Brothers Through Ashes(Complete)

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Tanjiro Rengoku was born to Ruka Rengoku and Tanjuro Kamado.

While being away for a few months on business, Tanjuro stumbled upon Ruka during the night while she was going home from a calligraphy class she was teaching. Suddenly it began snowing and they both ended up in the same abandoned cabin.

"Oh, I didn't see you here. Sorry." The frail man apologized. "No, I should've been home by now. Though, I don't mind not going back." She replied with a dainty sigh. "Is something wrong, Miss?" He asked.

"You could say that... It's Ruka by the way. Ruka Rengoku."

"Tanjuro Kamado."

"Nice to meet you. I might as well vent my issues. Not long ago, my husband disgraced his bloodline and is showing distaste for my only son. It is vexing." She stated. "I'm sorry to hear that, Rengoku-san. I'm sure things are to get better." "They won't. He's nothing but a worthless drunk who neglects his wife and is unfaithful anytime he gets the chance. I just... I'm sorry for my outburst. It was inappropriate." She apologized, with a shiver from the cold draft seeping in. Tanjiro removed his orange and black checkered haori and dressed it around her small build. "Th-thank you, Tanjuro-san."

"Mmm." He moved closer. "I think I understand how you feel a little. I don't even think my wife loves me sometimes. She says she doesn't want children but... long ago, my ancestors were entrusted a secret. It's my duty to pass it on." He explained with a dry chuckle. "Sounds frustrating." She commented. "Very."

They sat quietly for a while and watched the snow pile up. Unexpectedly, she produced a bottle of Sake. "This is for my husband... but I hear alcohol warms you up." She recalled. She opened the gourd and gulped down some. She then offered him some, "Would you like some?" "Eh, why not?"

For a while, they took turns drowning their sorrows until the alcohol was done. "Ahh, y'know... this has been fun. Doubt we'll see each other again but it was worth it. Got a lot of things off my chest." Tanjuro said. "Indeed."

She began fanning herself. "Soo... hot."

She began removing Tanjuro's haori and her kimono. "C'mon. It'll be embarrassing if I'm the only one undressing." She avowed. In their drunken state, they undressed. One thing led to another...

One year later

Ruka had been away from home under the pretence she was teaching calligraphy. But in actuality, she was walking around asking for one name. "Do you know where I can find the Kamado residence?" She queried a local. "Up the mountain. Stay on the path and you'll find them." She local answered. "Thank you." "No problem. Oh, that's a fine baby you have there."

"Yes, my second born."

"What's his name?"

"Tanjiro."

After leaving the surprised resident, she began her ascension. Upon climbing the mountain, she saw a woman with black hair carrying a bucket of water and an all too familiar male figure reclining inside. "Excuse me! Is this the Kamado house?" She called. Kie looked up to see the woman. "Yes, do you need something?"

"I need to speak with Tanjuro. My name is Ruka Rengoku." She answered. Tanjuro looked up at the call of his name. "Ruka? Wait... Why do you... Oh no."

Ruka sat adjacent to Tanjuro and Kie sat in front of them. She held her baby close to her. "So. This is the woman you spoke of?" Kie asked her husband. "Yes."

Ruka had a quizzical expression on her face. "You talked about me?" "After we parted ways, I regained some of my memory after the hangover let up. The best I could do as a man was to fess up." He answered. "Yes. Tanjuro and I both talked it over and sorted out our problems."

"Oh. Because I have a big favour to ask of you. When my husband found out... he gave me 3 months to kill Tanjiro or give him away. He doesn't want another man's child in his house even though I am sure he's fathered other children I don't know about. Regardless, please take care of Tanjiro. I beg you." She pleaded softly. "The boy's name is Tanjiro?" Kie asked. "He's my second son and the name's meaning after all." She answered while letting the baby play with her finger. "We'll gladly raise him. You can even come to visit sometimes." Kie reassured.

Ruka began tearing up slightly. Her stern expression melted into a mess of tears. "Thank you so much. Shinjuro's already scarred, my beautiful boy. You have all my gratitude."

Over time, Kie and Tanjuro raised little Tanjiro as their son. Ruka visited them, posing as his aunt. She'd feed him, play with him and so on. But suddenly, she stopped coming. One day a strange man came.

Kie was swaddling her newborn twins while her firstborn named Nezuko was sewing. She is 8 years old. Also, a 10-year old Tanjiro was speaking with his father. The small family were sitting on the porch of their abode when a strange boy, who looked to be 16 years old, with fiery hair and eyes appeared with a burst of wind. "Who are you?" Tanjuro inquired, holding his child closely.

"I am Kyojuro Rengoku. Eldest son of Shinjuro and Ruka Rengoku. I am here to announce that my mother died shortly after birthing her second son." He answered enthusiastically. Kie noticed the sword strapped to his waist and her mind wondered about the worst situation. He began walking towards them. "Are you here to carry out your father's will and kill my son?" Kie queried.

He stopped. "My mother's last will is that anything were to happen to the Kamado family, the Rengoku family would take them in. I'm not here because of my father. I'm here on my own will to see my younger brother." His words were passionate and honest. Tanjuro stood up and carried Tanjiro in his arms. He then set the boy down in front of his brother. "Hello."

Tanjiro's large dark-red eyes were begging for a response. Kyojuro kneeled. "Hello, little one. I'm your big brother, Kyojuro." He greeted. "Ky-o-jur-ro? I like that name!" Tanjiro syllabized. "Yes, Kyojuro. You have another brother named Senjuro." "Sen-juro! I like that too!" "Excellent! You'll make a fine man indeed."

"Rengoku-kun," Kie said grabbing his attention. "You're a demon slayer. Aren't you? The uniform is a giveaway." She added. "Ah, yes. I am the newly appointed Flame Hashira."

"A Hashira? Quite impressive for someone as young as you. I'm sure your father is very proud." Tanjuro complimented. "Thank you, sir. Unfortunately, my father does not share your point of view."

"Yes. I've heard of his... personality. It's quite a shame."

"Yes. Yes, It is."

"Well, you're welcome to visit. Anytime."

"Thank you sit."

Words 1134

Posted 21/5/2021