Another

Chapter Four: A Promise.

As the moon began its descent into the horizon, the group finally arrived at the Kamado Residence. The back wall was completely splattered with the blood of their family, still dripping from the raised platform. Taking in this sight, the hands of the oni siblings turned red, their talons piercing their palms.

The other three slayers stayed behind them, observing their reactions to the torn bodies of their loved ones.

Nezuko and Tanjiro drooled at the sight, noses twitching with every inhale. Their stomachs growled as their eyes drank in the pale flesh, the exposed hearts, the pale eyes, the-

Both siblings turned to the sides as they heaved into the snow. Steam rising from wherever the clear bile landed, the oni's eyes widened as they trembled.  Their hands held their abdomens as the smell of blood polluted the air, their stomachs turning as they both retched vigorously. 

Eyes meeting each other, the demon slayers released a breath. 

“Here." The smallest slayer stepped forward, short black hair curling around her smiling kitsune mask. She held out two small squares of rough cloth towards the siblings. The blue flowers on her right cheek caught the fading moonlight.

"Use these to cover your noses."

Gratitude filled their hearts as the brother and sister turned their backs on the horror behind them. They took the cloth from her hands, their heads ducked in thanks.

“Would you like some help putting your family to rest?” The dark-haired boy gestured towards the clear bile melting the snow. “We understand if you don't want to..” the boy trailed off.

Tanjiro’s nose fluttered. His eyes focused on the boy. Understanding and grief flowed from the young slayer, flanked on both sides by Sabito and the young girl.

“No, thank you." Tanjiro turned fron the slayers, carefully placing Rokuta's body in Nezuko's arms. He tied the cloth around his face. "This is something Nezuko and I have to do ourselves.”

Tanjiro walked to the bare garden on the side of the house. After clearing the snow, he began the first of five graves. The sound of a shovel splitting open the Earth filled the winter air, masking any sniffles and soft whimpers the 16 year old boy failed to hide.

If only I had left the town earlier, maybe they would all still be alive.

Tanjiro slammed the shovel into the dirt, the sound of splintering wood filling the still air. He quickly wiped his tears on his sleeves as he walked back to the yard.

Nezuko was sitting alone on the patio of the home, sniffling as she cradled the bodies of her siblings. The slayers sat a short distance off, the smell of medical herbs drifting through the air. Their eyes were fixated on the siblings as Tanjiro gently took Rokuta from his sister, and walked to the scene of his family’s death. 

The eyes of his family were closed, the blood on their faces wiped away. He stood in the doorway as the hidden sun began to peek from the horizon. 

I’m sorry for failing you. I promise to work hard and become a slayer. I will end that demon. 

Tanjiro grit his teeth, eyes shining with unshed tears. He carried the first of his dead siblings to the graves. Nezuko stood by the edge of the first pit, a new shovel in her hands. Her eyes were trained on the ground, devoid of any emotion.

We both will. No matter what it takes.

Tanjiro placed Rokuta in the smallest of the five graves. He wiped away a small blood splatter on his round cheek.

We both will kill him. 

…

Credits: (video) fleuringo