Chapter Text
A/N: 'Iris' by Simply Three
The Butterfly Mansion
The morning light shone above the gardens of The Butterfly Mansion, welcoming another beautiful spring day as the Kocho sisters were busy watering the medicinal plants surrounding their home before collecting the ones ready for the Demon Slayer Corps to use for herbs. The trio of sisters was split off with their own task; Kanae, the eldest, hums a delightful tune while fixing her long raven-colored hair before plucking the leaves of one of the plants. Shinobu, the youngest, adjusts her white haori as she takes the full basket of herbs inside to separate them. Meanwhile, Lila, the middle sister, is too busy staring at the sky, forgetting to water the rest of the plants needing her attention. Sadly, there was something else that had her attention, thanks to Kanae teasing her a few days ago: The Master of the Corps wanted to speak with Lila today, but the details were unknown. So, Lila was looking to the sky for Lumina, her crow, to come and give her the instructions per the Master's order.
Lila's POV:
With no sign of Lumina yet, I sigh before looking away, my thoughts swell as I hope the Master isn't upset with me because no one goes to the Mansion unless it's a serious case. How I knew of these details was because of Kanae, since she is the Flower Hashira. The Hashiras are the top slayers and have crucial meetings with the Master, while Shinobu and I are slayers. The anxiety of this meeting didn't help me relax any, as Kanae's words from the other day echoed in my ears. "You'll understand soon, dear sister." Kanae had hummed, leaving me to spiral as to what it could mean.
After rustling my long raven curls, I bit the inside of my lip as my free hand tapped against my hipbones with another sigh escaping past my lips. "Kanae, you did say that the meeting would happen today, right?" I ask while turning to look at my older sister, only to see Kanae nod. "Yes, and I told you not to worry so much," Kanae replies while tilting her head, "And if you keep worrying, it will cause wrinkles on your beautiful face." She adds with a smile, making me roll my eyes. "Not helping, Sis," I comment while shaking my head again. Shinobu walks out of the house before placing her hands on her hips, "I agree with Lila, Kanae," She admits before looking at me, "Besides, you tell her not to worry, but that will only make her worry even more, which makes her even more agitated." She adds with a smirk.
Though I knew Shinobu was trying to help calm my nerves, it still slightly annoyed me how right my little sister was. With another head shake, I poke my cheek with my tongue while glaring at my little sister. "Thanks for the compliment, Shi," I glower before looking at Kanae again, "Kae, I know you know what the meeting is about, so tell me because I can prepare myself for the inevitable?" I request, but Kanae shakes her head, "I don't know the importance of this meeting with the Master. So you must walk in there prepared for anything, just like you do when you go into battle, Li." Kanae informs cheerfully, causing me and Shinobu to share a look.
With Kanae's informative words, I knew she was right as well. Since becoming a slayer, I would face demons without my sisters by my side, let alone anyone else, because I was fearless in battle, ready to give my life if that meant the demons would not harm another innocent. I had a calming aura about myself, but it would change once in battle because it would shift ice-cold instantly, fitting my personality well because of my breathing style, Ice Breathing, which was different from my sister, Kanae, who used Flower Breathing. Instead of using a branch of Flower Breathing, or other breathing styles, I created Ice Breathing to pay homage to my being born during the winter season, since lilacs were in full bloom, which is how I got my name, along with my eyes being the color of the flower.
One of the few things I shared with my sisters was the purple hue of their eyes: with Kanae having a pale violet, Shinobu having a deeper violet, and me having the middle color, ironically fitting since I was the middle sister. Another thing we shared was the butterfly clips we wore in our raven-colored hair. Kanae used two pink and green clips on either side of her head. I used my ice-blue one to pin some of my long strands back, while Shinobu used her purple one to hold her bun in place. Everyone knew who we were just by those hairclips, which were a gift from our mother before she died.
"KAW! KAW!"
Suddenly, the sound of a crow cawing pulls me from my reminiscing to see Lumina finally flying to my shoulder, which means it's now time to possibly meet with the Master, unless he is sending me on a mission instead. "Hi, Lumina." I greet before rubbing my nose against Lumina's beak, who coos before cawing again. "Kaw! It's time to meet with the Master, Lila." Lumina informs, causing my eyes to widen before a squeak escapes me, "A-Already?" I ask in a quivering voice, only for Lumina to nod while remaining on my shoulder. Immediately, the strength I am known for vanishes as my knees slowly begin to tremble because now my anxious nerves have boosted past calming. My sisters quickly notice before sharing a look, then stepping closer to my side. "Li, would you like us to go with you?" Shinobu asks, allowing me to snap out of my reverie before shaking my head, "N-No, I'll be fine," I lie while rustling my hair, "I just need to freshen up before I head out because I don't want the Master to see me in this state." I reply before leaving the gardens to go inside the mansion to freshen up and grab my swords.
As I walk into my room, I remember how there is another difference between my sisters and me that we all share. While Kanae wielded the proper Nichiren sword, I used the dual ones, which turned into a staff by the connection of the hilts, and Shinobu used a scabbard. I appreciated the difference between me and her sisters; at the same time, I loved that we had faint similarities too. After scrubbing the dirt off my hands and changing into a cleaner uniform, I grab my ice-blue haori with the snowflake design and the dual blades from the armor stand. The last thing is to clean the dirt off my knee-high black boots, which were still on the porch, so I grab a clean towel and a bowl of water to hurry and clean them before leaving.
With the outside chores completed, Kanae and Shinobu came inside to sort and catalog the herbs, only to ignore them as they watched me scurry to ready myself. Seeing me bounce on one foot while trying to get the other shoe apparently makes Kanae softly laugh before tilting her head. "Li, would you like some help?" She asks, but I shake my head as I stomp my heel against the wooden flooring, "No... I-I got it," I pant before fanning myself, feeling the sweat dripping from my brow, "By the Gods! Is it me, or is it hot in here?' I ask, only for Shinobu to laugh, "It's only you, Li, since you are running around here like your head isn't attached." She insults with a smirk. I click my tongue before walking to where Shinobu is sitting, "Brat." I tease while ruffling my little sister's hair.
Though the family banter is a favorite of the trio, Kanae knows it's not the time at the moment. However, before she can stop it from progressing further, she sees Shinobu smack my hand. "Why you-" Shinobu growls, leading Kanae to stop us in time. "Enough, you two," She demands gently before looking at me, "Li, you need to go. The Master doesn't like to be kept waiting." She adds. If anyone knew how the Master was between the trio, it was Kanae, so I could not argue with my older sister. Without hesitation, I adjust my second blade, "Right," I answer before kissing Shinobu's head, then walking over to do the same to Kanae, "I'll be back soon. If not, I'll send Lumina where I'll be." I reassure while walking out. Kanae softly hums before smiling, "We'll see you soon, Li. Be safe." She calls out as I walk off the porch, waving them goodbye as I head to the Master's mansion.
~
A/N: 'Best of Me' by NEFFEX
A few moments later
After the short journey from the Butterfly Mansion to the Master's, I take a deep breath before opening the gate to the back garden, only for a woman's voice to stop me. "Lila Kocho?" The woman asks, causing me to turn to see the Master's wife, Amane Ubuyashiki, before bowing to her, "Yes, Lady Amane, I am Lila Kocho," I greet, "My older sister, Kanae, and my crow informed me that the Master wished to speak with me of important matters." I explain the reason for my visit, though I am positive Lady Amane will know the details herself. Amane softly smiles before using her right hand to raise my chin, "Yes, my dear," She answers with a short nod, "Please, follow me this way." She gently requests, to which I heed before walking by Amane's side, following her to the beautiful garden behind the gate.
The scenery before me brings a calming effect to my nerves as the purple wisteria flowers blend with the cherry blossoms, with a beautiful stone bench underneath it, leaving me to wonder if the Master and his wife enjoy the serenity of this garden. The spring morning looks lovely in this peaceful place, feeling like a calming dream. The serenity fills my soul, taking away every negative thought from before. Still admiring the cherry blossom tree, I hum, "It's so beautiful here, Lady Amane." I complimented when turning to see Amane smile, "It is. I heard the Butterfly Mansion looked like a painting during this time. Is that right?" She inquires. I softly giggle at the compliment of hearing my home looking like a painting before nodding. "Yes, it's true. The butterflies enjoy all the flowers my sisters and I plant in the garden," I reply before softly sighing, "It's even more breathtaking in the summer when the fireflies visit at night." I admit, earning another warming smile from Amane.
With the conversation with Amane and the calming effects of the beautiful garden surrounding her, I could control my nerves and prepare myself for the meeting that would soon take place. As Amane and I stop in front of the veranda, I hear the shuffling of footsteps, causing me to turn and see the Master, Kagaya, walking out with two of his children by his side. I take a deep breath as I kneel, "Good morning, Master," I greet, "I am honored to have this opportunity to meet with you on this beautiful spring morning." I praise before seeing the Master's smile. "Good morning to you as well, dear Lila. I thank you for joining me on this beautiful day, as it is a breathtaking spring morning indeed," The Master replies, "Please, rise, my child, as I would like to speak with you of important matters." He beckons, prompting me to nod before slowly standing straighter.
The Master softly smiles at me before him, relaxing some of my nerves since he notices how anxious I must be due to the unexpected meeting. "Lila, are you aware of the qualifications for becoming a Hashira?" He asks, and I nod, "Yes, Master. There are a series of different ways: One is to be a Tsuguko to an existing Hashira, another would be killing a standard of fifty demons, or thirdly, eliminating a member of the Twelve Kizuki," I list before pausing, "Though I have not come across one of the twelve, nor have I become a Tsuguko, not even for my sister." I admit, while tapping my index fingers together, a nervous tick I've had forever. The Master softly chuckles as he nods, "But you have slain over fifty standard demons, actually more than a hundred and fifty if I stand corrected, which is why I asked you to meet with me today because I am astounded by your progress within the Corps," He complimented, smiling when he noticed the shocked look on my face.
I didn't expect that number of demons slain by my hands since I wasn't keeping count, but it still amazed me regardless. The Master's voice pulls me from my thoughts, leading me to snap out of the shocked haze. "Lila, your dedication is remarkable, and your strength alone is more powerful than your sisters and you combined," He explains before smiling, "I believe it is now time to promote you to become the first Ice Hashira, in a very long time, Lila." He offers, causing my jaws to drop, "R-Really?" I choke out, only to see The Master smiles again as he nods, "Yes, my dear child," He answers, "So, what is your answer to this request of mine?" He asks. I feel the tears building in my lilac-colored eyes before bowing again, "It is an honor, Master," I accept, "I pray that I shall live up to your expectations and help fight alongside my fellow Hashira and slayers to protect the innocent from Muzan Kibutsuji." I vow, making the Master chuckle, "Thank you, my dear." He replies with another kind smile.
When I rise again, I see one of the children offering me a handkerchief. "Thank you," I reply before patting my watery eyes, looking at the Master with a pleading smile. "I apologize for the crying, Master. I am usually not like this." I admit that because it is true, I have always been the one with the hardened exterior between my sisters and me. the Master softly laughs before holding his hand up. "It's quite right, my dear. Your sister was the same way when I asked her to become the Flower Hashira," He confesses before lifting a hand to his chin, "Which reminds me, Kanae has requested you to meet her in the town square after you finish here, dear Lila." He adds, only to see me laugh as I shake my head, "I should've known she was up to something." I mutter before clearing my throat, "May I ask, Master, if there is anything else you require of me before I take my leave?" I ask while kneeling again.
Even with just receiving the promotion to becoming the Ice Hashira, the Master admired my determination because this is why he chooses who qualifies to become Hashira, since they are the pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps. I would be the perfect addition to strengthen the pillars and inspire the young slayers, too, maybe even calm the brashness among a few of the Hashira.
The Master clears his throat before shaking his head as my meets his gaze. "No, my child, you are free to go," He answers as he watches me stand, "I will see you for the upcoming meeting, but for now, enjoy the celebration your sisters have planned for you." He requests, and I nod, "Of course, Master." I accept while folding my hands together, "Thank you again for this opportunity. I swear I won't let you down." I promise, only to see the Master smile once more as two different children escort me out of the serenity garden as I wave goodbye to the Master and Amane, to whom they return.
~
A/N: 'Bounce Back' by Stray Kids
After leaving the Master's mansion, I am still drying my lilac-colored eyes as I remain shocked by what happened a mere moment ago, even quickly reprimanding myself for how ridiculous it was to allow my thoughts to send me into a downward spiral of freaking out when it had not been the case. I never expected to make a lasting impression on the Master, yet I did, and now I am the newest Hashira. While kicking the rocks under my heeled boots, I sigh as I cross my arms, annoyed because I knew Kanae was hiding something, possibly even enjoying my spiraling nerves. "And everyone thinks she's the sweet one sometimes," I mutter before feeling Lumina's talons on my shoulder, "Lu, I suppose you know where my devious sisters are, right?" I ask with a raised brow. Lumina fans out one of her wings as she squawks. "Kaw! Yes, Lila! Kanae and Shinobu are in the market in the town square. Kaw!" She replies, only for me to hum, "Let's not keep them waiting then." I instruct, earning another squawk from my crow before she flies off my shoulder to lead the way to where my sisters are.
While following Lumina to the market, I start humming the familiar tune I heard Kanae humming earlier to keep myself occupied as I pass by people, waving to them along the way. I notice the children watch in awe as I walk past, commenting on how I wield two swords instead of one before asking their parents why I have them. My heart slightly aches as I overhear the parents explaining to the young ones why I wear a uniform and what the swords are for. No child should fear that if they live to see the next day, they will be haunted by demons lurking in the shadows. Instead, children should worry about how much creativity they can express in a day before going to bed, ready to do it all over again tomorrow.
Suddenly, the sound of voices shouting among the crowd pulls me from my dwelling as I look to where they are coming from. "Lila, over here!" They shout, the voices belonging to Kanae and Shinobu, causing me to groan as I notice the townsfolk stop whatever they're doing to look at me. "Just what I needed, you two." I mutter through gritted teeth while walking over to hug my sisters, "Do you two enjoy embarrassing the hell out of me like that?" I ask, only for Kanae to laugh, "Oh, stop worrying so much-" She goes to say her usual phrase, only for me and Shinobu to say it for her, "It will cause wrinkles on your pretty face. Blah blah blah." We say in unison before the three of us burst out laughing.
After stopping our laughter, I wrap my arms around my sisters' waists as Kanae leads us to the square. "So, you decided not to tell me that the Master wanted to appoint me to the Ice Hashira because?" I ask, only for Kanae to smile, "Because it is an honor to meet him as much as to be asked to become a Hashira, dear Lila." She replies with a hint of teasing. I narrow my eyes, "And yet my freaking out this morning was for your pure amusement, Kae. You know I didn't sleep last night because I was too busy worrying about what I could've done to gain the Master's attention." I inform, only to hear Shinobu scoff. "It's not like you sleep at night anyway, Lila, so you can't use that excuse." She says, making me growl, "Stay out of it, Shi, because it will come to your turn to meet the Master, and you will freak out, just like I did." I warn, only for Shinobu to smirk, "No, I won't because I don't overthink things like you do." She remarks with a cocky smirk.
Though Shinobu is right since I hardly sleep, it still annoys me how much of a brat she can be at times; however, before I can retaliate, Kanae steps in, "Okay, you two. That's enough," She says while getting between us, intertwining her hands with ours, "Now, come on. We are already late, which means we will hear a lecture about how unflashy it is." She hums, making me and Shinobu look at each other, "Kanae, what the hell is that supposed to mean?" I ask, but Kanae hums, "You'll see, Sisters." She cryptically replies while pulling us to a beautiful restaurant overlooking the cherry blossom hills. The restaurant was primarily a seafood place, and my nose scrunches up because the smell of certain fish makes me almost want to gag. 'This is gonna be a lovely dinner.' I thought to myself as I continued being dragged by my sisters.
"Well, well, well, look at what we have here, gents. Our delightful Flower Hashira is late, which is unflashy and unlike her." A voice says, leading us to see a man with silver-colored hair and a bejeweled headband leaning against the post beside the table. I hear Kanae softly laugh as we stop walking, "I apologize, Uzui. Shinobu and I were waiting for our sister, Lila, to return from a meeting with the Master," She explains before pulling me forward, causing me to squeak, "Lila, meet-" She goes to introduce me to Uzui, only for him to stop her. Uzui holds a hand up and smirks at us, "Now, now, Kanae, that's strike two on the unflashy mark," He teases before stepping away from the post before offering his hand to me, "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Tengen Uzui, the Sound Hashira." He greets her with a bow, making me giggle before shaking his hand, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Tengen, and I'm Lila, the new Ice Hashira. I hope I live up to your flashiness standards." I respond.
Uzui lets out a hearty laugh as he rises from his bow, "I like you already!" He boasts before stepping over to my side, "Come, I'll introduce you to the rest of the boys." He offers his arm, causing me to look at Kanae, who is shaking her head with a smile, "Uzui, you can't have my sister as one of your wives, but please be nice." She pleads, only for Uzui to place his free hand over his heart, "I'm always nice, thank you," He corrects before looking at me again, "Now, shall we?" He asks, to which I nod while linking my arm with his muscular arm, which was almost the size of Shinobu's head.
While Uzui leads us to the balcony view of the restaurant, I notice a familiar face sitting at the table with the sound of his red beads rubbing against his giant hands. "Gyomei!" I cheer, causing the Stone Hashira to stand from the table and tower over me, "Lila, it's good to see you," He greets, "How are you?" He asks while still holding onto the precious red beads. I remember those beads fondly since they hardly left Gyomei's side, which makes me smile that I have another familiar face among the Hashiras. "I'm well. I met with the Master, and I am now the new Ice Hashira. So I will be alongside you and Kanae much more often now." I reveal, only to see tears swelling in Gyomei's eyes before he picks me off the ground to hug, which causes my back to pop. I often forget how strong Gyomei is, even if his stature makes him look like a giant.
Gyomei's deep voice rumbles inside the open space as he hugs me proudly for my newest promotion. "By the Gods! It is good news! They are proud of you, little one." He whispers, only to get a pat on the back because I can't respond, let alone breathe in Gyomei's tight grip, until Tengen steps in to free me, "Whoa, easy there, big guy. We just got her, so we don't need to lose her yet." He chuckles before feeling a pat on his broad shoulder, causing him to look at me, "Thank you, Uzui, but I'll manage." I laugh before fixing my haori and uniform since my breasts were slowly busting out of the top portion, only to stop when I hear a huff coming from beside the table, which had been hidden behind Gyomei's stature.
"If Snowflake here can't handle Gyomei's hugging her, then she shouldn't be Hashria since she's too delicate, Uzui." The owner of the gruff voice had said, causing me to look over Gyomei and narrow my eyes at who it could be, only to see another white-haired male, covered in scars and an exposed chest, leaning against the table.
Seeing the arrogant smirk on the man's face caused my calming aura to shift to ice-cold, yet I kept a thin smile as I eyed him. "Excuse me?" I ask, though I heard him clearly. The man in question leans forward as he glares at me, "You heard me, Snowflake. You are too delicate for this lifestyle." He repeats, causing a small growl to escape me as I watch Uzui come to my side. "Shinazugawa, that is completely unflashy of you when you haven't even properly met her yet!" He snaps, only for Shinazugawa to scoff with an eye roll. "There's not much to meet since Snowflake here is like the other girls who try to be something they're not, so why am I here?" He asks before glaring at Uzui, though his pale-violet gaze flickers to mine before returning to their original target.
Without wasting another minute of this arrogant ass's satisfaction, I click my tongue as I glare at him. "First of all, asshole, it's Lila, not fucking Snowflake," I correct, causing Shinazugawa to snap his glare over to me and everyone to go silent, "And second of all, my sister thought it would be nice for me to meet all of you, but I can't say that you have made a good impression on me." I hiss, only to see Shinazugawa smirk as he rests his elbows on his legs, "That makes two of us then, Snowflake." He agrees, completely disregarding the correction of my name, making me pop my knuckles as I glare at him. My ice-cold glare didn't faze him as he returned with a death glare of his own.
The overwhelming tension had my entire body on edge as my heightened sense of touch vibrated through my skin. We continue to glare at each other as no one says anything, yet I faintly hear Uzui's beads rattle behind me as he leans closer to Kanae and Shinobu. "Damn, is it me, or can you cut the tension with a knife?" He asks in a low whisper. I notice Kanae shaking her head out of my peripheral, "It's not just you, Uzui. I feel it too," She answers before sighing, "I should've known Shinazugawa would be like this." She admits, only for Shinobu to snort. "It's funny because Lila finally has someone to match her personality." She teases loudly, making me snap my fingers because I heard the snarky comment.
After the snapping of my fingers, Kanae must have noticed my shaking hands as she is quick to my side, possibly because I am on the verge of exploding. "Sanemi, please give Lila a chance," She pleads while placing a gentle hand on my back, helping me to calm down slightly, "Lila is stronger than you give her credit for." She adds, yet Sanemi scoffs as he rolls his eyes again, "I'm sure your little sister doesn't need you to speak on her behalf, Kanae," He argues before shifting his cocky smirk to me once again, "Isn't that right, Snowflake?" He taunts, causing me to growl again and pull away from my sister's embrace because I've had enough of this shit.
Without wasting another minute, I grab Sanemi's collar and get face-to-face with him, "Why don't you try me, Cyclone?" I challenge, giving Sanemi his own nickname as my nails dig into the fabric of his uniform, "Because I'll show you how delicate I can be." I threaten, causing Sanemi to smirk as he eyes my hands before leaning into my ear, his minty breath wafting past my nose, "If you wanted to fuck me, then you'll have to do a little bit better than that, sweetness," He teases while wrapping his scarred hand around my wrist, "So bring it on, Snowflake." He challenges, only for me to growl as I glare at him, our purple eyes firing the rage burning between us, "I would rather stab myself with both of my blades than fuck you, asshole." I correct before shoving Sanemi against the table, making him grunt because of the impact, and causing Uzui to jump, "Well, damn!" He exclaims before noticing Sanemi's pissed expression, "Shinazugawa, don't!" He orders as he goes to get between us.
However, I stop Sanemi's retaliation by sticking my heel to his chest, planting him against the table, "Gotta be quicker than that, Cyclone." I provoke, making Sanemi exhale a low chuckle, "No one tells me what to do, Snowflake, nor do they put their hands, let alone their filthy shoes, on me either." He clarifies before smacking the side of my ankle, which shoves my foot off his chest. Instead of stumbling as he possibly hoped, I regain my balance by using my other foot to replant on his chest. "Too bad I'm not no one then, huh?" I justify with a head tilt and proud smirk. With my mood now sour because of this altercation, I finally move my foot off Sanemi's chest before looking over at my sisters. "I apologize, Kae, but it seems I have lost my appetite, so I am going to head home," I confess before bowing, "Thanks for the dinner." I apologize with a fake smile before taking my leave. I hear Shinobu chasing after me while Kanae is possibly scolding Sanemi for his actions.
So much for a celebratory night.