Raised by the darkness ||Kny FanFic||

Chapter eight: Broken promise

Thinking back, Kokushibo realizes that he didn't take long at all to make the decision to take care of Tanjirou. He had found the boy, noticed that Tanjirou wasn't afraid of him like most humans, and Tanjirou had then promptly fallen asleep in his arms. It took about a minute or two for Kokushibo to decide that he would take care of the child.

It was a quick decision, he realizes, but in that moment, it felt completely natural. He couldn't allow the boy to wander the dangerous world alone, vulnerable to danger at any moment. The thought of leaving Tanjirou alone in the harsh and dangerous world was unbearable to Kokushibo. It felt so wrong to even consider it. The boy was so full of joy and warmth, a ball of sunshine in the darkness. How could anyone leave him to fend for himself in such a world?

Was taking Tanjirou under his wing a rash and reckless decision? Absolutely. Did it go against the very nature of a demon? Without a doubt. Does Kokushibo regret it? Not in the slightest.

Is Kokushibo upset or annoyed by his decision? Nope, not at all.

He looks down at Tanjirou again as the boy sleeps peacefully in his arms. There's no regret or reluctance in his gaze, only a gentle fondness and protectiveness. He gently pats the boy's head, an affectionate gesture that would be out of character for a demon like him.

Tanjirou subconsiously leans into the touch, snuggling a bit closer to Kokushibo, and letting out a sleepy huff. At Tanjirou's subtle action, Kokushibo can't help but feel a pang of affection in his cold heart. The boy snuggles even closer, and lets out a small, adorable huff in his sleep.

As Kokushibo looks at the sleeping boy in his arms, he is reminded once again of just how young and fragile Tanjirou is. The boy is only four years old, yet he seems so much smaller than other children of the same age. It's as if he is a delicate piece of glass that could shatter with just a wrong move.

The large clothes that Tanjirou is wearing swallow up his small frame, making him look even smaller than he already is. And when Kokushibo runs his hand over Tanjirou's back, he can feel the outline of his ribs through the boy's skin, a clear sign of how fragile and underweight the little one is. It's a concerning sign, one that makes Kokushibo worry for Tanjirou's health.

Kokushibo doesn't blame Tanjirou's parents either. It's clear from the boy's cheerful expressions and fond memories that his parents loved him dearly, not to mention his three younger siblings. If he has to guess, it's safe to assume that Tanjirou's family was likely on the poorer side.

It's an unfortunate reality. In families that struggle with poverty and financial hardship, there tends to be a higher number of mouths to feed, thus leading to each family member having poor nutrition and health. It's a vicious cycle that's difficult to break, further emphasized by the lack of access to proper healthcare and nutritious food in impoverished communities.

A memory that Kokushibo had long tried to bury deep within the depths of his mind suddenly resurfaces. It involves his brother, who, despite coming from an aristocratic family, suffered from severe under-nutrition. This was the fault of their father, who had purposely deprived Yoriichi of any proper food, instead giving him just scraps and near-rotten leftovers.

The images of his brother's tiny, frail figure come rushing back to his mind. He remembers the stolen bits of his own dinner that he used to sneak to his brother. He remembers the sense of responsibility he had felt, to ensure that his brother didn't go hungry. He remembers his brother's gratitude and attempts to share food, despite being the one who was starving. He remembers the numerous times his father lashed out in anger, and punished him with his fists.

But no matter how many times his father's wrath was directed at him, Michikatsu never once stopped feeding Yoriichi. Because that's what big brothers are supposed to do. They're meant to protect their younger siblings. Michikatsu felt a sense of responsibility, a duty to keep his brother safe. He was the favorite, the one who received his father's approval, while Yoriichi was the cast aside one who was ignored and neglected. This contrast only amplified Michikatsu's determination to be the guardian his brother deserves, even if it led to his own suffering.

And one day all that had crumbled to dust. The day when Yoriichi's talent was discovered.

That day, when they were seven, Yoriichi smiled and spoke for the first time, declaring his intent to become a samurai like his brother after watching him practice sword swings, startling him. One of their father's men tasked with training him decided to humor Yoriichi, showing him a simple stance. Unexpectedly, the young boy flew into action after assuming the stance, landing four blows against the man and shocking his brother, who despite his training had never landed one. However, Yoriichi couldn't stand the feeling of hitting someone and renounced his goal to become a samurai.

After that day everything was switched. Yoriichi was declared to be the heir to the Tsugikuni clan, and Michikatsu was the one who would be sent to the shrine to be a monk.

That day all the brotherly protection and affection that he felt for Yoriichi was drowned under jealousy and hatred.

Michikatsu forgot who he was to Yoriichi. He forgot that he was supposed to be Yoriichi's older brother, always there for him, always protecting him. He had said so himself to Yoriichi when he gifted him that old and useless flute:

"If you ever feel scared, just blow into this flute and I'll come and protect you."

Michikatsu had promised to protect Yoriichi, yet he forgot all that the day Yoriichi was prooven to be better. And Kokushibo has his whole life tried to forget about him, about the flute, about the small three-tatami room that his brother was forced to live in, everything. Kokushibo tried to bury those memories away.

Kokushibo was pulled out of his thoughts as the sound of a small sneeze rang through the air. He looked down at Tanjirou, to see the boy awakening from his sleep. The child was still groggy from just waking up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. Tanjirou yawned and blinked up at Kokushibo.

Kokushibo couldn't help but find the sight of Tanjirou, yawning and blinking up at him with his bright red eyes, absolutely adorable, honesly, who wouldn't find the little one adorable at this point? He gently patted the boy's head, the gesture coming to him surprisingly naturally.

Tanjirou's lips pulled to form a small and happy grin, leaning into the touch. Seeing Tanjirou's little grin and feeling him lean into the touch, a small smile tugged at Kokushibo's lips as well. He continued to pat the boy's head, enjoying the simple moment of contentment.

The past and the failures of Michikatsu loomed over Kokushibo, a painful reminder of his broken promises and failed duties. But now, as he continued to hold Tanjirou in his arms, the demon vowed silently to himself that he wouldn't let such promises be broken again. He would fiercely protect Tanjirou, come hell or high water.

The little one in his arms wouldn't suffer the betrayal that his brother suffered.

Demon Baby Tanjirou?

FUCK YESSSS BABY DEMON TANJIROUUU

Fuck no, that's stupid wtf keep him as a human pls