Of Demons And Ghosts (Demon Slayer and Ghost Of Tsushima)

When Happiness Is Destroyed

In the snow peaked mountains, a constant crunch of snow could be heard through the trees. The source of this crunching was a boy, panting and sweating as he sprinted through the cold air. On his back, he carried an unconscious girl with terrible wounds. Every few steps he took, a drop of blood fell to the pure white ground, dying it a deep crimson as it left a noticeable trail. If one were to follow this trail, they would arrive at the top of the mountain and find what used to be a quaint little home, one that would be an absolute dream for someone who wanted a peaceful life.

This dream house, in the span of one night, became a nightmare for the survivors of the Kamado family.

The boy running was Tanjiro: The eldest, and now only, son of the Kamado's. He wore a checkered green and black haori, his eyes and long hair (that was tied into a ponytail) were a deep red, and there was a small scar adorning his forehead. The pale and bleeding girl on his back was his younger sister Nezuko: The only other living Kamado was dressed in a light pink kimono, tied with a red and white checkered obi, as well as a brown haori over the kimono. With the way she was bleeding, Tanjiro was fearful that she too would soon leave him.

He still wasn't quite sure what had happened, and he hadn't had a good time to try and gather his thoughts. But then again, there would never be a good time in a situation like this. So he tried to recall the events of yesterday.

The events that led to the slaughter of his loved ones.

Despite the small home, it was a family of 7 that occupied it. They were charcoal sellers and it was nearing the end of the year, so Tanjiro wanted to descend the mountain and venture to the town that resided at the bottom and sell as much charcoal as he could so that his family could have a good New Years celebration, where everyone could eat their fill. His siblings Hanako and Shigeru begged to go with him, but as he was taking a basket instead of a wagon, he wouldn't be able to them back up the mountain when they got tired, so they had to stay. He asked Takeo to cut a bunch of wood for him, and after thoroughly embarrassing him, he left to begin his journey.

Before it could begin though, he ran into Nezuko, in her arms was their youngest brother, Rokuta. After a brief talk, he was off again. Once he reached the town, he was greeted warmly by everyone that saw him. A boy ran to him while being chased by an older woman. She was claiming that he had broken her vase, but the boy swore he didn't do it. He begged Tanjiro to smell it and tell her that he was telling the truth. Tanjiro, with his unnaturally strong sense of smell, did so, and told her that it smelled like a cat. Once that was cleared up, he began to sell his goods.

It took him all day, but he had sold all the charcoal and began making his way back up the mountain, only to be blocked by old man Saburo. Saburo was a bit of a loner, living at the base of the mountain, but outside the town. Though Tanjiro only vaguely remembered most of yesterday, this memory was crystal clear. 

"Tanjiro, it's dark out. You should stay the night with me." He said concisely. He was never one for drawn out conversation.

"Don't worry Saburo! I have a good nose so I won't get lost or hurt or anything!" Tanjiro smiled as he responded.

"Just come on. Get inside." He repeated firmly. He never normally acted like this, so Tanjiro was a bit concerned.

"No I-" He began, but what Saburo said next silenced him.

"Just get in here. Before the demons show up."

He went inside, whether it was to ease the old man's nerves or his own, he didn't know. Saburo offered him a small meal for dinner. After eating and thanking the man for the food, he was given a place to sleep. And yet, his mind wouldn't rest. Not without answers to the questions eating at his mind.