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Chapter Text

"What the hell is this?" Sanemi squinted at the scene before him. This was where these demons had been dragging young women? 

Obanai leapt to Sanemi's right side, two other slayers moving to join them. 

"A worn-down castle from the Restoration period," the Serpent Hashira explained, his voice slightly muffled behind his bandages. "Must've been forgotten or abandoned because of the inconvenient location. At least, that's what I assume."

Sanemi's nose wrinkled as he growled with distaste. "Those demons, living it up like lords in that thing. What a sick joke."

"You're certain that someone from the village was taken here?" Obanai craned his head to look at the slayers who guided them. They'd been assigned to the local village and had called for backup after some time.

The slayer to Sanemi's right nodded. "Yes, you have my word. We tracked her up to the castle's tower, but found nothing."

"She couldn't have vanished into thin air, you idiot," Sanemi hissed. "How could you let them ditch you like that?"

Ducking his head with a yelp, the younger beta quickly apologized. 

Obanai turned his gaze back onto the ruins. "This means another woman has disappeared within twenty-four hours."

"Despite the Corps being on high alert," the slayer on Obanai's right murmured, shame glinting in his eyes. "They still managed to pull this on us."

Sanemi shifted, grumbling insults under his breath. Ordinarily, he would have said something harsher, but many things had changed in his life. Everything had changed for him nearly two years ago. He had two children with one of his fellow Hashira, and Tomioka had been adamant that he cut back on his attitude so it didn't rub off on the twins. 

Kaito and Kasumi, his son and daughter, became a light he hadn't had in his life since before the day his family was nearly wiped out completely. He'd fought to be able to see him after initially driving their mother away from him, so he took to begrudingly complying with Tomioka's wishes. He just wished that didn't include the Water Hashira's adoptive demon daughter taking a liking to him and bugging him whenever she got the chance. Of course, he kept that thought to himself. With Tomioka once again more hormonal than normal, the last thing Sanemi needed to do was get the Water Hashira upset with him again. 

Obanai turned his gaze downwards, pointing somewhere amongst the rocks. "Lucky for us, we may not have come too late after all."

All it had taken was a glance for all four of them to leap into action. There, where Obanai had pointed, was a demon carrying a tied-up woman over his shoulder. 

"Bastard!" Sanemi felt a low growl rumble from his throat as they gave chase, following the demon up until they lost sight of him just inside the castle ruins. The other two slayers quickly unsheathed their swords as they surveyed the area. The scent of several demons hung heavy in the air. The only question was where the demon carrying the woman had gone?

Soft growling was coming from the rafters above. The moment there was movement, Sanemi and Obanai struck the demons down. 

Likely enraged by the intrusion and their comrades being slain, hordes of demons came from all around. Not that their numbers did any good with two Hashira. Sanemi felt the corners of his lips twitch with every demon he beheaded. Did these low-level beasts really think they could take on one Hashira, let alone two?

Once all that remained of the demons was rapidly fading ash, Obanai glanced at the other two slayers. "You two go back to the village. The Wind Hashira and I will proceed from here."

"You both will be a hindrance," Sanemi grunted when one opened their mouth to protest. "Go back, like you were told." It was a harsh, but true statement. It had been known as fact since the Hashira meeting after Kamado Tanjiro's trial. The slayers joining the Corps seemed to be growing weaker year after year, and these two barely managed to survive killing two demons. 

Obanai shifted, a serpent-like hiss rising from his throat. "Something isn't right about this place."

"No kidding," Sanemi muttered, feeling the hair on the back of his neck rise. "I've never seen so many demons swarming like this."

The sound of a woman's voice, crying out for help, caused them both to tense. Sanemi turned on his heel, leaping up a flight of stairs and finding more demons waiting for him. 

Wind Breathing, Second Form: Claws-Purifying Wind!

It had nearly cleared the room entirely, and it brought a smile to Sanemi's face to see so many vile demons cut down. And the moment another wave of the horde dove in, Obanai leapt above him. In mere moments, those demons were ended as well. 

The Serpent Hashira hardly glanced back at him. "Close call, huh?"

"I didn't ask for your help." Sanemi bristled, his attention quickly called by the glimpse of the demon they were originally chasing, who turned and ran at the sight of them. "Hey, bastard! I'm taking her back, along with your rottin' head!" He snarled with irritation as more demons jumped out of every room, barely a moment against him. When he followed the demon out onto the roof, he only found more waiting for him. "Just how many more demons are here?!" Sanemi glanced down, gritting his teeth at the sight of them climbing the castle walls to reach him. "Where are all these things coming from, anyway?"

Obanai joined him on the roof, peering down. "Focus on saving the woman. I'll handle this on my own."

"I was gettin' bored of this anyway," Sanemi grinned, involuntarily letting out an amused chuff. "I'll leave the rest to ya." He continued his chase, following the demon up onto the roof. He scanned the several demons surrounding the one and scoffed. "Even with your little friends here, you're not gonna win here. So just save us the time and die."

The demons snarled, lunging at him in another desperate attempt to take him down. It was almost sad. 

Wind Breathing, Fourth Form: Rising Dust Storm!

The feeling of the demons' blood splattering across his body sent a terrifying thrill down Sanemi's spine. It was both a sign of his victory and a feeling he despised since he was a pup. He had far too many memories of being covered in blood, and hardly any of them were good. 

"You want her back so bad," the demon growled, grabbing the woman and holding her above his head. "Then take her!"

As the woman was nearly thrown off the roof, Obanai reappeared just in time to catch her. 

Grunting with approval, Sanemi bolted after the demon, with Obanai quickly rejoining him at his side. The two nearly caught up, leaping into the open hole in the roof, only for Sanemi's breath to catch in his throat at what he saw. 

Demons. Hundreds, even thousands of them. All in this palace that seemed to go on forever, and in all directions. Rooms, doors, staircases, all lit up with lanterns. The demons leered at both the Hashira as they fell, slowly shirking away as the building seemed to pull back and disappear into nothingness, moving almost like falling dominoes. 

The demon they had been chasing before smirked, ducking into one of the rooms.

Sanemi snarled, unsheathing his sword and aiming it towards the demon's throat. "Get back here, you bastard!" Just moments before his sword could make contact, the odd building was gone, and they were back in the castle ruins again. "What the hell is going on?" He blinked as a snowflake drifted onto his nose, tilting his head back to look up as more snow began to flutter down. 

"Hey, what was that just now?" Obanai turned to face him, his scent shifting with faint anxiety. "And where did all those demons vanish to?"

Sanemi's nose wrinkled as he rose to his feet once more, pulling his sword out of the rotting wood beneath him. "Hell if I know." 

That bothered him, not knowing what had happened or where the demons had gone. It gave him a feeling of anxiousness that drove him mad. He and the other Slayers knew that Kibutsuji was planning something after the Kamado girl went and conquered the sun, indirectly making it so Rengoku could walk under the sun's light again. The only question was what?

"Are you sure he should be here? He's still injured, after all." 

Tanjiro puffed out his cheeks, giving his adoptive mother a halfhearted glare. "Mama, I'm fine! Really!"

It had been a week since the attack on the Swordsmith Village, but he and the others involved were just fine! 

"You worry too much, Giyu," Papa rumbled, giving Mama a nuzzle. "Our boy is just fine. And even so, he was summoned as well." He rather quickly withered away at his mate's scowl. Even some of the others in the room winced at the look. 

Tokito blinked at the scene, as if he'd been zoning out until that point. "Oh? Is the Flame Hashira still in the doghouse?"

Himejima tilted his head slightly, his prayer beads shifting. "Remind me. What exactly did Rengoku do to earn Tomioka's ire?"

"Lost my pup for an entire week," Mama hissed, still glaring at the alpha. "And then continued to let him train with that battle doll even though he almost died training with it."

Tanjiro flushed. "I didn't almost die doing that!"

"Not to mention, Rengoku tried to lie about it." Shinazugawa stepped in, Iguro trailing after him. "Are we the last to show up?"

Iguro nodded towards them, his gaze briefly stopping on Kanroji and softening slightly. "Forgive us for keeping you all waiting."

"No need to worry," Himejima assured. "Thank you both for taking on that mission." 

Tanjiro frowned at the Wind Hashira. It was already bad enough that the alpha, who not only stabbed Nezuko but also abandoned Mama and then got mad when he found a new mate, was always around these days. But now it seemed the man was joining Mama in constantly scolding Papa. And to top it all off, Nezuko seemed to like him. The only part of it that made him feel better was that Shinazugawa always seemed just as confused about it. 

"No problem," Shinazugawa rumbled before looking towards him and two others. "Kanroji, Tokito, Rengoku, Kamado. Heard that you all battled some Upper Ranks."

Kanroji nodded with a smile. "It was really intense. There was a moment I thought that I was done for, especially when Kyojuro randomly keeled over."

"You're not alone in that feeling." The alpha shifted, his white pupils dilating slightly. "What happened during that battle was nothing short of a miracle. I'm grateful we all pulled through. Aren't you, young Tokito?"

Tokito nodded with a hum, looking up to meet Tanjiro's gaze with a soft expression. Tanjiro flushed despite himself, remembering how the younger boy had nuzzled him after the battle. 

"Wish I could have been there too," Shinazugawa grumbled. "Only got through one fight with an Upper Rank once and didn't even get to see it die."

Tanjiro squinted at the white-haired alpha. "Didn't you almost die fighting the Upper Six demons?" That had earned him a swat upside the head from his mama. 

"Don't be rude," Mama murmured. "You're already still grounded. Do not make me extend it."

Iguro rolled his eyes before turning to look at his friend. "It's out of our control. The only reason you got to join that one fight was because Kyojuro's protective hindbrain dragged you there."

"Is everyone going to be tearing into me?" Papa ducked his head, sending Mama a pleading look. 

Mama hardly looked up. "Don't go looking at me. You got yourself into trouble, you can get yourself out."

"Anyway, those of you who fought to defend the Swordsmith Village," Iguro spoke up. "How have you been faring since? Physically wise, I mean."

Kanroji beamed at the beta man, her cheeks flushing a bright pink color. "I'm okay! Thanks for asking!"

"I'm fine as well," Tokito disclosed. "Thought I haven't fully recovered yet."

Tanjiro sat up, wincing at the lingering pain as he cleared his throat. "I'm getting better, day by day. Still hurts a bit, but I'm getting my strength back."

Papa rumbled softly. "Walking under the sun again has been a blessing."

"Good to hear," Himejima murmured. "Losing any more slayers, especially Hashira, would put the Corps further at risk. Defeating two Upper Rank demons without losing your lives was noble of you."

Shinobu slightly tipped her head to the side. "Three of you seem different, and your wounds healed surprisingly quickly. With Rengoku, it's quite the no-brainer as a demon, but what is it with the rest of you?"

"Concerning their changes," Mama spoke up after a while. "I'm sure the Master will explain everything." 

Tanjiro glanced up at his Mama with a frown. Despite his cool tone, Tanjiro knew that the older omega was worried. Now that Tanjiro had thought of it, had his mother ever stopped worrying? The amount of worrying only seems to have increased since the Yoshiwara incident. 

Soft footsteps brought Tanjiro out of his thoughts, and he rapidly shifted alongside the others to address the Master when the meeting started. Only, it wasn't the Master, guided by one of his pups. It was Lady Amane, the Master's mate. Tanjiro only knew what she looked like thanks to his adoptive parents.

"Thank you all for patiently waiting," Lady Amane called softly. "Today's Meeting will be conducted by myself as a stand-in for Ubuyashiki Kagaya. You see, his condition has worsened. Therefore, Kagaya, the head of our family and your pack leader, can never appear before you again. I'm sorry. I know this must be hard."

Tanjiro froze, watching her and the two pups at her side bow before them. The Master had become even more ill? Kami, it was like he was a pup in the mountains again, watching the father he grew up with deteriorate all over again. The scents in the air shifted to distress and worry, all of the Hashira concerned for the Omega Prime who treated them all like his own children. 

Perhaps Tanjiro could go out and find some of the herbs used in the medicine given to his frail birth father? It wouldn't cure it, he already knew that, but they might help soothe his symptoms and buy him some time. 

"Understood," Himejima murmured again after a moment of silence. "I pray that the Master finds the strength to let the light of his life continue burning even one day longer. And I pray that you yourself can stay strong, Lady Amane."

All of the other Hashira followed the large man into a bow, and Tanjiro lowered his gaze as well. 

"From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank each and every one of you." Lady Amane's voice didn't waver, even for a moment. "That includes someone whom my dear husband has chosen to bring into our ranks. Some might say this was overdue."

Tanjiro gasped softly, lifting his head as the other Hashira turned to look between him and Lady Amane with wide eyes. 

"Young Kamado Tanjiro," Lady Amane continued. "As through the records that former Flame Hashira Rengoku Shinjuro had restored, as well as information from another source, it would appear that your Hinokami Kagura is confirmed to be the First Breathing style; Sun Breathing. So it is with great honor that we announce that after hundreds of years, we once again have a Sun Hashira. We welcome you amongst us, Kamado Tanjiro."

The room seemed to freeze as Tanjiro gaped. Him? A Hashira? The Sun Hashira? 

He opened and closed his mouth a few times, the words unable to leave. He was promoted to the rank of Hashira?! But how? Why?

"You've earned it, I assure you." Lady Amane smiled at him before shifting her attention back to addressing them all. "I believe you're all aware of this already, but now that we have two demons who have conquered the sun, it's a given that Kibutsuji Muzan will make a frenzied attempt to come after one of them so that he too may conquer the sunlight. More likely, Nezuko will be the primary target, as Rengoku was only turned thanks to her blood. An all-out war of an immense scale is approaching us, but hope has been given to us by our still-human Hashira. I'm told that unique-looking marks appeared on all three of you during the battle. Please, teach us all what you did to manifest them in battle."

Tanjiro glanced at the other two, meeting their equally surprised gazes. 

Lady Amane kept speaking. "During the Sengoku Period, the swordsmen of First Breathing who had driven Kibutsuji to the brink of defeat, all had one thing in common. Each of them bore a mark similar to demonic patterns. There are those who are aware of this through word of mouth."

"This is the first I'm hearing of it." Shinazugawa shifted in his spot, keeping a low and respectful tone. "Why has this been kept from us?"

The white-haired Ubuyashiki shifted her gaze to the Wind Hashira. "Many swordsmen attempted to manifest a mark, and brooded over not having one appear despite their efforts. Much of the lore surrounding these marks is shrouded in mystery and has been for quite some time. Likely, it's because it wasn't viewed as vital enough to preserve, or there was no one to pass it on to during the many times the Corps faced annihilation. However, there is a single record that describes the manifestation of these marks. 'When one person bearing the mark appears, those around him also manifest marks, as if resonating with him.' It is part of the reason why we have inducted Tanjiro as a Hashira. He is the first person of this generation to manifest a mark."

Tanjiro shifted in his spot. That made sense, from what he remembered of Kasugai crows asking him how his mark appeared, but he wasn't able to give them a solid answer. Just remembering how he described it made his face grow hot with embarrassment. But if he was the key to these marks, and they would help defeat Kibutsuji Muzan, then he'd work his hardest the prove every day that he deserved his new rank as a Hashira.

"One of the First Breathing Swordsmen wrote this in his notes," one of the Ubuyashiki pups spoke, lifting an old book to where they all could see. "That's the only clue we have to work with."

Lady Amane waited until her pup finished speaking before continuing to explain. "Lord Kamado here was unable to describe how he manifested it exactly, so we chose to revisit it another time. But in his wake, both Lady Kanroji and Lord Tokito have manifested the mark. Please, enlighten us."

"Oh, of course," Kanroji squeaked, flustered with all eyes on her. "Well, when it happened, my body felt extremely light! Lighter than usual! Let's see..." In the end, her description was almost identical to Tanjiro's, so much so that he winced as she curled in on herself. He understood her feelings of embarrassment all too well. 

The Love Hashira whined as she covered her face. "I'm so sorry, please forgive me. I wish I could crawl into a hole right now..."

"Perhaps I can help," Tokito spoke up. "Of course, it's not as if I was aware of the mark manifesting, but there are some things that come to mind when I think of that battle. Things that were out of the ordinary, looking back. I believe the mark will appear on everyone, given that certain conditions are met." He went on the explain everything that had happened. His poisoning, Kotetsu nearly being killed, and his overwhelming rage. "I swear, at that very moment, my heart rate was over 200. Furthermore, my body felt as if it were on fire, and I'm certain that my body temperature was over 102 degrees."

Shinobu gasped, her wisteria scent spiking with alarm. "But how could you move in such a state? Conditions like that are fatal."

"That's correct," Tokito agreed, turning to look at the Insect Hashira. "I think that's the point when those who aren't chosen are killed off. Whether you live or die in that moment determines whether you receive the mark or join the fallen slayers."

The room fell into uneasy silence. Slayers either got the mark or died? Was near-death the price for manifesting such unbelievable power? Tanjiro thought back to his past battles. How often had he been brought to the brink of death? Just when had he manifested this mark? Perhaps in the Entertainment District? But when specifically?

"How do you know about your temperature?" Concern began to filter into Lady Amane's scent.

Toktio looked back at the Master's wife, almost seeming guilty for a moment before speaking. "I remember being treated at Lady Kocho's and having an abnormally high fever. In fact, the thermometer said 102, like my body heat when my mark first manifested during my battle with that Upper Rank."

"Sounds pretty simple if you ask me." Shinazugawa scoffed, raising his chin slightly. 

Mama stared ahead, sighing through his nose. "Imagine having such a simple mind that you'd call this simple. I envy you."

Tanjiro nearly choked on the air, staring at his adoptive mother with surprise. 

"The hell did you just say?" The Wind Hashira narrowed his eyes at the omega, the Serpent Hashira's scent spiking with mild irritation as well. 

Pretending not to see either of his fellow Hashira, Mama kept his gaze forward. "Nothing."

Thunder gently rumbled in the distance, bringing rain and the scent of petrichor. Tanjiro relaxed, feeling a small wave of nostalgia from the familiar scent. It brought him back to his puphood in the mountains. Kami, that felt like a lifetime ago now.

"So the Hashira's top priority is to awaken these marks, correct?" Shinobu's voice brought Tanjiro back to the meeting. 

Himejima rubbed his hands together, his prayer beads clacking together due to the movement. "If so, you have my word that we'll figure out how to do so. Please let the Master know that he may rest easy trusting us to do so."

"Thank you for the reassurance," Lady Amane began, dipping her head briefly as her tone grew softer with regret. "That being said, I must relay one thing in regards to any training in order to manifest the mark. Those who have already gained one, I must apologize to you, as you have no choice in the matter. But all who have, no exceptions... will die at age twenty-five. That has been a constant in what records we have found."

Tanjiro's breath caught in his throat as the scents in the air rapidly shifted. Fear, shock, and surprisingly, resignation. He glanced back, meeting Tokito's surprised gaze. 

I'm sorry, he mouthed at the enigma boy before returning his attention to his adoptive mother, pressing into his side once Lady Amane and her pups had left. Mama quickly wrapped his arms around him, burying his nose in Tanjiro's hair with a shaky purr. 

If the cost of the mark remained true hundreds of years later, then that meant he and Tokito had at least a decade left to live, and Kanroji had six at best. And if anyone else here manifested a mark, they'd have much less time, other than Shinobu, who would have a year longer than Kanroji.

"If it's true," Himejima mumbled as the rain stopped. "I wonder what will become of me."

Mama squeezed Tanjiro tight one last time before pulling away and moving to stand. "If that's everything Lady Amane has to say, please excuse me."

"Hold on," Shinazugawa grumbled, though his usual biting tone wasn't there. "No one excused you, Tomioka. We still haven't discussed and chosen our respective roles in regards to manifesting the mark. I'm not giving you a pass on this just because you're my pups' dam. You need to at least be in the room for the discussion. Other than Kyojuro, you're the one who can best help our... newest Hashira with this stuff."

Tanjiro felt himself bristle in mild annoyance at the Wind Hashira's words. Why'd he word it like that?

Kyojuro slowly stood, walking over to join his mate. "Giyu, is this about-."

"The rest of you can discuss this," Mama huffed softly, his gaze downcast. "And Kyojuro can help explain it just fine. This doesn't concern me."

Tanjiro leapt to his feet, grabbing his adoptive mother's hand in hopes he'd stay longer. "Mama..."

Iguro narrowed his eyes at the omega. "What do you mean, it doesn't concern you? Unless you've forgotten, you're also a Hashira. Or are you trying to get a head start on training to manifest the mark?"

"Oi, Obanai," Shinazugawa murmured. "Back off, I think I know what's going on here."

The Serpent Hashira wrinkled his nose as he turned his glare onto his friend. "You've let the fatherhood you don't exactly deserve make you soft. He needs to be in here to discuss this."

"Hey," Papa barked, narrowing his eyes at his adoptive brother. "That comment was completely uncalled for."

As the three began to growl at one another, Shinobu's voice rose over the rising tensions. 

"I ask that you explain yourself, Tomioka," the Insect Hashira called. "We can't dismiss this without reason."

Mama paused, his gaze still downcast. "It's just... I'm not like the rest of you."

As tensions rose, the growling grew more intense, and the scents spiked and shifted with irritation.

"Mama, you've gotta tell them," Tanjiro murmured, tugging on one of the sleeves of the mismatched haori as Kanroji yelped for everyone to calm down in the background. "They'll understand if you do." He sighed with relief when Mama finally looked back at him, dark blue eyes softening.

Iguro craned his head as he turned his gaze back onto Mama and Tanjiro. "Tell us what?"

But before anyone could say or do anything else, Himejima clapped and sent a shockwave that froze them all in their spots. "Sit down."

Mama quickly wrapped his arms around his abdomen, dropping to his knees with a shaky breath. Tanjiro and Papa followed him down, checking him over as Shinazugawa rushed over to join them. 

"Tomioka?" Shinobu quickly moved to join them. "What's going on? Are you okay?"

Mama took a few deep breaths, giving the Insect Hashira a nod. "I'm fine. Really, I am. As for you..." He then turned a resigned glare onto the Serpent Hashira.

"I'm pregnant, you blind moron."

Kokushibo remembered when Lord Muzan had revealed the existence of a demon that had conquered the sun. The enigma had been smiling so widely, Kokushibo was nearly concerned his face would split in two. That had been over a week ago now, and the delight hadn't faded in the slightest. 

"It has been worth the wait and losses, yes?" He murmured as he once again strode up to his master's side. Kokushibo hadn't lived nearly as long as Lord Muzan, but he knew that the time and the many fallen demons had begun to grate on him. 

Lord Muzan tilted his head towards him with a hum, never once looking up from his work or lifting himself up from his desk. "Perhaps it has. All good things come to those who wait, after all."

Kokushibo nodded with a rumble forming in his chest. Perhaps after this, with the ability to walk under the sunlight and the Demon Slayer Corps gone, things could change between them. It was a thought no servant should have for their master, but Lord Muzan never openly minded. The man was able to read his mind, for goodness' sake. For all Kokushibo was aware, the man had been avoiding such things as they were trivial during this thousand-year war. But once it was over, just maybe...

"Kokushibo." His name being called brought Upper Moon One out of the brief daydream, revealing that Lord Muzan had met his gaze. "I believe your... student is attempting to cause trouble again."

The Upper Rank blinked, moving to look. And sure enough, Kaigaku was facing another Lower Moon-lever demon with his fangs bared. 

"Insolent pup," Kokushibo grumbled. "I'll handle him."

As he moved to leave and scold the boy, he caught the faintest glimpse of an amused purr. And that small, soft noise left a flare of hope in Kokushibo's chest. It did not matter if those feelings he attempted to bury were returned. As long as Lord Muzan allowed him to remain by his side, Kokushibo would be content.

On the outskirts of another town, hidden away by a Blood Demon Art, stood a small haven for a pack of four demons. It wasn't as big as their house from before, but it had become home rather quickly.

Tamayo looked over her anatomy book, her mind briefly drifting to the two pups sleeping in a nest a few rooms away.

The former Upper Six siblings, now Kenji and Ume, were getting a chance at an actual puphood under her roof. They'd been skeptical of everything from the beginning, understandable given their human lives and working under Kibutsuji, but they'd come to bloom under her care. They both preened under the attention they got, both in their own ways, but they did share one trait other than similar blood; their need for assurance. Kenji had flinched at every form of contact, and it had taken a while for his hypervigilance to fade. Ume was terrified of being alone, even for a moment, but could now walk a little way away from their group. 

It had taken some time for Yushiro to adjust to sharing Tamayo's attention, but she'd caught him spending time with the siblings they took in more than once, so she knew that he cared for them just as much.

"Softie," Tamayo giggled to herself, turning another page in her book. "Seems we've all changed since we met..."

A rustle of feathers caught her attention, and she turned to see a crow with piercing eyes on her windowsill. 

"Good evening, Ms. Tamayo," the crow called softly, shifting over as if to make room for something. "You know, it's dangerous having your window open at night like this."

Not long after the crow finished speaking, a black cat slunk in through the open space the crow had made. Tamayo paused when she met its gaze, her blood running cold. The cat's eyes were familiar. Too familiar. If not for the color of its eyes, she would have certainly shrieked in alarm. 

"Not that we blame you," the cat meowed, shuffling his paws awkwardly as he attempted to balance himself. "That's some moon out there. Beautiful, right?" The cat's face shifted, attempting a smile. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

The crow adjusted its wings. "You need not worry, I am one of Ubuyashiki Kagaya's messengers. And Katsuki here is a friend, another demon fighting for our cause." The crow paused, allowing Katsuki a moment to dip his head in greeting. "You both share one thing in common: you're both adept at hiding. Though it took much, much longer to find Katsuki."

Katsuki's ears flicked back, his tail twitching in annoyance. "For good reason."

"So much so," the crow continued, ignoring his companion's words. "That in the time it took to find you, Ubuyashiki has become immobile."

Tamayo cleared her throat, finding her words once more. "If you don't mind sharing, how did you find me?"

"Through word of human mouth, I was able to find the original owner of this house." A few feathers puffed up with pride. "And during the day, we kept an eye on Yushiro's whereabouts. While I had received some amount of training, and Katsuki is merely a demon able to shapeshift, we still put out the aura of animals. No one finds a crow in the trees or a stray cat roaming around a threat, so there's no need to be wary of us."

Katsuki leapt down from the windowsill, blinking up at Tamayo. "They've no intention of harming either of us. I've already inspected for myself." His vibrant lilac eyes were wide and pleading. "I swear it on my father's grave. We come in peace."

Tamayo hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "All right, then what is it you want with me?"

"I understand that you have your suspicions," the crow commented. "I do not blame you. But do not worry for yourself or Yushiro. Listen." The crow raised one wing, and as if on cue, Tamayo could hear faint footsteps slowly growing louder as her companion grew closer. "Now, may we state our business coming here?"

Katsuki shifted his paws. "There's a young woman, one of the Hashira, who is as well-versed in demon physiology as us both. Ubuyashiki wants all three of us to examine the changes occurring in Nezuko." Hope shone in the demon's lilac eyes at her gasp of recognition. "It is the reason Ubyashiki sought me out as well. He wants both our help in... defeating Kibutsuji." Katsuki shifted his gaze away. "My involvement is of an equally personal matter, if not more than yours. You do not help if you do not wish to, but Ubyashiki believes that I would be of help in convincing you to help us."

Tamayo slowly stood up, lightly squinting at the cat. "And why would that be?"

The cat was silent for a moment, and then he sighed as he hung his head. "Do you promise not to freak out?"

Now that was concerning. Why was he concerned about her reaction?

That question was quickly answered the moment she saw his true face. 

For one terrifying moment, her voice was caught in her throat. 

Katsuki was nearly a spitting image of Kibutsuji Muzan himself.

"...I told Ubyashiki and you that she was going to freak out."

Chapter Text

"I'm pregnant, you blind moron."

The room had fallen into uneasy silence as Giyuu stared Iguro down, who'd gone red in the face as he averted his gaze. At least the beta had the grace to look ashamed of himself. Tokito, Kanroji, and Shinobu gaped at him with wide eyes. Himejima had tilted his head in Giyuu's direction, a soft gasp caught in his throat. 

"My heart rate is up, I can barely keep down food in the morning, I'm aching all over almost nonstop, and it's a good day if I can go without snapping at these two more than once." Giyuu gestured to Kyojuro and Shinazugawa, not once breaking his stare on Iguro. "I'm not trying to get a head start on manifesting a mark that will grant me an early death and leave my too-young children alone. I'm pregnant."

Shinobu opened and closed her mouth a few times, gesturing to his belly as if asking silent permission to check. "How long have you known?"

"A month or so. Tanjiro, once again, picked up on it first." Hesitantly, he allowed his friend to inspect him. 

Almost all eyes shifted to his boy, his bright boy, who flushed lightly. "It's something I picked up with my dam, back before I even knew about demons existing. When someone's expecting, their scent begins to change. Some of the people in the village nearby would come to me from time to time to see if they were, but I always told them to see a doctor afterwards."

"Good on you, Tanjiro," Shinobu hummed once she pulled back. "Anyway, judging from the symptoms you've described and from what I can see, I'd say you're around 9 weeks along. Congratulations."

Kanroji squealed excitedly. "Oh, congratulations! Kaito and Kasumi are gonna be the best big siblings, I just know it!"

"You have my congratulations as well," Himejima murmured. "And if I may be so forward, these are Kyojuro's, I assume?"

Kyojuro nodded, rumbling proudly and resting his chin on Giyuu's shoulder. "They are indeed mine!"

Giyuu raised an eyebrow, a sudden hiss spilling past his lips. "Did you think I'd ever let Shinazugawa do that to me again?"

"Yeah, I'm with Tomioka on this," the Wind Hashira grunted, turning to look at Himejima. "There is no way that he'd ever let me get that close again. Forget the idea of me giving him another litter."

Tokito tipped his head to one side. "So what does this mean? Will the pups be human or half demon?"

The room grew silent once more, and Giyuu met Kyojuro's stunned gaze. They hadn't thought of that. If these pups did carry demon blood, what would that mean for them? Would they develop differently? Would they crave blood and flesh at first, like Nezuko during her relapse in the Entertainment District?

Kami, the Entertainment District. Giyuu still remembered Nezuko confessing what she heard in her mind in that brief moment where she nearly lost herself. Kibutsuji himself managed to briefly get a hold of her, attempted to influence her, and even called her by a different name. Would he be able to do that again? Could his daughter be tracked like that?

"Mama?" Tanjiro's worried voice called out to him, bringing Giyuu out of his spiraling thoughts. 

Forcing a shaky purr from his throat, Giyuu pulled his eldest close and nuzzled his hair. Everything was going to be fine, especially since he wasn't fighting. 

"Since Tanjiro has been promoted to the rank of Hashira, should he participate in creating a training regimen?" Kyojuro lifted his head.

Shinazugawa scoffed, that familiar harshness creeping back in. "What would he even teach?"

"Hush," Himejima rumbled softly. "He is still very young, and the last thing we need is for him to become an even bigger target for Kibutsuji. If he discovered that we once again had a Sun Hashira..." The silence that followed said it all, and Giyuu held his son tighter as the Stone Hashira continued to speak. "I propose that we behave as if nothing has changed, hide the truth for as long as we can." The older omega craned his head in Tanjiro's direction. "That means no telling anyone, including your friends."

Tanjiro shifted to face Himejima. "Yes, sir! I won't!"

"Good." The Stone Hashira shifted his gaze to meet Giyuu's, his words softer than before. "Go on. You and Tanjiro go back to the other pups."

Giyuu murmured a thanks, gently pulling Tanjiro along with him as they moved to leave. They needed to start preparing for these new pups, but with their now-larger family, perhaps it would be best to move them to the Water Estate. Plenty of space for a family to grow there. 

Ignoring the scolding and Iguro's attempts at defending himself, Giyuu kept his eyes set on keeping his young safe. The other Hashira wouldn't need him for this fight. 

"Oh! Mr. Zenitsu! Does this mean you're back from your mission?"

Zenitsu looked up, rubbing his head as the stinging sensation faded, and smiling at the sight of one of the Butterfly Girls. "Hey, Kiyo! And yeah, I'm back safe and sound!"

"Hey, everyone," the pup shouted through the gates leading to the Butterfly Mansion. "Zenitsu's back from his mission!"

Sumi and Kaho quickly ran out to join their nestmate, grinning as they came to greet him. "Thank you for all your hard work!"

Zenitsu couldn't help but purr softly at the sight. "Did you all gather here just for me? You didn't have to do that, but that's really nice of you! I was so scared, thinking I was gonna die so many times. But then I thought of you guys and how sad you'd be if I didn't come back."

"We wouldn't be that sad," one of the pups chirped, causing Zenitsu to flinch. "But we're always glad to see you come back in one peace."

Zenitsu let out a heavy sigh. Well, at least there was that.

"Oh, Zenitsu." Looking past the girls, he saw Aoi outside the gates, dipping her head in greeting. "I see you've returned. Thank you for all your hard work."

Grinning, Zenitsu stepped a bit closer. "Hey, Aoi! Did you miss me while I was on that mission?"

"I dunno if I'd put it like that." She rolled her eyes, picking up a fallen toy as another head poked out from the gate. 

Wait. That face. Those eyes. Could it really be?

"Welcome..." Nezuko stepped out further, her gaze warm. "Welcome home! Thank you for your hard work!"

Zentisu could hardly hear his own surprised shriek, nor the cries of pain from the others as they flinched back from the sound. "So cute I'm gonna die!"

"Ugh," Aoi hissed, rubbing her ears. "Go right ahead!"

Ignoring her, Zenitsu raced towards Nezuko, grinning ear to ear. She was out in the sun! And she was talking! Oh, and she smelled even better than before! He'd learned from a letter from Tanjiro that she'd fully presented as an alpha, but he didn't think her scent would change so pleasantly! Her sakura blossom scent was now blending so wonderfully with sandalwood! Oh, by Kami, she was just perfect!

"Am I going crazy, or are you talking?!" Zentisu took the alpha's hands, trilling gleefully. "Did you learn just for me while I was gone?! Oh, you have no idea how happy that makes me! Does this mean we can officially start courting?!" 

Aoi growled, grabbing onto the back of his haori. "Get away from her!"

"Who said anything about courting her?" Another voice made him pause mid-promise to provide all the eel and sushi she wanted, and Zenitsu turned around to see two familiar faces. Tomioka Giyuu, the Water Hashira and his best friend's adoptive mother, stared him down with a raised eyebrow as Tanjiro gave him a look far too familiar to the one he'd given him when they officially met before the Tsuzumi Mansion. 

"Ah! Mama Giyuu!" Zentisu pulled his hands free as he fully turned to face his possibly future mother-in-law. "Well, you see, I-!"

Honestly, Zenitsu didn't recall when he began to refer to his superior as 'Mama Giyuu' but the older omega never protested it, so he and Inosuke continued to call him that.

Nezuko chuffed, running up to her mother and elder brother. "Welcome home!"

Only then did Mama Giyuu's expression soften, leaning down to greet his daughter. "Thank you, Nezuko."

The younger Butterfly Girls ran up to the omega as well, attempting to coax him into a game with them and Nezuko. 

"We'll see," the older omega chuckled. "Let me get Tanjiro into a bed and see about greeting the twins first."

Aoi finally let go of Zenitsu's haori, dusting off her hands. "They've been napping, and Senjuro's been watching them."

Nezuko rumbled softly, using her demon powers to stretch up and nuzzle her brother before shrinking back down and turning to face Zenitsu again. 

Zenitsu smiled, giving her a small wave. So what if he had to work a little harder to get his potential in-laws' approval? It would be worth it to see her smiling at him like that for the rest of their lives.

"I'm going with Mama," she hummed, quickly following Mama Giyuu as he took Tanjiro into the Butterfly Mansion. "See you 'round, Inosuke!"

Everything seemed to freeze for a moment. Zenitsu choked on nothing and hardly heard the soft, amused snickers around him. 

"Where the hell is that pig?" His lip curled back as he growled. "I'm gonna kill him."

When the Hashira Training began three days later, all the Hashira, current and former, had their assigned roles. Uzui would increase their endurance, Tokito would help with rapid movement, Kanroji would teach flexibility in her training, Iguro's sword skills overhaul, Shinazugawa's infinite slashing training, and Himejima's muscle amplification training in the end.

Kyojuro's training regimen was right before Shinazugawa's, and he had insisted on his perseverance training. After all, everyone needed to be able to push far past their limits in a life-or-death fight as he did. No matter their injuries, no matter how their body cried out to give in, they weren't allowed to give up without a good fight. 

Oh, and another thing, they trained from sundown to sunup. After all, they were demon slayers. Fighting all night was what they did. Kyojuro wasn't cruel, and allowed them rest and plenty of food during the day, but the slayers knew to prepare themselves once the sun fell low in the sky. 

"Come on!" Kyojuro grinned as his current group of slayers narrowly dodged his attacks. "Set your heart ablaze! Overcome your limits! Are you demon slayers or not?!"

Anyone who faltered for a second got a few good swats. Kyojuro was careful not to injure them with his claws, and often sheathed them to ensure no one got too hurt. 

"If you can't handle me, you won't be able to handle a bloodthirsty one!"

Perhaps he had a bit too much fun training the younger slayers.

"He's gotten worse since he's been turned," one of the younger slayers gasped, his uniform soaked in sweat. "I mean, you've all heard the horror stories of his tsuguko training right?"

One of his comrades agreed between heavy breaths. "All of those slayers training under him quit! All but Lady Kanroji!"

"She's an alpha," another one pointed out. "But I guess that doesn't matter if she was the only alpha able to handle it."

The slayer who started the conversation winced, staring at his comrade with a horrified expression. "One alpha out of several? We're gonna die..."

Kyojuro popped up behind the three, taking in a deep breath before shouting. "Less talking, more training! Come on!"

Several voices screamed into the night, startled by the Flame Hashira's rapid appearance.

Yep, Kyojuro was having way too much fun with this.

"It seems that the Hashira, preparing for what is to come, have joined together and begun training the other slayers in preparation for what's to come."

Kagaya strained to lift his head, attempting to seek out Amane's scent as she spoke. She took his hand in hers, setting her other on his cheek to bring the scent gland on her wrist closer to him. 

"Your children, our children, are carrying out your will and making sure your hopes live on," Amane continued softly. "As we speak, they're training their hardest all for the sake of your desire to defeat Kibutsuji once and for all." 

Kagaya felt her press her forehead against his, and he purred in response. His lovely mate, oh, how he wished he could see her once more. Surely she was still as beautiful as the last time he'd seen her so long ago, perhaps even more beautiful. And his wonderful, talented children. How grateful he was for all of them.

"Amane," he whispered, nuzzling her in return. "Thank you... for everything you've done... my love." He heard her sniffle, and he forced himself closer and tucked his head under her chin. He knew that he'd leave this world with few regrets. Perhaps his only regret would not being able to see any of his children grow old. Muichiro, whom he and Amane adopted as their own, would soon follow him in death thanks to the mark. The only one left to guide the quintuplets would likely be Katsuki and the remaining Hashira. 

"Master Kagaya? Forgive my interruption." Ah, speak of the demon. Katsuki had arrived, and Amane pulled away and guided him back into the nest.

Kagaya chuckled softly at his kin's scent shifting with nervousness. "No need for apologies, nor any formal title. We're family, after all."

"Right," Katsuki cleared his throat. "Well, Lady Tamayo and her small pack are on their way. They will be arriving once the sun goes down."

That was good, them coming to speak to him directly. "Thank you, Katsuki. Shinobu and Gyomei will be joining us as well, under my request."

"Very well." Katsuki shifted, the rustling of his clothes the only indicator.

Amane hummed softly. "Everything will be fine, I can assure you."

Once night fell, Kagaya began to divulge his plan. Of course, he split it into two separate plans, one only known by Gyomei and the other demons. It hurt, knowing how distressed his intentions made Gyomei, but the Stone Hashira never voiced it.

Shinobu seemed quite delighted to work with Tamayo and Katsuki, especially after learning of the properties of the flower that Katsuki purposefully kept hidden from the world. 

Katsuki and Gyomei seemed to get along quite well, enough so that they continued talking even as they left. Enough so that their scents shifted, Gyomei's blend of mountain rain and wildflowers mixed quite well with Katuski's scent of spider lilies and autumn leaves. Even the lingering sadness that seemed to be permanently part of Gyomei's scent began to fade.

"Kagaya?" Amane's soft call brought him out of his musings. "I see that expression of yours. What's on your mind?"

Chuckling to himself, Kagaya smiled in the direction he heard his wife's voice. "Well, I've always considered Gyomei to be family. And if my assumption on what may come is correct..."

The Master had asked Tanjiro to speak with his mother on his behalf, hoping that their relationship would help the older omega see the light. 

Now that Tanjiro was thinking about it, Mama was always sad. Even after everything he'd gained, the scent of grief still clung to him like moss to a tree. Mama never spoke of his past much either, not once. Well, now would be the time to change that, especially with Mama slowly moving everything back to the Water Estate.

Rice balls in hand and a crutch helping him move, Tanjiro made his way to the Water Estate. 

"Mama!" He squinted at the gate. Technically, it was supposed to be home to him, too, but it didn't feel right coming in unannounced. "Sorry to bother you, but it's me! Hello?! One of the pups you adopted?! May I come in?! Are you in there?! Hellllloooooooo?!" No matter what, there wasn't any response. Just how bad was Mama feeling to not respond to his calling out for him? Well, if that was the case, fine then. "Alright! I'm coming in!"

Quickly, he made his way inside and pressed himself against his mama's side once he found him, explaining the Master's wishes and what had been going on. 

"So long story short," Tanjiro concluded. "Everyone's been busy with training."

Mama had his eyes set on the nest he was slowly rebuilding, making it bigger. "I know."

"Oh, so you already knew? That's great!" Tanjiro glanced up every so often, gauging his adoptive mother's approval as he assisted with nest building. "I'll be cleared for active duty next week, too. Do you think you can train me then? Like back when I lived with Grampa?"

Master Urokodaki quickly became Grampa after Kaito and Kasumi were born, happily taking up the role of grandfather for all the pups in his home, and visiting whenever he could to spend time with all his grandchildren. In fact, he was at the Butterfly Mansion with the twins as Tanjiro and Mama were speaking. 

"I can't." Mama still hadn't looked at him, his scent souring. 

Tanjiro frowned, shifting back from the nest as he looked up at his mother. "Why not? I'm... catching a whiff of anger in your scent. Did I upset you?"

Mama paused, finally looking at him. "I'm upset because you never perfected Water Breathing, but that's not on you. I'm your mother, and I should have done more. After all, you were meant to become the next Water Hashira. I should have trained you properly."

Was Mama blaming himself?

"I'm sorry, I really am." Tanjiro closed his eyes, wrapping both arms around the older omega. "But I talked to Grampa about it. Changing your breathing style to develop a new technique isn't uncommon, and since Water Breathing is one of the fundamentals, it can spawn a lot of them."

Mama set a hand on the back of Tanjiro's neck, gently pulling at his scruff to pull him back to meet his gaze. "That's not what I meant, pup. We're still missing a Water Hashira. Someone was supposed to take up the role, and I'd hoped it would be you." 

"What are you talking about?" Tanjiro frowned. "You're the Water Hashira."

Once again, Mama avoided his gaze, getting up to leave. "No, I'm not. Now go back to your younger siblings."

Tanjiro tried to follow him, stumbling thanks to his still-injured leg, only to be met with a warning growl. A soft whimper rising from his throat, Tanjiro could only watch as his mother left. 

As disheartening as that was, he couldn't give up. The Master said to be persistent, so it was time to be persistent as only a pup could be! Not even Mama trying to walk away after eating the rice balls Tanjiro brought would stop him!

"Mama! Where are you going, Mama?!" Tanjiro limped after his mother, openly ignoring the scent of frustration. "Whatcha doing? Are you on patrol? It really does feel like demon sightings have died down, huh?!" He peered into a small alley. "No demons here! Thank goodness, right?! Especially with more pups on the way! And like you said, it is early, so we can train some, right?!"

The next morning, very early, he pawed at his Mama to go outside. And when he finally crawled out of the nest, Tanjiro trailed after him, yipping for his attention. While eating breakfast, while meditating, during the bath, and even before bed. And the next morning, Tanjiro was far too eager to keep it up and continue following him around the estate. 

Finally, Mama stopped in the middle of a bridge with a sigh. "The thing is... I never passed Final Selection."

Tanjiro paused, his smile dropping as he listened. The test on the mountain to officially become a Demon Slayer?

"I didn't take it alone," Mama continued, his tone turning wistful. "There was another orphaned pup, named Sabito. I'll never forget him, his peach-colored hair, nor what happened that day." The older omega paused with a shaky breath. "We were thirteen, and the best of friends. He had a kind heart and a strong sense of justice. The only one who died in that year's selection was Sabito, surprising considering he managed to kill almost every demon on the mountain by himself. As for me, I was wounded by the first demon that attacked me. I was helpless, but in that moment, Sabito saved me. After that, I was left in the care of another pup on the mountain while he chased after another's cry for help. I passed out and only woke up after Final Selection was over. I survived the seven days, but I hadn't killed a single demon. I was saved by another instead. So can you really say that I passed?" His scent was a heavy, overwhelming wave of sea salt, filled with seasons of grief and self-loathing that it brought tears to Tanjiro's eyes. "I don't deserve the title of Water Hashira, nor to stand alongside the other Hashira. I don't deserve you, your siblings, or Kyojuro. No matter how my hindbrain screams for a proper bond with the alpha courting me, who's siring this unborn pup or these unborn pups, Kyojuro deserves a far better mate than me. Have the real Hashira train you, Tanjiro. It's for the best. I'll never manifest the mark, especially now that I'm expecting again. As for Sabito, there's not a doubt in my mind that he would have. So please, go back to the Butterfly Mansion. You're wasting your time here."

Tanjiro watched as his adoptive mother began to walk away again. He understood the feeling all too well, the feeling of believing you should have died instead. For a time after losing his birth family, his first pack, he felt it in the dark of the night when the all-consuming grief felt too much to bear. Was this why he was so ready to give up when Shinazugawa rejected him over two years ago? Was this why he was hesitating on a bond mark with Papa after he'd died and been brought back as a demon? Was this his way of avoiding his hurt, or wallowing in it?

Sabito, who trained him despite being dead, had grown up and fought alongside Tanjiro's adoptive mother when they were both pups. Then he'd died during Final Selection to that mutated demon with a grudge against their teacher. And because Sabito died in such a way, Mama felt as if he were the one who should have died. Oh, to carry such a feeling for years on end. And Sabito... would have been Mama's age by now, and would have been a talented swordsman. What place would Sabito have in Tanjiro's life had he lived? Certainly, they'd be packmates. He'd seen Sabito watching the pups back when they were infants. Perhaps he would have spoiled the twins. But now wasn't the time to think about that. Tanjiro just had to know, to ask one thing! 

"Wait, Mama," Tanjiro croaked, limping after his mother as he kept walking. "Aren't you going to pass on what Sabito entrusted to you?"

Finally, the older omega stopped walking, and the bitter scent of his anguish seemed to pause as well. Silently, one of his hands drifted up to his cheek. 

Sabito had smacked Giyuu, sending him sprawling to the ground as the young alpha growled. 

"Don't you ever say that you should have died again!" The peach-haired alpha pup glared at him, fists clenched. "The next time I hear those words come from your mouth, you and I are done, you hear me?! It's just unforgivable. Your older sister, who was going to be married the next day, knew what was going to happen when she hid you from that demon to protect you. How dare you insult her memory like that by saying something so selfish! You have to keep living and carry her memory, do you understand me? The life she gave you with her sacrifice, the future you were given, you have to pass them on!"

The pain from where Giyuu had been struck was coming back so vividly now. It hurt. Why did he forget that conversation for so long, when it was so important? Had he truly submerged himself so deeply into his grief that he'd forgotten it completely? The pain was so overwhelming, even as the years passed. Was this why he'd truly forgotten? Was avoiding the pain truly worth it after all this time? 

Sabito... Big Sister Tsutako... I'm so sorry... His vision began to distort as tears filled his eyes.

"Mama?" Tanijro's voice sounded closer now. 

Without another word, Giyuu whipped around the pulled the boy into a tight hug. Slowly, they slunk to the bridge floor, Giyuu's nose buried in his son's hair as he sobbed. Tanjiro wordlessly nuzzled his way further into the embrace, purring loudly in an attempt to soothe. 

Silly pup, Giyuu's hindbrain chirped softly. That's mama's job, not yours.

And Giyuu agreed. Tanjiro shouldn't have had to deal with this. But that was a conversation for later. For now, Giyuu allowed his grief to come forward. For the first time in years, he allowed himself to truly feel it. 

Tanjiro was eventually brought back to the Butterfly Mansion for his last days of recovery, Giyuu taking the time to ensure that his boy fell asleep before making his way to where Kyojuro was holding training.

"You're not working them too hard, are you?" Giyuu watched as Kyojuro turned to face him, the split second in the middle of training allowing a few of the slayers to hit him with a bokken. 

Kyojuro stumbled, then turned to face the small, stunned group. "Congratulations! You four managed to land a hit in that split second, so you four get to move on to Shinazugawa's training in the morning!"

The four lucky slayers practically sobbed in relief, one dropping to their knees and gasping out thankful prayers. 

"You go on and get a good night's sleep," Kyojuro told them before turning his attention to the other slayers. "The rest of you, run laps for now. The Water Hashira and I need to speak privately."

As they turned away, more than half grumbling under their breath, Kyojuro turned to face Giyuu with a concerned look. "Is everything okay? I know you wouldn't interrupt if it weren't important." His red eyes widened with alarm, his hands moving to Giyuu's belly. "Has something happened?"

"The baby's fine," Giyuu muttered, glancing towards a few of the more nosy slayers. "And it's about something I should have told you a long time ago."

Kyojuro watched his face, then silently guided him to the tent he had to keep out the sun during the day. It had been made in hopes that Kibutsuji would assume only Nezuko had conquered the sun and would leave Kyojuro be.  

Once inside, Giyuu sat down in front of Kyojuro, his gaze on his lap. "I've been avoiding telling anyone this for years. My grief had felt too heavy to bear, so I pushed it away for so long I'd nearly forgotten the good memories I had of those I lost. And considering that you almost died, defending the younger slayers and the passengers of the Mugen Train, the good memories I had with you could have followed." He looked up, wincing as he met Kyojuro's concerned expression. After hesitating for a moment, Giyuu told him everything. How he could hardly remember what his parents had looked like, how his elder sister died protecting him from a demon attack, how he'd been adopted by Urokodaki, how he bonded with and then lost Sabito, how much time he spent despising himself for surviving it all, and how he felt so unworthy amongst the other Hashira. 

"I don't deserve to be among them, Kyojuro," Giyuu choked out, feeling the tears form once again. "How did I even come to deserve someone like you? I know you have already told me, over and over again, how you do not want anyone else. But there is still that voice in the back of my mind shouting, screaming even, about how unworthy I am of you. Of anyone."

Kyojuro grabbed his shoulders, claws threatening to sink through his haori and uniform. "Tomioka Giyuu. I could never imagine how much grief you've been hiding, let alone for so many years. You've lost so much, yet you've pushed on anyway and became one of the strongest swordsmen in the Corps. There is no one who deserves the title of Water Hashira more than you. And there is no one else I love more than you. I want you, and this family." One hand rose up to caress Giyuu's cheek as the other wrapped around his body to pull him close. "No more letting the voices get to you. And no more hiding these things from me. Promise me?" Kyojuro met his gaze before resting his forehead against Giyuu's. 

"I promise," Giyuu whispered. "I promise that I'll try."

Kyojuro smiled softly. "Good enough."

Giyuu allowed himself to be pulled into a chaste kiss, closing his eyes and melting into his alpha's embrace as his chest flooded with warmth. 

Perhaps it was time. 

After a moment, Giyuu pulled away, moving his hair to one side and tilting his head forward to expose the scent gland on the back of his neck. 

He heard Kyojuro's breath catch in his throat. "Giyuu... are you sure?"

"More than sure," Giyuu assured softly. "In fact, it's long overdue. So please, Kyojuro?"

Kyojuro's silence slowly shifted into a warm rumble, setting one hand on his shoulder and the other on the back of his head. The moment he felt the alpha's fangs gently prick against his scent gland, Giyuu tensed in preparation.

Things would never be the same after this. 

Muzan stared at his new Upper Four. "You're sure? Completely sure?"

"Yes, my lord," Nakime replied smoothly, her single eye meeting his gaze. "The Flame Hashira is not only alive and well as a demon, but he's sired the unborn, half-demon pups that the Water Hashira is carrying."

Muzan allowed himself to grow silent. Pups born from a human-demon relationship? After all these years? But why now? Why a Hashira and a demon spawned from a traitor?

A growl rumbled from his throat as he rose from his throne. "Keep searching for the demon that conquered the sun." He left Nakime without another word, lashing out with his claws at a wall once he was alone. 

Was this the universe's sick idea of a joke? Had there been a god out there all along, choosing to let these half-human children be born to his enemies?

Muzan, along with many other demons before, had mated with humans over the past thousand years. And yet, no fruit came of any coupling. No pups, hybrid or otherwise. Muzan had simply chalked it up to the transformation into a demon, rendering the body barren and unable to produce children.

But no, every blessing that Muzan had begged and pleaded and prayed for was gifted to another omega. What few blessings that Muzan deserved to have, should have had, was ripped from him without a second thought. He had no true mate, no children to care for, and a pitiful excuse of a pack he called the Twelve Kizuki. 

Haruki had been murdered by Muzan's sire, he learned through the last servant he killed. Teruyo was too ill to survive, and Noa's death was too suspicious to be counted as anything other than murder. Katsuki, poor little Katsuki, he never was able to find. Not even a grave marker could be found. Every attempt to move on with other potential mates, a bloody failure. 

Perhaps, had he not given up on any attempt at love hundreds of years ago, he would have considered his faithful Upper Moon One. Perhaps he would have been happy with Kokushibo. But Muzan had long shoved any romantic ideas aside. He had one focus, and one only. He was to conquer the sun, become a perfect being, immune to the disease of change and death.

And now, with the news of these yet-to-be-born hybrids, a new desire was brought into Muzan's heart. A desire to make this wretched Water Hashira pay for every blessing the gods gave him, and for every blessing wrongfully stolen from Muzan.

Chapter Text

Muichiro cleared his throat, feeling his chest tighten with anxiety as he approached the older two Hashira. 

Why was he so nervous? He's slain demons and verbally cut down much larger people without so much as a heart palpitation. 

It's because they're Tanjiro's parents, he reminded himself. And you're about to ask them something quite serious regarding him. 

Running a hand through his hair, Muichiro pushed forward, approaching the Water and Flame Hashiras with a soft chirp.

Tomioka reacted first, slightly pulling away from Rengoku and moving to face him. "Ah. Tokito. What brings you here?"

Rengoku turned, pulling his gaze away from the slayers as they performed their drills. 

Muichiro paused, glancing away as he gathered his words. Were it not for her jealous streak, not to mention unwarranted dislike and immediate rejection of what he had in mind, Muichiro would have brought Ginko for reassurance for this. He needed to be able to do this without her squawking at the couple to say no. It was a miracle he managed to ditch her in the first place.

"Is something wrong?" Rengoku tipped his head to one side. "I've never seen you this nervous."

Muichiro looked back up, his eyes drawn to the two. There was something new about both of them. He gave his seniors a small smile. "I see you two have made it official. Congratulations on the mating bond."

Tomioka flushed, his hand shifting back to brush over the bite on his scent glance. "Thank you, Tokito."

"Yes, thank you!" Rengoku beamed, happily sporting Tomioka's bite on his own. "We were thinking of calling the other Hashira to dinner for an announcement and small celebration."

Muichiro stepped closer with a respectful nod. "I'm sure there are some who'd be happy to come. Me included, of course. But while I don't want to disrupt this happy moment, I have something to ask of you both." He took a deep breath, carefully watching their faces as he made his request. 

"I would like to ask for your permission to court Tanjiro," he started, holding his wrists behind his back in an attempt to ground himself. "With the intention of forming a bond."

The bonded pair fell into stunned silence. Even some of the slayers stopped, staring at him in shock. The only thing breaking the silence was the sounds of slayers straining or whispering to one another. 

"Tokito," Rengoku started slowly, moving closer. "May I ask what brought this on?"

Straightening up, Muichiro met the older man's gaze. "Your son is unlike anyone I've ever known. He managed to bring back something I lost so long ago, something very precious to me. He's one of the few who didn't simply write me off as cold-hearted and gave up trying to get to know me."

Tomioka's stunned expression began to soften as he listened. 

"Perhaps part of this is brought on by the announcement of the time limit that comes with the mark, but I do genuinely have feelings for him. I even get butterflies, as I've heard explained before." Muichiro flushed, finding the explanation awkward on his tongue. "I want a life with him without regrets, no matter how long that life is. I also wanted to come to you first, ask for your permission before I ask him. I know how loving and protective you are of him. You are his parents after all, so I wanted your approval first."

Rengoku watched him silently, white pupils constricting into slits for a moment before dilating again. "Well, I do know your feelings are genuine. A certain someone described the way you nuzzled him after the battle at the Swordsmith Village." He chuckled softly as Muichiro blushed furiously and Tomioka let out a surprised, indignant squawk. "But I believe someone else should have the full say on this." He turned towards his mate. "After all, you've been in his life for much longer than I have."

Tomioka's gaze flickered between the two before he sighed, turning his head away. "I'm not sure."

"Please," Muichiro whispered, stepping closer. "I swear on my parents' graves that I'll do everything I can to make him happy for as long as we live."

The Water Hashira was silent, pondering over Muichiro's words. Then, after what felt like an eternity of agonizing silence, Tomioka looked back at him with a stern look. "If you ever hurt him..."

"I'll be dead fifteen times over before his tears have a chance to start running down his face," Muichiro answered. "But I have no intention of ever doing something like that."

Tomioka nodded firmly. "You better not. If Tanjiro does want to court you in return, you have my blessing as long as you keep your promise."

"You have mine as well," Rengoku beamed, reaching out and ruffling Muichiro's hair. "I wish you luck, young Tokito."

With a gentle rumble coming from his chest, Muichiro briefly leaned into the touch before stepping away. "I'd best return to my group. And may I suggest dealing with your very nosy one?"

The slayers who stopped their drills to watch the situation yelped, many opting to scream and run away once Rengoku whipped around to scold them for stopping. 

Muichiro grinned, waving Tomioka goodbye before rushing back to his estate. With the two Hashira's blessing, all he needed now was for Tanjiro to say yes. That would require some planning. Perhaps he could call on his adoptive parents for advice on this. 

"Mr. Uzui!" Tanjiro couldn't stop his excited trill as he bounded towards the former Sound Hashira. 

The white-haired alpha turned, beaming once he recognized Tanjiro. "Hey! That you, Kamado? Long time no see, kid!"

Skidding to a halt, Tanjiro grinned up at the older man. "I'm glad to see you've recovered."

"Dunno if you could call this recovered," Uzui flicked at his bejeweled eyepatch with an amused chuff. "But thanks. Anyway, I heard that you took on another Upper Rank. Consider yourself lucky that you've got all your limbs intact." The man glanced at the other slayers before leaning in closer with a whisper. "And congrats on the promotion. I know you've earned it."

Tanjiro nodded. "Thanks. And I do consider myself lucky! I'm just thankful to have survived."

"Right." The former Hashira stepped back, grinning as he shouted. "You ready to work off all the rust you've built up?!"

A short trill burst from Tanjiro as he beamed at the alpha. "Yes! I can't wait!"

After spending so much time in recovery, the training was a breath of fresh air. Tanjiro blazed past all of the others, hardly noticing how he was outlasting them until someone pointed it out. He hadn't meant to look like he was showing off or anything. Tanjiro was just excited to be out and about with others, especially now with his promotion being a big secret. He felt like he was getting away with something, leaving him with an odd, giddy feeling. 

Once lunch came around, Tanjiro happily bounded up to Uzui's wives. 

"It's good to see you!" Suma looked up from the pot, chirping in greeting as Makio and Hinatsuru perked up as well. 

Hinatsuru smiled gently, adjusting her hold on her basket of ongiri. "You're back!"

"It's about time," Makio quipped. "How've you been, kid?"

Tanjiro beamed. "I've been great! What about all of you? How've you been after the Entertainment District?"

"We've all been fine," Suma assured, waving her hand dismissively. "It's mostly been Lord Tengen. Believe it or not, he's still getting used to only having one hand and eye."

Tanjiro winced at that, only for Hinatsuru to step closer. 

"None of that. We all knew what we signed up for when joining the Demon Slayer Corps," she chided gently. "What's done is done, and we're all fine. Nothing was your fault."

Makio set the ladle down with a concerned smile. "Lord Tengen gets that same look you've got, and we're not about to let you start openly depreciating yourself." She reached out, ruffling his hair. "Now come on and eat with us."

"Yeah, let's eat," Suma agreed. "No one can stay in a sour mood with good food in their belly!"

Sitting down with them once all the other slayers had gotten their food, Tanjiro couldn't help but ponder. He wasn't able to ask back at the Entertainment District, too much going on when he finally met Uzui's three mates, but now he had the chance. 

"Forgive me if you find this offensive," Tanjiro asked slowly. "But I've noticed that all of you have three separate bite marks on your scent glands."

Makio looked up with a hum, swallowing down a mouthful of rice. "What? Did you think we three were only mated to Uzui?" She earned herself a smack from Suma in response as Tanjiro ducked his head in embarrassment, the black and golden-haired omega growling in return as she and Suma glared at each other. 

"Don't tease him like that!" Suma puffed out her cheeks, moving her bowl out of reach of Makio's retribution swats. 

Hinatsuru sighed, shaking her head before meeting Tanjiro's gaze. "It's a common misconception with us, and usually what happens with Uzui family marriages. An alpha is bonded with three omegas in hopes of creating as many children as possible, and in most of those cases, the omegas only had a mate bond with their alphas."

"But to be honest," Makio huffed once she pulled away from her latest tussle with Suma. "They can all go burn with that outdated ideology. As much as Suma and I bicker, I love her and Hinatsuru as much as I love Lord Tengen."

Suma shifted over, laying her head in Makio's lap with a purr as if she hadn't been arguing with her just moments prior. "A husband and two wives? Couldn't ask for anything better."

"Aw, you three snuggling without me?" Uzui came to join them, sitting by Hinatsuru's side and greeting her with a rumble. The other two quickly perked up, Makio moving to sit on his other side while Suma half-crawled onto his back. "Heh, now it's a real snuggle-fest." 

Tanjiro watched them all, his chest feeling light. The Uzui's seemed to fit together like a puzzle, like they were made for each other. And perhaps they were. He'd heard a few old legends of fated mates, partners crafted for each other by the gods themselves, but he'd never fully given them much thought. As far as he was concerned, they were only stories. But now, after all he's seen with his adoptive parents and the Uzui Pack, perhaps there was more merit to those tales than he thought. 

The sun fell and rose, bringing in a new day and a new drill. Tanjiro beamed at his comrades as he raced past them, attempting to encourage them when he could. Though judging from their faces, he wasn't sure how much he was able to do so. 

"Those Upper Ranks are insanely strong, yeah?" One of the swordsmen asked, he and the others sat around Tanjiro, listening curiously. 

Tanjiro swallowed his bite of rice. "You wouldn't believe what they're capable of."

"But what was it like?" Another swordsman leaned in, eyes wide with interest. 

Lightly scratching at the side of his face, Tanjiro thought back to his past battles. "Well, there'd be a 'POW' and you'd already be hit, but if you're not dead, you're able to respond in time to turn around, only to get hit again!" The two slayers' scents spiked with fear as he continued explaining. "Then there's this big crunch, and if that cuts off the oxygen to your-"

"That's enough," one of the slayers yelped. "I think we get it now!"

The other one winced. "Sounds like a different world, far beyond the comprehension of us normal folk."

"His parents are Hashira," another swordsmen reminded them. "That's probably why."

Once lunch was over, Uzui approached them for the last drill of the day.

"Now, to wrap things up," the former Hashira started, trailing off as he glanced around the area before pointing at a distant mountain with his staff. "Head up to that mountain! Take a lap around the base, then come back!" The moment the slayers began to complain, Uzui whipped around with bared fangs. "If you don't start hauling ass, you're not gonna eat!" 

Tanjiro rose to his feet to stretch as the other slayers started getting up, grumbling under their breath the entire time as they began making their way to the mountain. 

"Come on, run like you mean it," Uzui scolded. "You'll never be able to cut it if you can't handle this!"

Hinatsuru chuckled as she approached Tanjiro, Makio and Suma right behind her. "He means well, he just has a way with words."

"He sure does," Suma chirped. "But deep down, he's really a big softie."

Makio nodded, turning to watch the alpha as he continued barking orders at the other slayers. "Just the other day, he refused to eat his meal until the last swordsman came back. In the end, he went all the way to the mountain to get him."

"You know I heard that, right?" Uzui raised an eyebrow at his wives, who only smiled teasingly in return. "The Master, our pack leader, put all of these swordsmen under my watch. I'm not about to let them burn out under my care."

Tanjiro smiled gently at the four. It seems that the former Sound Hashira had changed in his retirement. Well, that and dealing with a certain mother bear of a Water Hashira. 

Stepping back, he gave them a slight bow. "I'll be heading off then!" With that, he turned and raced after the other slayers. And as he ran, his mind began to think. Everyone who became a Hashira, or has the potential to become one, was kind deep down inside them. Nearly every interaction with a Hashira seemed to prove it. His adoptive parents, Kanroji, Shinobu, Himejima, Uzui, and maybe Shinazugawa sometimes. He wasn't entirely sure about Iguro, as they hadn't spoken often, but perhaps he was all the same!

Grinning to himself, Tanjiro picked up his pace so he'd be able to catch up to his fellow Demon Slayers.

"No, my sword isn't for playing with," Sanemi grumbled, picking up his daughter by the back of her shirt and setting her on the porch. "Or for chewing, young lady."

Somehow, he got roped into watching the twins by Kocho, which he wasn't completely upset with. He just didn't understand why it had to happen right before he was supposed to be training with Obanai.

Kasumi pouted as she was set down, swatting at his back. "Opie..."

Kaito growled softly, halfway climbing onto Sanemi and making a grab at his hair. 

"Yeah, that's enough of that." Sanemi scooped up his son, sitting the pup in his lap. "Can't always be yanking hair when you're mad, kid. Your ma will start blamin' me for your temper."

Just a moment after, Obanai leapt down from the roof of the building. "Pretty sure Tomioka already does that. Anyway, sorry for being late."

"Lucky for you, I only just got here myself." Sanemi glanced at the sunset, feeling Kasumi try and wriggle her way onto his lap as well. "So how's training going for you?"

Obanai let out a low, frustrated growl. "Never in a million years could I see these wet-behind-the-ears pups become assets in a fight against an Upper Rank, let alone Kibutsuji."

"Could say the same thing about mine," Sanemi sighed, taking his hand off his sword and letting it fall as he held onto the twins. "Demon fodder, the lot of them." 

Obanai leaned against the railings, closing his eyes. "However, it is what the Master has asked of us."

Sanemi nodded, glancing down at the pups in his lap. Months ago, the Master had asked him how long he intended to be miserable. Of course, at that time, Sanemi was content to live his life alone. Had someone told him that he'd end up with a semi-decent coparenting relationship with Tomioka and a good bond with his pups, he'd have torn that idiot a new one. But now look at him, at his children. 

Kaito had begun to yawn, leaning against him as his exhaustion set in. His sister seemed like she was going to follow her twin soon enough. 

Slowly, Obanai moved to sit next to Sanemi. "What was it you wanted at this hour?"

"It's just... been bugging me all this time." Sanemi turned his head to look his fellow Hashira in the eye.

Obanai nodded slowly, understanding flashing in his eyes. "You mean what happened back at that castle?"

"We drove those demons to the brink together," Sanemi hissed as he recalled the incident. "But they were able to disappear in the blink of an eye, right before we dispatched them." Demons being able to just disappear like that made something curl uncomfortably in his gut. If those demons knew of his and Tomioka's pups, a weakness of three Hashira, and they were able to escape that easily? The very thought brought him nothing but dread. Quietly, he held onto the twins a bit tighter. No one would ever harm his son and daughter if he could help it. 

Obanai hummed in agreement. "It's certainly worth looking into. I've been thinking about it myself. What could be behind the door that shut on us? The possibility of a demon hideout that we still don't know about..."

"Hideout, huh?" Sanemi turned his gaze back on his half-asleep pups. "I've gone back to that castle several times now, but I've come up empty every time. It's like it was never there."

Another low growl rumbled from Obanai's throat. "It was right around then that demons suddenly vanished from all cities at once."

"So it's Tomioka's eldest daughter they're after. Kamado's kid sister." Sanemi bit his tongue, despising the despair deep within from knowing that Kaito and Kasumi's older sister was being targeted by that good-for-nothing bastard Kibutsuji.

Obanai gave a firm nod. "No doubt in my mind that's the case, which leads me to believe something big is happening soon."

Sanemi let a soft growl of his own rumble free for a moment, adjusting his hold on the twins. "When that happens, I'll be ready and happy to bring it all to an end."

"Mostly for your pups, right?" Obanai's question made the air drop into a tense silence. 

Years ago, Sanemi was willing to throw everything away if it meant he could avenge the family he lost to demons, including his own life. But now, after everything that happened, he had more than that to think of. He had a son and daughter who, of all people in his mind, deserved to grow up happily in a world without demons. He'd seen them play with Rengoku's kid brother, pretending to be Demon Slayers, but it gave him a chill down his spine all the same. He didn't want them growing up to join the Corps, dying young, and leaving little to nothing behind for him and Tomioka to mourn. He wanted to see them live long, happy lives. To see them become whoever they wanted to be.

"Sanemi," Obanai softly called out in warning. "Your scent. It's waking them." 

Glancing down, Sanemi winced at the sight of the twins blinking sleepily at him, confused as to why his scent had shifted so. 

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, moving to set them both on a blanket that had Tomioka's scent on it. "Go back to sleep, everything's okay."

Kasumi whined at being moved, holding onto the sleeve of his jacket. "Stay..."

"Opie stay," Kaito agreed. "Peas..."

Sanemi chuckled softly at the mispronunciation of please, shifting closer to where the twins lay. His younger siblings did the same thing when they were at that age. "Alright. I'll stay until you fall asleep. That good?"

All he got in response were two sleepy mumbles as the twins slowly settled back down on the blanket. 

"You're really good with them," Obanai noted softly. "But seriously? What's with them calling you 'Opie'?" 

Sanemi glanced over his shoulder. "Just because I'm their sire doesn't mean they see me as a dad. And I'm, surprisingly, okay with that. Opie's supposed to mean 'other parent', and these two seem to like calling me that, so it stuck."

Obanai looked down at the twins, his gaze softening. "These two really have changed you. Gave you something more to fight for."

"They gave me a reason to keep going, to change," Sanemi specified, brushing a finger over Kasumi's cheek. "But yeah, that too."

The Serpent Hashira squinted at him. "Any of that gonna apply to that younger brother of yours?"

"Don't push it," Sanemi hissed. "The kid shouldn't have been in the Corps in the first place."

Obanai shrugged. "Well, it's too late for that. Especially with how attached Himejima is to him. Wouldn't be surprised if the big guy actually adopted your younger brother."

"Can we not talk about that?" Sanemi pulled away from the twins slowly, cautiously listening for them to stir and fuss at him for trying to leave. "I actually came here with more than the intention to talk. Had a proposition for you, about a spar."

The glint in Obanai's eyes changed. "What a coincidence... I had the same idea."

Kaito's soft fussing broke through whatever excitement they had.

"...after I get them back to their mother." Sanemi sighed, turning back to hopefully soothe his son back to sleep. 

Obanai nodded. "Of course."

Katsuki waited patiently in the shadows, watching as Gyomei finally made his way to him, a good distance apart from the sleeping Demon Slayers. 

"You can come out now," Gyomei assured. "They're all fast asleep."

With an eager grin, Katsuki stepped out of the shadows. "I thought they'd never drift off. With what you have them do, you'd think they'd all pass out the moment they got the chance."

"It's likely the chill of the river doing that." The Stone Hashira smiled, his head tilting in Katsuki's direction as he sat down. "How's your mission been?"

Katsuki sat by the larger man, fiddling with his hands. "Well, we seem to be making great progress with the conversion drug. Ms. Kocho finds the work I've been doing over the years fascinating, especially with the effects on medicine that the... you-know-what may have." He glanced anxiously into the darkness. One of the many Blood Demon Arts he developed over the years allowed him to hide from whatever his mother had been using to spy on them, but he still felt a chill down his spine. He'd known for quite some time now, and had been careful to have Kocho and Tamayo avoid saying the name of the Blue Spider Lily aloud for fear of discovery and those who'd exploit it, but it left him nervous all the same.

"There's no need to remain so frightful." Gyomei reached down, gently taking Katsuki's hand in his. "We're alone, not even that Blood Demon Art I've been sensing is around. I sense nothing nearby, it's not here."

Katsuki flushed, half-hiding his face in his free hand. "I know, but I've lived in fear for so long that not being anxious feels wrong. Kocho says it's because I've been in 'survival mode' for way too long."

"She's right," Gyomei asserted softly. "You're safe here with us. With me." The omega purred, the sensation feeling like a machine's motor as he pulled Katsuki close. "But if I may be so forward, why have you always been so afraid? Why did you hide from your mother? You do not have to answer, should it be too uncomfortable, but if you are his only surviving pup, would he not embrace you as his own?"

Opening his mouth and then immediately closing it, Katsuki let his free hand fall with a sigh. "How do you know that will happen? How am I to know that would happen? I've seen how he treats even the most loyal of his demons before." Katsuki pulled his hand away, turning to face the dark of the forest. "For all I know, he will despise me for allowing him to think I'd died alongside my sisters. Forget about my knowledge of that damned flower." He rubbed away any tears that began to form, letting out a shaky breath. "Even then, what does it matter now? I'm openly going against him by working with the Demon Slayer Corps. He'll never forgive me for that."

"Katsuki..." Gyomei's call was no more than a whisper. "I can't even imagine what you must be going through in your mind. You've suffered alone for so long." The larger man reached out, pulling the demon close. "But you're not alone anymore. You have your distant kin, the Ubuyashiki Family. You have Kocho, Tamayo, and those other demons she brought with her. And... you have me." Gyomei leaned down, rubbing his cheek against Katsuki's temple. "We've only known each other for a week or so, but you can always come to me. Whether you need advice, someone to just listen, or you simply want to be around me, I'm here."

Katsuki swallowed heavily, blinking away his tears to no avail. He cleared his throat, his voice small once he found it again. "Can I have that last option right now? I don't want to talk anymore."

"That's just fine," Gyomei whispered, wrapping both arms around him. "We can just sit in the quiet. No talking necessary if you so choose."

They fell into comfortable silence, and all on its own, Katsuki's tears stopped. And soon enough, his breathing eased. 

"It's a nice night," Katsuki mumbled, closing his eyes. "Very peaceful."

Gyomei chuckled softly, the warm sound sending a fluttering sensation through Katsuki's body. "Indeed, it is. Something about the night air. Quite relaxing, really."

"Maybe it'll feel like this every night after the final battle." Katsuki paused, wincing once he registered his choice of words. "Look at me... I got all choked up thinking about the battle itself, yet here I am talking about the aftermath before it's even arrived."

One of Gyomei's hands reached up and brushed against Katsuki's cheek. "No, no. This is good talk, something hopeful. It'll give us something to look forward to. Peaceful nights that everyone can enjoy without the fear of being devoured. A time where our children can grow, happy and strong." His tone turned wistful, and Katsuki turned his head to catch a glimpse of his sorrowful expression. 

"You're speaking from experience, I take it." Katsuki set a hand on top of Gyomei's, a soft chirr slipping free. "You don't have to say anything if you're not ready."

Gyomei fell silent for a moment, then tucked the demon under his chin. "Thank you, Katsuki, but... another time. Let's just have this moment, yes?"

"Yeah," Katsuki agreed, nuzzling into the omega's embrace. "Sounds good to me."

One step. Two steps. Awkward shuffle. Nervous glance. Look away. Near crashing into each other. Low, annoyed growls. Scents fluctuating. More awkward shuffling.

Tamayo stepped back, bowing her head slightly whenever Kocho needed to shift past her. 

"How long have they been doing this?" Ume's whisper, just outside the doorway, reached her ears. 

Kenji grumbled, likely crossing his arms. "Ever since we got here a week ago. And I think Yushiro's picked up on it, which is why he's been sulking."

"I am not sulking," Yushiro shouted, the sound of him stomping off somewhere doing him no favors. "And there's nothing going on with them!"

Kocho sighed, turning her head. "Would you mind sharing with us what you think is going on?" Her words were nectar-sweet, with a viper's fangs just behind them, as it always seemed to be from what Tamayo learned. 

"I got this, Ume," Kenji sighed, the sound of bones popping following, causing Tamayo to wince. "You go on and see if Nezuko and the Butterfly Girls wanna play."

Sighing through her nose, Kocho turned to Tamayo, her eye twitching. "Remind me why the former Upper Six demons are here?"

"They turned their backs on Kibutsuji, as I have," Tamayo protested. "We're working together to defeat him, as your master has requested. Ubuyashiki paired us together for a reason, and I'm not leaving those pups on their own, vulnerable to Kibutsuji's followers. They'd be killed if they were found. And even then, they wouldn't let me come here alone, even if ordered to. And they're woven into the plan as well."

Kocho's lip began to twitch, threatening to curl and to expose her fangs. The alpha, despite the work they were to do together, remained untrusting and seemed to grow more irritable by the day. And Tamayo would be lying if she said she wasn't feeling annoyed herself. They were meant to be working together on this, for goodness' sake. Even Katsuki wasn't safe from the small alpha's ire. No wonder he regularly slipped out whenever he could. 

"Okay, children, the entire Butterfly Mansion can smell your pheremones," Kenji shouted as he pushed his way in, hands thrown in the air. "This frequent, back-and-forth bickering was funny to watch and listen to at first, but it's getting old fast, and we've still got a lot of work to get done to be ready for the final battle looming over everybody's heads." He flashed them a crooked smile, clapping his hands together as he kept talking. "So why don't you two just cut out this bullshit going on and get to the part where you admit your secret feelings for one another?"

Kocho choked on nothing, her face burning a bright red as she flinched back from pure shock. "Excuse me?!"

"Kenji," Tamayo scolded, feeling her own face burn. "This is completely out of line, as well as untrue!"

Kenji waved them off with one hand, digging his other into his hair. "Oh, spare me this! We all know you're deflecting! Ume and I saw this all the time in the Entertainment District, to the point where we both know how it ends every time." He pointed to Tamayo. "Yeah, yeah, she's a ball of spite. We know. Probably distantly reminds you of some bad ex from when you were human, and surely if you tried love again, you'd want someone like the mate you had before becoming a demon, but admit it: You're really curious as to what she's like when feeling some type of way!" As Tamayo stammered, he whirled around on Kocho. "And you? Well, I'd say you're one of those alphas who just put up a constant 'piss off, I don't need anybody' act. And you'd rather act like that than show how you really feel because the last time you were truly vulnerable with someone, you got hurt! Ouchie." Kenji stepped back, crossing his arms. "And now, rather than admit the feelings you've got bubbling beneath the surface, you're dancing around each other with this absolutely mind-numbing mating ritual I've seen for well over a hundred years now, and it's driving everyone in this house nuts. So please, for my and everyone else's sanity: Either quit with this bullshit, or find a good place to pause with the drugs, find the nearest closet, and GET IT OVER WITH ALREADY!"

Kenji let out a final snarl, shaking his head before marching out, leaving behind tense silence.

Running a hand through his messy hair, Kenji strode down the hall. Hopefully, he could find Ume before something went down between the two women he left in the room. Usually, from what he remembered, things went one of three ways. Either they settled down on their own, they killed each other, or they got it out of their systems so they could keep working. 

"Huh? Hey, Kenji!" Looking up, he saw Aoi poking her head out of the kitchen. "What happened in there? I didn't hear everything over the boiling water, so what was that?"

Kenji cracked a small grin. "I told them to make out, that's what happened."

For a while, Aoi grew quiet. She peered around him, squinting down the hall. "You mean they haven't yet?"

Glancing over his shoulder, Kanji found himself pleasantly surprised when he saw the Insect Hashira dragging Tamayo down the hall, in the opposite direction, both with still-red faces. "Looks like they will now." Snickering to himself, Kenji continued his way down the hall. "Somebody owes me so much money for this."

Chapter Text

"I'll leave the pot here." Tanjiro looked up, meeting Suma's gaze. "Is that alright?"

The blue-eyed woman grinned. "Thank you, Tanjiro. And yeah, that's perfect."

Hinatsuru strode over as he sat down, gently pushing a teacup into his hands. "Here, drink this. It's high-quality gyokuro tea, and it'll help with fatigue."

Tanjiro chirped out his thanks, delighting in the flavor as it hit his tongue. The older omegas settled down around him with their own cups. 

"Listen, Tanjiro," Hinatsuru continued, regaining his attention. "We've been wanting to thank you for what you've done for us in the Entertainment District."

Suma bowed her head slightly. "Yes! Thank you so much!"

"We're beyond grateful." Makio smiled warmly. 

Tanjiro felt his cheeks heat up. "But it wasn't just me, so I don't deserve the praise."

"Right, it was you and your family," Hinatsuru recalled. "Your adoptive parents, Nezuko, that boar-headed kid, the young man with the yellow hair, and the Wind Hashira. Oh, and Lord Tengen, of course." Her expression softened as she looked back up. "I'll never forget how utterly relieved I felt when Nezuko and Kyojuro's Blood Demon Arts cured the demon's poison. We'd almost lost Lord Tengen and the boar child that night."

Tanjiro winced at the memory. Gyutaro's poison was too much for a trained shinobi, which still terrified him. And were he to bring this up to Kenji, perhaps the boy would roll his eyes, grumbling how 'Gyutaro' was dead now. And he was right, by a technicality.

"For us all to have made it back alive," Hinatsuru continued, sniffling as tears began to form in her eyes. "When it all seemed so impossible for a moment, it almost had to be a miracle."

A look of concern crossed Makio and Suma's faces, the former standing up and brushing her cheek against their mate's temple in an attempt to soothe her. A shaky purr rumbled from Makio's throat, unintentionally revealing her own uneasiness. 

Wiping at her eyes, Hinatsuru continued to speak. "But Lord Tengen wishes to keep fighting."

"She's right," Suma murmured, moving to join the other two omegas. "We hear him call out in his sleep almost every night."

Makio looked up, a frown on her face as one arm wrapped around Hinatsuru. "He's been blaming himself for leaving the Corps."

"Please, Tanjiro... Defeat Kibutsuji Muzan." Hinatsuru met his gaze once more, pain reflected in her eyes, the only pain one felt when they were unable to help someone they cared for.

Tanjiro felt determination flare in his chest. "I will. I promise."

The next day, at sunset, Uzui gathered them by the river once more. "Alright, listen up! Tonight, we're not doing the long-distance mountain run we usually wrap up with. In its place will be a combat drill, one real close to actual combat." He gave them a wicked grin, so chilling that several of the other slayers shivered at a glimpse of it. "Come on, pups! To the mountain!"

Anxiety prickled through the air as they all slunk through the dark of the mountain's forests. Tanjiro could hardly breathe without getting a mouthful of his comrades' fear, as well as a hint of Uzui's excitement. The older alpha had to have been aching for a fight like this. 

"Battles with demons always happen at night," Uzui's voice echoed through the dark. "Which is exactly why we need to hone our combat skills in the dark, be it night or underground. Strain to see in the dark, and what you can't see, you'll have to sense." His words seemed to come from everywhere, which made the hair on the back of Tanjiro's neck prickle. "Starting now, I'm an enemy demon on the hunt for any slayers I can pick off. Show me how great is your will to survive! And Kamado? It's your job to try and strike me down, all while protecting the others."

Tanjiro tensed, his eyes darting around in search of any sign of movement. Uzui would be mimicking demons, ambush predators who relied on the element of surprise and their strength. But like any starving predator, they were willing to fight if their prey wouldn't go down easily. And since this was a former Hashira he was going up against, Tanjiro knew that Uzui wouldn't back off or go down easily. 

Before Tanjiro could take a step forward or backward, one of the slayers yelped. Damn, he was already picked off. 

"Watch out," one of the swordsmen called out, causing Tanjiro to turn his head in the direction it came from. "He's nearby!"

One by one, in the blink of an eye, more swordsmen dropped with grunts and cries of pain. 

He's a former shinobi, Tanjiro reminded himself. So I can't track him by scent. Where is he? Just where is he?

Just as the moon peeked out from the clouds, Uzui struck again, taking down three more swordsmen before allowing himself to be seen. 

"Impossible," Tanjiro heard one of his comrades gasp out. "We don't stand a chance against a Hashira..."

In an instant, Uzui appeared behind the slayer with a low, almost inaudible growl. "Would you say something like that to a demon?" Hitting the boy in the side of the neck, Uzui watched him drop before turning to face Tanjiro. 

"Uzui Tengen is the former Sound Hashira, so we can't be reckless," Tanjiro shouted, grabbing his fellow swordsmen's attention. "We need a strategy! Stay close to me and to each other as much as you can, back-to-back so we don't leave an opening!"

As the others began to run to him, Uzui swept in, his bokken raised to strike them down. "You're too damn slow!"

Just before his bokken could meet their necks, Tanjiro leapt between them and blocked the wooden sword with his own. 

"Not too bad, Kamado," Uzui praised, flipping back after a moment. "Don't stop there! Come at me again!"

Tanjiro raced forward, matching the alpha blow for blow, even as they darted all over the era. And every time he met the older man's gaze, Tanjiro could just catch a glint of pride in his left eye. 

Then Uzui's gaze shifted as the other slayers dove in to join the fight, some being tossed aside but rolling back onto their feet to rejoin the others. The man barked out a laugh as he scanned the group. "Now you lot are starting to fight like Demon Slayers! Come at me!"

Grinning as they all went in for an attack, Tanjiro readied his wooden blade before diving back into the fray. 

By the end of the training session, every one of them was battered and bruised. They'd managed to hold their own for a moment, only for Uzui to eventually strike them all down.

"I'm retired, there's no reason that I should be able to clobber you all like this." The alpha's disappointment, at the very least, was toned down from what it was from before the Entertainment District. "Show some bravado, would ya? Jeez..."

One of the swordsmen spoke up, his voice trembling slightly. "You were a Hashira. We don't stand a chance against you. How could we ever compare to that?"

Uzui frowned, turning his attention to that slayer. "I don't remember teaching you to freak out when the goings get tough."

"But I know now," the swordsman shouted, catching the former Hashira off guard. "Kamado and the other Hashira might be enough to defeat Kibutsuji Muzan and the Upper Ranks! This has given me hope!"

More swordsmen joined in, shouting their agreement. 

"We're all going to work harder from now on," a slayer that Tanjiro was holding up promised. "So that one day, we'll be able to support you in battle when you need us. We'll all become stronger!"

As a cacophony of voices joined in, a gentle rumble made its way from Uzui's chest. "Would ya look at that?"

The next morning, as they'd promised, the slayers still under Uzui were back at it when greater determination than before. 

"They're getting better, but..." Uzui let out a low growl, watching the slayers as they worked. "Until Kibutsuji is dead and gone, this'll never end." He turned to Tanjiro. "We're counting on you, kid."

Tanjiro turned to fully face the older man. "I'll defeat him, I promise."

The alpha let out a soft chuff in response, reaching out to ruffle his hair. "Take care out there, kid."

Sent off with a sack from the Uzui's and cheerful goodbyes from the other slayers, Tanjiro took off down the path again. Now it was time for him to begin his training with another Hashira, one he couldn't wait to see. 

Approaching the Mist Estate and opening the door leading inside, Tanjiro winced at the plea for mercy he heard the second he poked his head in. 

"Please, I can't take it anymore!" The slayer's sides were heaving as he fought for air, his hands on his knees as a certain Hashira stood before him. 

Tokito tipped his head slightly to one side, a familiar frosty tone edging his words. "What are you talking about? If you're unable to handle this, you're certainly going to be devoured by demons." The poor swordsman barely had the chance to fight back before being struck to the ground and having Tokito's bokken aimed at his throat. "Were this a real fight, you'd be dead three times over." The engima boy pulled his bokken back, watching as the other swordsmen stumbled back onto their feet like newborn fawns. "You must keep moving, even if you're hit. And pull yourselves together."

Once all the other swordsmen had shifted into position, Tokito shifted into a fighting stance as well.

"Try your best to follow my movement," he murmured, and that was all the warning they got before Tokito struck two down with ease, setting his bokken next to the third slayer's throat. "Oh, look at that. You've died again. Even if someone falls, you can't ever stop moving." In a flash, another swordsman was knocked to the ground, and the other remaining found himself on the end of Toktio's wooden blade. "The exact moment you do that is the moment you die."

Tanjiro felt his mouth hang open as he watched, his breath catching in his throat. Tokito was incredible. Just watching him, it was no wonder he became a Hashira at such a young age. 

The moment their gazes met, Tokito's eyes lit up as he dropped his sword, rushing towards Tanjiro with a delighted trill. "Tanjiro! It's so good to see you!"

The other slayers gaped from their respective spots, eyes wide as their lesson ended rather abruptly. Slowly, they made their way out of the building, where Ginko's scolding words met them the second they stepped outside. 

"It's good to see you too, Tokito," Tanjiro greeted, trying not to wince at the harsh words he caught from the crow outside. "I'm excited to start training with you."

Tokito beamed in return. "I'm excited myself. And please, call me Muichiro."

"Alright," Tanjiro relented softly. "Muichiro..."

The Mist Hashira's cheeks flushed lightly before he beckoned Tanjiro to follow him. "Come, I want to show you something."

Guiding him to a shed, Tanjiro lit up at the familiar mask that turned to greet Muichiro. "Mr. Kanamori!"

"If it isn't young Tanjiro in the flesh," Kanamori sat up as he greeted him. "And looks like you've healed nicely. That's good."

Dipping his head in response, Tanjiro stepped further into the shed. "Yeah, thank you! So what are you doing here?"

"I invited him here," Muichiro explained, grabbing one of the swords on the wall and holding it out to Tanjiro. "Would you mind holding this?" Once Tanjiro took the sword, the other boy asked him to step back and have the blade face him. "Good, now hold still."

Muichiro threw a paper airplane at Tanjiro, only for the blade to cut through and send the halves fluttering to the floor. 

"It's so sharp..." Tanjiro turned the blade to its side, his eyes drawn to the very fine edge of the blade. 

Muichiro gave him a nod. "That's why I asked him here. After what happened, I want all my swords to be sharp and ready for battle. When I told the master, he happily approved."

"And I've been assigned here to make sure that happens," Kanamori preened lightly, puffing out his chest. "The Master even had this shed built for me to use!"

Tanjiro chuckled softly, his gaze shifting back to his fellow Hashira. As he could recall, while the Master took up a parental role with every member of the Corps, he seemed quite fond of Muichiro. But surely the Master wouldn't have favorites, would he?

"While I am grateful, I do wish he'd focus on recovering," Muichiro sighed, his soft scent beginning to sour with distress. "No matter what the circumstance, we're always first in his thoughts. And we should be grateful for it, right?"

Kanamori tipped his head to one side. "Surely you're first in his thoughts, Lord Tokito. I mean, you're one of his pups, aren't you?" That gave Tanjiro pause. The Master always referred to the Demon Slayer Corps as his children as a term of endearment, but no one ever referred to them as that. Pups felt much more personal. 

"Ah, I see that look on your face," Muichiro called, his expression a bit more embarrassed. "There's a reason I don't tell anyone, but I know I can trust you with this. After I lost my brother and was found injured, the Master and his wife brought me into their nest as one of their own. The title of the next leader of the Corps will not fall to me, obviously." He shrugged with a soft smile. "That's a birthright that belongs to one of my younger siblings."

Tanjiro stiffened from shock. Muichiro was the Master's son? Well, it was completely understandable that it was kept secret. If demons ever learned that the Master had a son fighting in the Demon Slayer Corps, they'd stop at nothing to hurt or kill Muichiro just to get to the Master. 

"I'm glad that you've trusted me with this," Tanjiro said slowly once he found his voice again. "It means a lot to me. I won't tell a soul. I promise."

Muichiro's gaze softened. "Thank you. Now come on, the next part of the lesson is starting soon."

Another bokken was knocked out of a swordsman's hands, Muichiro's gaze and words as ice-cold as when Tanjiro first met the boy. 

"You're wide open," Muichiro scolded lightly. "Pick up your sword." Once the other slayer picked up his sword and attempted to charge with a yell, he was quickly knocked to the ground. "You'll never be a match for your opponents if you let your emotions guide your attacks. You'd be like a moth flying into a flame. There are no do-overs when it comes to fighting a demon. Even one mistake, one slip-up, can be fatal for you. You need to hone all your movements. Only then will you have a chance to survive." 

The boy looked up, trembling as he held his wrist before he let his head drop. 

"Let's call it a day, shall we?" Muichiro strode out of the building after that, leaving them all in stunned silence. 

Once he was out of sight, a few of the others ran to check on their comrade.

"Hey, Kamado," a swordsman called, grabbing Tanjiro's attention. "Since he seems to like you, do you think you can ask him to ease up on the drills with us?"

Another one grumbled their agreement. "At this rate, he'll kill us before any demons do."

"You know, this training is probably harder on him than it is on us," Tanjiro speculated, glancing back at where Muichiro had left. "I mean, he's training us nonstop by himself. Hashira or not, he's our age." He offered his comrades a smile. "Besides, he's actually sort of toned down since the last time I saw him."

That statement had earned a series of frustrated groans and plenty of complaints.

As they all made their way outside to wash up, Tanjiro looked up just in time to see Ginko swoop down in front of him. 

"You," the crow hissed, her neck feathers puffed out. "You've got a lot of nerve coming here! What? Think because I was dealing with those other bottom feeders, I forgot about you?!"

Tanjiro flinched back. "Oh, uh, hey Ginko..."

"Don't you 'Hey Ginko' me like we're friends!" The kasugai crow landed herself on the well, her wings spread as she glared at him. "My boy has been going on and on about you nonstop! What exactly did you do to get some sort of high praise?! You hardly knew each other until the Swordsmith Village!"

As Tanjiro gaped at the angry crow, Muichiro moved to step between them. "Come on, Ginko. You know better than that."

"See! See!" Ginko beat her wings rapidly, angrily. "You didn't say a word when I was talking to those other slayers, but you come running the second I start tearing into him?!"

One of the slayers looked up from washing his face. "Well, the jealous crow has a point."

Ginko squawked angrily, turning her attention on the swordsman who spoke up and started smacking him with her wings. 

"What's gotten into her?" Tanjiro turned back to Muichiro. "And what did she mean by what she said? I mean, I know we're friends and all, but..."

Muichiro's cheeks flushed, turning a shade of pink that was hard to see in the sunset's light. "Maybe here isn't the place to speak about this. Come on, while Ginko's distracted."

Nodding his head towards the gate, the boy swiftly made his way there.

Hesitating for only a moment, glancing back to wince at the small fight between Ginko and a couple of slayers, Tanjiro trailed after the Mist Hashira.

Following Muichiro out into the moonlit forests surrounding his estate, Tanjiro felt his chest tighten with anxiousness. The enigma had a bright glint in his eye, so it had to be positive in one way or another, but Tanjiro felt uneasy all the same. 

"Here," Muichiro whispered once they stopped at the edge of a clearing. "What do you think?"

Slowly, Tanjiro peered over and felt his breath catch in his throat. They'd come to a beautiful lake, the moonlight glinting prettily on the water's surface. The scents of the trees and their sap blended pleasantly with the remaining scents of the wildflowers, their petals long since closed once the sun had gone down. The entire clearing had turned to silver under the moon's paintbrush, and Tanjiro could only imagine how it looked under the warm day's eye. 

"It's beautiful," Tanjiro breathed, turning to smile at Muichiro. "How long did it take for you to find this place?"

The enigma boy smiled, striding further into the clearing. "Quite some time. I needed somewhere perfect, and I discovered this hidden gem by accident." Muichiro turned to face Tanjiro again, bright teal eyes glowing in the moonlit night. 

"Perfect? Perfect for what?" Slowly, Tanjiro trailed after his fellow Hashira with a raised eyebrow. 

Muichiro glanced away, his cheeks darkening as he took in a slow breath before taking Tanjiro's hands in his own. "You are one of the most amazing people I've ever met, Kamado Tanjiro. Unspeakably kind and courageous to a fault. You're practically sunlight itself, a warm constant that helps others to grow and flourish."

Tanjiro's eyes widened as he felt his face burn and his heart flutter. "Toki- Muichiro, I... don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything, at least not right now." Muichiro took a step closer. "You may not have meant it, but you helped me regain the memories of my past. You brought back everything I thought I'd never remember from my life before the Demon Slayer Corps. Now, you don't owe me an immediate answer for this, but I have to get this off my chest." His grip on Tanjiro's hands tightened ever so slightly. "I've gained feelings for you. Some could say I've fallen hard, as I can't hide it even with the other slayers around, and perhaps I have. But I know what I want, and I wish to court you properly, with all the intention of forming a proper bond." The Mist Hashira let go of one of Tanjiro's hands, reaching out to caress his cheek. "With the limited time we have with the mark, I want to spend the next decade, the rest of my life, without any regrets. And that life, spent with you, is all I could ask for."

Opening and closing his mouth several times, Tanjiro couldn't find any words to say. This- This was a proposal. Tokito Muichiro was proposing a lifelong bond, no matter how long or short the rest of that life would be.

Muichiro smiled warmly. "Before I found this place, I sought out Rengoku and Tomioka to ask their permission before I did this. I never would have asked had I not gotten their approval."

The bottom half of Tanjiro's vision began to blur, softly distorting as he watched the other boy's face. Him. Muichiro wanted him by his side for however long they had left. 

"Again, you don't have to answer tonight," Muichiro reminded him gently. "Take whatever time you believe you need for an answer. Whether it's to accept or reject, I can wait forever for an answer." He attempted to pull away, only for Tanjiro to firmly grasp his hands. 

Taking in a steady breath as he watched Muichiro's face, Tanjiro thought back. As a boy, he thought he'd have so much more time with his birth family, the Kamados. Then, when he was twelve, his father succumbed to illness. A year later, as the grief of that loss began to lessen, Tanjiro lost everyone else but Nezuko. So many people lost their families far too soon thanks to demons, and he'd nearly lost his loved ones twice more within the past year. 

"If a life without regrets is what you want," Tanjiro started, swallowing back any remaining nervousness. "If you truly want to spend that life with me... How about we give it a shot?" He offered Muichiro an awkward smile, watching the other Hashira's eyes light up with joy. "Nothing serious, not yet! I'm still kind of... unsure about this."

Muichiro nodded rapidly, his eyes still shining. "Of course. Whenever you're ready, tell me. Or you could... kiss me." He glanced away, his cheeks dark.

"We'll see," Tanjiro squeaked, averting his gaze as well. "I dunno about kissing just yet, but we'll see."

A warm chuckle rumbled from the younger boy as he jerked his head back in the direction they came from. "Come on, let's head back. Last thing we need is people getting worried."

"Right!" Trailing after the enigma as they made their way back, Tanjiro couldn't help the light, fluttery feeling in his chest. It didn't matter how calm an exterior he put up, his hindbrain was going wild. 

Courted, we're being courted! Tanjiro could practically feel something prance around in pure delight, deep in his soul. We have a mate! 

He wasn't sure if he and Muichiro could call each other mates just yet, but it was a start. And what a start this was.

The Butterfly Mansion had fallen quiet once more, a more peaceful air to it than before. Things had changed over the past few days.

Shinobu hummed softly, feeling Tamayo's body press into hers. The demoness wasn't sleeping, as they didn't need to, but it was the closest that she'd ever get. 

They'd gotten to a good place in their work, feeling comfortable to stop. Tamayo insisted on it, as Shinobu was human and needed rest. So here they were, half-curled up, side-by-side in a nest they never originally intended to share. 

"You need sleep," Tamayo whispered, nosing at her scent gland. "With what you intend to do, you will need all your strength." 

Shinobu hummed in response, turning to meet the demon's gaze. She'd been far too harsh with Tamayo, she knew that now. She was incredible. So talented and bright. Shinobu could see what Yushiro saw now. 

"I'm fine," she assured, rumbling gently as she allowed herself to melt in Tamayo's embrace. "You don't have to worry about my strength."

The floorboards creaked, and they both looked up to see a sheepish Ume step in. "Actually, you kinda do... I overheard what you were planning in regards to a certain demon, and I uh, know who it is."

Shinobu perked up at that, lifting her head as Ume moved to sit in front of the nest. "Go on..."

"His name is Douma, and he's the current Upper Two," Ume explained, looking almost nervous. "He's the whole reason my big brother and I became demons in the first place. When I was burned for hurting that samurai, and Kenji was attacked for no reason other than being angry about what happened to me, Douma saved our lives." She kept her gaze low, wrapping her arms around herself. "He runs a cult, calls it the Eternal Paradise Faith, and even has Kibutsuji worshipped as a god there."

Tamayo flinched, hissing softly at the information. Shinobu reached back, gently grasping the demoness's hand as the white-haired pup continued talking. 

"I don't like him. He gives me the creeps," Ume admitted. "Especially his scent, it's never really his scent. It's buried under so many perfumes and so much incense. And his behavior... Everything about him is unnatural. Just sends off alarm bells in my head, you know."

Shinobu nodded slowly, taking note of every detail she could on what the girl was saying. With what little information she had of the demon, anything could prove fruitful. And the name of the demon that killed her sister was priceless. 

Ume looked back up after a moment. "But despite it all, there is a part of me that cares. I don't really know why. Best guess is because he took us in, treated us as if we were his own. Sadly enough, up until Miss Tamayo took us in, Douma was the closest thing my brother and I ever had to a loving mother."

"Mother?" Shinobu frowned, glancing back at Tamayo, who shrugged in return. 

Ume frowned, then her eyes lit up with realization. "Oh, right. He's an omega, or at least that's what everyone thinks. He does what he can to act like it around the other demons, especially Akaza. You know, Upper Three?"

"We kept telling the dunce that Akaza was never going to mate him," Kenji said as he walked by the door. "He just laughed at us every time."

Tamayo frowned. "Kenji!"

"Not sorry," Kanji called back as he kept walking. "Can't be sorry if it's the truth!"

Another hiss on her lips, Tamayo lay her head back down against the nest. "What am I going to do with that boy? I'm glad he's gotten comfortable, but this... this is just..."

"Don't worry, I'll talk to him," Ume promised, rolling her eyes. "At the very least, he listens to me."

Shinobu giggled softly, allowing herself to relax once more. "Well, thank you for telling me this. I'll be sure to keep it in mind, should I run across him."

Alarm flashed in the girl's eyes. "You should run if you see him. Do you know how many Hashira have fallen to him? What about the Butterfly Girls? They rely on you."

"I have a vague understanding. He killed my sister, after all." Shinobu watched as Ume shrank back slightly, clearly still nervous about her plan. "And I meant to speak with you and your brother on that. You two have grown close with my girls in the little time you've spent with them. They look up to you both as well, and should I not come out of the final battle, I'd like you and Kenji to look after them for me. You two are strong and will be able to protect them until the day they all can look after themselves." She glanced towards the doorway. "Kanao and Aoi know how to fight. Kiyo, Naho, and Sumi are pups who, by all accounts, should still be living with their parents. They need someone to watch over them."

Ume frowned, following Shinobu's gaze towards the door. "Well, I'd have to talk to Kenji about it, but we can try."

"That's all I ask." Shinobu offered her a small smile. "Now run along. Kenji needs to know, and I'm sure the girls would love to play."

The white-haired girl gave her one last concerned look before dipping her head and moving to leave the room.

Shinobu sighed, leaning back against Tamayo as the room fell into quiet. 

"They're going to be devastated," Tamayo murmured, gently undoing Shinobu's ponytail before burying her nose in her hair. "Are you sure this is what you want?"

Pausing for a moment, Shinobu turned her head ever so slightly, trying not to disturb or dislodge the demon behind her. "You're one to talk, dear. Do Kenji and Ume even know what you intend to do? Do you know you're risking by committing to this plan?"

"No, they don't." Tamayo's voice was much softer now. "I love them as if they were my own, and Kami knows how many times I have wished that they were, but they can't ever know of my plan. They'd do whatever they could to intervene, to talk me out of it. But it needs to be done. The risk will be worth it if we succeed."

Shinobu pulled back slightly, meeting Tamayo's gaze. "Then I am equally sure of what I intend to do. And perhaps, if you don't make it out of the other side yourself, we can walk into the afterlife side by side, whether it be to heaven or hell."

"Would you truly wait for me?" Tears began to form in the corners of Tamayo's eyes. 

In response, Shinobu tucked her head under Tamayo's chin. "We've only known each other for a couple of weeks, yet you're the only person who's made me feel something... this soft."

"Soft?" Tamayo attempted to move back to meet her gaze, only for Shinobu to press herself further against the demon. "What do you mean?"

Shinobu paused, taking the time to piece her words together. "I can't name it. It's the most peculiar thing. But even if I don't exactly know what I feel when I'm with you, know that I care for you more than you'll ever know." She closed her eyes, allowing Tamayo's scent to wash over her. The demon smelled of medicinal herbs and spring flowers, a scent that brought her back to her puphood, before everything went wrong. 

After a moment, Tamayo began to purr, wrapping her arms around Shinobu in turn. And for that moment, they allowed themselves to forget about the battle on the rise. In that nest, with no one but each other, Shinobu let herself pretend.

There was no threat of war in this quiet moment. Just her and a... well, she couldn't call Tamayo her mate, even if her alpha hindbrain wanted to. Tamayo was not meant to be hers. They were both to die once the final battle came. But here, now, they could pretend it was only them in the world. Shinobu could allow herself to be selfish, just this once. 

But as she inched towards Tamayo's collarbone, the demon gave her a light smack on the shoulder. "Don't even think about it."

Shinobu laughed, unapologetic as she relented. Oh well. There was always next time.