered.

“Yep, why?”

He gaped, “There are people smoking!” He loudly whispered, “And drinking!”

You let out a nervous laugh, “Yeahhh that’s kind of the norm here not gonna lie.”

He has dropped.

“Can I talk to you?” He glanced around, “Privately?”

“Sure, we can head further into the desert.”

“What?! That’s dangerous there could be feral animals there!” He chopped.

“It’s the most privacy your gonna get babe” You deadpan, knowing damn well your tias are going to ask about this later.

He sighs as he ounces the bridge of his nose, “Alright, fine…”

Both of you walk off further in the desert, coming to a stop near a large bon fire covered in large leaves.

Tenya was very confused, but shook it off.

“What is going on!” His arm chopped furiously in the air, “I’ve been hugged at first introductions, called by my first name, and there are people smoking, drinking, and gambling at a ONE year olds birthday party!”

”Gambling?” You asked.

“There was money on the table and some sort of colorful paper and raw beans!”

“Ohhh, lotería.. Dude that’s just bingo.”

“WITH REAL MONEY! ITS GAMBLING! IN FRONT OF A ONE YEAR OLD!” He shouts.

“Keep it down!” You shush, “I don’t want anyone to think i’m in some sort of abusive relationship, cuz trust me that rumor will spread fast” You huff.

”Ah, I apologize, i love you very much.” He blushed, fixing his glasses.

You giggle at his sudden shy attitude, “Love you too nerd.”

You cleared your throat, “i do owe you an apology as well, i didn’t warn you about our traditions. I can assure you this is perfectly normal”

Tenya sighs, “It’s alright, your traditions are strange i must admit”

You giggle, “Imagine the huge culture shook i had when i moved here for UA”

The two of you let out quiet laughs.

“Im gonna go to the restroom real quick okay? You can wait with my sister if you want?” You ask, knowing he’s more comfortable talking with her out of the rest of your family.

Tenya nodded, “Of course, i will wait for you there.”

He watched as you made your way inside the house before moving to your sisters side, “Iida!” She greets him, “How are you?”

Tenya lets out a sigh of relief, “I’m glad you are here, i am very overwhelmed.”

Your sister laughs, “Not very used to our culture huh?”

“I mean no offense, but no i am not–“

“Ya está lista la comida!”

Tenya turns, confused on the sudden shout. A few men were gathered around the now dead fire pit, digging up mounds of dirt.

“What is happening?” Tenya asked.

“You’ll see” Your sister replied.

He watched as the men stop digging, two reached down and lifted what seemed to be a large metal sheet. Then they lifted a few large, green leaves, and finally an entire cooked goat on a metal sheet and more large leaves.

Tenya gasped, making family members turn to him.

“Este que? Nunca a visto esto?” Your cousin asked, a humorous look on her face.

“No es puro japonés,” (no he’s purely japanese) Your sister laughed.

Tenya could only stare in horror as they separate the meat from the bones and chop them into bits-

-Are those intestines?!

He blinked as a man approached him, handing him and your sister a plate of tacos with words he did not understand.

Your sister gave him a worried glance as he stared down his plate.

“Are you okay Iida?” She asked, “Do you wanna go sit down?”

“How is anyone eating this?!” He fumbled, “It was in the ground! And there are goat intestines!”

Your sister let out a snort.

“Oh! Gracias!”

Tenya turned at the sound of your voice, you were taking a plate of tacos from a man. His face paled.

“Please hold this!” He gently shoved his plate into your sisters hand.

He turned and ran towards you, picking up speed when he saw you pick up a taco.

“Don’t eat that!” He gripped your wrist just before you took a bite, “It was in the ground!”

You paused, slowly putting the taco back on your plate.

“Tenya, it’s supposed to come from the ground.” You explain calmly.

“It was covered in dirt and ash! They could have at least used a grill!” His arm chopped, “It is completely unsanitary! Speaking of unsanitary, those are intestines!”

You sigh, “Ten, my family is poor remember? My uncle can’t afford a grill, plus, cooking in the dirt is tradition. I’m sorry i didn’t warn you sooner, i didn’t know they were making goat today.”

He gaped, “You all… just eat… from the ground.?” He grit out.

You frown, “Hey man that didn’t sound very nice, not all of us had privilege ya know?”

“No! No! I apologize i did not mean it like that!” His arm chopped, “But eating something from the ground?! Eating intestines from the ground?!”

“Remember when you said you wanted to learn about all my traditions and culture?” You place a hand on his shoulder.

He nods.

“Start with this, trust me” You give him a smile as you lift your plate to him.

His eyes glide from you to the plate, then back to you. His hesitant face slowly fading as he looked into your eyes. “Alright,” He caved, “Only for you.”

He carefully grabbed a taco, closing his eyes as to not look at the cooked intestines on a tortilla, as took a bite.

.

.

.

Bold= Yautja language

The roars of the crowd filled you head as you straightened your back, placing your mask on your face and turn to look at your husband. His eyes trialed up and down at you, before giving you a sharp nod and huff of approval. He gave a command to the guard next to him, the guard tapped the screen on the ship, allowing the door to fall open.

The two of you step out, your husband, the king, proudly accepting the slits of blood the crowd honors you with. You cringe, you always hated that, you never liked that your people hurt themselves for you, but it was their tradition, you couldn’t change it.

It’s why you wore the mask, you were never good at hiding your face.

It took you years to become accustomed to their lifestyle. Here the women are treated differently, they’re treated so well. It felt nice to be respected, but strange to be feared. The language was what you struggled with the most, thankfully you’ve become fluent, only using your native language when it was necessary. Once you had adapted to their standards, you became one of them, even more so when you killed the xenomorph during one of your battles in the arena.

Your heart clenched at the thought… you never ment to kill that Yautja… it was chasing after your friend.. you had to defend him…

But at the same time… if it hadn’t been for that, you wouldn’t have met him.

You peek to your side, admiring your husband as he spoke.

You don’t necessarily need to come to these events… you just like to admire him as his pride shined around him.

A loud roar interrupted your thoughts.

Turning your head to the arena, you pause. A xenomorph? Against three people… One in a vietnamese army uniform, another in kimono, and last… a simple pair of jeans and shirt.

“A xenomorph? Isn’t that a bit to harsh?” You ask your husband, keeping your gaze downward as you silently hope for their survival.

“You are too empathetic. It could get you killed.” He spoke, his clicks and growls soft. You knew he meant it in a caring way, but it still poked you a little wrong. You stayed quiet, focusing your attention on the fight ahead of you.

The person in the kimono was dead. Your arms tense, you could never handle seeing them have such painful deaths… but you couldn’t do anything… can’t do anything. Can’t interfere…

The modern man seemed to be doing the best, driving the xenomorphs attention to him while the soldier runs away—

Your heart stopped.

That man. That modern man.

You shift through different visions in your mask, ignoring the strange look your husband was giving you. You shift and shift and shift- until you unknowingly let out a growl of frustration and rip off your mask.

“What is it?” The king asked, though it sounded like a demand.

Your clear view confirmed your dread.

The modern man was your brother.

You took a step forward, only to stop when an a hand gripped your arm. Your husband held a gentle yet firm hold on you, “Do not interfere. What is it?” His body language was threatening, but his eyes were concerned.

“That’s my brother! I have to—!”

“Stay. Put. Your brother could die without honor if you interrupt.” He orders, tugging you back gently.

“I don’t want him to die!” You snarl back.

“He and your family have dishonored you! They left you! Let him use this to prove himself.”

You let out a huff, your mind racing with thoughts. You tugged your arm back, moving to stand next to him again, yet moving your gaze to your feet as you reapply your mask.

He gives you a great full huff before turning back to the fight.

The second his tension leaves his body.

The second his muscles relax.

You lunge forward.

Using your wrist blades, you anchor yourself to the wall as you slide down to the arena. Ignoring the angry roar of your husband behind you. The crowd lets out sounds of confusion as you roll into the ground, standing up calmly as you dust yourself off.

You walk past the shivering soldier, keeping a small distance away from the battle of your brother and xenomorph. To your left on the ground was a gun, an old gun from the 18th century.

‘No wonder my brother isn’t using his weapon, this shit is rigged…’

You give yourself a mental note to have a talk with your husband about that.

The xenomorph tackled your brother down, pinning him as he opens his mouth. The man jolts and twists, but the alien doesn’t budge. He could only stare as the aliens inner jowls prepare to strike. He closed his eyes…

…Only to snap them open upon hearing loud squeals of pain.

You gripped the xenomorphs tongue tight, ripping it off your brother with a sharp twist of your body. The xenomorph tumbled to the ground, quickly recovering as it gave you a shout of anger.

It charges at you, jumping to pin you down—

—SHING!—

You impaled it with your staff before quickly dropping it to not get any acid on you.

The crowd roared with cheers, confused but proud to see their queen killed a xenomorph once again.

“Wha— what even—?” The man behind you stuttered.

You turn to face him.

It felt so surreal to see him again.

His eyes flicked to your exposed arms and legs, “Y-you’re a human…? R-right? What—?”

You walk up to him, gripping him by the collar and lifted. Making sure he is in everyone’s view.

‘“This is mine! My servant! Touch it and you die!” You don’t have to heart to kill your people, but your husband does.

You drop him, taping on your wrist band–only to pause when you notice him try to crawl away.

You stepped on him, putting enough pressure to stop him but not to hurt him too much.

A hatch in the ground opened behind you, two guard on their own hovering bike pulled up next to you. You turn to the one on your right, ordering him to take the soldier back to cryo sleep. He zoomed past you with ease.

You turn to the one on your left, picking up your brother by his collar once more and throwing him behind the guard before hopping on behind your brother. “Take us to my home.” You order, the guard gives you a nod.

*

*

*

*

“What did you do.” Your husband—the king—spoke, his anger radiating off the walls of your shared home.

“I saved my brother” You replied, back facing said brother as he was being held down by a device’s hologram.

“What are you planning to do once he knows who you are?! Are you just going to free him?! After all he and your family did to you?!” He roared, stepping into your personal space, yet you refused to move.

“Did you know he was here?”

That question made him freeze.

You felt yourself go slack, only to tense up yet again.

“You knew? You knew and you didn’t tell me?!” It was your turn to step into his space.

“Why didn’t you tell me?! So what if they cut me off I still care for them! I don’t want them to die! I love them! I can’t believe you lied to me! You should have told me!”

He stared at you. Only to avert his eyes, “…I cannot take you seriously with your accent… It is cute…”

You froze.

“You’re sleeping outside tonight.” You turn away.

“WHAT?!” He roared.

“You heard me, in fact leave now.” You refused to face him, keeping your arms crossed as you huff.

“You do not order me, human! I am—!”

“—Going to have a missing wife soon if i don’t leave this room in five. four. three…”

He lets out a huff of disbelief. Growling at you before stomping outside, grumbling to himself.

Once he was gone, you face your brother. You’ve never seen him so scared before… and yet he can still hide it pretty well.

“I am sorry..” Jeez, it’s been a while since you’ve last spoke this language.

“…What..?” He asked.

You slowly reach for your mask. Pausing as your fingers reach contact.

‘Should you be doing this? What will he say? What will he do?…. But god damn it i want to see my brother clearly one last time…’

You remove your mask, clipping it to your lion cloth.

His eyes widen, staring at you as if you were a ghost, your name comes out a whisper…

“I don’t.. You… You were pronounced dead…” He said, his eyes never leaving you.

“I am sorry… I will get you home.. I promise..” Your throat closed up as you choked back the tears… He looked older now, tired, but he was here..

You step on the device, letting the hologram zip away and freeing him from his restraints. He stood up, looking at you.

“… Im so sorry, for everything…” He said, wrapping his arms around you as he let out a weep.

You return the hug, tears of your own spilling over. The room filled with the sound of quiet sobs, the two of you stayed together until your cries turned into sniffles.

He pulled away first, giving a small laugh as he wiped his tears, “What are you wearing?” He huffed out of amusement.

You giggled, “It’s my armor”

He let out a snicker, “What’s with the accent?”

“Oh, I have not spoken this language in years, i only use it when it’s necessary, which is rare” You explain.

Your brother lets out an overwhelmed huff, “I…. I have so many questions…” He lifts a hand to his hair, messing with it nervously.

You smile, “Me too, sit” You motion to a chair next to the island.

“You go first, i’m sure you want answers fast” You say as you pull up a chair for yourself.

He sits, fiddling with his hands, “Okay uhh… Where are we?”

“This is Yautja Prime, a dangerous planet for most, but home for the Yautja”

“And yautja are..?”

“The aliens you just saw” You clarify, “Or in their case, we are the aliens” You giggle.

“How did you get here?” He asked, brushing off your try at easing the tension.

“I accidentally killed one of their kind trying to protect a friend, whenever you kill a Yautja, you are taken to the Arena so they see how strong you truly are”

“But you aren’t treated the same way” Your brother spoke accusingly.

“No,” You confirmed, “… But i cannot tell you why.”

Your brother scoffed, “Why not? I’m your brother.”

You hesitant, “… I cannot trust you..”

“What?” He let out a sound of disbelief, “We’re family, why don’t you trust me?”

“It’s been years since we have seen each other, and our last meeting ended badly, i am sorry, but i cannot risk it..” You tried to reason.

“You can’t be serious…”

You refused to break eye contact, “Let’s move on.”

He grits his teeth, shuffling a bit in his seat before giving you a small nod, “Alright… Why am i here?”

“You killed a Yautja, so you were to figh—“

“—fight in the arena yeah yeah i get it.” He cut you off, that rubbed you wrong, but chose not to comment on it.

“How did you kill it?” You ask.

“I thought i was asking questions?” He snarks.

You furrow your brows, unpleased with his attitude. He notices.

“What? You think that I wouldn’t get offended after you admitted that you don’t trust me?”

You don’t respond, you only stare as you wait for his next move.

“All those years. All those fucking years we spent together. We cried over you, we thought you were dead— We held a fucking funeral for you and you say you can’t FUCKIN—!”

You smack a hand over his mouth, gripping it harshly as you stand over him.

“Watch your tone… He is listening…” You whisper, nodding your head to the closed door a few feet away from you, knowing your husband is over hearing everything.

“Raise your voice, and he kills you… I cannot protect you from him.” You warn, your heart aching at the sight of his terrified eyes.

You slowly peel your hand away, moving back to sit on your chair again.

Your brothers eyes are locked on the door, they flickered back to you, and lock on the door again.

“He will not hurt you unless necessary” You try to comfort.

“Necessary in your definition or his?”

“…His..” You confess.

His eyes finally look away from the door, “…You’re special to him, aren’t you?”

“I am his servant.” You lie.

“No.. No he cares about you way too much for you to just be a servant.” Your brother wasn’t stupid, you knew that. He had a phD, the smartest one in the family.

Lying was the only way out.

“I am his longest lasting servant, he kills those who make simple mistakes. I was trained before being sold to him.” Another lie.

He stared at you in disbelief, processing all the information you just gave him. “How are you not dead? You’re as clumsy as a newborn” He says, still not convinced on the servant explanation.

“I was trained. If i made mistakes…” You lifted your arm, removing your armor. Your brother let out a small, horrified gasp upon seeing the scars littering your skin.

These scars were from your days in the arena, but for now, you had to play into this role in order to keep your people safe. If he were to tell anyone about your importance to the clan, it could bring great threats to your people.

His eyes trailed over each scar, before moving to the rest of you. Your top left a bit of your collarbone and stomach exposed, your legs were only covered by your lion cloth and sandals—

—Wait.

Now looking down at your lion clothes, you notice two large, discretely hand shaped bruises on your top inner thighs.

‘Fuck. fuck. fuckfuckfuck those were from last night! Please don’t notice please don’t notice please don’t notice—!’

“Holy shit…” Your brother stares at said bruises, you were too late to cover them.

You place your mask back on face too fast to go unnoticed. You stand from your chair, feeling the heat of your face radiating off the mask.

“What— Where are you going?” He quickly stood after you, grabbing your arm to stop you.

“I’ve been summoned” You lie.

“How do you know?”

“The mask.” You tore your arm out of his grip, turning to walk out the door.

Your brother shouted your name as softly as he could, making you pause. You turn your head, keeping your body somewhat facing the door.

His face was twisted in remorse, eyes till locked on the bruises on your thighs.

“Did it… Were you…” His voice came out quiet, too scared to say the actual words. You knew what he was trying to say…

You didn’t respond.

You turned to the door and walked, pulling it open before closing it gently behind you.

“How did it go?” Your husband asks, leaning against the wall next to the door. His arms crossed as he stared at his tribe in front of him.

You take a deep breath, turning to face your husband.

“He believes you rape me.”

A pause.

“He WHAT?!” He straightens from his relaxed position, facing you fully, “How did this happen?! I told you to go with the servant lie when you are being interrogated!”

You rip off your mask, dropping it to the ground and revealing your embarrassed blush staining your face. “Yes of course i went with that! But do you remember what you told me to wear today?!”

You motion towards your thighs, “This lion cloth and armor only covers my intimates! Definitely not evidence of last night!”

He tilts his head in confusion, “It covers the bruises, i do not see the problem”

“Not when i sit down! Now he believes you rape me.” You cross your arms out of frustration.

“This is a problem.” He spoke after a moment of silence.

You nod as you release a sigh.

“What now?” You ask.

Your husband ponders a bit, turning to you once he had a plan, “Tell the truth.”

“What?! If he tells the humans about us they could us me to get to you and the people!”

“Let them come. It will only prove we are stronger.”

“But—!” You get interrupted by a large hand gently patting your head.

“It will be fine, trust me.” His hand trailed down, cupping your face gently as he slightly leaned down. His thumb rubbed your cheek, you reach your hands up to hold his arm as you stare up at him.

You sigh, “Alright… i trust you..”

He gives an approving click, leaning his head slightly lower.

“First… Let me see the bruises..”

You quickly pull away, “Nope, we both know that once you start something we have to finish it…” A blush rose yet again.

You hissed up at him, keeping a hand on Joshua’s shoulder. Optimus glared from his spot on the metal T-rex.

“This does not concern you, woman.” If looks could kill you would be burned alive on the spot.

“Just go” Cade spoke.

You turned, “No one’s talkin’ to y—“

Cade points the gun towards you and Joshua, “You wanna try the guy with the gun?!”

You shift your arm to a blaster, “You wanna try the woman who is a gun?!”

“No–no, Y/n, thank you it’s fine– i’m just gonna” Joshua stepped up to the mechs with his hands in surrender. You kept your arm tense, keeping an eye on him in case the Autobot tried something funny.

Did you hate Joshua? Yes. But he can be a good guy if someone pointed him in the right direction, that’s how you got away with most of your plan. You would give him side quests or advice on his business to keep his eye away from your mission, and he would give you access to anything. He saved your life, in return, you will save his.

You were never involved in his meetings with Mr. Attinger, if you were, you would have never let this happen.

“Because of your inventions! You will be responsible for humanity’s extinction!” Optimus roared at Joshua.

“Well i mean, that’s a bit—“

“I think he just wants you to admit that some thing’s shouldn’t be invented” Cade cut him off.

The metal dinosaur roared at Joshua’s face, you quickly push it back and fire a warning shot near Optimus. “Control your lizard!” You yell.

“Don’t yell at me as if i started this!”

”Oh fuck off Prime!”

“If Cade were not here, I would have left you all for dead!”

“Oh yeahhh! Soo braavee! Run away like the rusted PUSSY YOU ARE!”

“Geez they even fight like a married couple” Shane leaned to Tessa and Cade, making the older man sigh and shake his head.

“Guys! We don’t have time for this!” Cade yelled out.

Optimus glared your way before turning to Cade, “Follow us, we will get you somewhere safe.”

Drift stepped up, pointing at the car next to him with his sword, “Use this car, hurry!”

You quickly shoved Joshua and the seed in before turning away. “Wha— Hey! Where do you think you’re going?”

“There’s not enough space in the car,” You explain, “I’ll go with the waste of metal” You shrug towards Optimus.

“No—What? No! You can fit— We can leave one of these guys or something!” Joshua retaliated.

You only huffed as you walked away, ignoring his calls to come back.

Optimus stares as you walk in his direction.

Ignoring his stare, your vision flashes a line of code.

“Y/n! Behind you!” optimus climbs off the dinosaur, reaching in arm out to you.

A flood of metal sped towards you, you stopped moving, letting it slam onto you.

“NO!”

Optimus ran towards you, desperately ripping out chunks of the man-made metal off of you. Suddenly, the metal shot out an appendage, gripping Optimus by the neck without choking him. The Prime clawed at the metal, reaching for his blade until—

“Knock it off Prime!”

The metal shifted, forming into a cybertonian clone. It metal was sleek, as if it were polished seconds before it formed.

“…Y/n?”

The robot let go of the Prime, letting the rest of its body form. “Yes you idiot” You snark as you walk past him, leaving the Prime in shock as he stares at your form.

Your curves seemed to be more noticeable.

“Ey boss,” Hound nudges him, “Optics up” He chuckled. Optimus quickly lifts his sight from your lower back and glares at Hound before moving after you.

Matching your pace, he focus his gaze forward, trying not to sneak glances at your new form.

..

…

Maybe a peek wouldn’t hurt.

“Whatta want” You snark, making him quickly snap his sight forward again.

“I said nothing”

“Then quit starin’ dickhead”

“Swears are unnecessary”

“You are unnecessary”

He clenched his fists, choosing to bite his tongue.

BOOM!

The ground shock beneath you. Snapping your gaze up, you let out a gasp.

“Lockdown is back. Fuck, I thought you got rid of him!” You turn to Optimus.

“He must have realized i was gone faster then planned.”

“Yeah no shit sherlock” You snark, only to pause when you see dozens of metal rise to the ship.

“…It’s a magnet..” You gape, watching it drop said metal hundreds of feet off the ground.

“Run!” Optimus yanked your arm, dragging you away from the magnet.

Stumbling over the ground and dodging the falling items, you failed to notice the ship moving right on top of you.

You felt yourself get lighter and quickly realized what was happening. You turned to Optimus, making a chain attached to a small spear out of your arm and tied his wrist with the chain.

“What are you doing?!” Optimus yanked at the chain as he started to float too.

“Saving your rusted ass!” You swing the spear down, letting it break into branches under the dirt and keep Optimus anchored.

“Y/n!” Optimus yelled in horror as you got dragged towards the ship. Yanking the chain over and over hoping it would snap. Fuck it, Optimus shifted his arm into a blaster and aimed at the chain.

“OPTIMUS DONT YOU FUCKING DARE! THATS STILL ME ASSHOLE!” You yelled as you grabbed onto a building.

He stopped, only to point his blaster at you.

”Oh you little—!”

“DUCK!”

You quickly ducked your head, feeling the heat of the blast graze you before hitting the magnet head on.

The ship blew up, gravity was back to normal.

Fuck.

Your grip on the building slipped, the air surrounded you as you fell.

‘I can’t believe this is happening in front of him… how embarrassing..’

You closed your eyes, you didn’t want to see Optimus’ ‘you stupid bitch’ look when you splattered on the ground.

You brace for impact.

..

..

.

‘Where’s the ground?’

You opened your eyes.

There was Optimus, holding you while on his knees.

He saved you.

“Wha-“

He’s giving you the ‘you stupid bitch’ look.

“Don’t look at me like that!” You growl.

“Like what?” Great. Now he’s being a little shit.

“You know how! Hey put me down!” You push at his chest as he stood.

“No. Or else you might do something spontaneous again.”

“Spontaneous is a good thing!”

Optimus deadpaned, “Not when you do it.”

You let out an offended huff, “What’s that supposed to mean?! Whatever, put me down!”

“No.”

*

*

*

”You are free!”

Optimus waved off the mechanical dinosaurs as they give him roars of thanks before running off.

“—What-now-?” Bumblebee asks, turning his head away from the prehistoric metal.

“You will stay here, where it is safe.” Optimus stated.

Bumblebee lets out a confused buzz, “And—you?”

Optimus gives his friend a determined look, “I will search for who ever is hunting me. I don’t know who they are, or why they doing this, but they will not stop until they find me. So i will find them first.”

“No.”

The group snap their heads in your direction, the humans having to look up since you have yet to shift back to your regular self.

The sudden attention made you flinch a little, before straightening your back and focusing your gaze on him.

“You can’t go, not yet anyway.”

Optimus gives you a strange look, “Why not?”

You hesitate, ‘If i tell him now, all the assumptions of me killing our friends are going to get worse.’ You think before turning back to meet his optics.

“You’re just gonna have to trust me.”

Crosshairs lets out a laugh, “HAH! Trust you?”

He marches up to you, pointing one of his pistols at your face.

“Trust. YOU?!” He thrusts the barrel into your chest, making you take a step back.

“You killed our friends! YOUR friends! DID EVERYBODY JUST FORGET THAT?!” He yelled.

“She didn’t kill them!” Joshua spoke up, “Hell, she never went near the operating rooms!”

Crosshairs huffed, “And why should we believe you?”

“Crosshairs” You spoke, gaining the attention of said mech, “…I know there is nothing i can do now that will prove to you i am innocent, but i can only beg for you—all of you—to wait a few more weeks, and i will prove to you i am still a friend..”

Crosshairs only glared.

“Fine.” Optimus spoke, approaching behind you.

“You have one month.” He said, using his height as intimidation.

“Excuse us! Pardon us!”

Currently dashing through the sea of people on the side walk, the four of you were shoving past people as gently as you could.

Well, except Inosuke. “OUTTA MY WAY!”

“Inosuke! Be nice!” You scold.

’Damnit. We’re never gonna get past all these people in time, not to mention we’re getting wayyy too much attention… Wait!’ You shoot your gaze up, ‘The rooftops!’

”Guys! Follow me!”

You quickly turn into an alleyway, giving a glance back to make sure the boys were following. “Climb!” You shout the order before leaping from the ground and latching on to a windowsill with your hands.

Taking a deep breath, you focus your strength on your arms and push yourself up, landing with a crouch on the rooftop.

Tanjiro and Inosuke followed shortly after.

You turn to them, “We’ll split up here, Tanjiro go north, Inosuke south, Zen— where’s Zenitsu?” 

The boys turn to the blank space Zenitsu usually filled.

“Guuuuuyyyss!!”

You gave each other quick glances before rushing to the edge of the building. Peeking over, Zenitsu stands in the alleyway. His entire body shaking and tears shed from his eyes.

”Guyss! Help meeee! I’m so scared i can’t move!”

You sigh, “We don’t have time for this Zenitsu!” You yell down.

”Y/n, I’ll get Zenitsu, you and Inosuke should start searching for the demon” Tanjiro remarked.

”You sure?” You ask.

”Yes! Now go!” He jumps down.

You nod and rush off, yelling out a good luck to the boys as you go.

It was such a nice night. The wind flowing through your uniform as you jumped from building to building made it feel so magical.

Sliding to a stop, you close your eyes and take a deep breath.

Relax, find the bad vibes…

…

.

.

There.

You push off the roof and pass two more buildings before jumping into an alley. 

There it is, the demon.

Flowing down, you unsheathed your blade mid-air, twisting your arm to strike.

”May you live a peaceful rebirth” You whisper.

.…

.

…

.

shhiingg!

.

.

‘Wha- Where did it go..?’

Just before you sliced it, it had disappeared. 

‘Wait… that smell…’

You sniff the air, tensing when you realized where you remembered that smell from.

’Engine gas…’

You turn.

There he is. Holding the demon in a tight, protective grip, keeping his arms at the demons waist as it struggled to break free. His eyes glared with a hatred you’re oh so familiar with.

”Tenya Iida…”

His grip tightens and eyes widen in recognition, “Y/n…” He quickly snaps back to reality, “What are you doing here?! You were supposed to be gone!” He grits his teeth.

You smile, ignoring the anger flooding through your veins.

”Someone’s gotta clean the streets ya know?” You joke, swinging your sword around.

”How’s hero school by the way? Have you ‘helped’ any demons yet?” You snarked.

He bares his teeth, “They are not–!”

”Not demons, i get it” You interrupted, “You used to be a Demon Slayer with great promise, well, that’s what Lord Rengoku says anyway”

You huff out a laugh, “To me you just look like a pussy, there are no Hero’s here. Not until yall man up and kill a demon”

”If all demons should die then why are you still here?” He growls.

A bolt stabbed through your heart.

You place a hand on your chest, “Ouch! You really hit with that one!” You playfully exclaimed as you run your tongue over your sharped canines.

You dash to him, barely giving his cheek a scratch as you decapitate the demon.

Tenya gasps as he watches the body he was just protecting crumble away.

”You can’t protect every demon Tenya… You’ve known that from the very start.” You explained, keeping your back to him.

Silence filled the alley. 

You notice paper bags full of menstrual items spilled on the floor. The girls from the dorms must have run out, and he volunteered to get some, even when he wasn’t allowed to go out at this time. Knowing him, the supervisor let him out because of his clean slate.

’Tenya… You’re such a good guy…’ You force your heavy emotions down, ‘Why did we have to end up the way we are?’

”You were proof that we can save them…”

You jolt, not expecting him to speak, “…Huh..?”

”You are a demon, and yet you have never eaten a human… I believe we can save them, you are my proof.” 

Thats… Kind of flattering.

vvrRRR!

You dodged his tackle by a hair, “Hey what the hell?!”

He glares at you, “You committed murder! I will turn you in! It is my duty as a future hero!”

“Ugh! Again with this Hero bullshit!” You sheath your sword, not wanting to harm him much, and leap on a dumpster. 

“You will leave this city. Or face death row.” Tenya threatens.

You hesitate, before breaking out a smile, “I’ll see you later Tenya” You leap to the roof, hearing a ‘Do not call me by my first name!’ shout after you.

*

*

*

*

”We’re back sir!” You yell out as you walk past the door, the boys following behind you.

”What a waste!” Inosuke growled, “Not a singular demon! SHE GOT TO IT FIRST!” He pointed an angry finger at you as Rengoku walked in the living room.

”Glad to see you all arrive safely!” He exclaimed, only to let out a hum towards you, “Young Y/n, you seem troubled”

You turn your head a bit, ‘Damn.. I thought i was hiding it..’ You huff, ‘…he knows me way to well..’

”… I was spotted slaying the demon.” You spoke after a moment of hesitance.

“By who?” Rengoku asked.

Your turn away yet again, to ashamed to face the others, “…Tenya Iida..”

.

”HAHAHA!” Rengoku let out a booming laugh, “Young Tenya?! He won’t be a threat!”

”Pardon me, but who is Tenya Iida?” Tanjiro spoke up.

“Tenya Iida was a student of mine from the modern world along with Y/n, he showed great promise, until he decided that killing demons was wrong and left back to the modern world to become a Hero” Rengoku explained.

Inosuke laughs, “HA! He’s just as stupid as his name!” 

You chose not to comment.

”That’s where you’re wrong Young Inosuke!”

You look back up at Rengoku with a surprised look.

”Young Tenya was extraordinary! His smarts were beyond anyone’s expectations! And with his ‘quirk’, his Demon Slaying abilities were ahead of his own ranking!” Rengoku boasted.

”We can use this opportunity to bring him back! And maybe even enlist more Demon Slayers! Humans with a demons power would win us the war for sure!”

You tense, gritting your teeth to keep in a snarl.

‘Bring him BACK?! After all the shit he pulled?! FUCK NO, he doesn’t deserve it after pussing out! ITS HIS FAULT IM A DEMON GOD DAMNIT!’

You bow. 

“Please excuse me.” You walk out the back door as calmly as you could.

The boys watch her walk out.

”She has an angry scent” Tanjiro says, a worried look forming on his face.

Rengoku hums, “She isn’t a fan of that idea it seems”

Tanjiro stays quiet, looking at the direction you left.

Zenitsu breaks the silence, “Lord Rengoku.. Why is she so mad?”

“Her and Young Tenya were very close—“

“—Wait! Shouldn’t we ask Y/n if it’s okay to know this first?!” Tanjiro interrupted.

Rengoku lets out a chuckle, “No worries Young Kamado! She has already informed me that she doesn’t mind me telling anyone this story! She says that as long as she doesn’t have to tell it, it is fine” He smiled.

Rengoku moves to the couch, plopping right down and pointing at the ground in front of him, “Have a seat!”

The boys quickly rushed to sit on the ground, Tanjiro  carefully placed the box Nezuko was residing in down before following the others actions.

”As i was saying, her and Young Tenya were close. The two of them were inseparable, they passed the Final Selection together, and went on every mission together. I took them in after witnessing them handle a Lower Moon, they were gravely injured, yet determined. My crow had informed me that they lasted three hours with that demon before my arrival. For years they climbed the ranks, until Young Tenya slowly but surely started avoiding missions, then avoiding his crow, then the Corps, and finally, us...”

*

*

*

*

Rengoku walked toward the well, where Senjuro informed him his tsugokus were fighting yet again.

Ever since Tenya started acting strangely, the two of you have been butting heads. You would demand answers, while he would become defensive and try to leave. If Rengoku doesn’t stop the two soon, the fight could turn physical.

”…It’s just a simple question Tenya! Why are you avoiding us?!”

Turning the corner, he spots the two at the well, Tenya trying to pry the bucket out of your hands.

”Give me the bucket Y/n!” Tenya yells.

”Answer my question Tenya!” You snark back.

”Enough!”

The two of you freeze at the sound of your Masters voice.

Quickly dropping the bucket in the well, you both kneel.

Rengoku huffs, “Do the both of you ever get tired by your constant squabbling?”

You grit your teeth, lifting you head up to face your Master, “It’s not my fault!”

Tenya glares at you.

”He’s been avoiding us with no reason! You know this too Sir! It’s pissing us off, we need answers!”

Rengoku stays quiet as he looks at your fuming face.

He turned to Tenya, who still kept his head down.

”I will admit Young Tenya, I do not appreciate your sudden exclusion. I’m afraid i have to go to extreme measures! If you do not tell me why you have been avoiding us and your duties as a Demon Slayer, you will be dismissed permanently!”

Tenya snapped his head up, eye wide and confused, “Wha— but—!”

“No excuses!” 

Rengoku’s smile was gone, replaced by a stern, unreadable look.

Tenya could only stare at his Master in shock. His mind was rushing with thoughts, trying to plan anything that could get him out of this situation… but there was nothing…

He turned to you, hoping you would cut him some slack like you usually do, defend him like you usually do. Instead, you never met his eye, to busy glaring at the dirt below you.

”Tenya!”

He snapped his gaze back at his Master.

”Look at me! Answer Me!” 

Sweat dripped down his hair.

The silence stretched felt like ages.

Until…

”Demons don’t deserve to die!” He spat out.

Words started rushing out.

”They were humans once! They are still humans! We can help them! Save them! They can help them!” Tenya stopped, tensing once he realized he had slipped.

Rengoku caught it, “Who Tenya? Who can help them?”

He ducked his head back down.

”…the heros”

”Speak up!”

”The Heros Sir!”

You looked at him in disbelief, was he being serious?!

”The Heros have been helping them! Taking them to specific hospitals and seem promising —!”

”Seem?” Rengoku interrupted.

”SEEM?! You should know better than this Young Iida! The demons must atone for their sins! The modern world has become a bad influence.”

Tenya gaped, “What do you mean?”

”I forbid you from going back until you realize the severity of your words, your family will be able to visit you, but you may not go to them.” Rengoku ordered.

Tenya shot up, glaring at his superior, “Wait a moment—!”

“CAW! CAW! DEMON SIGHTING NORTH! CAW! DEMON SIGHTING NORTH!”

Tenya’s crow screeched as she flew above them.

Rengoku huffed at the crow before meeting Tenya’s gaze once again, “Go. Do not make my disappointment worse.”

He turned to you, “Go with him.”

”Yes Sir!”

****

The trip to the mountain was quiet. Usually the two of you would be talking or play fighting to fill the silence, instead there was only the sound of the crow’s wings flapping as it lead you to the sighting.

It had taken longer than predicted to get there, there was only half an hour until morning, you had to work fast.

Walking through the forest, Tenya turned to you.

”…I.. I didn’t mean for it to turn out like this…”

You stayed quiet, trying to listen and feel out the vibes of the forest.

He continued, “I wanted to tell you, I swear… but i wasn’t sure how… I want to leave the Corps.”

You snapped your head to him, shock and confusion taking over.

”I want to go to a Hero school, UA High… I truly believe we can help them…”

You clenched your fists, “Tenya we can’t help them! Even if we could, they’ve killed so many innocents! We can’t just excuse that!”

”The Heros—!”

”Enough about the Heros! They don’t do shit! We do all the hard work while they get the credit and money!”

”Don’t you dare insult them! They save hundreds of lives!”

”We save thousands—!”

A hand gripped the back of your haori and yanked.

”Y/n!”

You were gone faster than he could blink.

He ran the direction he saw you get pulled,  thanking Rengoku silently for cutting his uniform into shorts as he burned his engines.

He caught sight of a figure at a clearing.

Skidding to a stop with a hand tightly gripping the hilt of his blade, he froze.

The figure held you up by the neck, cutting off your oxygen.

Your nichirn laid broken by the figure’s feet.

”You’re fast.” The firgure spoke, turning his head to meet Tenya’s eye.

Fear raked across his body, cold flushed his skin as sweat dripped down. 

He knew who this was. He didn’t need an introduction.

Muzan Kibutsuji.

The demon tossed you aside, sending you crashing into a tree.

”A demon who was powerful enough as a human would help” Muzan spoke.

He raised a hand.

Tenya could only watch in fear as his arm turned into a trunk of flesh and blood. 

The giant tendon shot out, aimed directly at his head.

Time froze just before it hit his head, Tenya snapped out of his trance and struck the tendon with his blade.

Only instead of slicing it, it changed direction.

You.

You didn’t realize until it was to late. Sitting up, Tenya yelled your name, when you turned…

BAM!

The tendon slammed your head back into the tree, creating a small crater on the trunk.

Muzan let out a tsk at you, “You’re not the one i wanted. Well, the sun is going to rise in a few minutes, so i don’t have to worry about you.”

The tendon retracted, shifting back into an arm. Before Tenya could react, Muzan disappeared with the sound of a biwa.

Snapping out of his shock, he dashed towards you, only to freeze at the sight of your face.

Blood trailed down your body. Your head squished in with leech like bite marks all across your head. Bits of bones and brain stuck out and an eye ball dangled out of its socket. 

Tenya covered his mouth and closed his eyes, trying to keep everything in his stomach from spilling out.

His legs failed to keep him up, his sword slipped out of his grip as he weeped.

The smell was atrocious, he turned away and emptied his stomach. Struggling to breathe as he sobbed and yelled. 

“I-I’M SO-ORRY!” He yelled, “IM SO S-SORRY! I-I-IM S-S-SORRY!” He repeated over. and over. and over. “PLEASE!! PL-LEASE C-COME BACK-K!! IM-M B-BEGGING YO-OU!!” 

Your crow sitting on a nearby tree shook. Tears slowly spilled out his eyes as he flew away…

****

”CAW!” 

Rengoku and Senjuro paused their training.

Your crow landed on the roof.

They felt a chill go down their spine as they watched the crow weep.

”C-CAW! Y/N L/N H-HAS.. WAS KILLED B-BY MUZAN KIBUTSUJI! C-CAW!”

The siblings felt their hearts drop.

****

Its been an hour since the sun had risen. The kakushi still have yet to be notified of your death. Tenya sat next to you, holding your hand as he stared ahead, pretending everything was fine.

”Tenya!” 

He snapped his gaze up to a huffing Rengoku.

He only gave your body a glance before focusing his attention on the young boy, immediately noticing his stage of denial.

”I’m sure you’re hungry, let’s go eat!” Rengoku forced himself to talk.

Tenya couldn’t speak, he only clenched your hand, hoping you respond to his tight grip.

Rengoku softened, “Tenya… You need to let go… i’m sorry…”

”…i can’t…”

”… I know it’s hard—“

”I can’t!” 

Tenya lifted his arm, only for it to be slammed back on the grass.

”She won’t let go!”

Rengoku grabbed onto Tenya’s free arm and pulled. Gently placing him a few feet away.

They stared as your body started to twitch and shake. Your head snapped slowly back into place as you stood back up.

Your eyes flashed an odd color, black, sharp nails and canines extended.

You looked so different, but at the same time, the exact same.

The tree shaded you from the morning sun, your body twitched as the demon blood flowed. You let out snarls and growls as to tried to keep your balance.

Rengoku grit his teeth, sheathing out his nichirn to prepare a strike.

Tenya let out a small gasp, “What are you doing?!”

Your head snapped at their direction, the convulsing stopping as you let out a snarl. You growl, and suddenly, with the sound of a tink of metal… you were gone.

Rengoku snapped his eyes around, you couldn’t have gone far, it was day after all. 

The tink of metal appeared behind him.

”Tenya!” Rengoku turned.

You were a foot away from Tenya, charging at him with a hand out, as if you were trying to claw at him. Tenya quickly took a step back until—

”RAHHHHH!!!” You let out a screech, your skin burning under the light of the sun.

Tenya could only stare…

His best friend was burning in front of his eyes…

How can he save her…?

Think…

Think…

THINK!

Rengoku walked up to you, raising his blade with a regretful look.

”…You were a wonderful friend…”

He swung down.

The tink of metal sounded once more.

And you were gone.

”RAHHHH!!” 

He turned to the right.

You were standing, body almost bursting into flames, but you were still standing.

They watched as you dropped to your knees and slowly bow your head to the ground as you screamed in pain.

Rengoku’s eyes snapped open as the realization zapped in his brain.

”…She’s still there… She’s punishing herself with a painful death for becoming a demon…”

Tenya gaped at Rengoku, tears slipping out as he turned back to you.

”…This is all my fault…”

Rengoku let out a gasp, “Tenya look!”

He pointed at your skin.

”Her skin is coming off like a shell! But the skin underneath isn’t burning!”

Tenya’s eyes widened as he watched.

Your shrieks turned into quiet weeps, your skin no longer burning under the sunlight.

Their hearts filled with hope.

”Y/n!” Tenya shouted as he ran toward you, legs still shaking under him. He pulled you up from your shoulders and wrapped you in a hug as he cried.

”I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”

Rengoku slowly approached you, stopping in his tracks as you lift your head to meet his eye.

Your face was full of confusion and shock.

Seeing his pained face as you stepped into the room made you want to rip yourself apart. The laughing fool next to you made you want to take him with you.

“Ya see that Prime?! Even your girl left you! By choice.” Joshua snarked at the giant robot currently infiltrating his building. “Now, she’s a state of the art- uhh… half robot! Show off cmon!” He gave you a small push.

A sigh escaped you as you lift your arm, watching their expressions carefully as it converts to a blaster.

“…Why?” Bumblebee mutter weakly from his radio, fuck this made the feeling worse, you almost broke on the spot.

Almost.

“You left me in Chicago. I was crushed under a car you could have easily lifted.” You stare up at the Prime, “You left me.” You could feel the tears of your rage build up, but you held them down, you had to.

You still remember the pain your body felt that day. You remember reaching out to him, trusting he would save you as you yelled out his name. Only for him to stare you dead in the eye, his gaze full of a burning hatred you have never seen, and walk away.

You hated him.

You hated him.

You hated him.

But you never hated the others. The others don’t deserve this. You can’t break, not yet.

Joshua found you, he said he could save you from the legal troubles if you just complied with his decisions.

You agreed. What other choice did you have?

Now made into a mutation of a human and his robots, you had your plan in motion.

You zoned out for most of the conversation, keeping your gaze straight and unwavering as you dissociated.

A hand knocked your shoulder, “Let’s go” Joshua called out as he walked.

You followed closely behind.

* *

*

*

“…That’s not– Y/–n” Bumblebee says, breaking the silence filling up the abandoned building.

“She doesn’t– act– like a dog–… Especially for a– man–“ He kicks a boulder out of frustration. “She’s—brainwashed—or—!”

“Enough.”

Optimus quiet’s him for a second.

Bumblebee fusses, “–You know–it’s true—! She—“

“Enough!” Optimus growls as he approaches the other mech, “She made her choice, if she wants to choose them, then she may die along them.”

Bumblebee stumbles, “…You don’t—…. mean.. that..”

Optimus only glares as he steps outside the building.

A beat of silence.

“Who’s Y/n?” Tessa blurts out. Cade gave her a look, “Tess i don’t think they wanna talk about that hunny”

“Well, we’re a team now right? And we have to know who’s a threat or not so.. who is that?” Tessa turns to the mechs, who avoid her gaze in return.

“Ah fuck it” Crosshairs rolled his eye lights, “She was—“

“What are you doing?” Drift cut him off, “We shouldn’t speak of it.”

“He never said it was or wasn’t allowed, besides, what’s the harm? He isn’t here” Crosshairs takes short steps to the humans before kneeling down, cupping his mouth with one hand to whisper.

“She and him were a thing, but separated during the Chicago War”

“Crosshairs!” Drift yelled, “Enough!”

“What?!” The green mech stood, stomping his way to the other, “She betrayed us! She cut our friends apart! Why are we still pretending nothing happened!” He roared at the group of mechs.

Crosshairs let out a huff of frustration.

“You guys knew her too?” Cade asked.

“You’re not asking the important questions,” Shane cuts in, “How does that work? A human and a giant alien robot?”

“Don’ ask us, all we know ‘s that they cared about each other, watched each others backs… they loved each other” Hound spoke.

That got them quiet.

“Wait… but she said he left her there, what about that?” Cade asked.

They all turn to Bumblebee.

The yellow mech glances around, “What?”

“You were there, what happened?” Crosshairs points out.

Bumblebee buzzes angrily, “-Nothin—!”

“Cmon Bee! It’ll feel better once you say it, it’s what helps me when i’m troubled” Hound gives Bee a little nudge.

“…”

After seconds of hesitance, he spoke, “…After…After Sam…” The mechs lowered their heads at the name, “…Optimus– felt rage toward— All humans. He saw—them all— differently… Including- Y/-n. But she- never did anything- wrong… His—hatred was a–heat of the moment—type of–thing….”

His hands started to shake, clenching them into fists, he continued; “He went back—for her…But she—wasn’t there… She was–a close friend— to all of us… Our sister…”

Silence followed.

Cade cleared his throat, “…Im uhh.. Sorry, you have to go through this…”

Before they spoke any further, Prime stepped back into the room. “Cade, Shane, you said you had a plan.”

“I uh— yep, we do” Shane stumbled on his words.

“I’m so tired! I’m so hungry! Can we please take a break!” Zenitsu cried out as he lifted the boulder once more.

”Ten more!” Rengoku shouted, pleased to see his students at their breaking point.

”Why doesn’t she do it either?! It’s not fair!”

Zenitsu glared your way as you happily watched your friends suffer on the side.

”Y/n has done this training and more! After all! She is almost a Hashira!”

You cringed at the title, being a Hashira was your main goal after running away from home, it took a large strain mentality and physically. It wasn’t until you met Tanjiro and the others that you started taking care of yourself and lived in the moment.

It was nice.

”DONE! GOOD JOB BOYS! TIME TO EAT!”

*

*

*

*

Back inside the Rengoku household, you served food for everyone. The broth came out wonderfully, “Thank you Y/n! It’s delicious!” Tanjiro hummed as he ate your cooking, “No prob Tanjiro! glad you like it” 

“After this! We spar!” Inosuke pointed a finger at you, his mouth stuffed of food. 

“Inosuke it’s almost time for bed…” You whine, drowning out your Senseis loud ‘UMAI’ whenever he takes a bite of his food, “To Bad! I will beat you this time!”

“Hey Y/n..?”

You swallow a bite of your food before turning to Zenitsu, “Yeah?”

”…You’re from the Modern world right?”

…

The Modern World. A title used for people like you that came from the modern cities…

You’re not so hungry anymore…

”Zenitsu! You can’t ask that it’s rude!” Tanjiro scolded the other, making him flinch,  “Ah! IM SO SORRY! I DIDNT MEAN TO OFFEND!”

”No no it’s okay… We’re friends i don’t mind, it’s about time i tell you what it’s like… at least what i remember of it..” 

Rengoku turns his ‘umai’s to whispers, focusing his attention on you.

Before you could start, Senjuro walked in. “Father said he will eat in his room, i already brought him a tray, thank you again Y/n” 

“No prob! Come sit i was just about to start my Modern world story”

He quickly sat down behind his tray, eyes sparkling as he looks up at you. 

“The Modern world is the complete opposite of this… over there they have tall buildings… made of pure rock, and during the night, it’s so bright that it’s basically still the day!”

Your story continued on as the six of you finish your food, Nezuko fell asleep at one point… but the others were still invested.

”And the small device can do basically anything! it’s like a navigator, messenger, and entertainer all at once! Oh! And there’s—“

”CAW!”

You jump at the sudden appearance of your crow. “CAW! Y/N L/N, TANJIRO KAMADO, NEZUKO KAMADO, INOSUKE HASHIBIRA, ZENITSU AGATSUMA, KYOGURO RENGOKU HAVE BEEN SUMMONED! MAKE YOUR WAY TO UBUYASHIKI ESTATE AT SUNRISE!”

You watch your crow fly out the window, “Rengoku? But you’re retired right? Why would he summon you?” You question your sensei, peeking at his eye patch and cane. “If he had to summon me, then it is important. Get your rest children”

”Yes sir!”

*

*

*

”Are you certain you can walk? You don’t need a break?” Walking through the Ubuyashiki Estate, you watch your Sensei carefully, searching for any sign of discomfort. 

“I am fine Y/n! Apologies for slowing you down!” His cane tapped the ground as he walked in his fire patterned kimono. “Besides, we have arrived”

He applies pressure on his cane as he kneels, wincing slightly from the discomfort and pain. The rest of you give him a quick worried glance before kneeling next to him. A slide of a door tells you he has arrived.

”Thank you for arriving at such short notice, I apologize for the sudden inconvenience…” Master Ubuyashiki stated, “It’s not inconvenience at all! How may we assist!” 

“Rengoku.. Thank you for coming, i know you are retired but i must ask you for something once more…”

”Anything sir!”

.

.

“The people of the Modern world do not believe in Demons, they believe they are folklore… That they are only troubled souls who need to be locked away and ‘helped’.

They believe Demon Slayers are terrorists, only there to kill any ‘quirk’ bearer on sight. Though they have never seen one of us, to them we are to be on Death Row at once.

The Demons have taken advantage of this, now lurking in large modern cities in order to avoid us… It is up to you to get rid of all of them while others plant wisteria around the city of Musutafu… I wish you luck children…”

You blank out. The Modern World?! You don’t wanna go back there! It’s not like you could refuse him or anything…

”May i ask a question sir!” Rengoku exclaimed, “Of course”

”If you wish for the children to hunt the demons, then why am i going? Is it to watch over them?”

”You see.. I have signed all of you to a school, a Hero school specifically. There you are free to use your Breathing Techniques without the risk of having to hide them if you weren’t enrolled.  You, Rengoku, will be an instructor, in order to keep an eye on the children and blend in your demon fighting better..”

A Hero school?! FUCK! 

“U-Um sir.. May i ask a question as well…” You slowly spoke up.

”Yes”

Please don’t be UA. Please don’t be UA. Please don’t be UA.

”Which Hero school..?”

”U.A. High School.”

DOUBLE FUCK!

”…Thank you…” You quietly thank him for his answer.

’Wait! Maybe it will be a completely different course! Yea, it’ll be fiiiinee’

”You will be enrolled in the hero department, class 1-A, as foreign students until you slay all the demons”

im ending it all…

*

*

*

*

The Swordsmith Village was beautiful this time of year… To bad you can’t enjoy it…

”Y/n, are you alright? You’ve been quiet since we left the Estate…” Tanjiro gave you a worried look, you gave a small smile back.

”Yeah, sorry Tanjiro it’s just…” You sigh, ‘This is so unfair!! I don’t wanna go back there!’

”IM SO PISSED!” The boys flinched by your sudden switch.

”I don’t wanna go back there! I hate it there!” 

“I don’t get it, i thought you liked it over there based on the stories you told us” Zenitsu spoke.

You huff, “Yeah it’s cool ‘n all, but the memories i have of there aren’t…”

Renguko hummed, “UA High, it sounds familiar!”

“It’s the school he left to remember?” You pout.

“That’s right!” Rengoku snapped his fingers.

Zenitsu turned, “Who’s he—“

“Not to worry young Y/n!” Rengoku turned, blinding you with his smile, “This mission will be quick! In and out! The less we are there the better!”

You seemed hesitant, but still gave him a small smile in return, “Right…”

*

*

*

*

“Remember, don’t get near the road, stay on the side at all times. Red means stop, green means go. Do not talk to anyone, especially anyone trying to sell you anything.”

Your small group arrived after a few days of travel, Zenitsu had gotten so tired that you had to piggy back him half way in the trip. 

Before you reached the city, you were giving them a run down of the basic laws there and what to expect.

Zenitsu covered his ears with a hiss, “It’s so loud!” 

“Sorry bout that, it’s always loud” You peek over your shoulder, “We’re almost there, just past these bushes”

You readjust Zenitsu to use one hand to part the bushes, but just before you could, you froze. The sounds of cars, people and more rush in your head. ‘I… I really don’t want to go…’

The bushes suddenly parting made you flinch, you look back up. Rengoku moved in front of you during your inner conflict, giving you a wide smile as he parted the bushes, “Keep your head up young Y/n!”

Your Sensei was so cool!

“COMIN THROUGH!” Inosuke ran toward the opening, making you stumble and reposition Zenitsu so he doesn’t fall. “Hey! Inosuke wait!” Tanjiro quickly ran after the boat headed boy.

Zenitsu gasped, “Tanjiroooo! Wait don’t leave us!! Hurry! Go after them, GO AFTER THEM!!!” He knocked on your head, “Ow! knock it off or i’ll leave you here idiot!”

”Nooo! Please Y/n don’t leave!”

”Ack! You’re choking me!”

”Y/N! ZENITSU! COME ALONG!”

”Yes sir!”

Passing through the bushes felt like slow motion. Like passing through a bright portal… a portal of an extremely busy city…

You were met with the sidewalk, the road just a few steps forward. Past the road were rows of stores.

’Geez it’s been so long… it’s honestly kinda overwhelming…’

It was then that you realized, your group stuck out like a sore thumb.

Everyone was wearing their uniforms and Rengoku was wearing a kimono, sure kimonos are still worn on occasion but it’s not seen as often.

Speaking of your group, all of them were frozen on the spot. Staring up at the mountains of bright buildings in front of them.

”I-it’s almost dark, but it’s so bright!” Tanjiro gapped.

”s-so m-m-many pe-eople” Zenitsu tighted his hold on you.

You grit your teeth, “Snap out of it! We gotta make it to our temporary uhh.. home.. for rest!”

You give Rengoku a small kick, “Cmon! The crows said it was this way!”

Walking down the side walk, you ignored the stares of the modern people. Zenitsu had gotten so overwhelmed that he fell asleep with his head resting on your shoulder. Inosuke had a hand clinging onto your haori, his head swiveling in all directions. 

Rengoku stuck close to you, though he seems calm, you knew him long enough to notice how tense he was. Tanjiro didn’t even try to hide his stress.

Ten minutes of walking between neighborhoods left you standing in front of a simple one story modern home. 

“Is this it?” Tanjiro asked.

”Yeah look,” you point at the crest on the mail box, “It’s the wisteria crest, this is it”

You walked up to the gate, opening it with a small push and approached the door. 

It’s locked.

”What’s wrong?” Tanjiro asked.

”It’s locked.”

”HA??!” Inosuke shoved his way through, trying to tug the door to the side.

”Inosuke stop!” You huff, looking down in exhaustion until you notice the carpet. Shuffling Zenitsu a bit, you kneel down and lift the edge of the carpet. Yep, there’s six copy’s of the same key.

Picking them up you, hand two to Tanjiro, one to Rengoku, and shoved another to Inosuke. “These are the house keys,” You slip the key into the key hole, perfect fit. “Whenever you leave the house, lock the door and always keep this key with you” You twist the knob open, “Tanjiro, make sure to give the second key to Nezuko when she wakes up”

”Thanks Y/n!”

The house was nice, a small hallway with an office to the left and the garage to the right, said hallway lead to the living room and kitchen with a small dining table, further into the house was a small hallway leading to three rooms plus a restroom.

”Woah! This place is beautiful!” Tanjiro looked at every corner, “This is so comfortable!” He sat on the couch, “I don’t even know what that is!” He poked at the fridge.

”Get your rest!” Rengoku exclaimed, “In exactly three days, YOU WILL BE JOINING HIGH SCHOOL!”

You tense, “for fucks sake…”

*

*

*

*

”—and once you find your answer, you divide it by this number” You point up at the chalkboard you found in the garage.

Currently, the five of you were in the dining room. The boys all sitting across from you on the table with paper and pencils in front of them. Rengoku, on the other hand, was focused on a file he held in his hands. Since he was ‘hired’ as an educator, he was memorizing the students and faculty in order to ‘understand’ them better.

”Why do we have to know this?! It’s hurting my head!” Zenitsu cried.

”Because idiot! If we want this mission to go smoothly then we have to blend in! We can’t blend in properly if you don’t know what these people consider the basics!” You huff, “Inosuke are you even paying attention?! You still have to learn how to read and write ya know?!”

You were answered with a snore from the boar head.

“UGH! We are so doomed!” You wail.

”Y/n!” Tanjiro raised his hand.

”What?!”

”Is this the answer?!”

You snatch his paper.

.

He got it right… His hand writing was slightly butchered since he wasn’t used to using a pencil… but he got it right..

Hope floods your heart.

”Tanjiroooo!” You sob as you pull him into a hug, “You got it right Tanjiro! You’re the soul that will save us all!”

Zenitsu growled at the sight before him. Tearing his eyes from the scene, he scribbled on his paper.

”What about this Y/n?!” He shoves his paper in your face.

Squinting at his paper, you let out a surprised hum, “You got it right! There’s hope after all!”

He giggles at the backhanded compliment.

“CAW!” 

You jump, “Stop scaring me!” You scold your crow, who proudly sat at the window.

”CAW! HEAD EAST! HEAD EAST! DEMON SIGHTING! HEAD EAST!”

You turn to Tanjiro, “Get your sister” 

He nods before running out of the room.

You make your way behind Inosuke and give him a good smack to the head.

”ACK! WHAT WAS THAT FOR?!”

”Theres a demon, get your things were leaving”

He growls as he stomps to the boys shared room. Zenitsu quick to follow.

”Young Y/n”

You turn to Rengoku now standing from his chair.

”Yes sir?”

”I wish you luck! Arrive back alive!”