DISCLAIMER: This is mostly unedited. Sorry if you notice any grammar mistakes or anything, just wanted to get this out. It's still a touching chapter in my opinion, enjoy!
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Time waits for no one.
It's an uncomfortable universal truth, the fact that no matter who dies, the world keeps spinning. Perhaps this fact helps us to appreciate the value of being conscious, the fact events and emotions can make us feel like reality is falling apart, when in fact nothing matters, it is somewhat beautiful.
"Mission Report: The Ice Hashira has died in battle, successfully eliminating Upper Moon Three. Aside from the unfortunate death of Eira, there was only one other casualty."
This was the report that was relayed back to the Demon Slayer Corps Headquarters. Simple, and lacking almost all the details. It was deliberate, Kaze had intentionally made his crow to report the wrong information. It was easier this way.
Subsequently, Asumi, Kaze, Ayumu, Yukina and Kaito all withdrew from their positions in the Corps. The final missions had taken too much of a physical and mental toll.
Ali's death, or Eira's final mission as it was more commonly referred to, had a momentous impact. Not only was another Upper Moon eliminated, but Eira had proved for a second time the sheer effectiveness of the concentrated Wisteria Poison.
It set a raging inferno of hope alight within the community, ripples were sent through both sides of the long-standing battle. Preparations began for a grand move, if anytime was right to strike, it was now.
A month or so after Ali's death was a pivotal fight that went down in history. The Infinity Castle battle, led by all the Hashira, all the corps members which included prodigies such as Tanjiro Kamado. In the end, the Demon Lord Muzan was defeated, and all of demonkind was eliminated.
Maybe one day they'll write a story about it.
Time passed, shrouded by a newfound peace, it was hard to adjust to. Slowly, people began to leave their windows open at night, less mystery disappearances plagued the news, the sun setting wasn't an alarm, rather an invitation to spend the night under the soft glow of candle light, eerie street lights or the loud city lights.
Asumi had fully taken over her family's flower business, proving to be quite the innovative leader. Their town now celebrated a flower festival whenever it was in full bloom, although a nightmare for people with pollen allergies, the festival drew many people from neighbouring towns in to celebrate the vibrance and beauty of nature.
Kaze had gone back home to his mother, who was now in much better health, being able to do most things unaided. He had also opened his own dojo closer to the central business area, his first employee was none other than Kaito, although the first few months were slow and tedious, by the start of the second year, they were at four classes of ten students running a day, and growing.
Ayumu and Yukina had almost immediately started their stall, drowning their emotions in noodle making. They were much more successful than they thought they would be, and within three years, saved enough money to open an actual restaurant.
Everyone's lives seemed to be glowing with success and prosperity. Asumi and Kaze would still send letters to check in, or wish happy birthday, but they hadn't seen each other since Ali's death.
Asumi would still spend some late nights just staring at the moon. She had stopped crying. For the most part.
It was only every few months when she really missed him. Now, it was more of an emptiness, a void in her heart that Ali once occupied. Slowly, it was filling back up as life progressed, but she knew she'd never truly heal from it. She always saw him in her dreams, sometimes waking up and expecting to see the Amare Flos on her bedside like it would be.
As the third anniversary of Ali's death came around, everyone received a letter in their mail box. A letter from Ayumu and Yukina, a sleek envelope with their restaurant's emblem.
"Dear friend,
We invite you to our restaurant for an intimate celebration prior to our Grand Opening!..."
The letter further entailed the details of the event. Thankfully, it was on a date and time that everyone could attend to.
It was something to look forward to in their busy lives. An event to dress up for.
Work engrossed their minds til the day arrived. Each of them made the trip to the large bustling city where the restaurant was opening. The wind guided them, grazing their shoulders the entire way.
"Japan really is developing quickly," Kaze chuckled as he and Kaito stood in front of the glamorous restaurant. They were both dressed in their best outfits, two matching Western suits, it was the norm after all.
"Give it a few decades, and maybe we'll be speaking English around here," Kaito joked as he took a few steps forward. Two bodyguards stood either side of the doors. One with his arms crossed, and another with a checklist.
"Kaze Kuyi," Kaze smiled and nodded, to which the list-bearing bodyguard scanned his paper. After a few seconds, he looked back up at the two with a soft smile.
"Welcome sirs," He bowed slightly and opened the door for them. They both walked inside. Delicious, intoxicating smells immediately wafted into their noses. A large banner hung from the ceiling, reading in large golden letters, "GRAND OPENING". It was a cozy space. About twenty or so people scattered among the restaurant, each in their respective groups, cheerfully chatting and laughing.
The warm lighting accentuated the homey feeling of the restaurant, the kitchen was in clear view, opposing the many tables and connected bar. It was silent for now, lights dim and stoves turned off.
Just as Kaze and Kaito finished admiring, a familiar voice called out.
"Kaze!" Ayumu quickly finished his other conversation and walked over, cutting any fluff and pulling him in for a hug, "You haven't changed a bit."
Kaze made a face and laughed as he patted his old friend's back. They broke apart, and Ayumu greeted Katio the same.
"Can't say the same for you," Kaze looked Ayumu up and down. He had gotten so much older in the last three years. His hair was longer, his face more adult-like. It made Kaze feel some sort of sorrow, that time was really passing. Before Kaze stared any longer, Yukina quickly scurried over, waving cheerfully.
"Well, you guys sure are early," Yukina gazed around the full house, "I actually meant to invite you two and Asumi on a separate day, but we couldn't postpone our opening any further. We just moved it all in, it was… so tiring. Please, do stay past when everyone leaves."
Another group called out for Ayumu and Yukina. They both turned their heads. Kaze patted both their shoulders and smiled.
"Don't worry, we don't have anywhere else to be. Congratulations, I couldn't be more proud," Kaze chuckled, letting them go back to cater to the other groups. The chatter of other groups increased as the two hosts joined them. Meanwhile, Kaze and Kaito headed over to the bar.
As time passed, slowly, the cozy space began to filter out. After two hours, Kaze, Kaito and the two hosts were the only ones remaining. Immersed in reminiscing over the old times, their old careers, only interrupted for when the door swung open again. Asumi carefully watched it closed, ensuring it didn't slam loudly. The lights danced as soon as she stepped in, elegant as ever. She wore a beautiful traditional-western hybrid dress. She smiled and waved.
"I'm not late, am I?" She awkwardly stared over how everyone was already gathered at the bar. Ayumu and Yukina leaning over the kitchen side, while Kaze and Kaito sat. They all stood and greeted Asumi, hugs, handshakes, bows.
"Not at all, we were just very early…" Kaito waved softly.
""You look amazing by the way!" Yukina giggled as she hurried over and hugged Asumi.
"Not as amazing as you and your restaurant, this place looks wonderful, like flowers in full bloom," Asumi looked all around in awe.
"The florist herself," Kaze teased and chuckled as Asumi sat down next to him, she smiled softly and straightened out her skirt as she settled into the warm, cozy atmosphere.
It wasn't weird at all, there weren't any awkward silences. Just stories shared over drinks and snacks. The night grew older and older, when finally Yukina nudged Ayumu in a telling way. At first, it seemed like a sign for him to tell them to leave. But it was something much more.
"Well, there is a… reason I called you all here, separate from the others," Ayumu fiddled softly with his fingers. A soft blush slowly spreads across his face.
"Me and Yukina… we're going to get married," He can't say it without smiling and melting.
The room erupts with wide eyes and gasps. Kaito smiles widely and is the first to get up and pat Ayumu on the back with excitement. Asumi and Kaze take a bit to process and then both congratulate them, sharing their excitement.
"We wanted you guys to be the first to know," Yukina admitted softly as excitement simmered down, "That day really changed us, and it wouldn't be possible without all of you there."
"And Ali,"
"We owe our lives to him."
It stayed quiet for a bit.
"To our soon-to-be-weds!" Kaze raised his glass.
"I don't think that's a word." Kaito gave the statement a confused glance but raised his glass.
"You'll make a lovely couple," Asumi rested her jaw on one hand, and raised her glass with the other. She stared gently at them, over the moon for them.
Ayumu and Yukina raised their glasses and everyone clinked together.