SCARLET HEART

KISMET CHAPTER 1 A RIVER OF TIME EDITED - 012924 *** “HELP!” The dark brown haired girl choked out. There was nothing she could grab onto as she frantically waved her arms in the water in a desperate attempt to survive. She coughed and spluttered, tears welled up in her eyes while doing her best to keep her head above the water, but it was no use. It was as if something was pulling her under every time she gasped for air. 'I don't know how to swim...! I can't breathe...!' Her lungs felt like they would collapse as she tried her best not to inhale anymore water than she already had. But it was pointless. Nobody else was around to save her. 'Please! Someone... ANYONE!' All she could see was the color blue. It filled her entire scope of vision and after a few short moment, it filled her lungs. She was starting to lose consciousness, and her movements stopped as she drifted deeper and deeper from the surface. The colour blue slowly fading to the color black as she closed her eyes. 'Please... Save me...' 'I don't want to die...' ━━━━【earlier】━━━━ The sky painted with hues of gold and crimson, mirroring the turmoil within her heart. Yurika stared at her reflection in the small mirror she was holding while tracing the small bruise on her mouth and on her slightly reddened cheeks, the clear evidence of the heat argument with her parents, until she couldn't take it anymore and she stormed off. She tried to go to her suitor's house to cool off and seek comfort, but she caught him with his friends in a park having a conversation. Yurika hid on the side near them to overhear their conversation, and that's where she learned the truth. Her suitor was just playing with her feelings, a subject of mockery and bets among his friends. She left unable to bear what she heard until she found herself here, in a river park. She scoffed and took a deep breath before closing the mirror and throwing it inside her bag. Feeling thirsty and exhausted, Yurika reached for her bag, and took her water container. She was grateful to find some water left before taking a drink. The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a warm glow across the river. Her solitude was interrupted when she noticed a beggar old man nearby her side, his eyes fixed longingly on her water bottle. Without hesitation, she extended the bottle to him, recognizing a shared thirst for something more than just water. “Here,” she said, her voice soft with vulnerability. The beggar smiles and accepted the offering gratefully, he sat next to her with still space between them before drinking a lot. There was a comfortable silence between the two of them before Yurika spoke, needing an outlet for her emotions. “Sir.” She started while hugging her legs close to her. She was thankful because the skirt of her uniform was tight so she didn't have a problem with someone seeing what she was wearing underneath her skirt. “Have you ever wanted to sleep for a hundred or a thousand years? Everything keeps going wrong and you don't see any hope of it getting better.” She continued while the beggar listened, his eyes reflecting understanding as he took a sip again. “You always tell yourself, 'I'm sure things will get better.' Then another things goes wrong.” She sighed heavily as she stared in a distance. “I would rather... Fall asleep and never wake up again. I want to forget everything. But it's not working.” She pressed her lips into a thin line. “That jerk who was just playing with my feelings. His friends who started it all. And my family... My family... I still love them very much even though they always hurt me... No matter what they do to me, even if they don't love me anymore, I don't care because I still love them unconditionally.” She smiled bitterly before quickly wiping away a tear that fell from her eyes. “Oh gosh.. Why am I so unlucky? Sir, you know what? I thought that if I didn't change the people I trusted and loved wouldn't change either. I was wrong, though.” She cried softly as she buried her face in her knees. “How did my life end up this way? Am I really that unlucky? Don't I really deserve to be loved even a little?” The old beggar, however, he covered the water container first and placed it next to him before speaking. “Your life can't change just because you want it to. Maybe if you died and came back to life again.” He said and lay down on the ground and fell asleep. “What?” Confused by his cryptic response, she sighed when the beggar didn't answer. Yurika shrugged off her unease and glanced around the serene river park. Only a few people are here in the park, and most of them have their own world. She took a deep breath until her attention shifted to a small happy family not far away. Enviously, she looked at them, wishing that her family could be like that too. Her train of thought was interrupted when she felt the vibration of her cellphone. She took it from the pocket of her blazer and saw text messages from her cousins. All the messages were the same, asking where she was and if she was okay. She smiled faintly before turning off her cellphone. She needed some time alone. She needed more time for herself, but she couldn't resist going back to her beloved cousins. They were her only light in Yurika's chaotic and dark life. And if anything bad were to happen to any of them, she didn't know what she would do; she might slowly lose herself. Yurika returned her cellphone to her pocket and then stood up. She dusted off her uniform before picking up her bag from the floor and glanced at the old beggar sleeping on the side. “I'm leaving, Mister.” She said even though she knew he wouldn't hear her. She started to walk away but before she could get far she felt that she stepped on something, she looked at her feet and frowned. She swallowed hard when she realized that she had stepped on a snail, she whispered a weak sorry and when she was about to step out, she noticed something strange. She slowly took steps forward before she bent down a little to get a good look at it, she see a few drops of dried blood on the floor. 'Huh, what? Is someone injured or something?' She looked a bit closer and realized that it was actually a trail of blood. But, She looked at the people around her one by one. They were not injured or anything, and furthermore, it wasn't the blood of the snail I stepped on. I didn't think they had blood, did they? She sweat dropped nervously. It led all over to the secluded area and eventually she followed it. She let her curiosity take over her. And she know she'll regret it. There were a few more drops of blood on the ground, but that was where it stopped. The trail ended here... What the heck...? She held her bag tightly and careful not to touch the blood, she leaned over the railing and looked down to see if there was anything in the water below... But all she could see was the movement of the waves of water. The water was dark and unoccupied due to the fact that no one is bathing in the river, especially in her current location, because it is very secluded and she is somewhat farther compared to where she was sitting earlier. At this point she decided there was no more point in investigating. She had clearly forgotten what had happened earlier, because frankly, she was creeped out now. That's when she heard it. Klick, Klick, Klick, Klick, Klick! She whirled around, scanning the surroundings... But nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. It struck her as odd, since she was certain that the sound came from behind her. Maybe she's just anxious because of what happened between her and her parents and her suitor. At this point, she couldn't care less about investigating anymore, she was scared shitless. And she needed to go home. The beggar old man, noticing her absence, scanned the area, but his gaze met a darkening sky, a foreboding sign that something was amiss. Yurika moved to go forward, to walked away, but a hand had grabbed the back of her uniform and pulled her backwards, making her to let go of her bag. “AH—!” Another hand covered her mouth and her brown eyes widened at the sudden attack, especially when she saw the sun and the moon gradually merging. And soon she was dragged over the edge, her body sent plummeting down into the water below. SPLASH! The hands released her from the grip as she attempted to break free, and she started kicking her way to the surface, the water feeling unnaturally heavy and thick, almost as if it was oil. She managed to break through, but it took a lot more energy than she was expecting, like the water was sapping her energy away. She could barely move anymore. The sound of her own heartbeat and the rushing water faded into silence as she sank deeper into the river. And then she remembered the last words she heard from her suitor and her family; Her suitor, Neru, surrounded by his friends, laughing and joking around. Yurika's stomach twisted unpleasantly as she listened to their conversation. “I can't believe she actually fell for my charms. She's so easy,” Neru snickered, causing his friends to burst out in laughter. And then, “You have no right to tell us that! You insolent brat! How I wish you never born.” Her father slapped her again. This time, the hit leave a bruise on her lip. In those disorienting moments, the sun and moon merged, casting an ethereal glow. A solar eclipse unfolded, symbolizing an abrupt transition, a passage into the unknown. The last flickers of consciousness lingered on the celestial spectacle until darkness claimed her in its aquatic embrace. 'Save me..' ━━━━【present】━━━━ A young boy carries large wooden bucket in his hands as he heads to collect water from the river. The sounds of birds and other woodland creatures keeping him company along the way. It was rather chilly out, but it was a huge improvement compared to the harsh snowy winds that took place just a few weeks ago. Ahh, it's such nice weather today. Spring is finally here, huh? Some flowers have already started growing. It was something he was looking forward to. The warm weather and the forest turning from brown to green... The boy felt thankful to be leading such a calm life. As he slowly comes closer to the river he was headed to, he sets his buckets down and reaches his hands into the cool water to splash some of his face. Feeling somewhat refreshed, he stares at his reflection in the water for a moment. But he notices something odd. His reflection... Was wasn't him?! It looked like an entirely different person! 'W-WHA? H-How!?' He rubbed his eyes and took a closer look to make sure what he was seeing was real when he realized... It wasn't a reflection! Someone was underwater!! We're they drowning!? He dove in and swarm towards them without a second thought. 'Just hang on! I've got you!' Wrapping his arm around her and swimming to the surface, he managed to bring the person above the water. The sound of coughing and spluttering could be heard over his shoulder. She's still alive! “H-Hold on! I'm going to get you to the shore!” He shouted. Dragging himself and the person in his arms over the riverside took great deal of effort, but he ignored the burn in his muscles. Making sure this stranger was okay was his top priority now. He carefully sat her against a true and pulled his haori off to wrap her up in it when he noticed she was wearing odd clothes, especially her skirt is too short, and also to make sure she was warm, becoming worried when he noticed just how sickly she looked. “Hey, can you hear me? Are you alright?” He asked her over her labored breaths. She opened her eyes a fraction and glanced at him with her soft brown orbs. He could tell that she was just barely conscious. Deciding to take her in to make sure she's okay, the boy gently lifts her up and places her on his back. “Don't worry, I'm gonna get you someplace warm! Me and my family don't live too far from here!” He said reassuringly. Quickly moving in the direction towards his house, he glances over at the brown haired head resting on his shoulder as she weakly stares back at him “It's okay. You're going to be just fine.” “My name is Kamado Tanjirou.” *** I remember... Falling...? No... Being dragged... Dragged into the water... And the eclipse... What does it mean...? Did I die...? I was so scared... But now I just... Feel warm... So very warm... Did someone help me and bring me to the hospital...? Her body feels like it's on fire! But, something cool is pressed against her forehead? And why can't I move my body on my own?! She thought. She tried her hardest until she successfully cracked her eyes open and try to blink away her exhaustion so she can scan her surroundings. She appear to be lying on the floor on top of some sort of futon. There's a thick blanket wrapped around her and a small bucket of water sitting at her side. The overall look of the room appearing to be... Traditional, in a Japanese sense. Huh? This isn't what I was expecting at all... Whoever owns this house is sure to love the traditional Japanese style. As she struggle to sit up, a damp rag falls into her lap. That must've been what she felt on her forehead. Did someone save her? At the sound of the door sliding open, she tense up and hug her legs close to her, nervous about coming face to face with who—or what could've brought her here. She didn't know what the heck happened to her but she certainly didn't want to experience another dangerous situation like the one from before. When the door finally slides open. Her eyes widen. This person is... Some random old guy she never see before?! WHO THE HECK IS THIS?! The stranger in question walked briskly over towards where she sat, and pushed her back onto the futon to make her lay down again. Promptly reaching for the washcloth that fell off of her face, he dipped into the bucket of water next to her and wrung it out, placing it back on her forehead where it should be. And he did all of this without saying a word. Needless to say, the entire situation perplexed her. Like, what the actual f**k is happening? “Uhm—excuse me?” She said in a hoarse voice. Damn. My throat hurts, too. “Could you please tell me what's happening?” She asked politely. The man turned to her and titled his head. “I'm afraid I don't understand what you're saying.” He said. She blinked in confusion and kind of surprise. Was that Japanese he spoke just now? “Can you understand Japanese?” Realizing what he meant, she slowly nodded her head, “Umm... A little bit?” Scratch that, she really knows how to speak Japanese, and she's fluent with it, but she lacks confidence when speaking. She learned to speak Japanese from watching anime, and also because she advanced in studying their 'foreign language' subject in Tourism. Originally, she was supposed to take it up in her second year, but she decided to study it already during her first year. She just hope she won't stutter or falter because that would be really embarrassing. “Um, do you know... Where am I, sir...?” She asked slowly. Thank anime, I studied Japanese because if not, I would look like a fool here not understanding him. She thought happily. “You're in the Kamado Household. The eldest son brought you here after finding you in the river. He was worried about your health after you nearly drowned in the freezing water.” Kamado, what? She wondered that name seems somewhat familiar to her. She doesn't know where she heard it before, and with a shrug, she thinks it might not be that important. Thankfully, I understood everything he said. “After you settled in here, he came to get me. I'm a doctor, if you couldn't tell. I'm just here to check on your current status since you seem to be running a fever.” He said as he gave her an examination. Still doesn't explain where I'm at though... Or why he only speaks Japanese. What the heck is going on? Nodding to himself after looking her over,he stood to his feet. “Wait here for a moment.” “Okay...” She said softly, snuggling deep into her blanket as she wanted for the old man to come back. But in all honesty her entire body felt like it had been to hell and back, and for all she knew, it very well could've been. Her throat felt horrible, her chest hurts whenever she inhaled too deeply, and she had a throbbing pain in the back of her head that came and went whenever she shifted around too much. She shut her eyes, trying her best to relax. Just where in the world am I...? Faint footsteps could be heard outside of her room and a gentle voice followed shortly after. “Miss? Is it alright for me to come in?” It said. That's not the same voice as before. “Miss?” She could hear them open the door. Yurika peeked an eye open towards the door and took in the newcomer's appearance. A young girl who seemed to be a little younger than her walked in the room. Her long black hair was pulled back with delicate ribbons and her warm pink eyes looked down at her with curiosity. She wore pink kimono patterned with that seemed to be stars? Flowers, maybe? But that's not the main problem here. No way... Yurika sat up quickly to make sure what she was seeing was correct, wincing at the throbbing headache it cause her. She recognize this person... “Hello, miss. I was just coming in here to check on you.” She said, coming to sit by her side. “The doctor told us that you could understand Japanese a little. He also said you'll be needing lots of rest in order for you to be healthy again, so me and my family will be helping to take care of you until you're well again.” And Yurika could only stare in shock at the person before her, not daring to speak a word. She might end up chocking on her own spit if she did. “My name is Kamado Nezuko. I hope we can get along.” After a few solid moments of Yurika not breathing, Nezuko started to become visibly concerned. “Miss? Are you alright?” “Are you joking?” Yurika spluttered. The girl tilted her head, indicating that she had no idea what she mean and Yurika quickly realized her mistake. “Seriously, are you joking?” The girl nervously chuckles at her, “Umm, I'm afraid I don't know what you mean...” At this point Yurika just about to lost her mind, standing up suddenly and shocking the black haired girl besides her. Moving fast in the state her body was in felt terrible, but now wasn't the time to be focusing on it. She has to know what was going on. Not even attempting to listen to Nezuko's protests, Yurika ran out the door. It took a lot of effort given just how sick and tired she is, and by the time she reached the outside of the house, she was barely able to breathe. Heaving air in and out, she scan her surroundings. This was really it... This is Tanjiro and Nezuko's house... Aside from there not being any snow on the ground, everything matched the anime perfectly. “That's not... Possible... This can't be happening!” She ran her hands through her hair, gripping them tightly. Her vision becoming blurry as tears forming in her eyes. Until she felt a hand on her shoulder, when she turned slightly to look at the person behind her, she could only fall deeper into despair and confusion. Bright red eyes fulls of concern stared back at her. The male's burgundy tinted hair and checkered haori blew gently in the wind; his earrings shining ever so slightly whenever they caught sunlight. ...A scar could be seen on his forehead, just above one of his furrowed brows... Kamado Tanjirou... “Why is this happening...?” She asked him as tears fell in her eyes. He didn't know why, but his heart ached as he looked at her expression. She seemed confused, lost, distress, and above all, broken. “Am I going crazy...?” Tanjirou remained silent because to be honest he didn't know what the she meant. The situation had started to become overwhelming. Yurika's body feeling heavier than ever before. This was too real. The pain she is experiencing, the dead leaves crunching beneath her feet and the chilly sting in the air... One of her favourite character's caring pair of eyes, full of life and warmth. Almost as if he were real... Because he was now... She couldn't handle the sudden shock as her body felt weak and slowly collapsed, but Tanjirou immediately caught her before she could fall to the ground. Gently, he lifted the girl in a bridal style. Tanjirou looked at her with concern. Her head rested on his shoulder, her eyes half-lidded as if she could faint at any moment. He held onto her a bit tighter, whispering soft words. “You're going to be just fine. Whatever is bothering you right now, you don't need to worry.” He said. “You're sick, and you're tired... Please rest. You're safe here.” “Okay...” She whispered in a raspy voice. She was obviously still distressed, but at least she replied. It all honesty it made Tanjirou feel a little relieved. He also noticed how her eyes slowly closed. In all honesty, he couldn't understand why the brown haired girl's was so upset and distressed, and he really didn't understand why she was trying to run away. But there was one thing he was sure of. This girl needed rest. He didn't know if he should be glad that she passed out or not. But he just really wanted to help her get back to her normal health, but it wasn't going to be easy if she was too distraught to stay put... She shouldn't be overexerting herself like this. *** She thought as she looks at her one raised hand. Yurika was back to lying on the futon again after she passed out in Tanjirou's arms, and brought her inside again. Continuously kicking the blanket off as she got too warm, and then pulling them back up just as quickly when she got chilly again. Rolling around for a solid five minutes in search of a comfortable position, she settled for hugging her legs to her body as she stuck her face into her pillow. The darkness it provided her tired eyes bringing her to squeeze them shut and think deeply to herself. Well, as deeply as she possibly could in her miserable state. Being sick and always made focusing on things much more difficult. Judging by the way things were at the current moment—Tanjirou's family is still alive, even his father, and Nezuko is still human. It was safe to say she had arrived way too early before the story line had even gotten started. That's puts her into a bit of a dilemma... Is this related to the Eclipse she saw before she lost consciousness back then? Why was she brought to the world of anime? Especially in Demon Slayer? Why is that? What could be the reason? But... Let's say she find a way back home. Would she want that? She can't imagine just leaving here when she could potentially save the Kamado Family from all their suffering. Perhaps warning them of what was to come? None of them deserve the fate that awaited them. She knew that. They should be happy, and live in peace... —But on the other hand, if she warned them it was impossible for them to believe her, and her interference could end up royally screwing everyone and everything over in the long run. She knows all the details in the manga, whoever dies, survives, and whatnot. And she's pretty sure that Tanjirou becoming as demon slayer is super important, not just because of the lives he's save and the people he's impacted, but because Tanjirou joining the Demon Slayer Corps is what ultimately led to the demon King's defeat and death. It would save not only people walking around today, but the future generations as well! But if she is stuck here after all... Then maybe... Could I replace him? If I'm going to be stuck here anyways... She took a moment to ponder the possibility. No. There's no way. If I were to take his place I would need his strength and skills, and then some. He had Nezuko to protect him in some of those situations. Not to mention, she wasn't sure if she even capable of fighting the way he does. Not just because she is a major coward, but because she is certain that she wouldn't be able to mimic things like his Hinokami Kagura. Sure. She is indeed a first-year Advanced ROTC student (Reserve Officers' Training Corps), and an aspiring to become a soldier, but there's no way she can fight against demons! What if, on her first try, she dies immediately? No freaking way! I don't know how I managed to get here, in Demon Slayer. Okay, let's try to be positive. I have a chance here. A chance to avoid death, and live... Ugh. My brain hurts...! What do I do? I feel like crying. Yet again, Yurika heard the door open as gentle footsteps made their way towards her. It was probably Nezuko again. She had been checking on Yurika periodically for the past hours to make sure she is alright. Occasionally Nezuko would change the washcloth on Yurika's forehead, or bring her fresh water to drink so she stayed hydrated. Nezuko even spoke to her a few times, and Yurika appreciated her effort. “Hello again.” She said in a sweet voice. “I thought you would feel better if you drank some tea this time.” She held a fresh cup of tea in her hands, carefully setting it down on the floor for a moment to help Yurika sit up so that she could actually drink it. “Tea...” Yurika repeated weakly. “Thank you...” She smiled softly. Nezuko visibly brightened at her response. Yurika hadn't spoken to her the previous times she had come to check on her due to older girl's brain being preoccupied with other things, but Yurika decided to give up on thinking for now and give more of her focus to the black haired girl in front of her. Taking the tea cup into her hands, Yurika stare down at the steaming beverage and search for something to say. She look back up into the young girl's striking pink eyes and raised her hand in her direction, gesturing for Nezuko to come a little closer to her. Nezuko seemed to understand what she meant and slowly approached her. Yurika patted her hair gently. “Thank you, Nezuko...” She thanked her again and gave her a sweet smile. She remember my name! Nezuko's cheeks were coated in a light blush as she smiled a little while Yurika continued patting her on the head. “You're welcome.” Lowering her hand, Nezuko watched as Yurika raised her beverage to her lips, taking a small sip of it before holding it on her lap. The silence wasn't awkward as it was the first few times she visited. It felt more natural this time. Comfortable, even. However, Nezuko had been wanting to ask her something for a while now. “Um, this may seem rude, but I'm afraid I don't know what your name is yet. May I ask your name?” Yurika swallowed the tea in her mouth. “Yurika.” She didn't provided provide last name since she wanted everyone to call her by her first one. It made things easier for her that way. None of that Clemente Yurika, crap, please. It wasn't her thing. “Yurika.” Nezuko repeated. She had said it slightly differently than Yurika did, her accent peaking through when trying to pronounce it. “I like it. It sounds interesting and pretty...” Hearing the words 'I like it and pretty', Yurika's soften and gave her a