Shadows of the Moon

Chapter 6: Tanjiro's Backstory Part 1

As the crimson sunset painted the sky, Tanjiro trudged home from a long day of selling coal. A sense of weariness weighed upon his shoulders, but little did he know that his world was about to shatter.

The familiar scent of his humble cabin was tainted by a stench of blood, an ominous harbinger of tragedy. Fear gripped Tanjiro's heart as he sprinted towards the cabin, his footsteps echoing through the desolate woods.

In horror, Tanjiro stumbled upon a nightmarish scene. His beloved family lay lifeless on the blood-stained floor.

Tears streamed down his face as he frantically checked their pulses, but his hopes were crushed with each lifeless body he touched. Only Nezuko, his sister, clung to the fading embers of life. He cradled her delicate form saying "Nezuko! Hang in there, I will save you, just stay with me please!" But with a final breath, she left him, her fragile finger pointing behind him.

Lost in his grief, Tanjiro no longer cared for his own fate. But a silent figure emerged from the shadows, placing a gentle hand upon his trembling shoulder. "Child," the stranger's voice broke through his anguish, "What is your name?" Tanjiro could not respond, lost in his own world of confusion and pain. As his consciousness waned, the stranger carefully carried him, laying him down upon the ground.

Tanjiro could now see the man. His features were sharp, with a chiseled jawline and piercing, cool gray eyes that seemed to hold a profound weight of experience and sorrow. Framing his face was a cascade of dark, sleek hair that fell to his shoulders, partially obscuring the stoic expression that graced his countenance. The man's attire consisted of the iconic uniform of the Demon Slayer Corps, the distinct black and white patterned haori draped over his shoulders, symbolizing his unwavering dedication to the cause.

The man began the solemn task of digging graves for Tanjiro's family. Through tear-filled eyes, Tanjiro rose to help. Together, they laid the fallen to rest, a poignant act of farewell to the lives that were taken too soon.

"Now," the man spoke softly, "what is your name?" Tanjiro's voice quivered as he uttered, "K-Kamado...Tanjiro." the weight of his loss etched in every syllable.

The man, a stoic and enigmatic figure, made a promise to guide Tanjiro to someone nearby who could provide care. Their footsteps echoed in the night as they ventured through the darkened woods. A screech suddenly pierced through the woods.

A grotesque, misshapen demon, brown and bloated, hurtled towards Tanjiro with malicious intent. The creature screamed, "Damn it, Damn it! I need to kill the last person, 'No survivors' he said and if he finds out the one he wanted dead most is still alive...HE will kill me with his own two hands." The demon sprinted at Tanjiro as to kill him. Tanjiro stood still accepting his perceived destiny. However, in a swift and graceful motion, the man's blade severed the demon's head, its lifeless form collapsing to the ground.