❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

▫◽◻1️⃣7️⃣◻◽▫

Hello to everyone. I apologize for the slight delay on this chapter; just been dealing with a heavy weight on my chest. Old memories resurfaced and truthfully, they made me quite sad. Even so, I'll keep pushing through. Wanted to notify you all to clarify that I am still in good health, just hurting somewhere in my heart on an emotional level. Nothing to worry about.

Onto a different note, hope you're looking forward to this stories continuation. There are so many chapters I am planning. I calculated the estimate number and shocked even myself. I estimate this story might go above 100 chapters, so let's set 100 as a minimum goal! Quite a big number, but it's doable. Either way, please give feedback and enjoy. I truly appreciate the gratitude you all give, as well as the amount of support for my writing. It truly could not make me happier!

〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰🔆〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰

The following morning had been the real beginning for the four. They were outside, together. The sun was nearly over the horizon, signaling the start of their travels. Giyuu and Tanjirou had been standing together, waiting as Makomo and Sabito were lagging behind. Behind them was Urokodaki, who wore a wide smile. His mask was off entirely, hands reaching out as he pulled them all close. 

"Be safe and I will see you four back here once Final Selection is complete. Remember to protect each other, no matter what." There was a calming silence as all chuckled, the older male stepping back as he promptly waved to them. His gaze watched the backs of all four as they began on a new adventure. A new beginning to correct the world. To save the innocent. Even if the words never left Urokodaki's mouth, the four knew one main factor; The older male was indeed proud. Not of one individual, but all of them. His own family headed into a dangerous path, but fortified by a strong bond. It was the first time he was able to breath, to feel relief. 

The day had progressed onward for the four. They had walked without rest for a huge chunk, the sun high overhead. It led to the decision to take a short break. Makomo had gone to a tree, leaning against it as she relaxed on the base of the tree. As for Sabito and Giyuu, the duo hurried toward the water. Giyuu was the first to bend low, scooping some water before testing it. The surface was crystal clear, fish swimming in the large portion shown. Sabito was exhausted, but also still slightly in a cheeky mood. Which led to certain situations. Tanjirou had been relatively close by, but still distanced. The sun overhead was making him overheat faster than he was used to. It made the top layer of his skin itch, not that he wasn't able to ignore it. He was well aware it might be due to his somewhat small demon side. Even so, it was minimal and easy to forget about. Tanjirou had made his way toward the shade, preparing to rest beside Makomo when he heard Giyuu's surprised shout. His gaze shifted quick enough to see Sabito pushing the raven into the crystal waters. A short chuckle sounded from most, even Tanjirou as he moved close to the waters edge. He offered a hand, a gentle smile playing over his features. 

As Giyuu reached up, he grinned. Those wet hands tugged the other into the water, Tanjirou's body submerging. He widened his gaze, hands thrashing about slightly before Giyuu pulled him above the water's surface. A rough gasp and coughing filled the space as Tanjirou clung tightly to Giyuu, who was treading water. 

"Tanjirou? Do you not know how to swim?" The youngest shook his head, body slightly shaking. Those fingers dug into Giyuu, desperate to remain above the surface. It made Giyuu sigh, his gaze glancing to Sabito as the pink haired male dove into the waters cold embrace. "Would you like to learn? Me and Sabito can show you how." 

"But... What if you drop me? I'll fall under and drown... I want to get out..." Sabito resurfaced, chuckling before he fell silent at Giyuu's slight glare. While the raven was threatening to Sabito, his soothing and calm voice settled some of Tanjirou's anxiety that was swirling in him. 

"Do you trust me, Tanjirou?" 

"Of course... I'm just scared!" The raven nodded, speaking up again.

"I get that. But remember our talk? If you get scared, let us scare that fear away. Learning to swim means there is no need to fear water anymore. I won't drop you!"

"Promise?" Giyuu chuckled, smiling calmly. 

"I promise." Tanjirou steadied his breathing, slightly loosening his grip. Giyuu took the chance to guide Tanjirou toward the edge of the water. Once he got the other to hold the edge, he showed each stride. The youngest took note, feeling his stomach twist. Once the raven was done showing, he stretched a hand outward, Tanjirou gently taking it. Feeling himself be pulled further out, he met Giyuu's gaze as those hands moved to Tanjirou's waist. He held Tanjirou while treading water himself as he let Tanjirou practice the motions. In no time the youngest was moving, a smile present before he realized the truth behind his actions. He was feet away, moving without help through the waters. Sabito gave an impressed glance while Giyuu laughed, swimming toward Tanjirou. The younger male frowned, treading beside the raven.

"You lied to me..."

"I did no such thing. You happened to leave my grip. Still, you scared of the water now?" Tanjirou glanced at the surface, giggling as he shook his head. He swam a bit more before Makomo called them to get out. Once Sabito and Giyuu left the water, they aided Tanjirou out of the lake before taking their haori's off. Draining the water from the attire, they placed back on the haori before heading out once more. They only prayed the sun would dry their outfits before nightfall in nearly half a day.

Yelling sounded from the house as golden hair shifted with every step. Hands gripped the sword tightly, teeth clenched as worried eyes glanced back. A stern gaze met the other as the figure turned the corner, taking in a large breath. Leaning along the wall, he steadied his heartrate before hearing the shouts grow closer. 

"Kyoujurou, get back here for a moment! Do NOT just ignore your father!" Kyoujurou scowled, taking off once more in time to see his father round the corner. Glancing back, he met eyes before drifting into the crowd of people. He felt his own breath hitch. To think his first day toward Demon Slaying was going to be brutal. A single disagreement and mistake turning into a full scale fight. Kyoujurou kept moving, taking glances to the slight bruise on his wrist. 

He'd always wondered why he chose to become a Demon Slayer. It might have been because it was right. It might have been to get away from his father. Either way, he didn't want to miss this chance. To finally gain even a sliver of peace from his dreadful father. His parent was strong, there was no doubt. The current Flame Hashira. But under the Demon Corps watchful eyes, just maybe, the physical pains would diminish. It was a hope he held close as he carried on down the path. All he had in the end was hope. He had no friends. No real family after his mother's death. He was simply alone, practically chained down by his father's stern teachings. 

Releasing a shaky breath, he shifted his expression to show a false smile. It was all he had. His good heart and fake mask. He all but prayed to gain something from this travel and new path in his future.

〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰🔆〰〰〰〰〰〰〰〰

I finally finished the cover for the Angel Demon story for the future. Will be below this message. Hope you like it. Spent far too long drawing and coloring this, but well worth!