❤ ~ The Greatest Gift ~ ❤

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This chapter will have a flashback, just so you are aware. Wanted to assure you'd not be confused where this was timewise. Either way, leave feedback. Always appreciated!

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(Two days Prior to Final Selection Ending)

Tanjirou had lingered beyond the small stream they'd remained near. A fresh water source was valuable, all knew that. Makomo and Sabito had gone off on their search for more food as well as directions to the next descent location. It left Giyuu with the youngest, who was beginning to on edge from the subtle sounds of breaking twigs and rustling leaves. Who wouldn't be on edge in such a dense and dark forest area. The entrance was a beauty, but the interior was something of nightmares. Even so, Tanjirou did admit the silence was a bit soothing. It allowed his mind time to think without trouble. 

He'd been quiet for sometime, sticking his hands in the icy stream before he noticed familiar footsteps. Giyuu had been resting his eyes before he lingered closer. Crouching down, he cupped some of the water before drinking it slowly, his gaze shifting toward Tanjirou. The youngest was caught in a momentary thought before being pulled away. 

"How long do you think the other's will be?" Tanjirou's tone was low, dripping with slight worry. 

"They are smart as well as agile. Believe in them, Tanjirou. How are you holding up?" There was a long silence, Tanjirou shrugging. He crouched as well, tilting his head as he locked eyes with Giyuu. 

"I'm doing fine, just a bit tired. Nothing too troublesome."

"That makes sense. You're the youngest, so you are still growing more than the rest of us. Why not take a break. I can keep lookout."  The maroon haired male shook his head, rising as he stretched his limbs. 

"I'll decline. I truly want to walk around a bit, ease this boredom." Giyuu chuckled, rising from the ground. 

"We can walk for a bit, but not too long. I'd prefer them not return and worry cause we vanished." Tanjirou nodded, shifting toward the tree where his sword rested. Picking it up, he led the way with Giyuu in tow. 

Tanjirou had to admit, the night was beautiful. The stars that peaked through the leafy canopy were breathtaking. He lingered beside Giyuu, who was more alert. His gaze scanned everything, assessing for any chance of danger. He was determined to keep them safe, especially Tanjirou. In the time they had known each other, Tanjirou was something special to him. Someone he felt a need to protect. He was young and unsure of some emotions, but Giyuu knew admiration well. The youngest was gifted, more so than anyone else. He was a strength Giyuu wished he had. To be able to walk without concern. If trouble arose, Tanjirou could easily get free. For Giyuu, it was a struggle. He never felt worthy, strong, nor confident. Just being around Tanjirou filled those gaps where nothing rested. Even if it was borrowed strength or a limited foundation, he was willing to hold onto it. To keep moving so he could remain beside the maroon haired male. 

The lasting silence had been constant for a time before ultimately coming to a close. They'd not paid much mind to where they traveled, only that they'd lingered further than mapped. It wasn't unusual, seeming as the two were terrible with directions. Even so, that wasn't their main concern. Hearing the blood curdling scream drew Tanjirou's attention. He had hurried toward it without thought, ignoring the calls of Giyuu. The raven lingered back momentarily before chasing after, finding himself slowing as he noticed Tanjirou peering beyond a tree. That face once so calm was filled with a thick layer of fear and Giyuu understood why once his gaze fell to such a horrid view.