Spider Guardian

Chapter 1 (Cruelty)

'Why?'

'Why did this happen?'

"Nezuko, don't die on me.'

'I won't let you die.'

'I'll definitely save you.'

These were the thoughts that ran through Tanjiro's mind as he ran down the mountain.

He was coming back home after departing from his neighbor Saburo's house.  He had initially planned to go home during the night after selling charcoal in the village but was stopped by Saburo.

As he ascended to his home, he smelled something horrible.

The smell of blood.

When he ran up to his house, he saw that his  whole family was murdered. Even little Rokuta was dead. Nezuko was the only one who was warm.

As Tanjiro ran down the mountain, he wondered if a non hibernating bear attacked. He could feel his crest being in immense pain because of the cold air. But he knew that he couldn't give up yet. He had to save Nezuko.

Unbeknownst to him, Nezuko's hand started to twitch slightly, and her head leaned back a bit. She started to growl, and Tanjiro finally noticed she was awake. Suddenly, Tanjiro slipped near a snow slope and began falling. Thankfully, the snow cushioned the fall.

"Nezuko!!"Tanjiro yelled, looking around.

He found Nezuko standing in the snow, with her head down."Nezuko, you don't need to walk. I'll carry you all the way to town, "Tanjiro said as he ran up to her.

Tanjiro heard her growl, and then she pounced on him and tried to bite him. He pulled out his hatchet and let her bite the handle. That's when he realized something horrible.

'Nezuko turned into a man eating demon. No, that can't be. She is human. She was born human. But she doesn't smell like the usual Nezuko'

That's when he felt Nezuko getting stronger. Tanjiro was losing strength and couldn't hold her for much longer.

'While I was in someone else's house sleeping comfortably, everyone was experiencing a horrible attack. It must have hurt. I'm sorry. But the only thing I can do now is help her' Tanjiro, though with guilt.

"Nezuko, you can do it, Nezuko. You can do it. I believe in you. Don't turn into a demon. You can do it. You can do it."Tanjiro said as tears filled up in his eyes, trying to hold her off.

Suddenly, a tear dropped on his cheek. He looked to see Nezuko crying. He was surprised for a few seconds.

But then, he saw a man with half-half haori behind his sister with his raised katana. The man brought his sword down, only to miss and cut Tanjiro's hair when he pulled his sister down and rolled away. He holds his sister close as she growls and tries to get away.

The man looks at Tanjiro with no emotions as he asks,"Why did you protect a demon?"

"She's my sister. She's my little sister,"Tanjiro answered.