Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"Umai!"

Tanjiro perked up at the familiar shout. Only one man shouted like that, that he knew of. He tightened his grip on the straps of the box he was carrying, which held his younger sister, Nezuko. They and their friends, Zenitsu and Inosuke, had been placed on a mission with Rengoku Kyojuro.

"Come on," Tanjiro spoke to his friends, following the sound of Rengoku-san's shouts through the train cars. "He's this way."

He greatly admired the alpha, so he was excited to work with him, but he was also nervous. This was the man courting his mama, Tomioka Giyuu. The only times they'd seen each other previously was during the trial, and while Tanjiro was injured. He wanted to impress the man, and learn more from him. They would be family if things were made official. 

"Umai!" The shout nearly knocked the trio off their feet as they opened the car door. Tanjiro peered in, and there he was, happily repeating what he said after every bite, surrounded by several empty boxed lunches. 

Zenitsu leaned closer to Tanjiro and began to whisper. "That's the Flame Hashira, and not some glutton?"

Tanjiro nodded, a little thrown by the scene before him. 

"Sir?" he called, trying to catch Rengoku-san's attention, and raising his voice a bit when he went unanswered. "Rengoku-san..?"

"Umai!" the alpha barked, finally turning to look at him, 

Tanjiro ducked his head, stepping back. "Yeah, we heard you... the first fifty times."

Rengoku-san beamed. "It's good to see you. Glad to know you've fully healed." He turned his head to look at his friends behind him. "I've seen you two before at the Butterfly Mansion, but we've never been properly introduced."

"These are my friends, Agatsuma Zenitsu and Hashibira Inosuke," Tanjiro introduced. 

The Flame Hashira gave a firm nod before turning his attention to Nezuko's box. "And I assume that your sister is in there?"

"Sound asleep." Tanjiro glanced back at the box, later setting it down behind them when Rengoku-san invited him to sit next to him. He tried to tune out Inosuke's excitement as he spoke to the older man. "We received orders via crow about the casualties on the rise."

"Ah, so that's why you're here." Rengoku-san mostly kept his gaze forward, occasionally turning to look at him. By all accounts, his scent should have held up constant confidence, but Tanjiro could almost pick out a trace of nervousness. Why would he be feeling such a way? Well, he was still human. Everyone got nervous from time to time. 

"There's also something I wanted to ask you about." Tanjiro sat up a little straighter, as Zenitsu continued to wrestle Inosuke away from the train car's window. "My sire, Kamado Tanjuro, was an incredibly frail man. And even so, he was able to perform a kagura dance in weather so cold your lungs could freeze."

Rengoku-san hummed curiously. "Could he now? Well, good for him!" 

"And then I found myself using Hinokami Kagura, the dance, just like he used to." Tanjiro kept his gaze forward. "Shinobu-san said that you might know something, so I wanted to know if there was anything about it that you'd be willing to tell me."

The flame-haired man grew quiet for a moment. "Certainly, but I don't! I've never heard of the dance once. But your father taking this dance and adapting it for battle is commendable, though!" 

"Wait, hold on! Isn't there-" Tanjiro tried to protest, but was cut off by the alpha placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

"You should become my tsuguko!" Rengoku-san boomed. "I'll look after you, teach you!" Just as quickly as he made the offer, his tone softened as he took time to explain the breathing fundamentals and some of the breathing styles that branched off from them. "Worry not about your sword being black, I can train you!"

Tanjiro jumped at the change in tone. "You don't have to, Rengoku-san!"

"I want to." The Flame Hashira turned to look at him. "You're a talented boy, and I believe you would do well with Flame Breathing. I also wish for us to bond, I am courting your mother after all. If I'm going to be with him, I want us to get along. The same goes for your younger sister." 

The admission made Tanjiro's heart squeeze. He wanted to bond with him and Nezuko? Genuinely? 

Inosuke's excitement and Zenitsu's scolding filled the silence that quickly followed after Rengoku-san's words.

"Let me go! I wanna see who's faster on foot!" The young, boar-head-wearing alpha kept clawing at the window's opening, trying to wriggle out of Zenitsu's grip. 

Rengoku lifted his head, briefly tasting the air. "Not a good idea. Who knows when a demon could show itself?"

That got Zenitsu's attention away from Inosuke, who stopped at the older alpha's words of warning. "Wait, demons show up on this train?!" The familiar scent of Zenitsu's anxiety reached Tanjiro's nose. 

"Over forty people have gone missing on this train in a short period of time." Rengoku began emitting calming pheromones the moment Zenitsu began to wail in fright. "We sent several swordsmen to investigate, but they've all vanished as well. That's why I'm here."

As Zenitsu's panic began to spike, a man trudged in with his head low, carrying a heavy scent of grief and desperation. "Tickets please..." 

Once all four of them had their tickets punched, the scent of blood that trailed after nearly every demon began to trickle into the car. Rengoku-san immediately dove into action, taking not one but two demons out with a single slash, and so swiftly two. 

"That was so cool!" Tanjiro ran up to the alpha, pawing at his haori. "Please, teach me!"

Rengoku-san gently ruffled his hair. "Of course!"

"Can I join?!" Zenitsu quickly joined them, the omega's golden-brown eyes shining with admiration.

Inozuke bounded up to them, vibrating with excitement. "Me too!"

"I would be happy to take you all in!" Rengoku-san chuckled softly, looking over them all. 

Tanjiro yipped excitedly alongside his friends, almost feeling like a pup again. He hadn't been this excited since he was a small pup, following his dam and sire around their small house in the mountains. Perhaps training alongside Rengoku-san would give him at least some answers, help him learn how to handle Hinokami Kagura better! 

"Big brother!" Zenitsu and Inosuke was what they were calling the older alpha, but Tanjiro felt another word stir at the back of his mind, even as they went back to their seats and drowsiness over took him. 

Papa. 

Was it too soon to think of him like that? Most likely. But later on, if Mama and Rengoku-san became official, then Tanjiro knew just what to call him. He closed his eyes, leaning against the alpha, a warmth blooming in his chest. They'd be a family. Tanjiro only hoped that the family he lost was glad he found a new one that loved him just as dearly. 

Cold.

When did it get so cold?

Snow crunched beneath his feet. 

Where was he? He could barely see. 

Tanjiro snapped to attention, grabbing his sword. 

What was going on? What happened?

He looked around, trying to regain his bearings. 

Calm down. Just calm down. 

Control your breathing. 

A footstep sounded from behind him. 

Tanjiro whirled around, a defensive snarl on his lips. 

"Hey!" Shigeru turned, a bright smile quickly replacing his surprised look. 

Hanako grinned excitedly, chirping, "Niichan's back!"

"Welcome home!" Shigeru beamed, still holding onto the basket of yams he was carrying with Hanako. 

How? How were they alive?

He saw...

Unable to stop himself, Tanjiro threw himself at his younger siblings with a wail. He held them close, sobbing out apologies with each breath. 

It's okay. They're alive. They didn't die. 

Tanjiro was home. 

It was a dream. Just a bad dream. 

Eventually, they came back home. Takeo, Roktua, and Mother quickly greeted Tanjiro. Unable to stop himself, he scented all of them. He wanted to commit every scent to memory. Who could blame him after that horrific nightmare? 

"You're not sick, are you dear?" His mother reached out, checking his face for any unnatural warmth. "Just get some rest today. Take it easy."

Tanjiro leaned into her touch with a purr. "Really, I'm fine."

Shigeru ran over with a sheet, throwing it over him. "Gotcha!" 

"What do you think you're doing?" Hanako hissed, disgruntled with the laundry being messed with, as their siblings laughed.

Tanjiro relaxed at the familiar scene around him. 

Everything was fine. There were no demons. No Kibutsuji.

"Seems like Iike I was just having a bad dream or something earlier."

Kyojuro blinked, finding himself sitting before his sire. The familiar mixed, bitter scents of ash and sake burned at his nose. 

Why am I here?

He glanced around, quickly spotting his sheathed katana. 

Right, to report about becoming a Hashira. And of course, the big news. 

Eagerly, he told his father about his promotion and of the beautiful omega that he had begun courting. He found himself rambling about him, and mentioned the pups he'd be taking in should the omega accept him as his mate.

Tomioka Giyuu. Strong, talented, perfect. 

His sire didn't bother to look at him. As usual, he could only bring himself to growl at his son. "So what if you've become a Hashira? Worthless. It means nothing. You'll still never amount to anything." The older alpha slumped down, the scent of grief mixing in with the bitterness in the air.

Kyojuro's smile fell. Did not even the news of Giyuu and his pups potentially joining the family bring him joy?

"And of course, you wound up courting a puppymill." That comment made Kyojuro swallow down a burst of rage. 

How dare you! Such an invalid, derogatory term. Giyuu is a perfect omega, my perfect omega! 

The older man grabbed a bottle of sake, downing a few gulps before setting it down. "Couldn't find a decent omega so you found some overbred bitch?" 

"I would appreciate it if you didn't insult him like that." Kyojuro kept his voice low despite his anger. "You've never even met him. Did you listen to anything I said?" 

His sire let out a grunt, remaining where he was. "Go chase the omega if you want. Just don't be surprised if she runs off with the next alpha she sees after you get a litter from her."

"But Giyuu's not a-" Kyojuro flinched at the snarl, and he knew his father no longer wanted to talk. Dipping his head, he left his father's room. 

He never understood how his father got this way. When both he and Senjuro were pups, he was the most wonderful father. He raised them both with such enthusiasm.

What on earth happened that caused him to change?

"Brother." Senjuro's voice cause Kyojuro's attention, and he looked up to see his younger brother stepping out of his room. "Did your news please him? If I become a Hashira, will he acknowledge me too?"

Kyojuro's heart hurt at his younger brother's hopeful face. He didn't deserve any of this. Perhaps he could speak with Giyuu about letting his younger brother stay at the Water Estate? Anything to get him away from his father.

"To be honest, he wasn't pleased." Kyojuro admitted. "He said it meant nothing. But I won't let it extinguish my passion. This flame in my heart burns strong, I'll never lose faith." He gripped his younger brother's hand. "Keep this in mind, Senjuro. You have an older brother who believes in you. Whatever path you take, you'll become a fine man. Just keep that burning passion inside your heart."

Senjuro had tears running down his face as he practically leapt into Kyojuro's arms, crying quietly as his older brother scented him. It had become habit since their mother passed for Kyojuro to scent his younger brother, especially after their father took a turn for the worst. 

"Let's both do our best, no matter how lonely it gets..."

Something was wrong.

Something didn't feel right.

Intruders? But how?

How were they inside the dreams?

Sickly scents.

Young?

Coppery traces. 

A demon?!

Danger! Danger! 

WAKE UP!

In the waking world, a girl was choking. An alpha with bright, flame-like hair was gripping onto her throat with a low growl. Dead asleep, yet somehow still able to sense the fact that he was in danger. 

Laying on the chair where the alpha once said, an omega pup kept shifting in his sleep, something distressing him. 

Wake up...

Gotta wake up...

The pup couldn't bring himself out of the dream, the dream where his dam and younger siblings were never attacked. He knew it was a dream, so why couldn't he wake up?

Nezuko could sense something was wrong. She pushed herself out of her box, falling to the floor with a squeak. This was new. Where did her kin take her this time?

Memories were hard for her, everything was fuzzy each time she tried to remember. There were familiar faces, people with names that were always on the tip of her tongue, but they always slipped away just when she almost remembered them. All she knew for the longest time was Tanjiro. He was pack, family. Her big brother, that was what he said he was to her. They were kin, all humans were kin. There wasn't much she did know, but she did know that. Demons who actively hurt humans were not her kin, despite anything they said. She wasn't kin with murderers.

Mama, Kaito, and Kasumi were kin too. They were a pack, all of them. 

Nezuko looked over to see the alpha that Mama liked holding up some girl, his eyes screwed shut. She turned to see the yellow-haired omega that chased her sleeping. Then she saw Tanjiro asleep too, giving off the scent of distress. 

Nightmare? She gave her big brother a poke, trying to wake him as he muttered to himself. A bit frustrated when he didn't respond, she grabbed his hand and rubbed his against her head. Would he wake up now?

Nothing.

With a frustrated growl, she stepped back before slamming her head against his.

Bad idea.

Her head exploded with pain, and blood began running down her face. Tears welling up in her eyes, she hit his head with hers again with the loudest keen she could manage. 

Blood Demon Art: Exploding Blood!

Magenta flames surrounded them both.

Finally, Tanjiro was back in his uniform and running through the forest. His heart ached, hearing Roktua cry out for him, pleading with him not to leave them behind. He wanted to go back desperately, forget reality and curl up with his birth family until his time truly came in the waking world. If life was fair, he would have been a charcoal burner from birth til death. He would have brought his own mate to live there, raise their pups there, just like his ancestors did. Sadly, it wasn't meant to be. Kibutsuji Muzan ensured that. 

Desperately looking around the ever-familiar snowy mountain he once called home, he wracked his brain. How was he to get out of this dream? How was he going to fight the demon that put him in the dream in the first place?

I can just barely smell him. But its like there's a film over everything. The demonic scent is faint, and everywhere.

"I've gotta hurry," Tanjiro muttered. "Nezuko's hurt, I can smell it. If everyone else is asleep, we're in trouble."

Tanjiro. A familiar voice echoed, sending chills down his spine. He hadn't heard that voice since he was twelve.

"Take up your sword," his sire said. "What you must cut is within your reach." Then, with a flurry of snow and ice, he was gone.

What I must cut is within my reach? So to wake up, that means... I have to slice...

Taking a deep breath, he readied his sword, aiming it where it needed to be. 

But what if I'm wrong? Will it transfer to reality? 

Tanjiro pushed away the anxiety and screamed. His throat felt pain once, and only once. Then everything went still, black, and quiet. 

He awoke with a gasp, holding onto his throat. "It's okay. I'm alive," he whispered as he calmed down, then remembered what helped him wake up in the first place. "Nezuko! Are you okay?!" He turned to face his younger sister, who flinched back and held onto her head. 

When Nezuko relaxed a bit, giving him a concerned look, Tanjiro smiled. "I'm glad." Looking around, he spotted Rengoku-san and his friends still asleep, as well as four strange kids. One of them was being choked by Rengoku-san. And they were all tied together with rope?

Tanjiro glanced at his own wrist, sniffing at it. It was singed, but still had the demon's scent on it. It was on his ticket too! Untying the ropes seemed like a bad idea, something deep in Tanjiro's gut telling him not to do so. 

"Nezuko, can you burn the rest of the ropes?" 

Nezuko nodded with a grunt, getting to work burning them as Tanjiro tried desperately to wake his friends. 

It's no use, they just won't wake up. 

Slowly getting up, Tanjiro turned and tried to call for Rengoku-san, only for the girl he saw getting choked earlier take a swipe at him. He grabbed Nezuko, ducking out of the way and pushing his little sister behind him.

Two other kids joined the girl as she rambled about no longer being able to have any good dreams now that he was there. Was the demon manipulating them into doing his dirty work? When the girl, clearly the leader, hissed at a boy who apparently had tuberculosis, Tanjiro felt his theory confirmed. Poor kid.

"I'm sorry." He murmured before knocking three of the four out. They just wanted a happy dream. He understood that completely, more than anyone. That day haunted his nightmares. Everyone but Nezuko dead, the torn apart remains of their nest covered in blood and gore, the scent of home covered up by death and remaining traces of fear. 

Nezuko, sensing his grief, darted over to him and wrapped her small arms around him. The boy with tuberculosis just stared numbly, his dark gaze flickering over Tanjiro.

"Are you okay?" Tanjiro watched the other boy warily, briefly taken aback when he smiled. 

"I am now," the sickly boy whispered, tears forming in the corners of his eyes. "Be careful."

Tanjiro nodded, chirping out a thanks before running to the door of the train car. Once he opened the door, the demon's scent came in full force. He smelled of valerian and poppies, outside of the usual scent of blood demons carried. The scent was so overwhelming, it almost made him dizzy.

He's upwind. Is he in the first car?

He climbed up to the roof of the car, yelling at Nezuko to stay back where it was safe. 

Running up to the first car, Tanjiro found a thin young man in western-style clothes. 

"Hm? You're awake now?" The demon turned around, trilling and waving at him as if they were close. "Good morning!" He extended the back of his hand towards Tanjiro, revealing a mouth on it. "Such a shame. You could've stayed asleep, dreaming forever."

He's the one, Tanjiro thought as he tightened his grip on his sword. 

The demon tipped his head to one side. "Why are you awake? Did I not show you a dream tailored to your every desire? Your dam and younger siblings alive and well." The demon grinned. "If I so chose, it could have been a nightmare of them being slaughtered. Would you have liked that one better? Of course not, far too distressing."

Why was he speaking to him so casually?

"Oh, here's an idea!" The demon began to purr, the sound carrying on the wind. "A dream with your dear old sire coming back to life!"

Tanjiro let out a low growl at the demon's smirk, unsheathing his katana at last. "Intruding on someone's soul is something I won't allow!"

The demon gave him a curious look, tilting his head back upright. Then a wide, manic smile grew onto his face. "What fortune! Like a moth to a flame, he came right to me!" He let out a delighted trill, raising his hands to the sky. "Could this be a dream?! Now I can receive more of the Master's blood!"

When the demon began rambling about challenging an Upper Rank is when Tanjiro made his move, aiming his sword for the demon's neck.

Water Breathing, Tenth Form: Constant Flux!

The demon lifted his hand, a dazed smile replacing the manic grin.

"Go to sleep, pup," the mouth on the hand cooed. 

For a moment, the snowy mountains returned. 

SLASH!

Tanjiro stumbled, then charged at the demon again. 

The demon frowned, surprised, then tried again. 

"Sleep, pup!"

Blinding snow.

SLASH!

Panic began to appear on the demon's face as they both danced their dance; the demon attempting to put him back to sleep, and Tanjiro slashing his throat in the dream every time to reawaken. 

Tanjiro grit his teeth, ready to do it over and over again if he had to. He would cut down this demon, and end the disappearances for good.

A wail pierced through the bloody night. His siblings and parents spat at him, demanded answers. 

"Why didn't you save us?"

"Where were you when we were getting murdered?"

"Why were you the only survivor?"

"Useless pup. Couldn't even save your own family."

"You should've been the one that died, not us."

"You left us behind, replaced us so easily."

"Bet you'll kill your new 'mama' and his babies too."

Tanjiro raced towards the demon with a furious snarl. "Don't you dare put those words in the mouth of my family! They'd never say those things! Your visions are an insult to their memory!" With an enraged slash, he watched the shocked demon's expression as he cut off his head. Once both feet were back on the roof of the train car, Tanjiro began to think. 

"That was too easy." He muttered. Was he still dreaming, or was this demon weaker than Rui was?

The demon's soft voice piped up behind him, muttering on how he now understood why Kibutsuji wanted him dead so badly alongside the Hashira. Tanjiro turned around to see the demon's head still speaking on a worm-like stretch of flesh attached to the train.

The demon was still alive? And fused with the train?! That wasn't his true body?!

"Do you think you can protect all two hundred passengers on this train, defend all the human flesh that has been packed from stem to stern?" The demon cooed at him mockingly. "Or will my appetite be satiated in full?" 

The demon laughed one more time before disappearing. 

Tanjiro ran, shouting desperately for any of his comrades to hear him. He could only protect two cars at best, he couldn't do this alone. "Nezuko! I'm trusting you to look after the other passengers!"

Just moments later, Inosuke burst through the roof of the car they were sleeping in, and Tanjiro had never felt more grateful to see his friend. 

"Inosuke! The entire train has turned into a demon," Tanjiro shouted. "There's nowhere on it that's safe! We have to protect the passengers!"

The young alpha seemed caught off guard for a moment, though it was hard to tell with the mask, but then he puffed up. "I knew it! Talk about killer instincts!" Then he dove back down and began hacking at the rising flesh.

Relieved at his friend's actions, Tanjiro dove inside the car and began slicing down as much demon flesh as he could. He had to save these people. 

At some point during this, a thunderclap sounded from a few cars away. Was Zenitsu awake now? What about Rengoku-san? Then the cars jumped again, followed by the scent of smoke and burning flesh. Tanjiro was knocked onto his back, and looked up to see Rengoku-san standing over him.

"I was thorough in my slashed, it will take some time for the demon to recuperate." Rengoku-san held up a hand. "There's eight cars, I'll protect the rear five. The other three will be defended by your sister and the boy in yellow. During this, you go with the boar-headed lad and search for its head."

Tanjiro's eyes widened as he tried to roll over. "But how will we-"

"It's still a demon, it has a head. I'll search for it as well." Rengoku-san smiled at him, then turned and dashed away to protect the five cars he said he would.

Shaking his head, Tanjiro leapt to his feet. That was right. The head had to be somewhere. Inosuke had great instincts, he'd help find it quickly.

In the end, they found the head. It took several dream suicide attempts, and almost a real one as he nearly got tricked, as well as the conductor stabbing him in the gut. The demon died, but not quietly. It shrieked with pain, and overturned the entire train. 

Tanjiro laid in the grass, watching as Inosuke stormed off to check on the conductor like he asked. 

It's almost dawn, he thought to himself as he tried to focus his thoughts on helping the others. Think of your family, your friends, Rengoku-san...

"Well done," Rengoku-san praised, seeming to suddenly appear above Tanjiro. "You've mastered Total Concentration Constant. You're one step closer to becoming a Hashira. One step out of many, but still impressive." His voice was low as he crouched down, beginning to instruct him. "You're bleeding from the gut. Regulate your breathing, take full control over it. Picture the nerves all throughout your body. Can you see the torn blood vessel?"

Tanjiro kept taking deep breaths in attempt to steady his breathing, Rengoku-san quietly encouraging him to concentrate harder and stop the bleeding once he found the tear. 

After a moment, Rengoku-san moved lower. "Good, you've succeeded." The alpha let out a gentle rumble, wordlessly praising him further. "Mastering your breathing will open many doors for you. It won't solve anything, but it will help." The Flame Hashira leaned back a bit, his soft expression hardening. "As for the others, there are many who are injured, but they're safe for now. So don't strain yourself, be sure to rest."

Tanjiro smiled, a soft purr rising from his throat. "Thank you, I will." After everything that happened, Tanjiro felt a little more sure about this alpha being his Mama's mate.

Everyone, if you're watching, I hope you approve as well. I know what that demon showed me wasn't true, I just wish I could hear you all say what you think of him.

"Good." Rengoku-san reached out, gently brushing some dark red hair out of Tanjiro's face. Then the earth began to shake around them, and the alpha moved into a defensive position. 

Yellow eyes reflected in the dark, staring at them both. Tanjiro looked to see a man covered in blue tattoos with an unfriendly smile and kanji in his eyes that made his blood run cold. 

Upper Three? Why was an upper moon here?

The demon's eyes shifted from Rengoku-san to Tanjiro and within a flash, he lunged at him. 

Rengoku-san snarled and reacted in an instant, slicing at the demon and splitting his arm in half. 

Upper Three leapt back with an admiring glint as his arm formed back together. "Thats a fine sword." The demon hummed, licking up his remaining blood from his palm.

The Flash Hashira stood tall, sword in hand as he growled in warning at the threat before them. "Why would you go after a wounded pup? My wounded pup?" 

Tanjiro gaped at Rengoku-san, halfway through rolling over as the demon's eyebrows raised. He already considered him his pup?

"Oh? This is your pup?" The demon gave Tanjiro a firm once-over, not bothering to hide his critical gaze. 

Rengoku-san moved to hide Tanjiro behind him fully, his growl deepening. "Yes. He is. Now answer my question."

"Forgive me! I assure you, I don't intend to kill an alpha's pup in front of him during the first meeting!" The demon smiled, lowering his head slightly in a faux show of submission. "I just thought he'd get in the way of our talk, that's all."

Tanjiro frowned. This demon wanted to talk to Rengoku-san? Why?

Chapter Text

A demon of the Twelve Kizuki, Upper Three no less, wanted to talk? And he attempted to get them a private conversation by killing Giyuu's son?

"What do you want to speak about?" Kyojuro stared the demon down, his wordless warning still ringing out as he stood in front of Tanjiro. He wouldn't let Upper Three dare harm this boy. "Despite this being our first meeting, I already heavily dislike you." 

The demon tilted his head slightly, eyes glowing in the darkness that always came just before the dawn arrived. "Is that right? Well, I despise the weak. The very sight of them makes my skin crawl." Upper Three straightened up a bit. "Of course, I suppose that your... pup can't help it."

Kyojuro bit back a series of rage-soaked words. What did this demon mean by that? "If that's the case, then we will never get along." 

"Be that as it may, I have an offer for you." The demon extended a hand towards Kyojuro with a friendly chuff. "Why don't you become a demon?" 

"No thanks." Kyojuro stayed where he was, his stomach churning at the idea. Why would this member of the Kizuki make such an offer?

Upper Three lowered his hand, delight shining in his eyes as he looked Kyojuro up and down. "From a glance, I can tell that you're strong. A Hashira, right? Your fighting spirit has been honed like steel. What's your name?" 

Kyojuro, despite himself, responded. "I'm the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro."

"I am Akaza." The demon stepped closer, pausing when Kyojuro let out another warning growl. "Kyojuro, let me tell you why your strength is not enough, despite being a Hashira. It's because you're merely human, destined to age and pass on. Become a demon, and you'll be able to better yourself for the next hundred, even next two hundred years." His gaze flickered behind Kyojuro, as if searching for any glimpse of Tanjiro. "Besides, I can tell he isn't yours. Either the omega has been lying to you, or you allowed them to bring a strange pup into your shared nest. I can tell you're not mated, and that the pup isn't yours."

"Both growing old and passing away are what make being human beautiful." Kyojuro gestured behind him for Tanjiro to stay put, having heard him try to move. "You may view them as weaknesses, but our lives are far more precious and honorable because of them. True strength does not simply refer to physical strength." He took a step forward, fangs bared as Akaza's smile dropped. "My pup is not weak, don't you dare insult him. Lack of blood relation matters not, he is mine. You and I will never see eye-to-eye, understand that, no matter what twisted reasons you give."

Akaza grew quiet for a moment, as if brewing over Kyojuro's words. "I see," he muttered, then shifted into a fighting stance as a massive image of a snowflake appeared beneath his feet. "I suppose I'll just have to kill you then." Then, within the blink of an eye, he lunged at Kyojuro. 

Rapidly unsheathing his sword, Kyojuro slashed at Akaza's arm. Grunting in irritation at his attack missing the mark, he dodged the demon's strike and lunged again. Every hit and duck from the demon was met with a slash and dodge from Kyojuro. He would defend everyone here and make it home to Giyuu, he promised after all. Kyojuro had never broken a promise so far, and he wasn't going to start now. He just had to stay alive and keep Akaza from hurting anyone until sunrise, which was easier said than done. He'd make it though. He was the Flame Hashira after all. 

Akaza's smile never faltered again, even as their fighting put them at such high speeds that the world around them became dark blurs. Even so, Kyojuro looked the demon in the eye with no fear. No one would die tonight.

"In all my years, I've never gotten to kill a Flame Hashira!" The tattooed demon made no attempt to hide how ecstatic he was. "No one has yet taken me up on my offer either." Akaza didn't flinch as Kyojuro embedded his sword into his wrist. "Why do you think that is? From one master of the martial arts to another, I cannot comprehend it. Not when only the chosen become demons!"

Why is he so fixated on this? Kyojuro wondered as he sliced the demon's arm off. He's already been denied, several times over if he was speaking the truth.

"Seeing the hideous decline of someone with your powers pains me more than you'll ever know!" Akaza quickly regenerated his hand, landing a punch on the blade of Kyojuro's sword and learning in nose-to-nose with him. "While you're still young and strong, your life should be cut short..." His voice dropped to a half-whisper, slipping into a low purr. 

Jerking his head back with disgust, Kyojuro aimed his next strike at Akaza's neck, only for the demon to flip just out of reach. Then he punched the air, which left Kyojuro confused for a moment, only to be hit with air with the same force as a punch. The two hits that followed were blocked by his sword as he reset his stance. 

In that case...

Flame Breathing, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!

He knew the strikes would reach him regardless. With this move, every punch from Akaza was blocked from fully reaching Kyojuro. The strikes seemed to travel instantly, which sent a chill down his spine. 

Akaza dropped back to the ground, still watching him admiringly from a distance. 

I can't cut off his head if I keep fighting like this. Kyojuro changed his stance, flying at Akaza with blinding speed. Fine then! Close combat it was!

The demon ducked back from the slash just as quickly, a manic grin on his face. "Those reflexes! Just brilliant!" He praised, matching Kyojuro blow-for-blow with his fists. "Those breathtaking sword skills will be lost too! Doesn't the very thought make you sad, Kyojuro?!"

Stop calling me by my first name, Kyojuro internally hissed before speaking up. "Simply aspects of being human! Why would it make me sad?!"

Soft, pain-filled grunts sounded from behind Kyojuro, and his heart spiked with panic. He turned his head and opened his mouth before he could stop himself. 

"STAY THERE!"

The powerful echo of his alpha command made Tanjiro and his boar-headed friend freeze, and had even made Akaza pause for a moment. Seeing the hurt and confusion on Tanjiro's face made Kyojuro wince, but now wasn't the time to be soft. He knew from Giyuu that the boy was stubborn, and he couldn't stop fighting Akaza to properly explain. 

"We can't reopen your wound," Kyojuro shouted. "It'll kill you!"

Tanjiro stared at him, silently pleading with him but didn't move. Good. He'd be safe so long as he stayed out of this fight. 

Akaza, having recovered from the aftershocks of the command, launched a punch at him. "Don't bother with that weak excuse of a pup! Show me your strength!" He leapt away as Kyojuro kept striking him, unflinching even as blood splattered the ground. "Keep your eyes on me." 

Kyojuro's next two attacks led to Akaza flying back into the woods, the aftershock stirring up large dust clouds. He quickly gave chase, flying through the trees when the demon made a quick reappearance. 

"Such skilled movement!" Kyojuro barely had time to dart out of the way of the first attack, thanking his lucky stars as he ducked away from one kick and blocked another. This time it was him sent flying, and he felt the air get knocked out of his lungs as his back hit the steep slope the train tracks sat on. 

"Rengoku!" Tanjiro's voice echoed out across the open field. 

Young Hashibira called out not long after. "Watch out, Bug-Eyes!" 

Kyojuro slowly stood up, taking deep breaths to steady himself fully. He needed to regain his control over Total Concentration Breathing if he was going to survive this. 

"Are you sure that you won't become a demon?" Akaza stepped out of the treeline as the dust clouds began to dissipate. "Think about it. If you did, we could spar together for eternity. Just imagine how much stronger we'd become." 

Gritting his teeth as Akaza regenerated his arms, Kyojuro tightened his grip on his sword. "I've rejected your offer again and again, yet you continue to push. If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were trying to court me despite knowing I have someone." This irritation and confusion must've been what Giyuu felt with Shinazugawa's advances. "Let me be clear, I don't like you. I will not become a demon!" 

Flame Breathing, Third Form: Blazing Universe!

He slashed through Akaza's right shoulder, his blade slicing through the demon's chest. Anxiety whispered in the back of his mind, fearing that no attack would be enough. 

"What a wonderful attack!" The demon strikes again, missing when Kyojuro leapt back. The move made no matter, as Akaza quickly sent another air attack that sent Kyojuro flying once again. The two met each other blow for blow, the world around them blurring once more, even as Kyojuro jerked his head out of the way of an attack that nearly landed on his face. Eventually, his blade dug into the demon's arm again.

"Struggle is futile," Akaza spat, his smile finally dropping. "Continuing this meaningless assault will result in only one outcome! Your death!"

Pain sparked on the top of Kyojuro's head, and he felt something warm dripping down the left side of his head. His blood, definitely. 

Flame Breathing, First Form: Unknowing Fire!

Akaza's arms reformed as quickly as they were sliced off. "Killing you now would be a waste! You haven't reached your peak yet!" His fist managed to land a hit on Kyojuro's side, a sharp pain exploded just moments after a cracking sound. 

Kyojuro jumped with with a pained grunt, changing his stance. No matter how much pain he was in, he couldn't falter. 

Flame Breathing, Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!

This slash didn't hit at all, and Akaza quickly dove back into attack. "In a few short years, your abilities would be sharpened to a finer point than they are now!" 

Kyojuro raised his sword to block the blow, but Akaza's fist slipped past, and then the left side of his head exploded with overwhelming pain. Kyojuro stumbled for the first time in years, but he shook his head before readying himself for another attack.

Third Form: Blazing Universe! Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!

He'd keep up these attacks endlessly if it meant all the innocent people behind him would live. No matter how tired he was, no matter how injured he was. He was Rengoku Kyojuro, and he would prevail. 

Fifth Form: Flame Tiger!

"Come at me!" Akaza crowed as most of his blows were met and matched head-on, and his punch aimed at Kyojuro's face missed again. Another slash went through the demon's chest, and Akaza leapt back with his smile dropping again. 

Kyojuro panted, feeling his body ache and blood drip down his face. He could smell the fear from Tanjiro and the young boar. It was fine, he was fine. He was battered and bruised, but still alive. Who cared if his limbs were beginning to shake? It was just temporary, and from extortion. He could keep going, push beyond his limits. 

"Don't tell me it's over." Akaza narrowed his eyes slightly. "I won't have you die on me. Can't you see that fighting to the death in your frail human body is useless? Every impressive attack you've laid on me has already healed. Meanwhile you... a smashed left eye, shattered ribs, damage to your internal organs. It's all irreparable. If you were a demon, it'd all be healed in the blink of an eye." He huffed, gesturing to the injuries Kyojuro had. "In the end, a human can never surpass a demon. Born an alpha, beta, or omega? It doesn't matter."

A tiny, angry screech filled the air, and Akaza went down in a blur of raven and pink. Kyojuro's right eye widened as he saw Nezuko clawing at the Upper Moon's face. 

Nezuko was tired. She had sliced down every tendril that had attempted to grab her kin, her humans, and devour them. She and the yellow-haired omega, Zenitsu, from what she could recall, fought side-by-side to keep everyone safe. Watching him slice down the tentacles as fast as lightning was exhilarating. He was fast and strong, he just never realized it. Somehow, the only way he had courage was when he was asleep. It was confusing, but she never gave it much thought. Her big brother liked him, and she'd seen Mama fuss over him, so that made him part of the pack. They'd keep each other safe. 

Then everything crashed, and everyone was hurt. Zentisu seemed to wake up after that, yelping and asking what on earth happened. Nezuko was quick to swat him upside the head, gesturing towards the injured and trapped. Not waiting to see if he got the message, she dove into the fray and started lifting up train cars to let people crawl out of the way before she set them back down. Every time she looked at a human, watching her with confused and pained expressions, familiar images flashed in her mind. 

Four pups and who seemed to be their dam. They were hurt, they were scared. Don't worry, she'd make it all better. If only she could recall their names. What were their names? Oh, she could almost piece it together. 

Shaking her head, she turned to see if she could catch a glimpse of her brother. She chirped when she spotted him, frowning when he didn't acknowledge her and squinting to see what he was looking at. 

The alpha that was courting her Mama was fighting another demon. That demon had such a familiar scent, one that made her blood boil the moment that it reached her nose.  

Plum-red eyes in the dark. 

Alabaster skin stained red.

Pups crying out. 

Blue claws lashing out.

That scent. That wretched scent.

The scent of spider lilies.

Spider lilies and death.

"Run Nezuko!"

Oh, she'd run.

She'd run to protect her family.

She'd run to drive off this predator.

She would protect this alpha.

Alpha? No, Papa. She'd protect her Papa.

It was only right he was called that. Mama loved him so. 

Don't worry, Papa. Nezuko would make sure they all got home to Mama. 

With the most powerful battle cry she could muster, she lunged herself at the demon.

She caught the briefest amount of surprise and fear in this stranger's eyes.

Good. Be afraid.

Be afraid and never hurt her family again!

"Get off me! Get off me!" Akaza tried prying the demon pup off of him, only for her to sink her claws in further. Then, once her claws dug into his eyes, Akaza began to shriek in pain and finally threw the girl off of him and shuffled back as he rubbed at his face. 

"Nezuko!" Kyojuro took a cautious step forward, letting out a breath of relief once she scampered over. "This isn't your fight," he gasped once the girl had reached him. "Go to your brother, let me handle this." 

Pink eyes blinked confusedly at him as she whined, the noise muffled by her muzzle. Nezuko pointed at his eye with her claws, gesturing wildly as she let out a series of noises that emulated her frustration. Kami, she was just like her brother. Both the Kamados were so incredibly stubborn. 

"Oh, my brave little one..." Kyojuro reached down, ignoring how his body was screaming at him, and patted his daughter's head. "You had good intentions, and you did well tonight, but please... go to your brother. He needs you to protect him. He's hurt right now." 

That seemed to get her attention, as she peered around him and whimpered softly. 

Kyojuro cracked a smile. "Keep your big brother safe for me and your Mama, okay?"

Nezuko peered back up at him, then glanced back at the recovering Akaza before letting out a breathy chirp. "Okay, Papa," was what Kyojuro barely heard before she ran to her brother's side. 

Kyojuro's heart fluttered as he straightened up, taking the moment to watch her go. Papa, huh? His expression softened despite himself. He liked the sound of being called that. 

"I cannot believe that," Akaza hissed, still rubbing at his face even as the claw marks disappeared. He was standing again, and presumably very annoyed. "I got sent to the ground by some demon pup?"

A proud rumble made its way from Kyojuro's chest, but was quickly cut off when it stirred up pain from his shattered ribs. "If it changes anything, she's mine as well."

The Upper Moon looked up, surprise flashing in his yellow eyes. "A demon slayer, a Hashira no less, with a demon pup? You're joking, right? Doesn't that go against Corps rules?" The demon snorted with anger. "If you really care about her, you'll become a demon like I've asked you to. A demon pup needs proper guidance from a demon, not to be raised like a human. Otherwise, the poor thing won't belong anywhere!"

Kyojuro, pushing away the agonizing pain of his injuries, shifted into a fighting stance once more. 

"So that's how it is, then." Akaza huffed. 

"I will see my duty fulfilled," Kyojuro shouted, his sword raised. "No matter what it takes, no one will die here tonight!" He'd just have to inflict as much damage as quickly as possible. 

Flame Breathing: Esoteric Art!

Akaza's gaze lit up as he watched Kyojuro. "What an impressive fighting spirit," he gasped. "To press on despite your injuries! That brilliant strength of mind! And that ironclad stance!" He was practically salivating as he barked out a laugh. "Now you have to become a demon! Just imagine it! You and I would be able to fight each other forever! For the rest of eternity!"

Set your heart ablaze, overcome your limits! 

"I am the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro!" He readied himself, ignoring the urge to rip into the demon for his refusal to accept the rejection. Now wasn't the time for petty arguments. Now was the time to strike this demon down.

Ninth Form: Rengoku!

Akaza jumped the moment Kyojuro did, and both met the other's powerful attacks. The demon let out a gleeful noise as the aftershocks of their attacks stirred up even more dust than before, to the point where it was almost difficult to see. But Kyojuro had the scent of both Akaza and his blood, he wouldn't lose him now. 

A wail sounded from the distance, the distressed cry of a pup. Tanjiro was crying out to him. 

"PAPA!"

I'm coming, Tanjiro. Just wait. Kyojuro dug his sword into Akaza with a roar, slicing through him like a knife through warm tofu. 

Then all he knew was pain.

A wind chime was gently ringing, the sound stirred by the breeze.

The birds were chirping, flitting amongst the treetops. 

Two pups were curled up near their dam, their mother. One was fast asleep, the other wide away and watching his mother anxiously. 

The scent of illness and medicine clung to the air. 

"Kyojuro."

The older pup perked up at the call of his name. "Yes, what is it, Mother?"

The raven-haired woman turned to look at the boy. "I want to ask you something, and I want you to answer me honestly."

Kyojuro sat up straight. Of course, he'd answer honestly. He'd answer anything she asked of him. 

"Do you know why you were born with greater strength than others?" Her ruby-red eyes watched him, waiting for his response. 

Kyojuro opened his mouth, but closed it quickly after. He couldn't find a proper answer. "No, ma'am! I don't!"

"It is so you can protect the weak," she disclosed. "Those born blessed with more bountiful gifts than others are obligated to use those gifts for the sake of the world... for all of our fellow kin." Her gaze shifted to his sleeping younger brother. "You must never use that god-given strength to harm other people or for your own selfish desires. It is the duty of those born with strength to help the less fortunate, a responsibility you must carry on with due purpose." She returned her attention to Kyojuro, her expression firm. "Be sure you never forget that."

Kyojuro puffed up. "I won't!" He'd uphold this for the rest of his life.

His mother, after a moment, extended her arms towards him. A hug? Of course! Hugs were always welcome.

Kyojuro shuffled over, leaning into his mother's embrace as she held him tight. He took in her scent, wincing as he noticed it beginning to fade. He tried his best to commit it to memory. Morning glories. Silently, he hoped that when he found someone to call his own, they smelled of morning glories too. 

"I don't have much time left, Kyojuro." His mother's voice was no more than a whisper. Having such a strong, gentle child was a true blessing... I believe in you."

Kyojuro roared with rage, ignoring whatever words spewed out of Akaza's mouth as he dug his sword into the demon's neck. 

No mother. It was I who was blessed to be born to a woman such as you... 

Another face flashed in his mind. Beautiful raven hair, soft ocean blue eyes, the scent of sea salt and morning glories.

I'm sorry, Giyuu... I may not make it home...

Chapter Text

Hurt.

Everything hurt.

Kyojuro couldn't stop, though. 

He had to decapitate this demon.

He needed to protect his pups, the people from the train.

He refused to allow anyone to die tonight. 

Akaza raised his fist, eyes wide and panicked. 

No!

Kyojuro grabbed the demon's arm. 

Admiration flashed in Akaza's gaze, quickly replaced by fear. 

The area grew light around them.

The sun was rising. Good.

If Kyojuro couldn't kill the demon, the sun would. 

He just had to keep him right here. 

Akaza tried to step away. 

Kyojuro grunted in pain, but held on. 

The Upper Rank tried to pull his arm out. 

No way in Hell. I'm not letting you escape. 

Akaza continued his attempts to free himself. 

A frightful snarl slipped past the demon's lips. 

Kyojuro tightened his grip as much as he could. 

I won't let go! Not until I remove your head from your shoulders!

Both he and Akaza were roaring.

They could hardly hear anything other than themselves. 

"Let go!" Akaza snapped his jaws at Kyojuro. 

Kyojuro's sword was halfway through the demon's neck. 

Yes! So close! Cut through! 

Tanjiro was yelling. He sounded close. 

What was he doing?

Kyojuro told him to stay back!

Hashibira's snarl sounded closer. 

Akaza looked up, his scent spiking with panic. 

Then, he ripped himself free, leaving his arms behind. 

Kyojuro gritted his teeth, curling in on himself from the pain. 

Within a flash, the demon dove into the forest. 

Tanjiro gave chase, skidding to a halt just at the treeline.

With a breath, his sword went flying into the dark. 

A distant, choked cry of pain sounded from the dark. 

"Don't run away! I'm not done with you, coward!"

The boy glared into the dark, the scent of distress coming off him in waves.

"Turn and face me!" Tanjiro shouted, baring his fangs. 

Kyojuro felt his body begin to shake, the pain of every injury coming in full force. 

It won't do good to challenge him now, pup. The sun's up. 

Wait... the sun? Nezuko?!

Kyojuro glanced away, spotting a hole in the slope that wasn't there before. 

Pink eyes peered at him from the hole, glowing in the dark. 

Good, she made herself a place to hide. 

"Don't forget that the Corps is always fighting you demons in the dead of night, where you have the advantage!"

Kyojuro turned his head as Tanjiro kept shouting after Akaza. 

"We're not like you at all," the boy raged. "We don't regenerate as fast, and when we lose a limb, it's gone for good! Don't run away!"

Kyojuro watched, his heart squeezing as he listened to his pup's angry shouts shift into borderline sobs. 

Tanjiro's eyes shut tight as he began to shake. "You're a coward, you hear me?! My father is stronger than you'll ever hope to be! You didn't win against him! Everyone here is safe because of him! All because he fought to the very end! You lost! Papa's the true victor!"

And finally, Tanjiro broke down. Tears ran down his face, and he dropped to his knees as he wailed. 

My poor pup, Kyojuro thought as a soft smile grew on his face. He knew that Tanjiro was exhausted, physically and emotionally. This was just a culmination of that. 

"Don't work yourself up like that," he crooned, waiting patiently for his pup to look up at him. "You would reopen your wound, and that would be very bad." Oh, how he wanted to walk over to his pup, hold him close and wipe away every tear. "You dying, my son, would truly spell my defeat."

More tears welled in Tanjiro's eyes as he sat up. "Papa..."

"Come here, pup," Kyojuro murmured. "Let us speak... one last time."

Tanjiro hesitated, then rose to his feet and strode over. When he finally sat down in front of him, Kyojuro couldn't help himself. He pulled his boy close, resting his chin on top of his head. The least he could do was give him some form of comfort in his final moments. 

"I remembered something as I was dreaming of the past." Kyojuro took slow, deep breaths. "My old residence... You should pay it a visit. There are notes left by the previous Flame Hashira there. I recall that my sire would read them often, but I'm afraid that I don't know their contents myself. Within those notes, you may find the dance you mentioned... the Hinokami Kagura..." His voice began to tremble as the last of Akaza's arm evaporated. Numbness crept into his joints, and what remained of his strength was ebbing out of the gaping wound in his stomach. 

"Please, Papa... enough of that. Just think about yourself now." Tanjiro tried to wiggle free, but Kyojuro kept him tucked under his chin. "Can't you heal up with a breathing technique?"

Kyojuro felt his body relax, and the pain of his wounds eased. The sun's light was warm and comforting, engulfing him like an embrace. 

"No," he whispered, feeling Tanjiro tremble against him. "Very soon, I'll be dead. Before that happens, I need you to listen to me. I have a younger brother named Senjuro. Tell him to follow his heart, and walk down whatever path he feels is right." Kyojuro almost asked him to encourage his brother to go to Giyuu, but he knew that he only had so much time. This was the best thing he could leave his brother. "Tell my sire that I want him to look after himself. And please... tell Giyuu how sorry I am. Tell him how much I loved him, and how my only regret is how we never got to be a proper family."

A pained whine sounded from Tanjiro. 

"As for you and your sister... I could not be prouder of you both if you were my own pups." Kyojuro blinked in the direction of the hole were Nezuko was hiding, faintly noting how young Agatsuma was standing just outside of it. If only he could move, give his eldest daughter a proper goodbye. "Nezuko shed blood to protect the people on the train from demons. Anyone who does that, regardless of what others say, is a rightful member of the Demon Slayer Corps... so hold your head high."

Tanjiro began to cry quietly, and Kyojuro felt the pup's tears dampen his uniform. 

"If you are feeling disheartened, that you are somehow not enough," he said, silently noting how breathless he sounded. "Set your heart ablaze. Dry your eyes and look ahead, my son. You may feel like digging your heels in, but the flow of time waits for no one. It won't stand by patiently as you grieve."

Kyojuro felt his pup nuzzle further into his embrace, as if them staying close together would keep him alive longer. 

"Don't feel bad that I'm going to die. As a Hashira, as an alpha, it's natural that I'd protect you all. All young buds must be allowed to bloom." He took a deep breath, his vision briefly growing hazy. "My children, young boar, boy of yellow... You must continue to grow, and eventually you will lend your aid by becoming the next Hashira. I believe in each and every one of you."

The scent of grief had filled the air, overpowering the metallic stench of blood. Kyojuro sighed, a small smile on his face. 

It's time to rest.

His vision grew blurry for a moment more, then someone appeared in the distance. Someone so familiar, Kyojuro found himself in awe.

The scent of morning glories tickled his nose. 

Mother? Did I do well?

He watched her anxiously, still holding onto his son as best he could.

The responsibility I took upon myself to fulfill... was I successful?

She smiled gently. I'm so proud of you, my son. Her voice echoed in his mind. 

Kyojuro smiled, the joy from her praise uncontainable. 

Giyuu would have loved her, he just knew it.

Thoughts of his mate began to fill his mind as his vision began to grow white, as Paradise began to welcome him. 

Giyuu was pressed up against him beneath a weeping willow, his cool temperature balancing Kyojuro's warmth.

Was this a dream or a memory? He couldn't tell...

Now they were running side by side, either chasing a demon or journeying home. 

And then Kyojuro saw them cocooned in a nest, a bite mark on Giyuu's scent gland. 

Have I claimed him after all? Surely I have, Kyojuro thought with a burst of love warming his chest. 

Kyojuro turned his head, finding two newborns sleeping beside them. 

Of course this is real. These are memories of the life we must've shared... 

Kyojuro closed his eyes, and in that last moment, felt only warmth. 

Only love. 

"It's okay. It's okay, Kyojuro..."

What..?

"Go back, sweetheart. They still need you."

..who?

"I love you, Kyojuro... Goodbye..."

Nezuko whined, trying to reach out of the den she'd created, only to fall back with a yelp. 

Right. Sun bad. Sun hurts. 

But Papa...

Tears filled her eyes as she peered outside, watching as her Papa slumped down with her big brother still tucked under his chin. 

No.

A knock at the door.

No please.

"Pardon me, it's rather cold... could you let me in?"

Not again. 

Blood splatters. The sound of tearing flesh. 

Never again. 

"Yes. Perhaps you'll do."

Nezuko wouldn't lose her family again. 

"Enjoy your meal when you wake, pup."

Not this time. 

Plum red eyes glinted cruelly at her before he disappeared with an odd sound. 

Nezuko keened, waving her hands to catch the yellow-haired omega's attention. When he turned to look at her, she began pointing frantically at her papa. Please, she had to try and save him!

The omega sniffled, wiping away his tears before turning to her big brother and the boy boy. "Hey, Tanjiro? I... I think Nezuko wants to say goodbye."

Goodbye? No! No goodbyes! She could fix this! She just knew it! 

It took some time before Tanjiro stood up shakily, carrying Papa with him. The boar boy ran to help the moment that Tanjiro stumbled. Soon enough, they made it to the den and brought him inside. 

"Here, Nezuko..." Big brother's voice was hoarse, and he kept his gaze lowered. "Take all the time you need." And with that, he moved to stand just outside the den. The other two followed, the scent of grief and exhaustion heavy on all of them. 

Nezuko chirped softly, then turned her attention to Papa. He was very still, and growing colder by the moment. Hunger gnawed at her belly, but she pushed it away. Papa was kin, not food. As she set a hand on his chest, a memory flashed in her mind. 

Blue claws, digging into her skin, injecting something that made her veins burn. 

She hated that monster, hated what he did, but maybe... just maybe...

Nezuko glanced back, making sure no one was watching first.

Forgive me, Papa, she thought, digging her claws into his chest. The sensation of inserting her blood into someone sent an unnatural chill through her, starting from the tips of her claws. For a moment, nothing happened other than drowsiness beginning to creep in. Papa remained still, growing colder. His scent was already growing stale. Nezuko let her head drop, and removed her claws. Well, she'd tried. That's all that mattered, right? Tears blurring her vision, she trudged towards the den opening to call to her big brother. 

A low, confused growl sounded behind her, just barely able to be heard. 

"Huh? What was that?" The yellow-haired omega turned, trying to look inside as Nezuko turned around. 

Papa had slowly rolled onto his side. He was moving again! 

Nezuko let out a series of chirps, crawling up close to him. "Papa." She whispered, patting his cheek. "Alpha."

First, nothing. Then his eyes cracked open, their familiar shade of crimson gold gone. In their place were a pair of ruby red eyes, his pupils white. 

"...pup?" His voice was quiet, hoarse as his gaze remained locked on her.

Nezuko purred, moving closer. She'd done it. Papa was okay now.

"AAAAAAAH! HE'S ALIVE?!"

The omega's scream startled Papa, and his eyes snapped open as he threw himself over her with a snarl. 

Nezuko peeked out, seeing two pairs of eyes and a boar mask staring at them in complete disbelief. 

"Papa?" Tanjiro shifted closer, flinching at Papa's growl. 

Nezuko wordlessly fussed at the alpha, smacking his arm. That was her big brother, not a danger!

Papa didn't acknowledge her, his eyes locked on the 'threats' in front of them. 

Slowly, Tanjiro pulled back his sleeves to reveal his scent glands and offered his wrists. "It's okay, Papa. It's me."

All it took was a sniff before Papa grabbed Tanjiro and pulled him close, scenting him and nuzzling with a croon. 

"Pups," the alpha murmured. "My pups... hurt..." He growled again, tucking both Nezuko and her big brother underneath him. 

Tanjiro tried to blink away any remaining tears, disbelief still on his face. "How did this happen?"

Nezuko patted her brother's arm, pointing to Papa and then herself once she'd gotten his attention. 

"You?" Tanjiro sniffed at Papa, recognition flashing in his eyes. "You turned him into a demon?!"

Shouts of disbelief sounded from outside, and Nezuko peered out to see the people in masks.

Why was everyone so upset? Papa was okay now! She made him all better! This was a good thing, right?

When the Kasugai Crow sent out the message, Giyuu couldn't believe it. Kyojuro had died, actually died after fighting an Upper Rank. He was the only fatality out of everyone. 

But then, somehow, Nezuko brought him back as a demon? 

According to the report from the crows and the Kakushi, Kyojuro's immediate reaction was to protect Tanjiro and Nezuko and swipe at anyone else who'd gotten close. It seemed the only thing keeping him from committing a massacre was the sunlight, which he instinctively avoided. 

The only other news that Giyuu had was that they were working on a big enough box to coax Kyojuro into so he could be brought home and inspected. 

"Since he reacted that way to Tanjiro and Nezuko," Shinobu had said once they'd both made it to the Butterfly Mansion. "You're likely the best bet when it comes to getting close to him. You two were courting before he left for that mission." 

Giyuu's stomach had been in knots ever since, anxiously pacing around the mansion or curled up in his nest. Kaito and Kasumi were frequently with others at the time, usually Genya or the Butterfly Girls. They didn't need to be around Giyuu's stress pheromones. 

When the box finally arrived, three days later, Giyuu kept his distance per Shinobu's orders. While he wanted to scoop Tanjiro and Nezuko up, scent them and see that they were okay, Shinobu ordered him against it. Kyojuro was stressed out from the moment they got in the box, and they agreed that having him settle down first would help. 

"Remember. Take it slow. Feral alphas don't respond to reason, so a feral alpha that's also a demon..." Shinobu stayed a good distance away, having given the assurance that the feral alpha-turned-demon had settled down enough to the point that interaction was possible. "Just yell for help if he tries to attack."

Giyuu nodded, cracking the door open. He didn't flinch when Kyojuro growled, only paused for a moment before continuing inside. A soft purr rumbled in his throat as he fully stepped in, closing the door behind him.

Bright red eyes were locked onto him, glowing in the nearly pitch-black room. 

"Oh, Kyojuro... what on earth happened?" Giyuu's voice was no louder than a whisper. 

Two more pairs of eyes opened, both blinking sleepily. 

"Mama?" Tanjiro croaked, Nezuko's excited trill following quickly after. 

Giyuu squinted as his sight adjusted to the dark, and he smiled as both of his pups came up to him. Without another word, he pulled them both close. 

"Omega." Kyojuro's voice had more of a grit to it now, almost sounding like a growl. Giyuu looked up, watching the alpha approach. 

The air grew still around them. They both stared at each other as the pups remained glued to their mother's side. No one dared speak. 

Tanjiro eventually pulled away, gently calling Nezuko to follow him to her box. She slipped inside and closed the door, and with that, the siblings slipped out via the door behind Giyuu. 

Kyojuro, for the next five minutes or so, just stared. His eyes were no longer than joyful crimson-gold, and his permanent smile had been wiped off his face. The left side of his face was covered in a flame-shaped marking, where the reports say that the demon had managed to seriously injure him. 

Giyuu's vision began to blur. "What did he do to you?" He could hardly speak. When did that lump form in his throat? "What happened to my alpha?"

This wasn't Rengoku Kyojuro. It couldn't be. Kyojuro promised to come back alive. 

Choking back a sob, Giyuu turned away, only for a clawed hand to gently grip his wrist. Giyuu felt the demon nuzzle at his scent gland, whimpering softly. 

"Don't cry, mate." Kyojuro's voice was softer now, more familiar. "Don't cry..." 

Giyuu swallowed heavily, allowing himself to be pulled away from the door and into a small nest. Tanjiro had made it, judging from the scents. 

Kyojuro had lain down, pulling Giyuu to his chest. The alpha rumbled softly, brushing his cheek against Giyuu's.

He's trying to comfort me. 

Giyuu almost laughed through his tears. How could he have thought such a thing? Sure, he didn't talk as much, he didn't smile, and he didn't look entirely the same, but this was still Kyojuro. This was still his alpha. 

He buried his face in Kyojuro's chest, earning a pleased hum. Kyojuro began nosing at Giyuu's neck, stopping when he'd found his scent gland again. Giyuu quickly recognized his intent when the alpha drew his head back, turning just in time to catch him slightly baring his fangs. 

"No, alpha," he whispered, wincing at the hurt and confused expression on Kyojuro's face. "Soon, but not yet."

The alpha-turned-demon let out a confused warble-like noise, but laid his head back down with a chuff. 

Giyuu smiled, relaxing alongside him. "When we're ready, I promise." 

He was confused.

Too many sounds. Too many smells. 

Two scents stood out at first. 

He recognized him was he saw them, smelled them. 

Pups, his pups. 

Blood stained the air, stained his pups. 

His pups were hurt?

Danger! 

His pups chirped and trilled, at both him and others.

No danger?

No, the danger was gone. 

So why was he still on edge?

He didn't like this. Not one bit. 

Not when they left the safety of the den.

Not when the strange humans put them in a box and then started running.

Not when they were brought to this strange place with too many strong scents. 

He kept his pups close, encouraging the omega pup to make a nest and scenting everything. 

It was all to keep them safe. 

Then a new scent joined them. 

Omega. 

The omega was beautiful. 

The pups ran to the omega, pawing at him for affection. 

Ah, must be their mother. 

Then if he was their mother, then that makes them mates. 

He found himself shocked when the omega had no bite on his scent gland.

Why had he not claimed him yet?

Was this why the omega was so sad?

Well, he could do it now! No need to be sad!

But then the omega said no?

Why? They had pups together! They needed this bond!

The omega was confusing, but he'd respect what the omega wanted. 

He'd bite him eventually, when the omega finally came around. 

Until then, he'd court him properly! 

Then, after that, they'd be bonded and have more pups!

After the discovery of two more, smaller pups, he revised that conclusion. 

They'd have even more pups. A big family. 

All he needed to do was wait.