Chapter Text
The night was cold and dark, with the only illumination in the small clearing coming from the full, blue moon. A stark contrast from that night, where I faced Michikatsu and drew my last breath. Memories came flooding back to me as I looked around at the refurbished home I had once called mine.. memories both good and bad.
Memories of Uta as she smiled and laughed. As she nervously petted the animals that had flocked to feed from my hands. As she cried tears of joy at the knowledge of her pregnancy. As she waved to me before my departure to find a midwife. As I cried, cradling her and our unborn child for ten days and nights after returning too late.
Memories of Enjuro, as he told me that not all had been lost. As he told me that the memory of my loved ones would be something that I would never forget for as long as I lived, and that I should use it to forever stoke the flames of my heart as a Demon Slayer. As we trained together, developing his technique with a derivative breathing style named Flame. As he enthusiastically documented our sword forms and their history. As he informed me of Michikatsu's defection to Muzan Kibutsuji.
Memories of Sumiyoshi, as he listened to my woes and offered me his friendship. It was to him who I had given my earrings and him who assured me in my time of grieving that my life was not utterly worthless.
Memories of Suyako, as she happily greeted and welcomed me to their home. As she joyously danced with Sumiyoshi and Sumire before taking my hand to join them. As she smiled and cheered after seeing my sword form. As she waved goodbye and called me family, saying that I would always be welcome there.
Memories of Sumire and Suji. As I held Suji's sleeping form. As Sumire squealed and laughed when I raised her over my head, and embraced me when I could not remain strong anymore. As she gave me periwinkle flowers, signifying the bond between us. As she smiled after watching me perform the Sun Breathing sword form. As she looked saddened at my final departure from the Kamado household.
These memories had given me strength throughout my long life. They kept me going when the pain of regret felt too great to bare. When I faced Michikatsu for the last time, my heart raced and I felt fear. Not for my life, nor for his, but for the idea of not stopping him. I did not want to kill my brother.. he was very dear to me. But I knew that letting him go would mean letting him continue to harm the lives of the innocent. Those like Sumiyoshi and Suyako. Those like Sumire and Suji.
And those like Uta and my baby.
In that moment, those memories gave me the courage to make my move. But despite them, I couldn't bring myself to deliver the second, finishing blow. I didn't want to let him go free and continue to kill and eat people. But.. I could not make myself kill my brother. And so, in a moment of frustration and sorrow... I gave up and let death embrace me, as my age had finally caught up to me.
That night, I had failed the Kamado family and any other unfortunate enough to come across my brother afterwards.
I will never forgive myself for that.
But I refused to let them down a second time. I would not allow the evil demon before me to desecrate the home that the Kamado family and I cherished.
And so for the first time in centuries.. I drew my blade.