boketto || t. kamado

thirty-one

Fun fact: I'm aware that the elemental effects of breathing styles don't canonically happen visibly (at least as far as I was told) but I think it's so fucking boring without them so that's why I add them in as visual things. 

"What was that sound?"

I paused, glancing at Tanjiro who had spoken up and was looking toward the forest. Frankly, I was only focused on the sound of the flowing river beside us, and trying to spot any demon's auras before they could sneak up on us. I hadn't really been listening elsewhere. I mean, I did hear the distant boom, but it was so far off that I didn't really concern myself with it. 

Still, I responded, "I'm not sure."

"Did lightning just strike?" He questioned softly, and I followed his gaze but the sky did really speak of such a storm. You could still see the moon.

Inosuke walked past us, "How should I know?"

I followed, walking closer to the riverbank as Tanjiro rambled, "But I don't smell any thunderclouds. The acrid odor in the air is stronger now, so I can't tell."

Tanjiro called after Inosuke and the two started chatting - arguing - about something regarding where Inosuke was going to go and his wounds. I turned to look into the forest, feeling the chill of a breeze ruffle my haori and hair. The leaves and pine needles rustled against each other and the river flowed behind me. I took a deep breath of the natural air. Maybe Tanjiro could smell something rancid, but my normal smell made it seem nice. 

My ear twitched as I picked something up, blinking and shifting my footing. Tanjiro and Inosuke were still talking but... it wasn't either of them. I watched with careful eyes into the forest. No auras. Was it my imagination? 

Just as I considered turning back, I felt it again - the same presence that I had right before the demon snapped all those people's necks. Not human. Not demon. Something between the realms, between planes of existence. And just barely, I heard the whisper again.

"Y/n,"

I spun with wide eyes, looking at the space just over my shoulder where I felt the presence, but there was nothing in the air. At least at first, until a few sparks of gold flickered into existence right before my very eyes. They floated quickly, moving past and into the woods again. 

Cautious hand on my sword, I watched the quiet woods for a moment. I heard Tanjiro call my name questioning, but I was too focused on the woods. I felt that presence. Like someone was there. 

From behind a tree, far into the forest, a figure sparkling in black ash walked out, slow and barely visible, until they turned towards me. In just a flicker, I barely was able to make out the face. But there was no mistake and they were instantly recognizable. 

Joji.

Tanjiro suddenly appeared next to me, placing a cautious hand on my shoulder and asking, "Is everything okay?"

"Did you see that?" I instantly asked, seeing as the figure disappeared as soon as I blinked. Tanjiro's brow furrowed, and he followed my gaze. 

He looked for a moment before finally shaking his head, "I don't see anything."

I kept my mouth shut, unable to truly respond. Tanjiro was growing worried so I planned to turn and return to him and Inosuke. Maybe some delusion. Tanjiro gave me a wary smile, and I turned with my back to the forest to follow him back toward the riverbank.

"Y/n!"

I spun back around much quicker, startling Tanjiro as I looked into the forest and very quickly spotted him this time. A young boy, barely above a toddler's age with hair and eyes matching mine. He looked at me, then turned his back and dashed out of sight.