Archive of Our Own

‘Never climb the mountain, Muichiro. Promise me.’

‘I promise, Mother.’

The memory of his mother’s warning invades Muichiro’s mind like a stab through the heart. Guilt churns in his stomach, because he knows he’s breaking his mother’s number one rule, but he doesn’t really have a choice. 

The doctor said at most his mother had two weeks to live. But if he was able to get the herb needed for the cure on that mountain, then…

He had entertained the notion before but promptly shut it down when he mentioned it to his mother, who had scolded him.

‘Absolutely not. If it’s my time, then it’s my time. I will not have you going on a suicide trip to find a fabled miracle herb on that godforsaken mountain.’ 

The argument had been backed by his father and brother. Yucihiro had argued the most vehemently, to the point of gluing himself to Muichiro’s side to ensure he wouldn’t sneak off on his own.

But now the ailment had reached them too. Even though they had much better odds than their mother, Muichiro just couldn’t stand by and dawdle while his very family wasted away to nothing.

So with newfound conviction, Muichiro paid a caretaker to look after his family and left to find the herb.

Looking up at the mountain, Muichiro shivered. It was the middle of winter. Evident in the way snow fell and blanketed the mountain in its cold embrace. Snow piled on the large, terrifying pine trees and the massive boulders that looked like they’d roll over at the slightest breeze. It brought a chill that not even Muichiro’s furs could warm away.

Muichiro took a step forward and immediately looked back to his family’s house. It was a cozy inhabitance. A window on each wall and two beside the door. Thick, sturdy logs are used as support beams as well as a cobbled border. The roof made of overlapping stone tiles pointed skywards. It was large and, most importantly, warm. His father had made sure of that. They’d never struggled for money; everyone had use for the wood in his father’s lumber mill.

 Especially during winter. 

But the money his father had amassed through blood, sweat, and tears would be of little use if he died.

Muichiro shook such thoughts from his head. His father would make it. All of them would. 

All Muichiro needed to do was climb the mountain and find the herb.

He could do this.

Muichiro took those first few steps.

And his fate was sealed.

The first hour of the trek upwards had been uneventful. And it set Muichiro on edge. The silence was deafening. It made Muichiro feel exposed and watched. Every twig he snapped under his foot and every breath he made seemed to cut through the silence and expose Muichiro all the more. 

He had slipped a while back. Stepping on a piece of slushy snow that entrenched his foot a few feet deep. While his leg stood ramrod straight, Muichiro’s body lurched forward, causing his leg to scream in pain. 

The strain on his leg slowed his pace down from a brisk walk to a sluggish pace. His foot pulsed each time he took a step, and his hip burned. But he didn’t stop.

His family needed that herb. And Muichiro would get it.

Even if it killed him.

A few rays of light were still piercing through the thick foliage, but they were waning, and the sky was quickly darkening. Muichiro needed to find shelter asap.

He spotted  a small hollow in the mountain and headed towards it. Looking at it more closely, Muichiro hesitated. Comfy is not the first word he’d use to describe it. It was barely even a shelter. The ground, uneven and slightly damp from the snow dripping down into the entrance, didn't look welcoming whatsoever. It wasn’t all that spacious either; he'd have to pull his knees up to his face to fit. 

 It wasn’t ideal, but indicated by the darkening sky, Muichiro won’t be able to find another shelter before nightfall. So with no other option, he stuffs himself into the hollow. Grimacing when the damp smell hits him and starts to wet his clothes. The dark doesn’t help him settle down either. It’s oppressive and heavy. It makes Muichiro feel trapped .

Something rustles in the bushes outside. Muichiro stills, holding his breath and focusing his vision toward the sound.

There’s nothing.

Great, just great. He’s tired, hurt, damp, and now imagining things. Muichiro puts his head in his hands and exhales. This whole journey was a mistake. Rather than find the mystical herb supposedly on this mountain, he’d most likely fall to his death first. He was an idiot traversing a mountain for an herb he didn’t even know existed.

But yet… when Muichiro remembers what his family had looked like when he’d left. Pale and struggling to breathe. All the regret fades away. Damn the consequences; Muichiro would find this herb.

A yawn breaks him out of his brooding. He’d been more tired than he’d realized. Muichiro snuggles himself closer to the wall and wraps his furs tighter around himself. 

His eyes droop for some time until they finally shut and Muichiro falls asleep. 

The howl of a wolf is the last thing he hears when he shuts his eyes.

Intruder.  

Tanjirou stalks out of his den. The foreign scent invading his olfactory. He scents the air again. 

It’s young, frightened— human . 

A human on his mountain. A young one but still a human. How long had it been since there was one brave enough to venture in? Tanjirou growls, the last time a someone came into his domain… 

He shakes his head; whoever was here, he’d deal with them before they got anywhere near his family.

He’d failed once. 

Never again.

Sucking in air, Tanjirou lets out a thunderous howl. The rough baritone noise startles the surrounding wildlife and gives Tanjirou the strength he needs to descend the mountain.

Tanjirou steals a glance at his sleeping family before sprinting towards the sound. He makes a point of keeping his paw steps silent, stepping in his past imprints. The scent gets stronger the farther down he gets. Tanjirou hesitates for a moment, slowing his sprint to a trot. He never ventured this low on the mountain, this close to the human encampment, a ways away from here. He comes to a complete stop, arching his snout into the air, catching the human’s scent. 

The scent was strong, but the human had just barely started to climb, so it was at the foot of the mountain. Too low, too close. Tanjirou contemplates for a moment: should he let the human get farther up? 

No, the farther up it got, the closer it was to his family. And Tanjirou would not let that happen. He would have to brave the mountain and deal with the human accordingly.

With renewed vigor Tanjirou sprints towards the scent. His surroundings blur as he picks up speed. His paws slapped onto the earth with thunderous thumps. 

His bout of speed eventually leads him to a hollow in the mountain. From here, Tanjirou can make out the scent of the human, misty with hints of sawdust.

Crouching, Tanjirou stalks up to a few bushes close to the hollow and camouflages himself within them. The bushes rustle ever so slightly, causing the human scent to turn bitter with fear. 

Good, this human should be terrified.

There . A few paces away is the origin of the scent. Tanjirou falters. The human was his age. Well, perhaps a year or two younger. But still. What was a teenager doing out here? 

A shaky exhale startles him from his thoughts. The boy’s scent gains a sour note. The acrid scent of sadness and frustration. Tanjirou stalls once more. Was this boy really a threat? 

No, he didn’t think so. The scent of magic was strong but raw and unrefined. Nothing like the creatures from so long ago. Hmph, he’d observe him, and if the boy meant harm, he’d dispose of him, and if not, well… Tanjirou hadn't decided what he’d do yet.

He patrols the area around the boys' hollow for the rest of the night. If he left, the boy would’ve woken up to an animal looking for an easy meal. Which the boy was, because seriously, who sleeps in the middle of a forest without so much as covering the entrance? That was like asking to get eaten. 

Disregarding the boy's stupidity, Tanjirou makes a point of rubbing his scent around the area. He rubs his face against a few pines and boulders. It would deter most of the animals here, and any who were stupid enough to still approach Tanjirou would deal with easily.

Dawn was starting to creep up, Tanjirou noticed. He’d have to conceal himself soon. Better to observe the boy’s true nature before he revealed himself.

He crouched behind a boulder, his dark crimson fur instantly blending in. He’d watch the boy today, and if he proved to have no ill intentions, Tanjirou would approach him, and if not, then… 

Tanjirou would have a nice snack for the night.

Muichiro awoke with an aching back. He sighed. Right, he wasn’t at home in his feathered bed but rather in a dark, dank crevice in the middle of the wilderness. He pushed himself out of the crevice, stumbling onto the snow. The sudden movement aggravated his bruised leg. He sighed. This was going to be a long trek.

Muichiro stood up and dusted himself off. He walked towards a tree and smacked his fur against it, shaking off the spare dust it gathered overnight. Now dust-free, Muichiro put the fur back on and stretched. His back gave a nice pop.

Muichiro's stomach gave an uproarious growl. Right. He didn’t eat anything before he left yesterday, and the only food he brought with him was dried jerky. He took a piece of his pack and began to gnaw at it.

 He recommenced his journey upwards again. Once again, his leg proved to be the most annoying part of the journey; he’d been walking for less than an hour when it began to throb painfully. Each step was getting harder than the last until Muichiro decided to stop.

He slumped against a tree and took in a few shaky breaths. The pain had started to dissipate, but Muichiro knew if he continued, it’d start again. Frustration churned deeply in his gut. Tears began to pool in his eyes.

“Damnit!” He slammed his fist against the tree. He needed to find this herb. But he couldn’t. All because he couldn’t handle a little fucking pain. The first tear fell, and many others followed. His family might die, and all Muichiro had been able to do was injure himself. “I’m sorry, Mother, Father, Yuichiro…“ Muichiro trailed off. 

‘I’m fine, Muichiro. It’s just a small cold.’

 No, he was not going to give up because of some leg pain. 

Hefting himself up, Muichiro hobbled his way upwards, his leg hating every bit of it. But Muichiro didn’t care. He was not going to fail.

So caught up in his own mission, Muichiro failed to notice the wolf stalking right up behind him.

The wolf’s paw steps were silent, his whole body tightly controlled, crouched low as if hunting. It continued to follow right behind Muichiro. Amused and a little mortified that the boy hadn’t noticed the predator quite literally behind him . 

The wolf switched up tactics, letting his paws land harder, making the snow give a soft crunch. 

But still Muichiro didn’t notice.

A little annoyed at the boy’s blatant lack of spatial awareness, the wolf huffed. It wasn’t exactly a quiet sound, and yet the boy in front of him remained blissfully unaware of the danger behind him.

It continued like that for a while, Muichiro bullheadedly ignoring his pain, focusing on the path in front of him, and using the memory of his mother sick in bed to keep him going. Unfortunately for him, his absolute focus on the path left him unaware of the mass of fur currently shadowing his movements.

That was until the wolf decided it was fed up and purposefully stepped on a twig, letting out an echoing snap. 

Muichiro froze. That sounded awfully close. He shut his eyes and turned around, praying that it had been a figment of his imagination. 

He opened his eyes.

A wolf stood—no, towered over him, a mass of pure muscle and crimson fur. A deep plum red glistened in the wolf’s eyes like the purest of rubies. The small patches of fur on its underbelly were an old parchment color. A long canine snout curled in anger, showing off its vicious fangs. Luminous whites thinning into deadly points. 

Worst of all was its snarl, a deep, cruel sound that awoke primal fear within Muichiro. 

He took a step back.

The beast snarled louder, the sound piercing Muichiro’s ears. It pounced on Muichiro, pinning him down into the snow. Large savage claws digging painfully into his skin as saliva dripped from its maw and onto Muichiro’s face.

The attack had happened so fast that all Muichiro could do was let out a silent scream before he was face up in the snow, staring directly into the face of this… monster . Its maw twisted into a snarl, a cruel mockery of a smile.

It looked horrifically angry. Its eyes were pools of pure, unadulterated hatred, the soft plum giving way to a blood red, its pupils dilating into thin slits, and its fangs poised and ready to make a meal out of him.  

“I’m sorry, Mother,” Muichiro whispered. There was no way he was escaping this. He’d just wished he’d been able to find the herb before the beast had gotten to him. At least he had sated his childhood curiosity on whether or not there actually was a wolf on this mountain. “Make it quick, please. And don’t leave anything left of me. I don't want my mother to know I was eaten.” Muichiro resigned himself to his fate, tilting his neck upwards to give the wolf easier access to his jugular. 

For one horrible moment the wolf lunged. Its fangs tickling Muichiro’s throat… but not puncturing. 

Opening his eyes Muichiro didn’t even notice he closed; he made eye contact with the wolf. The terrifying red in its eyes was gone, replaced once again by the soft plum shade. The wolf retracted from Muichiro and plopped itself down on a patch of snow next to him. Wagging its tail like a tame dog instead of a ravenous beast.

What?

Muichiro stalls for a pair of seconds. The adrenaline pumping in his veins slowly dissipates. The reality of almost dying slaps him in the face like a scorned lover. His mind blanks for a moment before Muichiro snaps back to reality. 

Standing on unsteady feet, Muichiro takes a step back from the wolf. Fear still clinging to him like honey. The wolf, uncaring of the boy’s apprehension, trots up to him and motions to its back with a shake of its head. 

Muichiro stands there. Unsure of what to do. The wolf growls, as if annoyed at the boy’s inability to understand him. Muichiro flinches from the noise and stumbles back when the gargantuan canine clamps its fangs dangerously close to his neck and into the scruff of Muichiro’s clothes. In one fluid motion the wolf places Muichiro on its back and begins to run.

The shift in position and sudden speed gives Muichiro whiplash. He grabs onto the wolf’s fur, desperately trying not to fall off.

This entire situation was absurd. First, this wolf was about to kill him, and now it was letting him hitch a ride on its back!? 

Muichiro panics as the wolf once again increases speed. The terrain blurs into a splotch of color. Wind whips cruelly into Muichiro as he tries to desperately hold on by gripping onto the wolf’s fur and tightening his thighs around its ribcage. 

If the wolf notices the extra tug on its fur, it doesn’t seem to care as it takes a sharp turn left and almost leaves Muichiro face-planting into a nearby tree. The sudden change in direction leaves Muichiro reeling and wondering whether or not he’ll survive the wolf’s breakneck speed.

A sudden jerk rips Muichiro away from his thoughts. The wolf had stopped, plopping its bottom down, causing Muichiro to slide and land face up on the floor. Muichiro yelps, the pain on the back of his head jarring him. He sits up a moment later and spots the wolf walking away towards a creek and taking a few long gulps.

It dropped him off at a creek . Muichiro realizes. They were higher up on the mountain. The snow was thicker and the air colder, the type of biting cold that only a warm fire could abate. Now, looking at the crystalline blue water, he notices just how thirsty he is. In his rush to get to the mountain, he’d forgotten to pack more water and had run out earlier in the morning. Muichiro makes his way to the creek, settling himself a few paces away from the massive wolf. He pauses, contemplating if he should say something to it. “Look, thanks… wolf. For the water, but you know, please don’t, um… almost kill me again.”

A chuff was the only response he got. 

“Right. Well, I’m going to get water. I don’t know if you’re going to stay or…”

“I think I'll stay.” 

It talked?! 

Muichiro balked. He turned to look at the wolf. It was staring at him with startlingly intelligent eyes. His mother had always said the wolves on the mountain were different from typical wolves. They were smarter, stronger, larger, and faster, blessed with those abilities to guard whatever dwelled on the mountain. Muichiro knew it was smart, yes, but it could talk?!

“It’s official, I’ve gone insane. There’s no way I’m sane if a wolf can talk.”

“No, not yet. But if you stay long enough, you will.” The wolf’s voice sounded young and playful. Almost like someone his age would sound. 

Muichiro let out a nervous chuckle. “Right, of course.”

A wet nose suddenly shoved itself into Muichiro’s clothes. The wolf sniffed all over him. “You are younger than me.”

“What?”

“When I first smelled you, I assumed you were younger than me, and you are. Your scent confirmed it.”

“How long have you known I've been here?” Muichiro questions, unsure if he actually wants the answer.

“Since you first stepped foot on the mountain.”

Well then.

It’s a little disconcerting that this beast had been able to find him so fast, let alone that it knew Muichiro was here, before Muichiro even knew if the wolf existed. “Oh.”

“Oh indeed.”

“Are you going to kill me?” His voice wavers at the end. In all honesty, Muichiro is terrified. The shock of the initial encounter had dissipated, leaving Muichiro reeling; he could’ve died. 

 “I was going to. But I’ve changed my mind.” The wolf says nonchalantly, as if it’s the most mundane thing ever.

“Why?”

“Whatever you’re looking for on this mountain, you’re searching for it with no ill intentions. The last things that came were , and I killed them for it.”

Muichiro paled. This wolf could and absolutely would rip his throat out if he proved to be a threat. “How can you tell?”

“When I had you by the throat, you smelled… angry, which is why I almost ripped out your throat—but then I realized you weren’t angry at me… but at yourself. The last humans cursed me up until their last moments. You didn’t. And also, you don’t have that same cruel scent the others did.”

Dumbfounded is the only way Muichiro can describe how he’s feeling. He can’t find the proper words to say. Being pinned down by the wolf had been the scariest experience of his life. He’d stared death in the form of a snarling monster.

“Now that I’ve found you. I’d like you to leave.” 

“I can’t.” He blurts out. 

The wolf growls, pinning its ear back defensively and curling its muzzle in an angry snarl. The white glint of its fangs makes Muichiro all the more nervous. It stalks around Muichiro in a circular motion with its hackles raised and fangs bared. “Why?”

Muichiro curses himself for being so blunt and fumbles to word a response. “You said it yourself, I’m looking for an herb to heal my family. I won’t leave until I have it.” He says with as much firmness as he can muster, which isn’t a lot, seeing as the more he speaks, the more annoyed the wolf seems to get. 

“This is my domain. Everything on this mountain is protected by me. Why should I let you take something from my territory?” It growls into Muichiro’s ear. Its hot breath sends chills down Muichiro’s spine.

He contemplates for a moment whether or not he should tell the wolf the reason why he wants the herb. He decides to ultimately tell it; it'll probably be able to sniff out a lie anyway. “My mother is dying. She’s always been sickly, but recently she has caught a malady that’s gripped onto her. A doctor examined her and said she had a few weeks left at home.” His voice cracks, tears forming in his eyes as he recalls the doctor’s diagnosis. The doctor’s tired voice faded to white noise and intermingled with his mother’s fevered gasps, melding together to create a horrible melody that settled deep in his bones and deafened him. “I couldn’t— When I heard that, I decided to research the disease. I found an old tome detailing the symptoms and treatments. The cure for it requires the pollen of a blue spider lily. Supposedly only found on this mountain.”

Muichiro settles onto his knees and bows until his head is touching cold snow. “Please, let me get the pollen. I mean no harm; I just don’t want my mom to die.” His tears drip onto the snow like melancholic snowflakes. “ Please.”

He hears the wolf shift, stepping closer to him. Bringing its massive head down to nudge Muichiro’s head up with its snout. Muichiro obliges, lifting up his face, red and puffy from the cold and his tears. 

A slimy tongue passes over his left cheek, swiping a loose tear. Muichiro widens his eyes in shock but doesn’t recoil in disgust. Rather, he feels comforted as the wolf licks his other tears in reassurance, in comfort. 

The wolf steps back once its work is done. It pauses for a long while. Staring at Muichiro but not seeing him. Its eyes look grief-stricken. They possess such raw emotion that Muichiro can’t bear to look at them any longer lest he burst into tears again.

The wolf lets out a breath. It’s a tired sound. A sound that shouldn’t belong to the youthful voice Muichiro had just heard. “Ok. I’ll let you go to the herb. I know what it's like to… have ailing family members.” The wolf murmured, his voice sounding far away and his eyes glazed as if reliving a memory.

 It makes Muichiro feel sorrowful for the wolf. How long had it been guarding the mountain alone?  There had been no other wolves on the mountain, so for all Muichiro could know, this wolf’s family was dead. “However, only on the condition that you only take what you need for the cure, not the whole flower. Deal?” He puts his massive paw forward in an imitation of a handshake.

Muichiro hesitates for a moment, eyeing the wolf’s fearsome claws, his mind unhelpfully reminding him of the feeling of being on the receiving end of them. He looks up at the wolf, searching in its eyes for any sign of trickery, but he doesn't find any. After one final moment of hesitation, Muichiro grasps the wolf’s paw firmly and shakes. “Deal.” 

Snow crunches under Tanjirou’s paws. The harsh noise helps to quell his inner turmoil. Was he doing the right thing? Allowing this human to take a part of the thing he’s sworn to protect? A quiet growl rumbled at the back of his throat. He couldn’t just refuse the human’s plea either, not after he’d found out his motive… Tanjirou just couldn’t— wouldn’t refuse to help someone just trying to save his family, no, not when he himself was going through something similar.

His inner musings were interrupted by a harsh tug on his fur. He looked up to the human clinging to his back for dear life. “Are you alright, human?”

“Yeah, sorry about your fur. It’s just you started picking up the pace, and I almost slipped off.” He explained before pausing. “I have a name, y’know.”

Tanjirou was glad he was in his wolf form; otherwise, the embarrassment swirling in his head would’ve been clearly evident. How had he forgotten to ask for the boy’s name? “Sorry about that; I was lost in thought. Sometimes I run to clear my head.” Tanjirou pauses, unsure of how to ask for the boy’s name. “And sorry… gruff , about not asking for your name. What is it?”

“Muichiro. What’s yours?”

Muichiro. A nice name for a nice boy. Tanjirou mulled over Muichiro’s question for a few moments. Should he give him his real name? His father had always cautioned him against trusting humans, but he doubted Muichiro had any ill intent. His scent was free of anything malicious. “Tanjirou. My name is Tanjirou.”

“Nice to meet you, Tanjirou.”

“Nice to meet you too, Muichiro,” "Tanjirou said with a smile in his voice. The human— Muichiro smiled back.

“So what’s it like living on a mountain?” 

Tanjirou mulled over his answer for a moment before answering. “Freeing. Wild ” The roaring waterfalls, the sweet birdsong echoing throughout, and the sun on his back—all of it was freeing . Running wherever, whenever, howling his song at the tallest peak, catching his prey, and feeling that hot lifeblood dribbling into his mouth. That was what living on a mountain was like—what the mountain was, wild and free. “You’ll see what I mean when we get higher.” They were still near ground level, where the true beauty of the mountain was not visible; the snowmelt caked the land, turning dirt into dark sludge. Making everything seem dull and sullen. 

The slick terrain would’ve been no problem for Tanjirou if he’d been alone. His speed would’ve gotten him out of the mud in no time. But the passenger on his back probably wouldn’t be able to hold on, so for now a slow trot would have to do. 

The sun was still high enough to spend a few more hours scaling the mountain. By the time night fell, they’d be a little less than halfway up if they did so nonstop with no breaks. Which was something that he doubted Muichiro would last that long through; his back was not a comfortable seat for an hours-long ride. So, instead of subjecting his new… acquaintance (?) to an uncomfortable ride, Tanjirou shifted slightly in a different direction, still heading higher but slightly west as well. They’d stop an hour before nightfall and set up camp at a den a few miles from here. It used to be one of Tanjirou’s usual haunts before… his family’s circumstance , but now it was nothing more than an old memory Tanjirou reminisced about.

The rest of the way went smoothly, with Muichiro being pleasant company and asking the occasional question that would lead to conversation. Muichiro shared tidbits of his life: he had a mother, father, and brother; he worked in a lumber mill and apprenticed. under a mage in his free time, learning wind magic; he liked savory foods and working with his brother.

Tanjirou shared stuff about himself in turn. He mainly lived at the top of the mountain, liked to hunt, run, and howl with his family, and liked to practice his own solar magic. Muichiro looked at him quizzically when he’d mentioned the type of magic he practiced. “Solar magic? Wouldn’t lunar magic make more sense, since, you know, you’re a wolf?”

Tanjirou snorted. “I mean, I guess so, but I think you’ve noticed I’m not exactly a normal wolf. My family has practiced solar magic for hundreds of years, although only as a means of worship and prayer; they don’t use it for anything else.” Other than me, of course.

“Oh, well, then how do you use solar magic for prayer?” 

It was a harmless question, Tanjirou knew, but a very personal one he wasn't sure he should tell Muichiro about. The ceremonial dance was private and intimate to Tanjirou’s family. A way to sustain and strengthen their connection to the sun. A connection that had been sustained since a thousand years back, when Tanjirou’s first ancestor performed the first dance. But Tanjirou’s father had never warned Tanjirou against speaking of the religious ceremony. Tanjirou decided to give him a half-truth. “We dance alongside the magic. On the eve of the New Year, we dance all night long until the sun rises.”

“All night? With no breaks?” 

“Once you start, you hardly think about being tired. The magic invigorates you, strengthening your body to dance nonstop. There’s truly nothing like it.” Tanjirou recalled his first dance and how powerful he felt the longer he performed it. His body ebbed and roiled along with his magic, making the movements lead seamlessly into another section of the dance. The burning in his muscles, the sweat pouring from his skin, and the flames shifting alongside him—all of it filled Tanjirou with a burning he could liken to how the sun must feel. 

Powerful.

That feeling helped him to power through and dance until the sun rose. After the ceremony the exhaustion would set in, making Tanjirou collapse and sleep like the dead for the next few hours.

“Fascinating. It must feel cathartic being able to dance that long.”

“It is. I never feel more at peace than when I’m doing that dance.”

The hours passed by quickly, and before Muichiro knew it, nightfall was fast approaching. His butt was numb and his fingers cramped from holding onto Tanjirou’s fur for so long, but he felt satisfied. They’d made a lot of ground today, which meant Muichiro was that much closer to healing his family.

Tanjirou’s abrupt stop jerked Muichiro from his thoughts. The harsh stop almost launched Muichiro forward, but Muichiro dug his fingers into Tanjirou’s fur right before he flew forward. The wolf let out a growl when he felt the tug. Making Muichiro pale and remember he probably shouldn’t do that again lest he want Tanjirou to rip out his throat. “Sorry,” he said sheepishly.

“It’s fine; it was my fault for stopping like that, and sorry for growling; it's a reflex.” The answer came out as a half growl, startling Muichiro. Tanjirou shifted onto his belly, allowing the younger boy to get off.

Muichiro gingerly dismounted and winced at the pain he was currently feeling from the cramps in his fingers. He looked around their surroundings and noticed the gaping mouth of a cave a few feet away. “Is this where we’re staying for the night?”

“Yes.” The wolf— Tanjirou chuffed. His answer came out clipped and rough. Making Muichiro flinch away and distance himself. Stepping away from the irate wolf, Muichiro took to observing his shelter for the night.

To say it was an improvement from the hollow he slept in yesterday would be an understatement. This cave was large and spacious with a tall ceiling and a long cavern that entered a few feet deep into the mountain itself. The ground was covered in straw, albeit old and brittle, but better than the cold stone floor Muichiro had slept on yesterday. Off to the back of the cave were various animal pelts laid out and piled on one another in mimicry of a bed. 

Muichiro almost cried in relief. He was dreading sleeping on cold stone once again, but now he didn’t have to. He went to dust off the furs, but as he neared the back wall of the cave, he noticed there were… drawings. Crude figures of what he could only conclude were wolves dotted the large wall. Each detailed two large wolves at the front with smaller figures of varying sizes behind them. Along with a beautiful rendition of the sun overlooking all of it.

The drawings drew a pang of sympathy from Muichiro. These must’ve been drawings Tanjirou and his family had made. Looking at them closely, Muichiro noticed Tanjirou had been a part of a family of eight. Five siblings and two parents, all of whom Muichiro could only assume were dead.  

Now Muichiro understood why Tanjirou had seemed so… unfriendly when they had gotten here. This place must’ve brought up painful memories for him. Once happy ones, now tainted with the knowledge that all those except him in the drawings were gone.

Chills descended down Muichiro’s spine. To still live on even after everything had been taken from you was a feat of strength Muichiro was unsure he himself could emulate. How long did Tanjirou have to live with this grief before he could move on? Has Tanjirou even moved on? Or has he merely survived for the sake of duty? 

Muichiro looked to the entrance of the cave, where he spotted Tanjirou. His spine was arched and muzzle pointed skywards. He had spotted Tanjirou just in time to spot his mouth parting to release a haunting but beautiful melody from his lips.

The howl started off quiet but gradually gained volume. The throaty call echoed throughout the valley, scaring off a murder of crows perched on one of the many pines and various other wildlife. It was a beautiful but tragic tune. One that rattled Muichiro to his very bones. How could something so beautiful sound so full of regret?

It was as soft as silk as it was rough as rock. Happy and jubilant, but melancholic and forlorn.

The low notes of Tanjirou’s call sprung tears to life in Muichiro’s eyes. Dribbling down his bulbous cheeks as the wretched vocals reached their climax and reverberated throughout the cavern. All of it detailing the pure isolation Tanjirou had come to find himself in. Further accentuated by the lack of response to Tanjirou’s howl.

The wolf head was still held up high in the air. Ears pricked forward and alert in hopes of hearing something respond to him. 

But all he was met with was the silent breeze of a winter night.

Tanjirou let out a defeated whine. The choked sound broke Muichiro’s heart a hundred times over.

Perhaps in that moment was when Muichiro made a decision that would forever alter his and Tanjirou’s lives.

Tanjirou stalked away from where he had howled. His mood now further diminished. The loneliness clawed at his chest once more. Festering in him like a rotted wound. This is what his life had come to. From the honored firstborn son and big brother to the monster on the mountain. 

He walked to the end of the cave, so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn’t notice he was subconsciously leading himself to where his sibling had drawn their family’s likeness on the walls. 

He still remembered that day so clearly. The red of the berry juice stains Hanako and Shigeru. After they had found a bush of red berries, they had smeared the juices all over the cave walls to use as paint. His father, who was often solemn, had partaken in the painting and had drawn the massive sun he was currently looking at. The berry juice had faded with natural weathering, but his father’s painting was still visible. Detailing a sun adorned with swirling spikes rising over the peak of the mountain. 

Even after all these years, Tanjirou could still trace the exact strokes his father had taken to detail the sun.

His mother had taken to painting herself and his father standing proudly at the pinnacle. And Tanjirou himself had painted himself and his siblings standing resolutely alongside their parents. Believing that was how his family would always be.

Together. 

But they weren’t. Not anymore. Instead, a son was left with no parents. A brother with no siblings. 

A wolf with no pack. 

He had been alone for so many years. That his family, even though they were still alive and incapacitated, had turned into nothing more than a memory for Tanjirou.

He’d known them longer as a memory than he had known them alive. 

A horrible but wonderful reminder of his joyous upbringing before it had been ruined by those demons.  

A growl tore through his throat. When would he be done? He had done his duty and guarded the flowers for years, and for what? To have a reason to live after his family was ripped right in front of him when he was nothing more than a pup? That was what generations of servitude and loyalty were rewarded with? A pack once of eight, now of one? 

“Tanjirou.” A quiet voice jerked him from his depressive spiral. He turned to see Muichiro there, hand outstretched hesitantly. “Are you ok?”

“I—I just got lost in my head again.” He dismissed his worry with a flick of his ear. “Nothing to worry about.”

Muichiro paused, unsure if he should press on and risk angering Tanjirou, but the shaky quality of Tanjirou's voice steeled Muichiro's resolve. “But I am worried.” He stretched his hand out further. “You’re hurting. And I can’t stand letting someone who's helping me simply hide his wounds.”

“Don’t. Don't do that. You don’t need to feel indebted to me. I’m helping you because I can; you don’t have to pay me back or anything.” Tanjirou didn’t need Muichiro’s pity .

“I’m not doing this as repayment or pity; I'm doing this out of sympathy. You said you know what it’s like to have an ailing family. That comes with a heavy burden. A burden that you can… talk to me about.” Muichiro’s hand was a few inches from Tanjirou’s fur now.

“You just met me.” Tanjirou states confusedly, flinching away from Muichiro’s outstretched hand. “Why do this?”

“Because you helped me when you had no obligation to. Besides, we'll be seeing each other a lot more in these next few days, and what better way to get to know each other than trauma bonding?” He kept his hand still.

That got a small chuckle out of Tanjirou. “I suppose.” His demeanor shifted, his head no longer hunched but upright and straight,  comfortable. He had edged back towards Muichiro's hand, allowing him to touch his fur.

“Wolves are pack animals.” He whispered, immediately catching Muichiro’s attention. “We aren’t meant to be alone. My father always used to say, ‘When the snow falls and the white wind blows, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives.’ He always meant it as a lesson on unity and sticking together because we’re family. But how can I adhere to his words when I myself am a lone wolf? I have no pack. They’re all gone. What will I do when the snow falls and the white wind blows and I have no pack to fall back on?” Tanjirou paused, a conflicted expression sprouting on his face. “Am I fated to die?”

“You aren’t alone, and you won’t die. You have me for these next few days, and you’ve survived just fine by yourself these past years. While your father’s words hold wisdom, you misinterpret them. You aren’t alone, Tanjirou; besides me, your family is still very much alive in your heart . I saw you looking at those drawings; I saw the remembrance, the grief, and the joy. It is only when you have truly forgotten all those memories and emotions that winter will claim you. We aren’t fated to do anything, Tanjirou. The only thing that is fated is death. Everyone is fated to die, not just you. It’s up to us to decide on what to do before that. Don’t obsess over your death too much; it’s like shackling yourself to run a race. You think it’ll help you build strength, but in reality all it’s doing is slowing you down.”

“You are wise beyond your years, Muichiro.”

Muichiro snorted, the playful sound helping to relieve the heavy tone of the conversation. “My brother once told me that the day someone called me wise was the day the world would lose all sense.”

Tanjirou chuckled. “Perhaps he was right. I never thought I’d find myself in the company of humans again willingly . But here we are.”

“Here we are.” Muichiro smiled. The longer he spent with Tanjirou, the less afraid he was of him. “I can’t fathom just how lonely you’ve been, Tanjirou. I’ve been without my family for a week; you’ve been without yours for years. But I promise to try and alleviate some of your pain. Don’t think of it as a debt repaid but rather… as a friend helping a friend.” Muichiro fiddled with his thumbs. “Um… maybe I should’ve asked this first, but whatever… would you like to be my friend, Tanjirou?”

Looking at Muichiro’s bright eyes sparked something in Tanjirou that he hadn’t felt for years. 

Hope.

“Absolutely.” Unknown to him, his tail had started to wag and wouldn’t stop until he finally fell asleep.

After their emotional talk, Tanjirou had teetered back to light conversation. Speaking of everything and nothing. The best fishing spots, why wolves were the superior predator, and etceteras… All of it was said with Tanjirou’s tail still wagging, much to Muichiro’s amusement. 

Muichiro responded in turn by jesting slightly. Why fish when there were plenty of deer? How could you be the best predator and still lose to bears? That question in particular had catapulted Tanjirou into a whole spiel on why bears were the hyenas of the forest.

Their conversation eventually reached a lull when Muichiro yawned and Tanjirou decided to turn in for the night. He padded over to a spot of straw next to the furs where Muichiro would sleep and began to walk in a circular motion before plopping down and curling his body like a donut. Muichiro laid on the furs, relishing in their soft and plush feel, before promptly knocking out.

Tanjirou would wake up in the middle of the night to find Muichiro shivering despite the surplus of furs and would decide to curl up next to him in hopes of warming him up. 

Fur… There was fur… in his mouth! Spluttering, Muichiro awoke by spitting out the loose strands in his mouth. While an uncomfortable way to start the day, it was quite effective at making Muichiro wake up alert. A mass of fur was currently encompassing him, immobilizing his legs and arms, and alongside Tanjirou’s huge head was sprawled sideways over his stomach.

When he’d first set his eyes on Tanjirou, Muichiro never realized just how large he was. He’d known he was bigger than the average wolf, but in retrospect Tanjirou absolutely dwarfed a normal wolf. His snout alone was as long as Muichiro’s stomach, and his head in its entirety was longer than Muichiro’s torso.

Tanjirou was sound asleep, evident by the way drool pooled onto the furs under them and the soft snores Tanjirou was letting out.

A snort escaped Muichiro’s lips, mirth bubbling up from Tanjirou’s absolutely adorable sleeping face. He had settled himself horizontally on Muichiro’s stomach and had rested his head tilted at an angle. Making his snout squished on one side and drooping on the other.

Muichiro tried to pry himself free once more, but Tanjirou’s head didn’t budge. Resigning himself to his fate, Muichiro closed his eyes and fell asleep once again with a smile on his face.

A stray beam of light awoke Tanjirou from his deep slumber. He slowly cracked open  his eyes, taking in his surroundings. Adjusting his head slightly, Tanjirou noticed he had made a pillow out of Muichiro’s stomach. He grimaced slightly, hoping the weight of his head hadn’t disturbed Muichiro too much.

Rising to his paws, Tanjirou shook himself. Allowing his body to fully remove the haze of sleep. The good night’s rest left Tanjirou’s body feeling spry and energized. Anticipation thrummed throughout his body, the need to hunt and sate his hunger causing the feeling to grow. 

Tanjirou took one last glance at his new friend and trotted back up to him. Spying the furs now sprawled on the floor, Tanjirou picked them up and placed them over Muichiro before leaving to find food.

The sun was high above, alerting Tanjirou that he had slept in . Something that hardly ever happened. He grumbled to himself, hoping he wasn’t losing his edge.

Lifting his head into the air, Tanjirou closed his eyes and allowed himself to completely focus on the myriad of lingering scents. Old berry juice, stale jerky, straw, mist, elk .

Opening his eyes, Tanjirou zoned in on the elk scent. His nose now to the ground, Tanjirou followed the scent swiftly but silently. It was a few hours old and belonged to a large young male. Perfect, something large and meaty was exactly what Tanjirou needed to catch.

The scent led him towards an upwards slope that could barely be called a hill. Tanjirou knew this place well. It used to be an old playground for him and his siblings. There was a large pond in the center. Large boulders formed a makeshift barrier between Tanjirou and the elk herd the scent led him to.

The herd itself was decently sized, with the leading buck sporting a lethal set of antlers and guarding the does, but this buck wasn’t the one Tanjirou was after. His father had taught him how to pick certain prey, leave the leaders, and pick off the outsiders. The young buck Tanjirou had caught wind of was skirting on the edges of the herd. Pawing its hooves defiantly and baying its head in hopes of drawing the lead buck into a fight.

Inching ever so closely, Tanjirou settled himself perfectly on his paws. Tightly coiling his body to pounce at a moment’s notice. The buck was facing away from him, completely focused on egging the older and more experienced male into a fight. It was a mistake the animal would pay dearly for.

One leap was all it took to close the distance between him and the elk. The herd had darted off once they spotted the dark blotch speeding across them. The buck had tried as well, but Tanjirou had promptly snapped his jaws around the animal’s jugular. Snapping its windpipe and suffocating it to death.

Tanjirou gazed deeply into the unseeing eyes, giving an unspoken thanks to the elkfor providing him with food. 

Blood now stained his maw, staining his fur bright red alongside his teeth. The thrill of the hunt burned away, leaving deeply rooted satisfaction in its place. Hunger began to claw at Tanjiro’s stomach, but he stopped himself from digging in right away. First he’d have to bring the animal back to the cave to prepare properly for Muichiro.

The journey took considerably longer, as now he had a heavy deer burdening his back.  The slow pace gave Tanjirou time to admire his surrounding wildlife. There was a certain charm to the mountain while in the dead of winter. While he was too low on the peak to truly experience it, he saw glimpses of its haunting beauty through the sun making the powdery snow glitter, the snowflakes stuck to his fur, and the calming scent of snowmelt permeating throughout.

His cumbersome journey came to a halt once he arrived at the cave. Settling the deer down, Tanjirou sniffed around until he eventually found an old rucksack tucked in between a few rocks. Nudging it open, an arrangement of tools spilled out from it, from crude daggers to expertly made, albeit weathered, skinning knives. Tanjirou had left that sack there a while ago for situations like these when he’d prefer to cut and cook his meat to enjoy in his other form.

Without his family to temper him, Tanjirou had spent longer periods of time as a wolf than as a human. While he had still enjoyed the occasional cooked and seasoned meal to eat while in his human form, Tanjirou felt too on edge most days to shift out of his wolf form. After all, if he were human, he’d be potentially leaving his family open to attack. While Tanjirou wasn’t weak in his human form, he’d much rather fight with teeth and claws than knives and fists. 

The prolonged shifts in his wolf form had taken their toll. Sleep came and went and was filled with unrest. Sluggishness encumbered him more often than not. And worst of all, his magic dulled and became less refined.

After he’d noticed his regression in these aspects, Tanjirou relented to shifting back to his human form for a day or two for every two weeks he was a wolf. His condition had improved remarkably since then, his body once again finding equilibrium. Today was supposed to be his human form day, but Tanjirou hesitated. Should he allow Muichiro to see this form? And besides, their progress upwards would be much slower. But Tanjirou did not want to regress and let his magic become dull once more. While his paws were a bit more hand-shaped than normal paws, he still needed his fingers to properly skin his kill.

Sitting on his haunches, Tanjirou let his form shift away. Settling it under his now decidedly less hairy skin. The shift between forms always left Tanjirou a bit disoriented, with him having to adjust to his less sharp senses. Albeit still better than normal humans, they paled in comparison to his wolf form. But still it felt nice to connect back with his human form and feel the wildlife through human skin. The chill of winter hit him, sending goosebumps throughout his body, but Tanjirou ignored the feeling and went to work on his kill. His clothes helped to abate the chill.

Whenever Tanjirou shifted, whatever clothes he’d been wearing when shifting to his wolf form would not rip, but rather, since they contained imprints of Tanjirou’s magic, they’d remanifest themselves when he shifted back. His current clothes consisted of some cream-colored warm pants and a long-sleeved shirt, with the kimono Nezuko had mended time and time again for him resting snugly atop it all. He’d have to take it off, though, to avoid staining it.

As he looked down to pick up the rucksack of tools, Tanjirou noticed his hair had grown longer once again. Now reaching past his shoulders. He’d have to tie it up before preparing the kill.

Grabbing the red hair tie his father had gifted him years ago, Tanjirou tied his hair into a tight knot and began to work on preparing his kill.

He’d set and cleaned a specific area to prepare the deer. It was a smooth slab of raised stone made by his father way back when. Rolling up his sleeves, Tanjirou began. It was meticulous and repetitive labor. First he'd clean the body and examine it. Sniffing out any parasites or diseases the creature might’ve possessed. The elk had none, so Tanjirou continued with skinning it. Expertly using his knife to tease apart the pelt and leaving only muscle and meat. Then, grabbing a tool that was a crude imitation of a cleaver, he’d separate the body at the joints. Now that everything was properly separated, Tanjirou would cut the belly open and crack open the rib cage to take out all the organs to eat later.

By the end of it, Tanjirou was bloody up to his elbows and was slightly more tired than before. Whatever meat they didn’t finish, Tanjirou would set out for the crows and any other unfortunate soul without food.

Soft scuffling drew Tanjirou’s attention away. Looking towards the origin, Tanjirou saw Muichiro stumble out of the cave. He still seemed quite out of it with his unruly hair and deep sleep lines. It took him a while to find Tanjirou, since he kept looking up in search of a massive wolf. 

When his eyes finally spotted Tanjirou, Muichiro froze. His scent changed from sleepy to alert. Tanjirou could spot his tensed muscles and strained face. Why was he so scared?

Then Tanjirou remembered. Muichiro didn’t know Tanjirou’s other form. To Muichiro, Tanjirou was just some random stranger with bloodstains all over him.

“Who are you?” Muichiro’s voice came out wobbly.

Tanjirou felt a little guilty; maybe he should’ve warned Muichiro beforehand about his other form. That way a scare like this could’ve been avoided.

“Sorry, Muichiro. I probably should’ve warned you about this, but it’s me, Tanjirou.” He put his hands up in a peaceful gesture.

“Tanjirou?! You… You’re so… I thought, "You're human?!” Muichiro shouted, gobsmacked. 

“Um, well, not entirely.” Tanjirou scratched his cheek, trying to cover the flush of embarrassment rising to his face. “Sorry again for not telling you earlier… It slipped my mind.”

“It’s fine. I’m just shocked that you’re human. I thought you were just some sort of wolf that could talk… I never expected a nine-foot-tall wolf to be able to turn into someone so…”

“Non-threatening?” Disregarding the disproportionate amount of blood currently staining Tanjirou’s clothes, his family has always said Tanjirou looked as threatening as a puppy when he was human.

“Pretty.” Muichiro remarked, looking at Tanjirou with wide eyes.

“Oh.” Color once again rose to Tanjirou’s cheeks.

“I mean, look at you, you’re muscled like an ox, but your face is so… not ox-like.” 

A snort escapes Tanjirou. “Thanks. I think that’s the most unique compliment I’ve ever gotten.”

Muichiro grimaces, “Sorry, that came out wrong. I just meant your face is not what I expect when I see a build like yours.”

“And what do you expect?”

“Some brutish man with furrowed brows and deep wrinkles. Not a person who has perfectly smooth skin and the facial structure of a prince.”

“A prince?”

“Well, I mean, princes are usually handsome.”

“So you’re saying I’m handsome.”

“Absolutely.” Muichiro says resolutely.

Tanjirou laughs. It’s a sweet noise, like birds chirping at sunrise. “Thank you for the compliment, Muichiro. You’re quite handsome yourself.”

Pink starts to dust Muichiro’s face unbeknownst to him. “Thanks.”

The red pile behind Tanjirou draws Muichiro’s attention. “What’re you doing?”

“Making breakfast. I went out to hunt earlier and caught an elk. I already cut it up and seasoned it; all we need to do is cook it.” Tanjirou pats the meat with pride. “Help me gather up some firewood.”

“Alright.”

And with that, Muichiro sets off with Tanjirou in search of firewood. The search doesn’t take long, seeing as they’re quite literally surrounded by forest, but it does take quite a while to carry it all back. 

While Muichiro was no weakling—he could carry a lot of weight, thanks to working at his father’s lumber mill—Tanjirou absolutely demolished him at carrying wood. It was as if Tanjirou was carrying a mountain of wood on his back; just looking at it made Muichiro’s knees feel weak. And the way Tanjirou’s muscles bulged as sweat dripped from his chin made Muichiro’s throat go dry.

Muichiro was no stranger to having crushes or the occasional feeling of attraction. He could acknowledge when someone was nice to look at. Which is what he was doing now. 

If Yuichiro were here, he’d slap Muichiro on the back of the head and tell him to ‘Stop ogling; it’s making me sick.’ Muichiro would then respond by slapping him back in turn and saying he wasn’t ogling but just admiring .

Muichiro was admiring the way sweat dripped from Tanjirou’s rippling muscles and how it made his body glisten like glitter. 

As if sensing Muichiro’s stare, Tanjirou turned to look at him with a questioning expression. “Something wrong?”

Muichiro felt a stone drop in his stomach. “No, it's just…” He scrambled to word an excuse: “It’s impressive how much weight you can carry.

Tanjirou smiled. “Well, you can’t be a slouch when you live in a place like this.”

“Yeah, I guess not.” 

“What you’re carrying isn’t anything to scoff at either.” He acknowledged

“I have a lot of practice from working at my father’s lumber mill. And I mean a lot of practice.” Carrying tons of wood back and forth tended to leave you with something to show for it.

“Hmm, explains why you're so built.”

“I wouldn’t say I’m built .”

“Yeah, you’re more lean , but you clearly have defined muscles.”

“My master always says one must strengthen the mind and body before they can hope to practice magic.”

 “A wise philosophy.”

Muichiro hummed his agreement, letting the conversation lull into silence. They reached the clearing shortly after and began to construct the campfire. 

With a soft incantation from Tanjirou, the campfire suddenly roared to life. He handed Muichiro a piece of meat stuck on a stick, and Muichiro began to roast over the fire like a marshmallow.

Seeing the fat and juices cook under the fire made Muichiro’s stomach grumble. The tantalizing scent it was emitting did nothing to help either. 

After enough time, the meat seemed properly cooked, and Muichiro took his first bite. Flavors exploded in his mouth: gamey, salty, and savory. All of it melding together in a delicious experience. The meat itself was tender and juicy; one bite was all it took for it to fall off the bone. 

Muichiro was in flavor heaven.

“Food’s that good, huh?” Tanjirou jested, amusement evident on his face in response to Muichiro’s reaction.

“This is delicious.” Muichiro said in between gulps.

“Don’t talk with food in your mouth.” Tanjirou lightly scolded. “It’s bad manners.”

Swallowing the last of his food, Muichiro looks down sheepishly. “Sorry. It really is that good.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment to my cooking skills.”

“Thank you for the food. I thought I’d be choking down dry jerky for the rest of this trip.”

“You’re welcome.” Tanjirou says with a genuine smile on his face.

In that moment, Muichiro’s heart skips a beat. A spark of something kindling in his chest as he looks upon the kind features of the boy in front of him. It’s such a contrast from the dour-faced wolf he encountered yesterday, Muichiro can’t quite believe it’s the same person. But there’s one thing Muichiro can see in Tanjirou the human and Tanjirou the wolf.

The overwhelming kindness in his eyes.

They’re a little more than halfway up the mountain, Tanjirou notes. They’d finally escaped the sludge-ridden lower level of the mountain and entered the hard and impacted snow. 

Night was still a ways away—an hour or two until sunset—for them to fully stop and hunker down for the night, but not for a break. Tanjirou looked to his companion. Muichiro didn’t seem all that fatigued, but they’d need their rest if they wanted to continue upwards unburdened. And plus, they’d need their energy for where Tanjirou was taking them.

“Muichiro, let's take a break. There's a creek five minutes from here.“

“Alright.” 

Turns out the creek was actually a river. The edges of the water were frozen solid, and the unfrozen water was freezing . Cold to the point neither of them wanted to drink in fear of getting frostbite on their tongues. Tanjirou eventually braved a few gulps, shivering at the sensation of the chilled water flowing through his throat.

Muichiro filled his waterskin instead, preferring to wait for it to warm up before taking a sip.

“Still too cold for you?”

“Yeah, I’d rather not risk getting the shivers on an already cold mountain. I don’t have nice warm fur after all.”

Tanjirou chuckled. “No, I suppose not.” After a moment of contemplation, Tanjirou gestures to the waterskin. “Let me see that real quick.”

Muichiro tosses it gently, and Tanjirou catches it in one fluid arc. Holding it, Tanjirou notices the waterskin itself is old and weathered. Leather crumbles around the stitched seams. The opening bore various little stains from years of use. After inspecting it, Tanjirou holds the container in both hands, spreading his fingers to cover as much of the surface as he can. 

He whispers a soft command. “Warm.” As soon as the words leave his lips, Tanjirou feels his hands heat up, the warmth transferring over to the water. He stops a few seconds after, leaving the water chilled instead of freezing. “Here, it should be warm enough now.” Tanjirou tossed the waterskin back.

Muichiro took a hesitant sip, expecting ice-cold water, but instead was met with a pleasantly chilled liquid. “I’ve really never thought of using magic in a practical sense.”

Tanjirou tilts his head like a confused dog, an incredulous expression overtaking his features. The silliness of Tanjirou’s posture draws a smile from Muichiro. “Really? You’ve never thought of using your wind magic to… I don’t know, pull something towards you? Or fly?”

Muichiro stands there dumbstruck. “No, I haven’t… I mean, I’ve used my magic to help me with hobbies… but never something like you’ve proposed. Although the flying thing is a bit out of my league, I’ve read a bit on the subject, and only a handful of mages have ever accomplished it to varying degrees of success.” Flying had actually been one of his main reasons for studying that branch of magic. To have the ability to take to the skies whenever seemed so freeing to him. He’d been heartbroken when he’d found out the most successful attempt had only lasted three minutes in the air before exhaustion settled and the mage fell to his death.

“Oh, well, if anyone can figure it out, I think it’d be you, Muichiro.” Tanjirou declared. 

“What makes you so sure?”

“To fly without wings is something only the most determined of people could accomplish. And I just happen to be friends with a boy so determined to save their family they braved a mountain home to a monster, all in search of a flower.” Tanjirou noted his voice taking on a playful lull.

Muichiro blushed at the compliment but frowned at Tanjirou’s last comment. “You’re not a monster.” Muichiro knew that for certain now. Regardless of their terrifying first meeting and the overwhelming fear Muichiro had felt, Tanjirou was just a son trying to protect his family. There was nothing monstrous about that.

The older boy gave him a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. Tanjirou was listening, but the look he possessed didn't mean he agreed. “I’m not so sure about that one.” His eyes looked at Muichiro with a hardness that rivaled stone. “I’ve done things… horrible things to protect my family. I’ve…” That nauseating squelch as Tanjirou clamped his jaw around that thing’s head still haunted Tanjirou. Alongside the sickening stench of burned flesh pervading from the charred corpse Tanjirou had used his magic on. He’d killed people. What did that make Tanjirou other than  a monster? “I’ve killed before, Muichiro.”

“Did you enjoy it?”

The question catches him off guard. “What? No, of course not… I never enjoyed it.” Tanjirou hated it, even when he’d had those who hurt his families between his jaws. Tanjirou only felt a grim sense of duty while doing it and slightly nauseous when the deed was done. That type of kill was different from a hunt, one born out of hate rather than necessity. He hated—loathed—those men for what they did to his family, and yet when their lifeblood stained his maw, Tanjirou felt no joy. He felt numb, terrified, and angry—a horrible cocktail of negative emotions that made Tanjirou vomit after. “I’ve never enjoyed killing.”

Muichiro hums, now even more resolute in his statement after Tanjirou’s answer. “A monster is someone who hurts people simply because they can, because they enjoy it. Something you’ve never done, Tanjirou. To me, you’re just someone who’s defending his home. There's nothing monstrous about simply trying to protect .”

The words rattle Tanjirou. Settling deep into his bones and sucking the air out of his lungs. Muichiro utters them with such conviction that Tanjirou can’t help but feel compelled to believe them. “Maybe you’re right.” He murmurs.

Muichiro rubs his back. “I am right. A monster wouldn’t have fed me. A monster wouldn’t have kept me warm at night. A monster wouldn’t have helped me.“ 

Their eyes connect in what seems like a never-ending stare. Hundreds of emotions and thoughts shared through turquoise and plum. Isolation, fear, duty, love—all of it passes through their eyes and meets in a tumultuous moment where two souls kindle in recognition. The feeling burns through them both, setting body and mind aflame. Magic sparks and manifests around them. Flame roars as wind flies, both of them mixing and feeding into one another.

Neither of them seems to notice the chaos around them, both too enraptured in the feeling of understanding tethering their two souls. Making them join together as if they were always meant to be. The feeling soars, causing the magic around them to increase in power; a hurricane of wind and fire rises in tandem, scorching everything indiscriminately.

It’s only when the flame starts to lick at Muichiro’s skin that the moment passes. He flinches at the new sensation, causing their eye contact to break; the ferocity of the magic dissipates in an instant, leaving only dying embers in its wake. 

Tanjirou looks visibly shaken. His wolf form 

 an inch away from manifesting. Fur clumps around his jawline as his face darkens and his teeth elongate into awkward canines that jut out of his mouth. “I—“ is all that leaves his mouth. The two of them were too shocked to utter a word.

“That felt…” Muichiro trails off. It felt exhilarating, freeing, and powerful—too many emotions impacted into one sensation for him to accurately describe. It felt nothing like when he used his own magic. No, this melding felt like a beautiful symphony echoing through his ears, a rich melody only the most masterful of musicians could produce. It set his spirit aflame and his mind overridden in ecstasy. For a moment their two souls felt woven together in a beautiful tapestry of blue and red. Each thread was a heavenly sensation tingling pleasantly through each other’s body.

Neither of them says anything for a long moment, relishing in the seconds-long sensation of their magic mixing. 

Tanjirou is the one to break the silence first. Piercing it with the fervor of a zealot. “That was amazing .” His wolf form manifests itself further: ears sprout from Tanjirou’s head, fur completely covers his arms and lower half, claws form his fingernails, and a tail wags behind. 

Tanjirou’s fanaticism bleeds into Muichiro. “It was. I’ve never felt so…”

“ Alive.” Tanjirou adds, as if drunk on happiness. 

Muichiro giggles at his friend's excitement, but he can’t help but feed into it. He had no idea what it was that happened, but the feeling left him high and exuberant with merriment. “Tanjirou, what was that?”

He pauses, excitement still decorating his features but now more contained. Tanjirou thumped his tail in thought. He didn’t actually know what had happened between them. He had an inkling; the moment had sparked recognition, most likely from one of his family’s ancient tomes. “I have an inkling, but I’ll need to read into some of my family’s old tomes on magic to be sure.”

Muichiro’s curiosity flared at that. “Your family has tomes?”

“I come from an ancient and powerful line. Blessed by the sun, my ancestors sought to honor the sun’s teaching by immortalizing it through writing.” He says seriously before playfully adding, “Which is to say we have a lot of dusty old books lying about.” 

Muichiro’s eyes sparkle like a child who’s been handed candy. “Wow, to have so much history at your fingertips, it must be enlightening.”

“It is. I like to read them whenever I feel alone. It’s nice to know my ancestors wrote so much… it makes me feel less… lonely.” Tanjirou laments. The melancholic tone made  Muichiro’s heart throb in sympathy.

“You aren’t alone anymore, Tanjirou.” Muichiro asserts.

“No, I guess not.” He says fondly, adoration clearly displayed in his face. “Thank you, Muichiro, for your kind words. You truly are an amazing person.”

Muichiro clasps Tanjirou’s hand in his own. “Of course.”

Tanjirou looks down at their conjoined hands and smiles. Something deep inside him feels like it’s healing after years of festering. Having a friend, someone to talk to, to confide in, is a boon after so many years of solitude. “Would you like to hear some of my family’s history?” It’s a deeply personal subject Tanjirou would have never thought to share with him, but today’s events have shown him that he can trust Muichiro with his life.

Muichiro’s eyes sparkle in delight. He nods his head vigorously, drawing a chuckle from him.

“Alright then, let’s start at the beginning…” Tanjirou speaks about the moment his family had been gifted with the sun. Before the magic, his ancestors had been a family of charcoal makers living simple lives until they had taken in an injured man. Said man was said to have been a warrior tasked with vanquishing shadows, but after a lifetime of turmoil, the man was tired and simply wanted to rest and join his wife and baby in the afterlife. The man asked the family if they wanted his power; they refused at first, saying it was the man’s and the man’s alone, but that had only assured the man further.

Tanjirou spoke of how the man had an ethereal quality, his movements too polished and fluid, his eyes too clear and perfect, and his face, while stoic, too unblemished and smooth. Muichiro had asked him why they only referred to him as the man, and Tanjirou explained that he had never given away his name no matter how many times his ancestor had asked.

Once it was time for the man to leave, he asked his ancestor again to take his power and explained why; his ancestor had acquiesced and accepted. And no sooner did the words leave his mouth than the man shifted and turned into a dragon with glittering scales and flaming eyes. The dragon coiled around Tanjirou’s ancestors and bathed them in his sunfire, forever blessing their line. After his ancestors rose unburnt with a set of hanafuda earrings clasped in his ancestor’s hand. The very same Tanjirou wears now. 

“Wait, who decides who gets to wear the earrings?” Muichiro interjected.

“The heir does. An heir is chosen by the sun a year after their birth. They’re presented to the mountain where we were first blessed, and if the baby is set aflame, that means they are to be the heir.”

Muichiro looks slightly horrified at the explanation. Tanjirou had been set on fire as a baby.

“I know it seems strange, but trust me, it doesn’t hurt us. It’s more like a warm hug than a scalding burn.”

Muichiro hums noncommittally. “So what does the heir do?”

“After I reach maturity, I am to present myself to the sun and inherit the knowledge to vanquish shadows. Whatever that means.”

“You don’t know what the purpose is for what you have your magic for?”

“No one really does. All that has been written is that someone from our line will rise to vanquish shadows, and the one that does shall be hailed lightbringer, the one who brings about the dawn.” Tanjirou recites the ancient scripture that had been drilled in his head since he was a pup. “All the heir really inherits is stronger magic and the ability to get visions from the sun. That’s why we have so many tomes. A lot of it’s just stuff the sun has shown us.”

“So you’re the one who hails the dawn?”

Tanjirou snorts; the absurdity of him being the one to complete the mission his family has been guarding for years makes him laugh at the unlikely possibility. “Not exactly; no one really knows when they’ll come. We just know it’ll be an heir, and it’s our job to keep our magic alive in order to vanquish the Great Shadow. Whenever it appears.” Tanjirou sighs. “Like I said, I come from an ancient line. We’ve been waiting for this ‘Lightbringer’ for hundreds of years, and we’ll continue to wait. As is my duty.” He says it with a weariness that comes from lifetimes of waiting. “It’s a heavy burden.”

“I can only imagine.” Muichiro can’t wrap his head around generations of family safekeeping their magic for a conflict that may not even happen for a few more hundred years. “What is the Great Shadow?”

The question draws a shudder from Tanjirou, a haunted look settling on his face. He recalls the first time his father had told him about the plight set upon their family. A monstrous beast cloaked in the darkest of shadows, whose only goal was to bring about the death of the world.

“Death.” 

Chills crawl up Muichiro’s spine. The gravity of Tanjirou’s tone incites it. “You have to fight death?”

“Perhaps not me. But yes, I have to be ready to face death like my ancestors before me.”

A wolf against the embodiment of death. It’d make for a great novel if it weren’t for the fact it was reality Tanjirou was faced with. “One wolf against death.”

“Well, maybe not a wolf.” Tanjirou murmurs as a side note.

“What do you mean?”

“Sometimes when an heir comes of age and becomes the head, they assume a new form. The first of us was a stag; it only happens sometimes. Other times the sun deems the heirs form to suit them and in no need of change.”

“So you might not be a wolf anymore?” The thought seemed unnatural to Muichiro, who’d first had his friend as a wolf.

“I’d still be able to turn into one, but once one turns into their intended form, they're less inclined to shift into the former until eventually it fades away.”

“Do you think you’ll change forms?”

Tanjirou lets out a small growl, mulling over his answer. “I have no idea, if I’m being honest. I like being a wolf; I won’t be upset if I stay this way.” He pauses, letting himself remember something his father had told him once. “You know when  a lightbringer comes forth, their form is said to manifest as a dragon akin to the one who gifted us the magic.”

“I could imagine you as a dragon.” Tanjirou in all his awe-inspiring power as a mighty dragon soaring through the skies to challenge death itself. Muichiro can see Tanjirou. clearly as a dragon. He’d have rippling crimson scales with a mane of fire and eyes of rubies. His talons would be sharper than any sword, and his roar louder than any war horn. His presence would command respect and devotion. “You’d be an amazing one.” He whispered.

Tanjirou blushed at the sheer awe in Muichiro’s tone. “Thanks. I guess it would be cool to fly.”

After the lore dump on his family, Tanjirou had ushered Muichiro to continue their journey upward. 

It was midmorning now, and the pair had been talking about their travels. 

“I’ve only ever been as far as the neighboring village. My family isn't one to travel.” Muichiro complains. While he likes his quaint village, he also longs to see the wonders of the world. Like The Capitol, where the emperor and his sworn protectors lived, or the Great Ocean, where sea snakes and leviathans resided.

“Really? I’ve been to quite a few places. I lived near the Capitol for a bit when I was little.”

“How was it? I’ve heard so many stories about The Capitol.”

“Big.” Tanjirou spreads his furred arms out. Smiling slightly at Muichiro’s childlike wonder. “It’s like the city goes on forever. The castle itself is a hulking piece of snow-white stone with nine great towers for each sworn protector, with large, imposing peaks and great stone statues of roaring dragons. Apparently the man is quite revered over there.” Tanjirou paused, wracking his brain trying to remember his brief but enjoyable stay. “It’s carved into the large mountain bordering the back of the kingdom. Oh! And around the whole place are huge wisteria trees. Some grow tall enough to reach the clouds!” He remembers great trees with sturdy trunks and all-encompassing branches that shrouded the surrounding border with shadows. The beautiful petals reached all the way to the ground and illuminated the entirety of the border in a lovely purple hue.

The trip upwards continued with them sharing tidbits about their lives. From Muichiro’s embarrassing first attempts at trying wind magic and the verbal berating he’d gotten from his master because of it to Tanjirou talking about his family lore and how some of the various animal clans actually originate from the lines of those that weren’t heirs. 

The whole concept of Tanjirou’s lineage fascinated Muichiro. He’d always liked to learn, and talking to Tanjirou was like drinking from a wellspring of knowledge. And plus, the way Tanjirou would get when he was explaining, his overall demeanor would get more confident and proud, making Muichiro feel something .

As the journey progressed and the sun dipped back into the Earth, Muichiro began to question when they’d stop. “Tanjirou?” He questioned drawing the older boy’s attention. He quirked his ear towards Muichiro’s direction.

“What is it?”

“It’s just… When are we going to stop for the night?”

Tanjirou seemed somewhat nervous in response to that question. “Why? Are you ready to call it a day?”

“No, but yesterday you stopped around this time, and I was just wondering…” He trailed off his question, crumbling in response to Tanjirou’s now pensive expression. It would’ve been cute if it hadn’t made Muichiro worry if he’d been pressing Tanjirou too hard. His ears were pressed flat to his head, and his tail had started to wag slowly.

“I get you. I know a place to stay. It's just that—there’s this place I wanted to show you… But it looks best at night. Maybe I should’ve asked before taking us there, but if you don’t want to be out at night, it’s fine.” It most certainly was not fine to Tanjirou, but he would not force Muichiro to do something he was against.

Tanjirou’s overall demeanor seemed a lot more downtrodden after his answer. His tail drooped, and he’d tucked his claws into his back. Muichiro almost giggled at how puppy-like Tanjirou seemed, like his neighbor's dachshund when he’d refused to give it his lunch. “I don’t mind. Sorry if I made it seem like I was pressuring you.”

“You don’t have to apologize, really. You can let me know if we need a break; I know that leg of yours isn’t fully healed.”

Muichiro smiled at Tanjirou’s consideration. “You’re very kind.” 

Tanjirou bowed his head, a bashful expression on his face.

Night had finally arrived, bathing the sky in a beautiful twilight dotted by luminous white dots. Up on the mountain, the stars seemed so much closer, shining up in the sky like brilliant diamonds. 

A furred hand wrapped itself around Muichiro’s, accompanied by Tanjirou’s soft voice whispering, “Follow me.”

He was led up a few boulders onto a somewhat flat stone platform awkwardly jutting out of the mountainside. Looking down, Muichiro was instantly hit with vertigo; they were at a very high altitude. From this view the pine trees were nothing more than a green dot in a vast blanket of snow. 

Scooting away from the platform, Muichiro noted another cave entrance, similar to the one they’d slept in yesterday, but this one was smaller and more cramped. 

Tanjirou settled himself on the ledge on the platform, legs dangling carelessly as if one slip wouldn’t send him plummeting hundreds of feet down. Oblivious to Muichiro’s hesitation, he patted the spot next to him, ushering him to join him.

Muichiro obliged, albeit with a bit of caution. He sat right next to Tanjirou, the platform not allowing much space between them. Their shoulders bumped together as Muichiro ungracefully slid down and let his feet dangle off the ledge. 

“Look up,” Tanjirou whispered.

And Muichiro did. Tilting his eyes skyward. Above him a million stars twinkled closer than ever before. Muichiro widened his eyes in awe. The stars looked as if Muichiro could reach out and touch them. The night sky had always seemed black and imposing down below in his village, but here the sky looked heavenly . As if someone had taken a paintbrush and smeared a myriad of whites, purples, and blues over a black canvas. Beautiful pockets of space dust streaked across like the gold in kintsugi. The stars seemed endless, stretching across with no sign of stopping. Far off in the distance, Muichiro could see a golden streak of light speed across the stars. “What is that?”

Tanjirou moved his gaze towards the golden light. “A Phoenix,” he said, awestruck. 

“Quick! Make a wish; seeing a phoenix in person is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Muichiro closed his eyes tight and put his hands together, willing his wish into existence. He opened his eyes to see Tanjieou doing the same gesture. 

This is what Tanjirou had wanted to show him. And it was beautiful. “Thank you.” 

Tanjirou just smiled in response, his tail thumping on the platform in satisfaction.

They stayed like that for what seemed like hours. Too enamored with the tapestry of colors above them to really find it in themselves to close their eyes and sleep. That is until exhaustion got the better of Muichiro, and he surreptitiously slumped against Tanjirou and fell asleep. The action drew a warm smile from the other boy, something cozy and happy settling in his chest.

He heaved Muichiro onto his back and took him into the cave, settling him gently on some old furs. 

Tanjirou morphed back into his other form and snuggled his large head onto the boy's stomach, turning himself into a makeshift blanket. 

And for the first time in a while, Tanjirou felt at peace.

Tanjirou awoke with a crick in his neck and a sore tail. Grimacing slightly, he shifted his head off Muichiro, rolling his head and letting his neck pop. He stretched out his tail, curling it inwards and outwards, before it eventually let out a loud pop . Sighing in newfound relief, Tanjirou fully stood up and did a full-body stretch, leaving himself limber for today’s activities. Which would be sprinting up this last stretch of the mountain.

While it’d still take a little longer than usual since Muichiro would probably fly off his back if he went at top speed, they’d probably be able to reach the very peak before nightfall. Which meant Muichiro would get the pollen… and then he’d leave.

Tanjirou knew that this little adventure wouldn’t last forever, but he’d at least hoped for it to have lasted a day or more. Having Muichiro here was like a balm on the aching wound of Tanjirou’s isolation. 

He didn’t want Muichiro to leave.

Which made Tanjirou feel horrible. After all, Muichiro had an ailing family to get back to, and still Tanjirou didn’t want him to leave. Because if he left…

Tanjirou would be all alone again. With nothing but the woods to keep him company. 

He’d survived years like this already, so why was the thought of being left alone again so terrifying? Was it because Tanjirou had almost forgotten what another human looked like?

It’s an ugly feeling that blooms in Tanjirou’s chest. One of pure, unbridled want . Tanjirou wanted Muichiro to stay, to never leave, to keep Tanjirou company so he wouldn’t go insane.

“Tanjirou? What are you doing up so early?” Muichiro’s rough, scratchy voice draws Tanjirou’s attention. 

“I thought we should get an early start. If we keep at it for a while, we’ll…” Tanjirou hesitates, the words stuck in his throat; he doesn’t want Muichiro to leave . “We’ll make it to the peak, where the flower is.” He forces them out anyway. No matter how badly everything inside of him longed for Muichiro, he wouldn’t stop him from helping his family.

Muichiro’s eyes light up like fireworks. Hope and relief come off him in waves and invade Tanjirou’s olfactory. A stark contrast from his own dour and sad scent. 

Laying himself down on his belly, Tanjirou hesitates before motioning Muichiro to get on his back. He obeys and settles himself snugly on the dip where his back meets his shoulder blades. “Hold on.” He waits until he feels the tug on his fur before bolting forward.

Running helps to clear his mind from the inevitable outcome. He’s too focused on dodging sharp rocks and crashing into trees to pay mind to the unavoidable fact that he’d be alone again. The first ever friend he’d made would turn into nothing more than a memory, like his family.

They’re a few hours into the journey when Tanjirou slows down and settles them next to a creek. They hadn’t had breakfast yet, so Tanjirou takes it upon himself to go out and catch a few rabbits and pick a few berries. 

Muichiro makes a face at the brutalized bunnies but says nothing of it and gets to cooking them over a fire. They both snack on the berries while they wait for the meat to cook. They’re on the sour side with a sweet aftertaste, almost like the flavor of blueberries but a bit more bitter and chewy.

Tanjirou goes to clean his face of berry juice and to get a drink of water. The face that's shown in his reflection startles him. Just a week ago he had looked tired and weary, with a gaunt look accentuating the fact, but now Tanjirou thinks he looks happy for once. A smile he’d never have now sat nicely on his face.

Muichiro had done this to him, he thinks. Their fast friendship had rekindled a part of Tanjirou he’d long thought extinguished in his cold isolation. 

But it would frost over once more when he was gone.

The thought brings back that look Tanjirou had long associated with himself.

Dejected and miserable.

After their hunger is sated. Their trek upward starts once more. Colors fly by as Tanjirou sets a more brutal pace. His limbs are just starting to burn with exertion, but all it does is egg him on. His paws thump into the snow with ferocity as his body coils and lunges like a well-oiled machine.

All Tanjirou thinks to do is run. Maybe if he went fast enough, he and Muichiro would end up somewhere else. Away from all their problems. Somewhere they could laze the day away and tell stories. 

Somewhere Tanjirou didn’t feel so alone in.

A harsh tug slows him down to a halt. Muichiro looks down at him with worry painted onto his features. “I don’t think you should push yourself so hard, Tanjirou.” Muichiro commented, concerned at his friends' panting and how Tanjirou’s skin felt as if it were boiling while they were running.

“I’m fine. This pace is like nothing to me.” And it was, somewhat. He could keep this pace going for a lot longer, but the exhaustion would start to creep up on him if he kept going for a few more hours. 

His answer did little to dissuade his friend, who now sported a pinched look and a pout. Instead, Muichiro dismounted and began to walk away. “I want to walk for a bit.” He declared taking long strides forward.

Tanjirou growled under his breath. Frustration prickled right under his skin. Walking was the last thing he wanted to do right now. Because if he walked, then he’d think, and the more he thought about the hole Muichiro would leave in Tanjirou’s soul when he left, the harder it would be to say goodbye.

And yet, he didn’t try to convince Muichiro to hop back on him and start the brutal pace once more. The reason being they both needed a break, Muichiro more so. He’s probably numb from the waist down because of how hard he’d clung to his back. 

“Thank you.” 

Tanjirou looked up. “What for?”

“For not trying to convince me to get back on.”

“Oh. You don’t have to thank me for that.” Tanjirou corrected. “We needed a break anyway.”

“Hm. I know, but it wasn’t just that… I wanted—I just—I don’t know… I like when we walk, you know. Just you, me, and the woods. It makes me feel good, like I don’t have to worry about my family every waking minute. I just wanted to feel that again before I had to go back down.”

“Of course, Muichiro.” He bumped his shoulder next to Muichiro’s. “I like these walks too. You make me feel less alone.”

“Less? Not completely?” Muichiro teased.

“Completely. I feel… safe around you. Like I don’t have to worry about anything. As if I’m lighter in a sense.”

“You make me feel like that too.” He rubbed his hand over Tanjirou’s head, corded through soft fur and lightly scratched at his scalp. The motion brought out small growls from Tanjirou. Muichiro giggled at it.

A wet nose shoved itself into Muichiro’s face. Making him look sideways, completely opposite of the wet tongue now slobbering all over his cheek. “Tanjirou! What was that for?” Muichiro yelled out playfully, looking up at the wolf with a joyful glint in his eyes.

“Revenge.” Was all Tanjirou said before bearing down on Muichiro. Entangling themselves in playful wrestling. At one point Tanjirou had made a mistake; he’d put all his body into pinning the other boy down only for him to slip away, leaving him to faceplant into snow while Muichiro chucked a few snowballs at him.

The match had ended ultimately in a win for Tanjirou, though. After he’d grabbed Muichiro from a rock he’d been hiding behind. 

The two had laughed about it for what seemed like hours after the affair. Basking in each other’s presence like a plant sucking in sunlight. 

Tanjirou had felt so happy in that moment that he’d forgotten all about his burdens, his regrets, and his fears. All he could focus on was Muichiro’s sun-kissed face, his lovely laughter, and his beautiful turquoise eyes. He didn’t even notice when his magic began that harmonious dance with Muichiro’s. Like two birds flying, flames and wind flew around one another in a strange but exciting entanglement of movement.

This time Muichiro didn’t flinch when the flames got too close. He’d come to realize it wouldn’t hurt him. Like how Tanjirou never would. Instead it comforted and soothed him, like a hot spring on aching bones.

The two of them stayed like that, basking in one another, reveling in the ecstasy of their magic melding. In that moment they weren’t two beings but one, one mind, body, and soul. And it felt amazing. Like Muichiro was complimenting his own soul and transforming into this beautiful amalgamation of fire and wind. 

And just like that, something clicked in Tanjirou’s head. He knew what this phenomenon was; in fact, he’d just read about it a few weeks ago. This happened whenever two souls felt a total sense of peace. Their magic would ooze out and seek out the other’s. This was the first step in the making of a soul bond .

As if noticing his friend’s revelation, Muichiro scooted closer to the other boy and looked at him with a soft expression.

“I remember.” Tanjirou, he murmured. “I read something like this. Why our magic does this.”

“Oh? Why does it?” 

“Have you ever heard of a soul bond?”

Muichiro frowned, trying to recall the term. “I have… but aren’t they forbidden because they're too dangerous?” Soul bonds had been prolific in ancient times—from what Muichiro could remember—but they’d been banned because of how dangerous it was to actually bind two souls. If they weren’t completely in sync, then it would end in death for both parties involved. 

“Yes, but that’s only if you force the first step. When it occurs naturally, it’s completely harmless.” 

Muichiro's eyes widened in disbelief. “Is that what this is?”

“I’m not a hundred percent sure, but it seems likely.” Very likely, in his professional opinion. Magic didn’t just blend like theirs did. It only ever happened when a soul bond was developing.

“I’ve heard the term, but what are soul bonds exactly?” Muichiro questioned.

Tanjirou contemplated his answer for a few moments, trying to think of the easiest-to-understand answer. And none of that magic jargon that filled his family’s tomes. “Think of it like a tie—no, a knot between two ropes. Something secure if made right but easily undoable if it’s made by someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing.” Tanjirou explains, Well, he tries to explain; however, Muichiro looks a lot more confused than before. “Um, let me put it this way. Back then mages would often try to force the first step of a soul bond through a blood spell. The two parties would open their hands and mix blood, then the mage would draw out a few symbols on their arms with mixed blood to start the first phase. The problem with that, though, is that you can’t just make the first step happen; you have to let it occur naturally. Otherwise the whole thing goes kaput, and the two people involved either get seriously scarred or killed. You can’t just force two souls together and not expect any consequences.”

Muichiro hummed. “But for us it’s harmless, right? Since it did occur naturally for us?”

“Yes, it’s safe for us. But just because the first phase happened, it doesn’t mean we have to complete it. We could just let it be.”

Muichiro frowned at that. A soul bond between friends didn’t sound all that bad. “Why would we not complete it?”

Tanjirou flinched at his friend’s sincerity. “Well, it’s a big commitment to soul-bind to someone. You feel whatever they're feeling, you know where they are, and there’s this… tether between you two—not necessarily a physical one—but a mental connection… Like you can almost hear each other without having to speak.”

“All of what you’re saying sounds amazing.”

“If I'm in pain, you’ll feel it, Muichiro. If I die, you die too. That’s what it means to form a soul bond. You can’t live without one another.”

“Oh. Then yeah, I can see why that’d be a huge decision… But I wouldn’t be opposed to the idea of furthering this little soul knot of ours. After a bit of time, of course.” Muichiro commented. He liked the idea of being tied to someone like Tanjirou like that. Besides, their bodies were basically telling them that it was preferred after all. The first phase had occurred naturally; wasn't that proof enough that it could work?

Eyes widening in shock Tanjirou let out a noise of disbelief. “You really—you’d be okay with doing this? ” He gestured to the both of them.

“In the future, yes. I know we’ve only known each other for, like, three days, but I like you, Tanjirou.” It’s a fact Muichiro had known since his first frightful encounter with him. “I’ve never really had friends, aside from my brother, who… doesn’t count.” Yuichiro most definitely did not count. “So in a way you’re my first friend, and what better way to memorialize that than with a soul bond? And besides, I don’t think I’d regret it. You’re genuine, nice, and most importantly, you’re kind. I’d never regret binding my soul to someone so… good.” Muichiro meets Tanjirou’s eyes with his own, sincerity exuding from turquoise into plum.

Tanjirou tries to look for any sort of lie but can’t find any. Muichiro really meant all of what he said. It’s the truthfulness in his voice that sends something wet trailing down his cheek. Tears , he realizes. He’s crying.

Crying turns into sobbing, and soon all he can think to do is cling onto Muichiro like a lifeline. 

It’d be a funny picture to Muichiro, an apex predator clinging on to him like a child would his teddy, if it weren’t for the fact said predator was sobbing into his shoulder. The sleeve of his shirt starts to dampen as Tanjirou continues to sob. 

All Muichiro can do is comfort Tanjirou. He rubs his back and whispers sweet reassurances in his ear, hoping he didn’t offend Tanjirou in any way to make him cry.

Tanjirou stops after a few moments. The tears are gone, but he’s still sniffling quite a bit. His eyes are puffy and red. And the fur around his eyes is damp and flat. Tanjirou doesn’t say anything for a while; all he does is rest his head on Muichiro’s shoulder. 

“I don’t deserve you, Muichiro.” Tanjirou murmurs into his ear. “You say I’m good, but in reality it’s you who’s amazing.”

“You are good, Tanjirou, and how could you not deserve me? You’ve done so much to help me when you didn’t have to. If anything, I don’t deserve you.” Muichiro puts a hand on Tanjirou’s head, lightly stroking the soft fur. Hoping his sincerity is made obvious through the gesture. Tanjirou was so unbelievably good, whether he believed it himself or not.

Tanjirou lets out a grumble of satisfaction at the light scratches. “You’re proving my point on why I don’t deserve you.” Tanjirou chuckles; it’s a hollow sound. “I’ve had my family, but I’ve never really had a friend either. This is all so new to me. But I do know you’re a great friend to me, Muichiro. You’re… good to me.” 

Muichiro sighs happily. “You’re good to me too. You are amazing, Tanjirou, believe it or not. You’re not some monster but a kind and benevolent person. You’re a kind person at your core, Tanjirou; don’t ever doubt yourself on that.”

“You’re going to make me cry again.” Tanjirou jokes. “But seriously, thank you. It’s been some time since someone’s ever called me kind before.”

“I’ll always be here to say it whenever you need it.” Muichiro whispers. “I know I have to leave after I get the pollen, but I’ll come back, I promise.”

Tanjirou tenses under Muichiro's grip. “Please don’t make promises you can’t keep.” He pleads alongside a small whine that leaves his throat.

“I will keep this promise. I won’t leave you here on this mountain alone.” Muichiro leans his head against Tanjirou’s. 

Tanjirou reciprocates the gesture. “Ok. I trust you, Muichiro.” And god, he really meant it.

Blue. It was all so blue at the peak of the mountain. 

When they’d first ascended, Muichiro had been fascinated by the peak and the way it had been perfectly flat. At its border were various rocks jutting out like the fangs on a wolf.

Tanjirou had chuckled at Muichiro's childlike awe before urging him towards the myriad of flowers in the center.

Flowers of every color were present. Beautiful and vivid in the way they swayed with the wind. Blue was the most present color, followed by bright reds and warm oranges. The flowers themselves grew in an odd pattern in the form of a ring.

And in the center a sole blue spider lily grew. The flower Muichiro needed to cure his parents. 

It all seemed unreal; his family’s salvation lay right in front of him. Such a small yet beautiful flower would cure the disease that plagued his family. 

Muichiro looked towards Tanjirou, an unspoken question of permission in his eyes. He nodded, gesturing his head toward the flower.

Muichiro took a few hesitant steps forward until he met the small flower right in front of him. He took out a small vial from his pack and placed the lip of it on the center of the flower. Carefully Muichiro shook the lily a few times and watched as the pollen filled the vial.

After it filled it to a certain point, Muichiro corked the vial shut and placed it back into his pack with utmost care. A weight he hadn’t known he’d been carrying lifted from his shoulders. He gave Tanjirou a look of gratitude; Tanjirou nodded, giving him a small lupine smile.

“Descending the mountain will be a lot faster than climbing. I could probably get you down today if I ran at full speed.” Tanjirou, he remarked while stretching his canine form. 

Muichiro chewed his lip in thought. “Are you sure? I don’t want to work you to death.”

Tanjirou waved his paw dismissively. “I’ll be fine; at most, I'll feel sore the next day. I’m more worried you won’t be able to hold on.” Tanjirou teased; he swaggered up to Muichiro with a sly grin on his face.

“Oh, really? You think I can’t hang on? I'll show you how well I can hang on.” Muichiro challenged

“Alright then. Hop on.” Tanjirou lowered himself to the ground, waiting until Muichiro was firmly settled in before taking off at breakneck speed.

It felt good to run at top speed again. Tanjirou had missed The wind whipped his face, and he felt the familiar burn in his limbs as he pounded his paws into the earth. 

He felt Muichiro cling tightly to his form. He gave an inquisitive look to him, but Muichiro just smiled and urged Tanjirou forward.

Tanjirou nodded and set his focus back in front of him. Currently, they were just descending the peak and its flat platform with its various rocks jutting out like fangs. 

At the pace they were going, they’d get back to the base of the mountain a little before nightfall. The sun was still low enough in the valley for it to count as morning, so they could take a break or two without impeding their progress. 

The hours passed monotonously as Tanjirou focused on the path ahead, slightly adjusting his footfall to avoid stray rocks or slushy snow. He’d check on Muichiro every now and then in the form of a bark. Muichiro would respond with a few pats on his back, letting Tanjirou know he was fine. 

They had no time to enjoy the landscape at this speed. Everything passed by as a blur, although Muichiro could see the stray deer darting past at the sound of Tanjirou’s sprints.

When Tanjirou had first shot off, Muichiro had clung onto him for dear life, his fear of slipping off roaring back to life. But as the hours passed, Muichiro felt more comfortable at this speed and let his grip loosen. He readjusted his position, lowering himself so as to relieve some of the pressure from the base of his spine.

The sun had been high up in the sky when Tanjirou stopped for their first break. They had stopped at a small creek accompanied by a pack of large elk on the other side. They’d darted away, though, when they spotted his canine companion. 

Muichiro had filled his water skin while Tanjirou took giant gulps. He also shared some of his jerky with Tanjirou. He’d happily accepted the dried meat and wagged his tail slightly when he’d realized it tasted good.

After a few more minutes of relaxation, they were off again. And Tanjirou didn’t stop until twilight had started to paint the sky and Muichiro spotted the telltale lights of his village.

Tanjirou slowed to a stop at the base of the mountain. Muichiro could tell he was anxious in the way his tail stood alert and his ears were ramrod straight. His body was tense and ready, as if he were prepared to pounce on something at a moment's notice. “Alright, I guess this is where we part ways, Muichiro.” Tanjirou muttered, his tone sad and solemn. 

Muichiro reciprocated the look. “Yeah, I guess it is.” He let himself pause, gazing into Tanjirou's plum-red eyes. They appeared sad, like trees in November. They spoke of want and yearning as if telling Muichiro to not leave him in his cold isolation once more.

Muichiro almost wanted to obey, but he had a family to cure first. Instead he put his forehead against Tanjirou's, his soft fur tickling him slightly. “I’ll be back soon.” He placed his hand on Tanjirou’s cheek, stroking it slightly. “I promise.”

Tanjirou chuffed, closing his eyes and pulling himself closer to the boy who’d pulled him out of his drowning isolation. He took in a deep breath, letting Muichiro’s scent take precedence above everything else. He ingrained the notes of sawdust, mist, and pine deep into his psyche, not letting himself forget a single detail. “Come back soon.” Tanjirou whispered with a deep rumble. “Goodbye, Muichiro.”

“Goodbye, Tanjirou. Thank you for everything.”

And with that, a human came back home to shocked faces and an ailing family, and a wolf returned to the wilderness and its frigid isolation but with a warm heart full of memories.

When Muichiro had handed the pollen to the woodswitch who lived on the outskirts of the village, she’d been shocked, her mousy face twisted into a look of surprise. She’d questioned how Muichiro had gotten such a thing, but all Muichiro answered her with was a bag of coins and a question on whether or not she could make the antidote.

He knew he was being rude, but he couldn’t find it in himself to care. He was so close to curing his family. All he needed was for this witch to make it.

The woodswitch had left to make it once she realized Muichiro wouldn’t answer her questions, and after a few minutes of Muichiro impatiently waiting, she produced three slim vials of a rich blue liquid. Muichiro gave her a rushed thanks before bolting out of her minuscule hut and into the worn cobbled roads of his village. 

Curious onlookers exclaimed in shock at seeing him for the first time in a few days. Some even tried to stop him, but Muichiro jumped out of the way in favor of getting to his house. 

It was a sight for sore eyes when Muichiro reached that familiar oak door, worn at the edges and scuffed in others. His hands were shaking when he opened the door. The fireplace had been kept going, presumably by the caretaker he’d hired. The person wasn’t here; now he’d seen them buying something from the marketplace when he’d made his mad dash home.

And right by the fireplace was his family. His father and mother were sound asleep, almost peaceful if it weren’t for the wet coughs they let out every few seconds. He looked to the side to see Yuichiro looking straight at him, with unbridled fury in his eyes. 

His brother took a few wobbly steps to right himself. The effort left him with a sweaty forehead. Muichiro went to help him, but Yuichiro put an angry palm up. He walked right up to Muichiro’s face, inspecting it for any blemishes or bruises. When he found none, his worried expression faded somewhat and turned into that anger he’d just previously had.

“Are you insane?! Going up that mountain to look for a cure when you knew there were wolves lurking there.” Yuichiro yelled, uncaring if his volume woke up his parents. “You could’ve been hurt; you could have died. ” His voice tapered off into a choked noise. Muichiro looked at his brother with sympathy in his eyes. 

“I had to. I couldn’t just stand by and let this disease kill you slowly.” Muichiro said firmly. He didn’t regret leaving. No, not when he’d found a cure and met Tanjirou. He let the words hang in the air before launching himself towards his brother and clinging to him. Yuichiro reciprocated the gesture and hugged him back.

“You’re an idiot.” Yuichiro sniffled, not letting the tears pooling in his eyes fall.

“An idiot who found a cure.”

Yuichiro looked shocked at the words and even more surprised when Muichiro pulled out of the hug to slip out the vials from his pack. 

He handed one to Yuichiro and went to give the two to his parents. Uncorking the first vial, Muichiro gently shook his mother awake. She lazily opened her eyes, expecting it to be the caretaker or Yuichiro giving her some water.

Instead, she was met with her foolish son, who went off to that perilous mountain in search of a mystical flower. Tears pooled in her eyes when she looked upon the unblemished face of her baby boy. “Muichiro?”

“Hi, Mom, I’m not sorry for leaving, but I’m sorry for making you worry.” Muichiro whispered, his voice wavering when his mom kissed his forehead and lovingly stroked his cheek. 

She simply smiled at him, relieved tears flowing freely from her eyes. 

“Here, drink this.” He gave her the small vial. She grasped it with weak hands and drank it in one go. The liquid was oddly cold for how long it had been in her son's hand, and the flavor was sweet with hints of honey and ginger in it. The effects, however, were immediate: the phlegm in her lungs cleared, and she felt lighter for the first time in years.

Muichiro watched as his mother’s sickly pallor literally changed in the blink of an eye. She looked healthier than he’d seen her in years. His shoulders sagged in relief as tears fell from his eyes. He gestured for Yuichiro to drink it. His brother took a few hesitant sips before swallowing the rest in one go. His sickly skin changed from a pale grey to a healthy pink.

He uncorked the last vial and gave it to his father. His father had said nothing when he first awoke and saw Muichiro simply smiling in relief before taking the cure offered to him. The coughs that wracked his body had stopped almost instantly, and the weight in his bones faded to nothing.

At the sight of his family healthy and whole again, Muichiro closed his eyes and shot a silent thank you to Tanjirou. He owed him the world.

It’s dark when Tanjirou gets back to his den. A large cave decorated with old scratch marks, fur, and knickknacks. It’s where his family resides, where Tanjirou spent most of his nights guarding his family. They were off in a far corner, still asleep as they had been for past years. 

The sight of family has him hoping the cure for Muichiro’s family had worked.

His mother and father were curled protectively around his siblings, with little Rokuta in the middle of it all. He was just a pup when he’d been put under the spell alongside his family. He was barely weaned off his mother’s milk and still so small. Hanako and Shigeru had been a bit older, but still, when he saw them asleep like this, they seemed as tiny as the day they were born. Takeo was curled around his father’s chest and so quiet , so unfamiliar to the boy who’d always nip at Tanjirou’s heels whenever he wanted attention. Nezuko was wrapped protectively around Rokuta; she’d been carrying him the day they were attacked. She’d been Tanjirou’s closest sibling, but now all she was was a memory.

They’d stayed the same after the incident. Their bodies hadn’t aged, nor had anything about them physically. But Tanjirou had; he’d grown up. His father had always been the tallest of them all, but now he’d outgrown him; he’d outgrown all of them.

He kept on changing while his family just stayed the same.

He padded up to them, solemn and slow, and slunk down next to his mother, curling himself against her fur, hoping to feel her warmth and hear her voice just one more time.

He’d give anything just to have them all back.

The next few days, Muichiro finds himself under constant vigilance. It would've been annoying inany other situation, but after a week of being around his ailing family, it’s a welcome feeling.

His family had severely lectured him after he returned; they hadn’t yelled—well, his parents hadn’t—rather, they thanked him after but asked he’d never do anything so reckless again.

Muichiro just gave a throwaway response at that. He would be doing reckless things in those coming days. Like going to visit Tanjirou back on the mountain.

He’d tried to sneak out once or twice, but his plans were thwarted by his brother. Yuichiro had taken it upon himself to keep 24-hour surveillance on him. It was a nice sentiment—in a Yuichiro type of way—but even his parents hadn’t been so protective. They still let him go to his lessons and the marketplace whenever, except at night. But whenever he left, Yuichiro would materialize out of nowhere and accompany him. He’d fall into step with him if he was going to the market, or he’d wait right outside of where he had his lessons. 

Muichiro couldn’t really do anything about it either; asking Yuichiro to leave him alone seemed rude, as well as making him look extremely suspicious in Yuichiro’s eyes.

So with all his previous attempts at slipping away thwarted, Muichiro decided if he wanted to go back to Tanjirou, he’d have to slip by when no one in his family would know he was leaving.

At night.

It was a little nerve-wracking slipping out of his home in pitch darkness—he hadn’t lit his lantern yet in risk of waking his family—but now that he was out, he struck a flint and sparked his lantern to life. In a way the lighting was almost worse; while yes, he now could see three feet in front of him, everything just seemed all the more frightening when illuminated by lamplight. The tall pines seemed dark and foreboding in the light; they looked a sickly yellow with their leaves a pitch black and their shadows, long and sharp things that almost seemed to writhe around as if they were alive.

However, he wasn’t going to let some spooky lighting scare him off from reuniting with Tanjirou. So he set his jaw and started the march towards the tall peak once more. 

It had been maybe twenty minutes when he finally arrived at the base of the mountain. Spotting a stray log, Muichiro sat himself down, grimacing at what little padding his nightclothes provided him against the rough log.  

The night chill settled deep in clothes, with only the lamp helping to abate the chill somewhat. His nightclothes didn’t help at all in that regard.

Muichiro hoped he hadn’t made a mistake coming out at night; after all, Tanjirou could be asleep for all he knew, but this had been the only time Muichiro had been able to slip away from his brother, so he hoped and prayed that Tanjiro would catch his scent and come down to meet him.

Wolves were nocturnal animals, right?

The snapping of a stray branch startled Muichiro, sending him launching off the log and into a defensive position.

Stepping into the lamplight was Tanjirou in all his lupine glory. It was as if Tanjirou had melted out from the dark when he slinked out, his crimson fur tricking Muichiro’s eyes into seeing Tanjirou step out of the dark like some creature of shadow.

They stared at each other for a long moment, both unsure if they're really seeing the person in front of them. Eventually Tanjirou moves first, barreling into the boy at breakneck speed and with a furious tail wagging behind him.

Muichiro let out a gasp at the firm hug, but it quickly faded to a content laugh as he felt the familiar sensation of fur wrapped around him.

“I missed you.” Muichiro whispered into his fur.

“Missed you too.” Tanjirou croaks.

They disentangle from the hug and settle themselves on the log Muichiro had been sitting on previously. Tanjirou can’t quite fit with his canine form, so he shifts back into a human. 

“Did the cure work?” Tanjirou asks.

“Exceedingly. It literally cured my family in the blink of an eye.”

Tanjirou lets out a sigh of relief in response, his shoulders untensing after a week of questioning. “That’s good to hear. I’m glad they’re doing okay now.” Tanjirou smiles; the sight of it makes butterflies erupt in Muichiro’s stomach.

“Y-Yeah, thank you again, by the way, y’know for letting me take some of the pollen. It must’ve not been easy to just… let a stranger take something you’re meant to guard.”

“Don’t mention it. You needed help, so I gave it.” He says it with such genuine kindness that Muichiro can’t help but feel awestruck. 

“Each time you manage to amaze me more with how kind you are.” He says in a hushed tone.

Tanjirou gives him a shy smile, rubbing the back of his head bashfully.

“Anyways, how have you been holding up here?”

“Fine, for the most part. I don’t do much up here other than guard the flower and…” Tanjirou paused. Muichiro didn’t know his family was technically alive; he’d assumed they were dead. Should he tell him the truth? The silence stretches on for a while. Muichiro can see the internal struggle Tanjirou’s going through, so he goes to reassure him.

“You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, Tanjirou; I won’t mind.”

He shoots him a grateful smile. “No, it’s fine… I just—Muichiro, I haven’t been entirely honest with you… regarding my familial situation.”

“Oh?”

“My family…” Tanjirou trails off. They weren’t dead, but in a way were. “They’re alive.”

“But there’s more to it than that is there?” Muichiro questions with a sad tone.

“Yes.” Tanjirou lets out a deep sigh, trembling slightly as he recalls that night.

Muichiro notices and places a reassuring hand over Tanjirou’s.

“My family was attacked a few years ago by some thing and its lackeys.” He shudders as he recalls the rotten stench of creatures almost human but wrong and disfigured with too wide eyes and their too sharp smiles. “I had descended the mountain to trade with the local village we were living next to at the time. I had stayed for almost the entire day, and before I knew it, it was night. I had rushed my way back home when I realized, and as soon as I was on my way back, I caught the scent of blood.” A thick and cloying scent that choked Tanjirou like a wire around his neck. It filled him with horror and dread as he urged his limbs upwards toward the overpowering smell of iron. 

Tanjirou lurched forward, bile clawing its way up through his throat. Muichiro lurched with him, rubbing Tanjirou’s back in reassurance. 

The sensation felt muted; Tanjirou continued his story regardless. All he could see was his father disemboweled with his intestines splayed out for all the gods to see. His mother's beautiful porcelain face, carved into like a pumpkin on Halloween. 

And his siblings . Nezuko had her throat slit and her arms broken and shaped to envelop Rokuta—who had been so small and so mangled—in a mock embrace. Takeo was killed with his own axe embedded into the back of his skull. Shigeru and Hanako had been impaled through the snout with the same weapon alongside a spear running through their heads.

Even after all these years, Tanjirou still couldn’t stomach the memories. The disgusting stench of the dead bodies, the pure, unadulterated rage Tanjirou had felt. It was like boiling magma bubbling to the surface. And when it finally erupted, something broke inside him. Seeing his pack brutalized and desecrated on the ground stirred something dark and hateful in him, extinguishing all his childlike innocence in such a small amount of time.

Tanjirou didn’t rest after; he cleaned his home of the gory mess and laid his family down in their familial den. He just couldn’t bury them yet, not without avenging them first.

And so, he went out on his hateful crusade, so caught up in his rage that Tanjirou forgot his duty of guarding the flower. 

As the sun left, shadows remained.

Tanjirou had found a few of the ones that had been responsible. Twisted beings that smelled of rot and wounds. Human but not, incomplete and ugly, like old dolls weathered away with a child’s love, except these demons from hell weathered away at the hands of a devil rather than a child.

He’d killed them while they slept.

How dare they sleep so carelessly after murdering a family? Tanjirou’s wrath had boiled over, leaving only fury, hate, claws, and fangs.

He mutilated them like they’d done to his family. Crushing one’s skull with his jaw, disemboweling them like they had his father. The other he burned, his fire a pure white-hot flame of retribution that reduced the demon to dust.

And yet after he’d killed them both, he was left sticky with viscera and blood clinging to his fur and a deep, empty ache where his heart should’ve been. He hadn’t cried when he saw his family, the shock too great for him to let tears fall. But here surrounded with nothing but boiling hot fury and freezing cold isolation, all Tanjirou could do was cry.

 Huge, wrecked sobs tore out of his throat, his lupine features twisting into agony, as his howl sang and sang, echoing across valleys, singing of travesty, rage, and desolation. 

It was as if the mountain mourned with him. A cacophony of animals cried in grief, great elks bowed their horns low and bugled, and entire flocks tore out the trees and flew, blotting out the sun and leaving nothing but darkness. Trees groaned as torrential winds tore through them, and rivers swelled and raged, flooding the terrain.

Tanjirou had heard it all and felt all of it. He howled and howled, each painful note enthralling the mountain more until finally he could cry no more. His abused and torn vocal cords stopped any more sound from escaping.

All he could do was watch as his salty tears spilled onto the earth as reality crashed down on him. His family was dead. Tanjirou was the sole survivor of an ancient line that persevered through wars, famine, and plague. All of that only for him to be the last echo of it. 

He wanted to rage, destroy, and kill. Every negative emotion tore through his veins like toxic fluid, replacing his lifeblood with venomous hate.

Until the sun finally shone down on him. A balm on his aching wounds. Basking him in pure light, purging the darkness within him. 

It was then had Tanjirou remembered the flower.

He tore through the mountain, digging his claws into the earth and cutting through like butter. Elks ran beside him, birds flew above, and fish swam below him.

A deep sense of dread settled in his gut when he saw them all. They all knew something was amiss as well.

When he’d finally reached the peak, there it was, the beast Tanjirou just knew was responsible for killing his family. It was a great, hulking mass of darkness and oily tentacles. A macabre of limbs and viscera vastly approaching the one blue flower sitting in the center of the peak.

Tanjirou had sprung into action then, uncaring that this beast had killed his family in one fell swoop. Tanjirou didn’t care if he died; he had nothing else to live for anyway.

Teeth tore into flesh as soon as Tanjirou intercepted him. He’d used his magic as well, the white-hot flames burning the beast. Its fury intensified as a result; the demon flailed, ripping Tanjirou off of it, and used its own dark and twisted magic on Tanjirou. It had leaked deep into his essence, settling into the very marrow of his bones, trying and fighting to twist Tanjirou into one of those demons. It had been the worst pain he’d ever experienced, his own body cannibalizing itself in order to eliminate the new foreign presence within him.

The beast had moved to finish him off, but with the last of his fading strength, Tanjirou had spat his flames right into the damned creature's face, instantly melting tentacle and shadow alike to reveal a horrid skull, human but putrid and rotting as its venomous poison coalesced into vile makeshift vines all around it.

The attack had forced it to flee; the sun had blessed some of its power upon Tanjirou, turning his flames a pure golden in its holy light. 

After, its rays focused on him, purging his body of the vile darkness hijacking his body like a parasite. The pain had been worse then, the magic forced to escape through his orifices like ink exploding out of a pen.

The purging had left Tanjirou with a subtle mark on his forehead. The sun's direct interference provided Tanjirou with an idea, and before its presence completely waned, Tanjirou had called out to it.

“Sun, O holy light bringer, I beg as the new head of your legacy to bless my family once again with life!” Tanjirou had begged while using some of his blood to write ancient runes into the dirt to hopefully channel more of the sun. “For they have been taken by the magic of demons and ghouls and defiled even in death with the beast’s viscous magic and sick, demented mind.”

He’d clawed his forehead, prying a part of his flesh off and laying it on the ground. “I offer flesh pure and of your yoke. Use this offer of pure solar magic as my offering; let my blood thick with your essence flow and shine the light of life into my family once more.” Tanjirou bowed low until his forehead met the ground and whispered. “Please bring back my family.”

Nothing happened for a  while that Tanjirou considered it was too late; his family was gone forever. Then, a blinding white light shone from his presented offering. It had exploded; the blast rattled Tanjirou and sent debris flying. The open wound still weeping blood on his forehead suddenly stopped, and his gash scabbed over and eventually turned into the rough scar he had now.

And then something beautiful tugged at the back of his mind. He could feel that familiar pull of his family’s magic swirling once more. He’d bowed to the sun once more, prostrating himself as the sun shone brightly down on him, before the intensity disappeared and Taniirou knew the sun’s presence had gone dormant once more.

Running to where he had secured them, Tanjirou looked upon his family with relief. No longer were they mangled but whole, but still their eyes remained shut. 

Tanjirou had assumed at first that it was normal, until they hadn’t awoken for two days. Tanjirou had tried waking them, but to no avail, and deep in his heart Tanjirou knew, while his family was alive, their physical bodies were whole once more. Their souls still lay dormant and extinguished. 

Burning pyres, now smoldering ashes.

Muichiro looked horrified at the retelling of what had happened to his family. His eyes sat heavily in his sockets as a deep melancholic face settled over him like a mask.

Tears even sprung to life in his eyes and fell like the springs in the mountain. He’d held him tight, his blunt nails leaving crescent imprints on his arm as Muichiro squeezed it. “Oh, Tanjirou. I’m so sorry.” Muichiro sobbed, burying his head into the crook of his neck while running his long, delicate fingers through his crimson locks.

Tanjirou inhaled, letting the scent of sawdust and mist pull him away from the memories. The scent comforted him away from all his pain in the past and reminded him of all the joy he had now.

They stayed enveloped in one another until Tanjirou could tell Muichiro could be here no longer. He had started to shiver, and the night sky had started to lighten. Their time was up once more.

“Muichiro, the sun’s almost up.”

“I know. Let me… just hold you a while longer. It's the least I can do to comfort you from the scars of your past.”

“Oh, Muichiro.” Tanjirou whispered into his ear. “Your presence has helped my scars fade more than they have in these years of bitter isolation. You are the balm on my aching soul. The revitalizing water, keeping me alive.”

“And you are the sun shining away my frozen fear and cold dread. Melting away the frost of the winter illness and hailing the beginning of bountiful harvests and endless merriment.”

“I wish for you to stay by my side longer, but I won’t bend to my wants; instead, I wish you goodbye and for a swift welcome in the coming days.” Tanjirou confessed, his soft voice enveloping Muichiro in silky comfort. The older boy intertwined his rough, calloused hands along Muichiro’s own rough hands.

Muichiro tightened his hand around Tanjirou’s. “And I wish the same, but for now I bid you farewell and assure you I will return. But until then, bye, Tanjirou.” Muichiro said, lamenting as he slipped himself free of Tanjirou and felt his warmth fade away like smoke in the wind.

“Bye, Muichiro.” Tanjirou echoed the deep ache in his throbbing heart as the silhouette of his only friend slowly faded from view.

 Muichiro had slipped back into his room just as Yuichiro awoke. Still sleepy and somewhat disoriented, his brother searched the room for him. Once his eyes settled on him, something seemed to relax in Yuichiro. 

Muichiro’s heart warmed at his brother’s concern. He gave Yuichiro a small smile. He felt guilty lying to his brother, but if that was the price of seeing Tanjirou, then so be it.

Breakfast with his family had been nice; his mother had prepared a filling breakfast of rice and grilled fish. The charred fish reminded him of his time cooking his food over the fire alongside Tanjirou.

His family must have noticed his somber disposition as they looked at him oddly with concern in their eyes.

His father broke the silence first. “Muichiro, did you… encounter anything on the mountain?” His kind voice questioned, the words piercing through Muichiro’s clouded brain. He’d been so worried after Tanjirou's retelling of his tragedy—and his loss of sleep didn’t help in that regard—he’d been deep in thought when he'd returned. As a result, his father's question had startled him.

Muichiro contemplated for a few moments before answering. Chewing his lip in thought. “I—No, not anything like the legend's detail.” The lie slipped out of his lips like molasses; guilt churned heavily in his gut at the blatant lie. But he couldn’t reveal Tanjirou. His family wouldn’t understand.

Muichiro fiddled with his fingers under the table, an action he thought went unnoticed, but Yuichiro had spotted the nervous tick. Dread pooled in the other twin’s stomach; Muichiro only ever did that when he lied.

His eyes narrowed; his brother was hiding something, and he was going to figure it out.

“Really, there was nothing up there? Not even old tracks or shed fur?” Yuichiro asked, his voice dripping with suspicion.

Muichiro tensed slightly at his brother's questioning. Sweat began to gather on his face as he fumbled for a response. “Well, I guess I saw some elk tracks on the way up… but no wolves. Just bobcats and coyotes.” Muichiro mumbled, hoping his internal panic wasn’t evident on his face.

Yuichiro raised an eyebrow. Muichiro’s demeanor confirmed it; he was lying. But why? He’d found the cure. And Muichiro was a history nut; if he’d seen the wolves, he would’ve talked Yuichiro’s ear right off. But he wasn’t.

He was worried. His brother wasn’t a liar; he was terrible at it, first of all—although his parents had never noticed, he had—and Muichiro just wasn’t the type of person to lie. He was too open and friendly for that.

Before he could press further, Muichiro excused himself, stating he had lessons today with Tetsuido. Yuichiro excused himself right after, quickly catching up to his brother, who had just exited.

They didn’t speak at first, but Muichiro felt too on edge. Yuichiro was on to him. Had he seen him sneak out? No, Yuichiro would've confronted him right away if he did. Something else had aroused his suspicions. Maybe he saw through his lie? Most likely Yuichiro had always been able to see right through him. And vice versa. Muichiro knew his brother, Yuichiro, wasn't one to beat around the bush.

“Why did you lie?” As if on cue, Yuichiro spoke, his question seeming laced with worry.

Muichiro sighed. A plan was formulated in his head on how to get Yuichiro off his back. “Because I didn’t want you to worry.”

Yuichiro smacked him in the back of his head. Which Muichiro gladly reciprocated. “Idiot. I worry either way.”

“I know.” That was all Muichiro said. Yuichiro looked towards his brother. Looking at Muichiro now, Yuichiro didn’t just see his  sensitive and soft younger brother. He saw someone with hardened determination in their eyes. So unlike the hopeful glint always present in his bright turquoise eyes. Muichiro had changed.

And Yuichiro didn’t know if he liked it or not.

“Tell me what you saw.” 

“I saw the wolf.” Calling Tanjirou ‘the wolf’ felt wrong. It left a bitter taste in his mouth. “It was large, larger than any wolf should be. He— It had spotted me before I had spotted it. It stalked for quite some time before pouncing on me with its fangs poised to rip my throat out. But it didn’t; right as I felt its fangs tickling my throat, it stepped off me and ran off.” Muichiro recounts hoping Yuichiro hadn’t caught his slip-up.

His brother’s expression rivaled that of a raging rhino. “You almost died!” He yelled, startling the surrounding townsfolk. “You almost fucking died, and you thought it was okay to lie about it!? ” He gripped Muichiro’s collar, shaking him vigorously. “Are you insane?!”

The sight of his enraged brother made the guilt churning in his mind triple. He was still lying to Yuichiro. But still he felt angry. Yuichiro was still lecturing him like some child. “I will never regret going to that mountain, Yuichiro. That flower saved your life!” Muichiro yelled back, yanking his brother’s hand off him. “And yes, I lied! For this exact reason. I didn’t want you yelling in my face and scolding me like you did when we were kids! I’m sick of it! I’m not some naive little kid anymore! And yet you still treat me like one!”

Yuichiro stepped back like he’d been struck. Hurt flashed in his eyes alongside regret before quickly being replaced by anger. 

Muichiro stopped his tirade, noticing the influx of people looking at their argument. “Let’s go discuss this in private.” Muichiro mumbled, yanking his brother's arm and leading him towards the woods.

Yuichiro had pulled his arm away right after he registered the touch but still followed him into the tree line. “I’m lecturing you because you did something stupid. I know you’re not a kid anymore.” 

Muichiro sighed, his previous anger abating. That was probably the closest thing to an apology he’d get from Yuichiro. “And I’m sorry for yelling; I know you’re just looking out for me.”

Yuichiro bumped his shoulder. He mumbled something that sounded like ‘dumbass.’ “I won’t tell Mom and Dad.”

“Thank you.”

“But if you ever lie to me about something like that again, you’re in for a helluva time with our parents.” Yuichiro said menacingly while jabbing a finger into Muichiro’s chest.

Muichiro bowed his head in submission. “I’ll hold you to that.” Muichiro smiled at his brother. He was so blessed to have him in his life. “And thank you for looking out for me.”

Yuichiro scoffed. “I’m older than you; it’s basically required of me.”

Muichiro scoffed back. “By, like, a few seconds!”

Yuichiro feigned ignorance while scratching his ear. “Don’t you have a lesson to get to?”

Muichiro grimaced. “Shit, you're right. Let’s get going before I get another old man lecture.”

Yuichiro chuckled. He pushed his brother back before yelling, “Race you!”

“Cheater!” Muichiro yelled playfully. Yuichiro smirked in response, already speeding up in spite of his little brother's protests.

It continued like that for a few months. Muichiro would sneak whenever he could—usually at night—to meet up with him. They’d spend most of the time talking, or in some cases Muichiro would bring him a treat from his village. His favorite so far had been some fatsia sprouts Muichiro’s mother had prepared for dinner.

Tanjirou reciprocated the nice gesture by braiding Muichiro’s hair. Albeit it had been quite some time since he’d done it, so the first few braids came out wonky. But after a bit of practice, Tanjirou had gotten back into his groove. 

Muichiro had asked him to braid his hair every night after. The new change in style had attracted his family’s attention, but he’d brushed it off with the excuse that it had been getting in his face when he was practicing with his magic.

Tanjirou had also brought Muichiro a bouquet of flowers after he’d mentioned his favorites. Hydrangeas—Tanjirou had added some baby’s breath and lilies to pretty it up.

Muichiro had turned a scarlet hue when Tanjirou had presented them, but he gladly took them and set them up in his room. Yuichiro had questioned where he’d gotten them, but Muichiro had lied and said he bought them from a vendor.

On the days Muichiro couldn’t visit, Tanjirou was left roaming the mountainside for the millionth time in search of something to do. Sometimes he’d go feed some of the wild koi in the nearby rivers, or he’d go to the peak and sleep in the flowerbed. Other times he’d look far into the distance, reminiscing on all the times he’d been with his family up here.

Nights like those were the worst for Tanjirou. When he was left to ruminate over his failure on what he’d done. The what-ifs felt like deep wounds in his heart; he should have done so much more for them, but he didn’t because he was too weak .

Whenever he’d meet up with Muichiro after one of those nights, the younger boy would put Tanjirou’s head in his lap and thread his fingers lightly through his scalp. 

A few times he’d bring a few origami pieces he’d made for him. His favorite so far had been him in his wolf form howling. All of the little pieces of paper were now proudly displayed on a little shelf in his cave.

Speaking of said cave, Tanjirou had been debating for the last few days whether or not he should invite Muichiro to… see his family.

He trusted Muichiro. Maybe more than he should for a months-old friendship. But something felt so right about him, like they were just meant to be.

It was after a few more days of contemplation that Tanjirou had finally manned up to ask him. “Um, Muichiro?”

Muichiro paused his current attempt at doing a small braid in Tanjirou’s hair, which he grumbled at. “Yes, Tanjirou?”

“I wanted to ask—or well… show you— Do you want to see my family?”

Muichiro’s eyes widened. “You’d trust me with that, Tanjirou?”

“I’d trust you with anything.” Tanjirou affirmed, his tone firm and sure. 

Muichiro’s heart melted right then and there. He felt touched to know Tanjirou trusted him like that. “I’d be honored to.”

Tanjirou smiled, the sight of it blinding Muichiro. “Yes! Alright, but there’s a slight problem with that.”

“What is it?”

“It’d have to be a two-day trip, and I don’t know how you’d make up an excuse for being gone that long.”

Muichiro stewed in thought. “I have a few ideas… How about this? I’ll try to make an excuse and let you know whether or not we can go.”

“Alright,” He exclaimed, excitement bubbling up inside of him.

 Muichiro felt trepidation rising up within him when he saw his master hut slowly coming into view. At least Yuichiro hadn’t tagged along today; he’d been able to convince him to stay because he and Tetsuido had private matters to speak of. This was probably the only way he’d convince his parents to let him leave for a few days if he was going off on a training trip with Tersuido. But the problem with that was convincing his master to lie for him.

He had gotten lucky; his master was leaving soon to visit some family in a village a few hours away. 

Muichiro was coming armed with treats that would make his master susceptible to persuasion: his favorite tea, some dango, and a bento from his favorite restaurant.

As he approached, Muichiro felt the flaws in his plan start to become more apparent. He’d never asked his master something like this before. In fear of being lectured.

Tetsuido wasn’t the type of sensei to punish their students physically when they did something wrong; no, he did something much worse. He was old—ancient even. So whenever Muichiro talked back or did something wrong, his master would sigh and wax about a lesson he learned in his youth, and then he’d guilt-trip Muichiro further by saying he didn’t have much time left and he was just trying to transfer his knowledge to the next generation. 

Those lectures inflicted pain much deeper than any jab or punch. Like Yuichiro had so eloquently put it once, ‘You’re a fucking softie.’ Which he was, and his master knew that; he always knew how to get Muichiro to feel bad. Which would motivate him to do better in his lessons. And what Muichiro would realize is he’d been played like a fiddle; his master would repeat the cycle.

His master’s door was now in front of him, the oak large and imposing. It was a masterful piece he'd commissioned from a woodworker in the Capitol; it detailed a valley of flowers swaying softly in the sun alongside two samurai dueling. 

Muichiro had always liked to listen about his master’s time in the Capitol when he was still young and spry and worked as a weaponsmith. But now with old age he’d settled down in their little town and made a living off teaching students all the magic tricks he’d learned. Although as of now, Muichiro was his only student.

Muichiro opened the door, grimacing at the loud squeak of the hinges announcing his presence. Muichiro could spot Tetsuido sitting on the kotatsu, nursing a hot cup of tea. He beckoned Muichiro in with a wave of his gnarled hand.

Muichiro obliged, sitting himself near the kotatsu while fishing out the things he’d purchased to persuade his master.

Tetsuido’s eyes literally sparkled at the food his student had brought him. “What a kind child you are, indulging an old man in some of his favorite food.” He intoned while also rustling his students' hair in gratitude. And yes, while he was thankful, Tetsuido knew his student too well. There was an ulterior motive to this visit. “Now child, tell me what you want from your poor old master you’re trying to bribe.”

“Can’t I just show my gratitude?”

“Yes, you can, but I know there’s an ulterior motive to this visit.”

Muichiro sighed, mumbling ‘nosy old coot’ under his breath. “Fine. You know how you’re leaving soon to visit some family.”

“Yes, go on.”

“A friend invited me somewhere, but my parents won’t let me go if they knew where I was going… So I was wondering if my wonderful master would tell my parents we’re going on a training trip instead, so your student who’s very dedicated to his lessons can hang out with their friend for a few days.”

His master hummed, eyeing Muichiro critically. “And what do I gain from this?”

“The love and appreciation from your favorite student.” Muichiro replied silently, pleading with his eyes. His master just looked at him stonily. Muichiro groaned. “Fine, I’ll buy you bentos for a week when you get back, and I’ll buy you some konpeito whenever the vendor comes back.

Testuido’s mouth watered at the thought, but he remained firm. Muichiro wasn’t one to lie, making him worry that this friend was a bad influence. “I have two conditions before I even consider this proposition of yours. One, I must meet this friend of yours, preferably tomorrow, and two, show me that you deserve this. I will provide you a spell to study, and if you show enough proficiency in it before I leave… I will tell your parents we’re leaving for a trip.”

Muichiro jumped up in joy before bowing low enough that his forehead bumped painfully on the floor. “Thank you, Master! I’ll be sure to bring him tomorrow, and I'll try my hardest.”

Tetsuido hummed. “See to it that you do.” He slipped a small piece of paper from his pocket. “This is the spell you must study and perform for me to agree to this proposition.”

Muichiro took the paper eagerly; he’d generally learned Testuido’s spells quickly, never taking more than a few days for him to pick them up. Opening the paper, Muichiro grimaced. This seemed… a little advanced for his level. It was an offensive spell called ‘Typhoon Spear.’ Not only would he have to generate enough air to shoot something at top speed, but he’d also have to shape a pointed object, something like a spear or arrow. 

Muichiro shakes his head. He could do this. He had to for Tanjirou’s sake.

He bid farewell and immediately went to practice.

That night Muichiro had told Tanjirou of his master’s conditions. Tanjirou agreed to the meeting, albeit with some trepidation. He hadn’t gone to a human village in years.

Muichiro assuaged some of his friend’s worries. His master lived on the edge of town, far away from prying eyes.

The day of reckoning came far too fast in Tanjirou’s opinion; Muichiro had just met up with him. It was odd seeing him again in daylight after months of only meeting at night. 

Tanjirou blushed a little at seeing Muichiro sun-kissed and his turquoise eyes glowing. The other boy hadn’t noticed and had instead ushered Tanjirou away from the base of the mountain and to his master’s house.

Once they were there, Tanjirou balked a little; it had been so long since he’d been to a village that the houses seemed odd to him. They were big, sure, but it still seemed claustrophobic to be closed in on all sides. 

Muichiro had noticed his trepidation and went to comfort him with a hand on the shoulder. “We don’t have to go if you feel uncomfortable.”

“No, no, it’s okay. I’m the one who asked if you wanted to see my parents anyways. I have to do this.”

Muichiro hummed, leading Tanjirou to the front door. Tanjirou could only admire the woodwork for a few seconds before Muichiro pushed the door open and ushered him inside.

He was instantly met with the scent of metal and weathered leather. There, seated at the kotatsu, was an elderly man with an observant eye analyzing them. Tanjirou felt a little intimidated at meeting him. Tetsuido seemed instantly mistrustful of him, which, fair, it was him whom Muichiro had asked him to lie for.

Muichiro slightly nudged him forward, startling him from his train of thought. He bowed and said a small thank you before he settled himself next to Muichiro at the kotatsu, letting his thigh brush right next to him. Tetsuido seemed to notice as he raised an eyebrow and looked towards Muichiro, who feigned ignorance.

Tetsuido cleared his throat. “I’m a blunt man, Tanjirou. Age has made me that way, so I'll be direct. What are your intentions with Muichiro?”

Said boy had started choking on the question. He’d unfortunately timed his sip of the tea that had been set out for them poorly. Tanjirou patted Muichiro back for a few moments, letting him catch his breath before he could speak. And to compose himself, Testuido’s questions seemed to imply something else.

“Muichiro and I are friends, Tetsuido-san. I simply wish to take him camping in the woods where I grew up nearby.”

Tetsuido nodded. “And I assume it would just be you and him?”

Tanjirou nodded.

Tetsuido sighed. “Muichiro, if you thought you could trick me into letting you go on an excursion with your boyfriend, you are sorely mistaken.”

The sentence took a few moments to fully register in Tanjirou’s head. Muichiro had gotten it instantly; the tips of his ears were flaming, and his eyes were bulging. Once Tanjirou finally processed what he said, his face reddened to the likeness of a tomato. “I assure you Tetsuido-san and Muichiro are just friends!” Tanjirou shouted a bit too loudly while Muichiro hissed ‘master’ alongside him. 

Tetsuido rose to his feet. “I’d like to speak to you privately, Muichiro. Please wait for us here, Tanjirou.”

Tanjirou bowed his head while Muichiro hesitantly rose to follow his master out the back door.

Tetsuido beckoned him to sit down on the engawa. Muichiro sat down in front of him. His face was still a flaming scarlet at his teacher’s brazen statement. “Master, I and Tanjirou were not—“

Tetsuido put his palm up. “Stop, I know you’re becoming a man, Muichiro, but you’re still too young to be having—“

“Stop! Just stop!” Muichiro yelled, slapping his hand over his ears while trying to tune out his master. “Tanjirou and I are not in a relationship!” He hissed. “I’m not lying, master; I would’ve told you if I were. Tanjirou’s sweet… but we’re not together. He just wanted to show me something really important to him.” Muichiro stressed, with as much sincerity as he could convey through his raging embarrassment.

“Child, I’ve been here much longer than you have. Fine, maybe you’re not together, but I can tell when people have chemistry. I’ve seen it too many times to not know when it’s right in my face.”

“You barely even saw us interact! How could you even jump to that conclusion!”

“Both of your  reactions to my probing were quite telling.” Tesuido replied.

Muichiro scowled at him. “Master, Tanjirou and I are friends; this excursion is a friendly one. I’m not—we’re not.” Muichiro grimaced at his master’s previous assumption. “We’re not going to do what you implied.”

His master analyzed him for a pair of seconds, searching for any tells of him lying. But when he found none, he raised his hands in defeat. “Fine, I believe you. But do tell me when you get into an inevitable relationship.”

Muichiro bristled but bit down his retort; he simply stayed quiet and followed him back into the house.

After the initial incident, the conversation with Tetsuido was surprisingly pleasant. Tanjirou had been fascinated with his previous career of making weapons. Which seemed to make the old man trust him a little more.

Tetsuido has asked him of himself how old he was, if he worked, practiced magic, and where he lived. The bombardment of questions overwhelmed him, but he answered them truthfully.

When he’d shown his proficiency over his solar magic—which Tesuido assumed was flame magic—Tanjirou could smell the scent of approval wafting off the man, and Tanjirou couldn’t help a small smile.

They ate a lunch Tetsuido prepared, some cold soba. It was frankly delicious. Tanjirou hadn’t had soba since forever ago, so eating it again was a shock to his taste buds. He had asked for seconds, which seemed to endear the man more to him as he happily served him more.

Muichiro seemed a bit more relaxed too, the previous embarrassment mostly forgotten. Tanjirou could tell Muichiro loved his master like a grandchild would their grandfather. Although the affection presented was a lot more aggressive than usual.

After they’d finished, Tetsuido had finally given his stamp of approval on his first condition. “You’ve won me over, Tanjirou. You seem like a nice man, and I trust Muichiro’s judgement.” He said pleasantly. “However, if you treat that boy wrong, I’ll show you how skilled I am with a blade.”

Muichiro fumed at his master's insinuation, but before he could defend Tanjirou, he interjected. ”I’m glad Muichiro has people who cherish him. I like him very much; he’s helped me heal from things I never thought I could heal from, and for that I owe him everything. I’m so grateful to have him as one of my friends; he’s an amazing person I’m blessed to have in my life. I’d never do anything to hurt the person who’s become so important to me. Thank you, Tetsuido-san, for trusting me.” Tanjirou gazed at Muichiro with such pure affection in his eyes that it caused butterflies to erupt in the younger boy’s stomach. Pink began to lightly dust his features at Tanjirou’s praise.

Tesuido smiled at Tanjirou, ruffling his hair while sending Muichiro a questioning eyebrow raise. Which Muichiro ignored, pink becoming slightly more prominent.

The days passed, and the date of Tetsuido’s departure was fast approaching. Muichiro was about 80% done with the spell he’d been assigned; the thing he'd struggled on most was molding the wind into a spear. 

Yuichiro didn’t practice magic as much as he did, but still he tried to give some advice. It helped somewhat with generating the necessary wind speed but not so much on how to mold it.

Muichiro had decided to ask Tanjirou for help, which had mixed results. Tanjirou sucked at explaining verbally. Key word: verbally. Instead, when Muichiro hadn't gotten it, he intertwined his hand with Muichiro’s and let him feel how he shaped his flames. Before he could feel it, though, Tanjirou instructed him to tap into their soul bond.

While not fully formed, it had developed leaps and bounds over the past few months, strengthening to the point they both felt a small tether in the back of their minds tied to the other’.

Muichiro felt even more secure in his want to complete their soul bond. Getting to know Tanjirou more was amazing, and he felt more endeared to him the more he learned. And as a result, the bond strengthened. Tanjirou himself had dropped some of his reservations as well but still cautioned they should wait, which Muichiro somewhat agreed with.

It was after that magical demonstration that Muichiro had finally been able to execute the spell. He and Tanjirou had whooped in excitement when he’d finally been able to launch the air spear and dent the tree he’d been aiming at.

After a few more days of familiarizing himself with the spell, Muichiro had finally shown Tetsuido, who approved and went to uphold his end of the deal the same day.

Muichiro’s parents had been hesitant initially when Muichiro had mentioned it previously, but after Tesuido had asked personally, their fear had seemed to be assuaged; even Yuichiro had been more lax, although he asked quite a few questions before he was satisfied.

The day after, Muichiro had packed and had departed with Tesuido with a send-off from his family. Once they’d gotten far enough, Muichiro had thanked his master once more and met up with Tanjirou.

Tanjirou was in his wolf form when he saw him. He was dozing on a patch of long grass and soaking up the sun’s rays. Muichiro gave a light scratch behind the ear to wake him up. Tanjirou had grumbled at his interrupted nap but still settled on his belly so Muichiro could hop on. 

The ride to the mountain was done in companionable silence. Muichiro was too focused on braiding a few loose strands of Tanjirou’s fur while he himself was admiring the woods.

Tanjirou eventually broke that silence when they stopped by a creek to rest.
“So how’s that spell of yours been coming along?”

“Better, I was able to cut down the casting time, and I’ve gotten better at molding it.”

“That’s good; now you’ll have a really strong spell in your kit.”

Muichiro hummed in agreement. “How have your spells been coming along? You mentioned something about cloaking yourself in flames.”

“It’s had… mixed results. I can cast the flames over me but the problem is finding the correct concentration for each part of my body.” Tanjirou groaned in frustration. This spell had been a project he’d been working on on and off for a while but Tanjirou hadn’t mastered it.

Muichiro patted his back. “Don’t worry; it’ll come to you eventually.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“I usually am.” Muichiro teased. Tanjirou responded with a playful nudge.

The sky had been enveloped in honey by the time they’d both arrived at his family’s den. He’d been here a thousand times and yet each time Tanjirou saw the gaping mouth of the cave come into view, he felt a sense of sadness ache in his bones. This cave had more or less become a glorified grave for his family. A place of life is now one of death.

He stopped a few feet away from the opening, allowing Muichiro to dismount. Said boy pressed his forehead against Tanjirou’s in reassurance.

Tanjirou gladly accepted the gesture and nuzzled his snout closer to Muichiro’s face. 

They stayed in this position for a pair of moments before Tanjirou pushed himself back. He felt ready. He ushered Muichiro forward and steeled his heart once more to see his family.

Muichiro entered Tanjirou’s cave— home— with slight hesitation. He had no idea what to expect, but he certainly hadn’t foreseen Tanjirou’s family just snuggled up as if they were sleeping.

They seemed at peace, perfectly still with content smiles on their canine features. The two largest, which Muichiro assumed were Tanjirou’s parents, were on the edges, curled protectively around wolves that Muichiro could only assume were his siblings.

Tanjirou nudged him closer. Getting a better look at them, something akin to horror settled in Muichiro. His siblings were so small, with the youngest being a little newborn pup. His heart clenched in sympathy; to have something so horrific happen to someone so young left Muichiro reeling and wondering how Tanjirou had been able to survive for so long. “Oh Tanjirou, I’m so sorry.” He gasped. 

Tanjirou had shifted to his human form to envelop Muichiro in a hug. “Thank you, Muichiro.” He sighed, pressing his face against Muichiro’s hair and letting his scent calm him.

Muichiro clutched at Tanjirou tightly. “Tell me about them.”

Tanjirou stilled for a moment, grief rising at all the memories. “They were the best family I could’ve asked for. My father was so strong and my mother so sure. They’d always been there to help and comfort us. They made sure we never went hungry. I miss them so much.” Tanjirou sobbed. The years-old pain roaring to the surface. He felt like a child still toddling after his parents for comfort.

Muichiro hugged Tanjirou tighter and scratched at Tanjirou’s scalp in circles. 

“My siblings were a lot.” Tanjirou chuckled wetly, remembering when they’d all pranked their parents by scaring them into a river. “Rokuta was such a happy baby, smiling and giggling at everything. Hanako and Shigeru did everything together; they were inseparable. Takeo always wanted to spend time with me; he’d help hunt and he was always the first one to volunteer to accompany me anywhere, and Nezuko—“ Tanjirou choked out a sob. “She was my best friend.” Tanjirou hiccuped. “S-She would always do small things for me that she didn’t have to, like one time she stitched a flame into my haori after she saw me looking at a flame patch in a market.” Tanjirou stopped the grief in his heart, prohibiting himself from uttering another word. “I miss them so much; it hurts every day. Like a wound festering, except no amount of treatment can get rid of it.”

“I'm always here for you, Tanjirou; you're not alone.” Muichiro pledged. “If you ever need to talk, I’ll always be here for you. I know it hurts, losing the most important people in your life, but remember you have all the good times; those memories are what keep them alive.”

Tanjirou cried more at Muichiro’s heartfelt statement. He was so grateful to have someone like Muichiro in his life. He wondered how he had survived so long without him. He snuggled closer to Muichiro, hoping his gratitude was conveyed through the action.

It seemed so, Muichiro continued to scratch his head. The action helped Tanjirou to relax. “I cherish you.” Tanjirou blurted out.

Muichiro faltered slightly at the declaration, his face immediately turning a shade darker. “I… cherish you too. I’m glad we met.”

“You’re amazing. I thank my lucky stars every night for meeting you.”

A sickly sweet expression adorned both of their faces as they gazed into each other’s eyes. Tanjirou felt his heart skip a literal beat at Muichiro’s eyes; he looked so… ethereal in the setting sun’s honey light. His pale skin glowing like a rich amber and his eyes sparkling like the sea’s waves. 

Muichiro was in the same boat. Tanjirou looked heavenly. His tawny tan skin gleamed like the purest of coppers, and his plum red eyes shimmered like wine being poured.

It was then that Muichiro knew.

He’d do anything for Tanjirou, because no matter how much Muichiro had denied it… 

He was in love with him.

After the tearful introduction, they’d both sat themselves near Tanjirou’s family. Tanjirou had continued to speak about all he could remember about them until the moon was high in the sky and he could see Muichiro eyes drooping.

Tanjirou had decided to call it a night then. He pulled out a few furs and placed them near the back cave wall. He shifted back into his wolf form, snuggling himself onto a fur and right next to Muichiro. He had nuzzled himself into Tanjirou’s fur, sucking up all the cozy warmth.

Muichiro had forgotten how comfortable it was to snuggle next to Tanjirou. He was like a kotatsu that Muichiro could sleep next to.

They both drifted to sleep quickly. With Tanjirou curled protectively around Muichiro and Muichiro basically sleeping on top of him.

Something wet dripping onto his fur is what eventually woke Tanjirou up. Cracking open an eye and grimacing as the bright morning sun pierced his corneas. Tanjirou could see Muichiro drooling onto his chest. 

He looked peaceful, with a face etched into the sort of serene beauty that men would go to war for. Muichiro was beautiful, Tanjirou had come to realize. 

The type of beauty that made you realize just how deeply you could love something. Tanjirou loved Muichiro; in what context he didn’t know yet. But he knew loving Muichiro was like loving the sea. Loving the waves that swept you away from the shore and to its all-encompassing embrace. Endless and deep was the type of love Tanjirou had felt towards Muichiro.

Muichiro had eventually awoken. He’d apologized for the drool, although Tanjirou had laughed it off, saying it left him feeling refreshed.

After shaking off their morning drowsiness, they both took a pleasant walk to go catch breakfast. Tanjirou had a few fish for them to cook over a fire. Once breakfast was eaten, Tanjirou had decided to mess with Muichiro, and he’d splashed him with river water.

Muichiro hadn't taken kindly to the taunt. Tanjirou had been in his human form so Muichiro had tackled him into the river. And while he had succeeded, Tanjirou had grappled Muichiro, sending them both toppling into the river.

Tanjirou had cackled at Muichiro’s shocked face. Muichiro had splashed him in response, sending them both into a mock battle of water. Muichiro had won after using a gust of wind to send Tanjirou falling into the water again. 

He hadn’t let the offense slide. He’d submerged himself into the water he fell and swam to where Muichiro was to pull him into the water. Muichiro had screamed at the wet hand pulling his leg and had unintentionally kicked Tanjirou in the face. He’d apologized profusely when he registered just who he’d kicked but Tanjirou couldn’t have cared less. Instead, he was laughing at the girlish scream Muichiro had let out.

Now soaked to the bone, Muichiro and he had settled down next to the fire. Tanjirou didn’t want to wait for his clothes to dry though so he’d used some of his magic to dry them instantly. Muichiro was fascinated with his method after he’d seen the whole plume of steam that rose from him. 

Tanjirou had offered to dry Muichiro, which he agreed to. Tanjirou channeled the magic through his entire body; first he hugged Muichiro from the back, drying one side, and then he hugged him from the front, drying him. 

After seeing Tanjirou’s magic in use, an idea came to Muichiro. “Tanjirou, do you know how to channel the exact heat to dry your clothes?”

“Yeah?”

“Why don’t you push that heat out and manifest that into your flame cloak?”

Tanjirou looked ready to kiss Muichiro in gratitude after he’d said that. “You’re a genius.”

“Let’s not go that far.” Muichiro chuckled.

Tanjirou had applied Muichirio’s words and to his excitement, his cloak worked! Sure, there were still a few weak spots but this had been the most progress he’d made in months! 

Muichiro smiled at Tanjirou’s excited expression, happy he’d been able to help his friend with something.

After the exciting discovery, he’d led Muichiro to all his favorite spots on the mountain. The waterfall where he always catches the best-tasting salmon, the pond where he fed his favorite koi, the weird rock formation jutting out of the mountainside that looked like a fish, and finally, once the sound had set once more, he’d taken them to an outcropping of rocks so high they overlooked the valley and gave them a perfect view of the sun dipping back into the Earth's embrace.

Everything from up here seemed inconsequential. It was like all of Muichiro’s worries were small compared to the overwhelming vastness of the land stretching across the horizon. “What I wouldn't give to just wander and discover everything there is to see.” Muichiro lamented.

“And what I wouldn't give to join you.”  Tanjirou said somberly.

Muichiro squeezed his friend's hand in sympathy. Tanjirou was shackled to this mountain both by duty and necessity. Someone needed to guard the flower and Tanjirou just couldn’t leave his family.

“Is there truly nothing we can do for your family? There’s not anyone who can help your family?”

Tanjirou looked pensive in response. “There is… someone, but they live very far from here. I wouldn’t be able to leave my family with her and come back the same day. The trip there would take a week at my fastest pace. But I can’t leave the flower unguarded for that long.”

“Who's this person you’re speaking of?”

“Her name’s Tamayo; she’s a witch my family helped way back when, if anyone could figure out how to help, it’d be her, but the problem is she lives too far for a one day trip.” Tanjirou had tried to contact her a few times, but all his attempts had been thwarted by the simple fact that Tanjirou had no idea where she was living right now. Tamayo had gifted their family with a charm that would tell them when they were nearing her new abode but it had to be at a certain distance to work.

“I could guard it.” Muichiro blurted out before he could stop himself.

“What? Muichiro I couldn't ask that of you. How would you explain that to your parents? And plus, I wouldn’t feel comfortable knowing I left you here to fend for yourself in the woods.”

“I’m not helpless. I could live up here for a week or two and plus, I have your cave as shelter and my magic, so if anyone wants to try something, I can stop them.”

“That still doesn’t explain how you’d explain this to your parents.”

“I could ask Tetsuido to lie for me again.”

“And if your family sees him around when you’re supposedly away training?”

“Testuido’s a hermit; if I ask him to enclose himself in his house for a week, it’d be no different from his normal routine.”

Tanjirou growled. “You don’t have to do this for me.”

“I want to do this. If there’s any chance that you can help your family, Tanjirou, I want you to take it.”

“Okay, but only on the condition I show how to survive on this mountain.”

“Deal.”

Tanjirou’s impromptu lesson had actually been quite informative. He showed how to make a fire that didn’t emit much smoke. What plants to eat and avoid. The best places to hide. And the rivers with the easiest fish to catch. 

The rest of the evening was spent with Muichiro showing that he could do the things Tanjirou had shown him. And after he’d met Tanjirou’s expectations, he’d acquiesced.

“If you stay and guard this flower, Muichiro, you’re agreeing to put your life on the line . Do you understand?”

“Of course I do and I don’t care—well, I do care about guarding the flower—but I don’t care about the risks. I'd do anything to help you, Tanjirou.”

“You should care about the risks.” Tanjirou bit out harshly. “I don’t know what I’d do if I lost  you too.”

Muichiro's eyes softened, and he stroked Tanjirou’s cheek softly. “I promise to not let myself get hurt, Tanjirou.”

“Pinky promise?” Tanjirou whispered while holding out his pinky. 

“Pinky promise.” Muichiro giggled, clasping Tanjirou’s pinky with his own.

Today had been the last day Muichiro would stay; he’d have to leave in the morning in order to arrive at the same time as Tetsuido. 

So once the night sky had been broken by the sun, Tanjirou had sadly nudged Muichiro awake and took him to where Tetsuido had said to meet them. Muichiro dismounted, and Tanjirou shifted back into human form before they met up with Muichiro’s master.

Once they spotted him in the clearing, Muichiro bid farewell to Tanjirou; he bowed and said his thanks to Tetsuido once more. He said goodbye to Muichiro in the form of a tight hug that had prompted Tetsuido’s scent to smell questioning. 

Muichiro had reciprocated the firm hug with a promise of seeing him again later tonight. They disentangled themselves and Muichiro waved goodbye.

Later at night they met again, as Muichiro had promised. They’d met at the log; Muichiro had waited at first, and they’d reunited. 

Tanjirou had busied himself with braiding Muichiro’s hair while Muichiro was making him an origami bird.

“So my master was less than pleased when I asked him to lie for me again. But! He agreed on the condition that I buy him a bento for two weeks once I come back.”

“He didn’t ask for you to learn a new spell?”

“No, just to be able to shoot multiple spears from the previous spell I learned.” Muichiro explained.

“And how’s that gone?”

“I figured it out within the hour he’d asked it of me. I’m quite ingenious when I have the right motivation.” Muichiro remarked with a proud smirk. 

“That you are.” Tanjirou chuckled in agreement. “You can be quite bullheaded.”

Muichiro grumbled at Tanjirou’s description but was still smiling.

“He’s going to tell my family tomorrow after breakfast; he’s apparently already got an excuse ready to go. All he needs to know is when we should go.” Muichiro questioned.

“Oh! Well…” Tanjirou mulled over his reply; he’d already had a pack of dried meat and fruits at the ready for a long travel and he could always stop by a creek if he needed a drink. All he needed to figure out was how he was going to transport his family in one go. Maybe conjure up a net with his magic? He’d have to test it when he returned later. “I’ll have an answer for you next night; I need to figure out how I’m going to transport my family.”

“Alright, I’ll tell him to hold off on asking.”

“Hey Muichiro, thank you for this… for helping me, being there, and for… giving me hope. You didn’t have to do this.” Tanjirou hugged him from behind, taking precaution to not ruin the braid he was currently doing.

Muichiro clasped the arms Tanjirou had wrapped around him. “Of course, Tanjirou, I would do anything for you. I care for you deeply. It’s not every day I meet someone I can bond with to such a degree.”

“Likewise.” Tanjirou whispered earnestly. “And how about when I return we can look into… finishing the soul bond. I think I’m ready for it.”

Muichiro looked at him with excitement. “Really?”

Tanjirou nodded.

“You better come back fast then.”

“I’ll try my best for you, Muichiro.”

When Tanjirou had returned home, he tinkered with his magic, molding it into a net he could place his family in and carry comfortably. He’d be in his wolf form exclusively for the week so he’d be able to bear all the weight of his family. 

He also made a trip up to the peak; if he was going to see Tamayo in hopes of curing his family, then he was going to take a bit of the blue spider lily with him. Maybe it’d work for his family like how it worked for Muichro’s.

He’d taken a bit of pollen, a few leaves, and cut off a few slivers of the flower. He felt a bit guilty taking parts of the flower, but it had been a gift the man had given to Tanjirou’s ancestors for personal use and for them to protect, so it wasn't like Tanjirou was betraying his bloodline. He’d stuffed the separate part into vials, which he then slipped into a leather sack.

The following night Muichiro had met up with him, expecting his answer. Tanjirou had told him he could leave as soon as tomorrow. Muichiro had agreed, saying he’d already secretly packed some supplies for the week and that he was also ready to go at a moment’s notice. 

The following day Tetsuido and Muichiro had him at the same spot they’d agreed upon. Tetsuido seemed less skeptical this time and told Tanjirou to take care of Muichiro.

He felt guilty  at lying to Muichiro’s master like this but he pushed through it. For the first time in years, Tanjirou had a chance of healing his family and finally getting them back.

They’d made the journey to his family’s den fast. Tanjirou had secured all his packs and satchels to his chest and carefully placed his family in the net he’d be transporting them in. It was a carefully crafted net of flames that would warm his family through the nights and was sturdy enough so they wouldn’t slip out.

After it was all said and done, Tanjirou had woefully said goodbye to Muichiro. It’d be the longest they wouldn’t see each other in months. Muichiro seemed equally devastated as he hugged him tightly and urged him to come back quickly.

Tanjirou nodded in agreement and made a pinky promise to come back to him as fast as his legs would take him.

And after one final hug, Tanjirou set out on the long journey to Tamayo’s home. With only an old charm to guide him.

It was a peculiar craftsmanship carved in the shape of a cat with a rune drawn on its chest. However, it did its job well; as Tanjirou channeled his magic into it, the charm would tell him what direction to go towards. 

Although something odd happened to it after an hour or so of using it. The wood had glowed and floated out of his hands and onto the floor, where it got bigger and bigger before a real-life cat manifested itself! It was a white cat with orange and black patches on its face. It meowed in Tanjirou’s direction and went off running.

Tanjirou had scrambled to catch up to it and continued to follow it day and night until he finally decided to take a break. The cat had thankfully stopped when he had and had assumed the position of a loaf.

Tanjirou took out a bit of dried meat from his pack and took a few gulps from a nearby creek. After he sated his hunger, he had located a cave and set his family carefully down onto the cave floor before settling himself down and sleeping for a few hours.

The next days of the journey followed the same routine until eventually the cat had led him to a large forest with gigantic oaks towering hundreds of feet tall alongside rivers that were as wide as oceans and boulders that were as tall as hills. The cat he’d taken to calling   had led him to a gargantuan waterfall where it had abruptly stopped in front of and had meowed at him to go into it. 

Tanjirou had hesitantly put his paw into the waterfall, expecting a torrential downpour, but to his surprise his paw simply slipped through. It was an illusion . Tanjirou realized. He passed through it entirely and found a large house decorated to the brim with warding charms and runes. 

The cat had entered alongside him and had trotted up to the house, prompting Tanjirou to follow it apprehensively. He followed it up onto wooden steps that creaked loudly under his weight and in front of the lacquer door artistically depicting a patch of wildflowers in a sprawling valley. Tanjirou had poised his paw to knock but the cat had beaten him to it. It pawed at the door, claws out, making a scratching sound rather than a thump. 

It seemed as if the atmosphere turned frigid with fear. Tanjirou unconsciously growled, hackles raising at the killing intent radiating from the house. He should’ve checked if the house was safe before he went to knock like an idiot. 

The door creaked open slightly. A pale lavender eye and pale skin were all Tanjirou could make out from the sliver the door had shown.

The person had gasped in shock, eyes going wide as saucers. “Tanjuro?”

Tanjirou let his guard down slightly at the sound of Tamayo-san's voice. He flinched slightly at the name of his father. He’d changed so much Tamayo hadn’t even recognized him anymore. “Tanjirou actually, Tamayo-san.” He bowed his head respectfully.

Tamayo opened the door fully, features drawn in shock. “Tanjirou! Oh my, I didn’t even recognize you; how you’ve grown!” She ushered him inside. “Please come and make yourself at home.” She paused, seeing the mass of fur currently hoisted onto his back. “It seems we have much to discuss.” She said gravely.

He’d stepped in hesitantly, sniffing the surroundings and listening for any danger. He could smell another person here, although it was young and sickly. 

“Yushiro! Prepare us some tea!” Tamayo yelled towards a closed door, where he immediately heard an ‘at once’ and rustling in response.

Tanjirou carefully set his family down onto an open space and sat himself on a cushion Tamayo-san had set out for him.

The cat, who Tanjirou had forgotten about, curled affectionately around Tamayo-san’s leg before turning back into a little wooden charm. “I see Chachamaru was able to guide you to us.”

“Ah so that was his name. I’d been calling him Patch the whole way here.” Tanjirou commented. The voice startled Tamayo; she'd last seen Tanjirou when he was a small child after Tanjiro and Kie had brought him to her after he’d come down with illness. Now he was in front of her, almost a man grown and even larger than Tanjuro had been in his prime.

Yushiro had come right after with two cups of hot tea on a tray, which he settled on the table between them. He eyed Tanjirou suspiciously but before he could question him, Tamayo waved him away with a kind smile.

Tanjirou had smiled at Yushiro, showing off that trademark Kamado politeness but her troublesome apprentice simply scowled in response and left. Most likely to the room next door to eavesdrop.

Tamayo took a sip of her tea and folded her hands in front of her. She was assuming the reason for this visit wasn’t a happy one. “How has your family been, Tanjirou?”

Tanjirou looked towards where he settled them down and sighed sadly. “They’ve been comatose for the past few years. My family was attacked by some… monster after my youngest brother—Rokuta—was born. The thing had killed my family while I was gone but I was able to revive them by sacrificing some of my flesh—"he “gestured to the scar on his forehead much to Tamayo-san's horror—"and ”their bodies were revived, but their minds… they're dormant, like the beast had put something that blocked their souls from reawakening.”

Tamayo put her hand to her mouth in shock. She’d always been curious as to why Tanjuro had fallen out of contact with her, but she hadn’t been able to reach out in fear of exposing her position. She looked at Tanjirou in sympathy. This poor boy had been looking after his family for years and now he’d finally been able to find help. “Why couldn’t you have come sooner, Tanjirou?”

“I couldn’t leave the flower; the beast that had attacked us was after it and I was afraid if I left it would’ve taken it, but I recently met someone who agreed to guard it while I was gone.”

“Oh, you poor boy,” Tamayo clasped his paws. “Well, you’re here now; that’s all that matters. There’ll be time to catch up later but for now, let’s get your family examined.”

Tanjirou looked at her gratefully before going to pick up his family and take them to the room Tamayo led him to. It was a spacious room modeled after a medical facility, with a multitude of beds and medical examination tables. Tanjirou put each of his family members into a separate cot, laying them onto their side and making sure their claws hadn’t caught onto any fabric.

Tamayo immediately got to work, listening to their hearts with a fancy metal tool, drawing blood samples, and doing a multitude of other things that seemed very complicated. Tamayo had told him that the results of the bloodwork would take some time and ushered Tanjirou into a room to rest from the long journey. She would bring some food in a few hours and let him know her findings when she had them.

Tanjirou slept like the dead for those few hours. A huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders; his family would finally be getting help and hopefully he’d have them back soon. He drifted off with his last thought being of how he would thank Muichiro.

He was awoken by the young boy—Yushiro?—settling a tray of food down in front of him. The delicious scent of udon teasing his olfactory sense pulled him out of his dreamless sleep. He had thanked the boy but he’d already slipped out by the time Tanjirou had said it.

Tanjirou greedily ate the delicious meal. Letting the warm broth warm his insides and soothe him. He’d finished it in record time and gave a full-body stretch when he rose to his paws and went to deposit the dirty dish in the kitchen. 

As he was about to leave, Tamayo-san entered, with a serious expression that had Tanjirou feeling an impending sense of doom. “I just finished all of your family’s bloodwork and I’ve figured out why your family is comatose.” Tanjirou sat himself back down on his bed and Tamayo pulled out a chair to sit on. “In simple terms, there’s a foreign magic present in each of your family’s bodies. Whatever ritual you performed to bring them back only worked well enough to stop this magic from completely corrupting their bodies but not enough to completely purge it. So my leading theory is that their bodies are in a stalemate and so long as they’re in that stalemate their souls are dormant, since another magic is actively suppressing their own magic. Which leads me to ask Tanjirou, were you affected by this? and if so, how did you purge the magic out of your system?”

Tanjirou gulped; the question he’d been asking for years had finally been answered. His family couldn’t wake up because that monster’s presence was still trying to corrupt them. “I was affected but the magic was forcibly removed from me by the sun. You see, when I attacked the demon, it had injected me with its foul magic—it was so painful— but I’d channeled some of my last solar magic, which drew the sun’s presence, empowering my last-ditch attack and purging the magic out of me.”

Tamayo rubbed her chin pensively. “Hm. So something that has pure solar essence is likely to be the solution to purging the rest of that foul magic.”

As Tamayo was explaining, Tanjirou had fished out the vials of the blue spider lily. “Would these work as pure solar essence? My familial tomes say this flower is said to be a physical manifestation of the sun.”

Tamayo’s eyes bulged out of her skull as she saw the parts of the flower. These flowers had been regarded as myth for their extraordinary healing power. “These are the flowers your family has been guarding?”

Tanjirou slapped a paw over his mouth. “My parents never told you?”

Tamayo shook her head. “I can see why they wouldn’t want to share  that piece of information; these flowers are highly sought after for their potency in healing.”

“I know that but I would've assumed my family would’ve at least told you, Tamayo-san.”

“Oftentimes some secrets are better left unsaid. Especially one as mystical as this, people from all over would immediately try to take the flower from your line.”

“I know.”

“But yes, those flowers should do the trick alongside some ore I found in my recent travels. I think I could be able to make a cure that could potentially… cure your family. But I don’t want to get your hopes up. Tanjirou, there may be a chance it won’t work.”

“I understand.” Tanjirou whined. 

“Which is why I think you should leave soon. I don't think it'll be healthy for you mentally to see the ups and downs of this process as well as not leaving the flower unguarded for too long. I know you love your family, Tanjirou, and I assure you they will be safe here. But if anything goes wrong, you’ll know immediately through Chachamaru. Although I don’t mean you have to leave right this moment, you are more than welcome to stay until your strength returns.”

Tanjirou nodded; no matter how much it pained him to leave, Tamayo was right. He couldn’t live through the disappointment of the cure not working and witnessing it with false hope. And he couldn’t leave Muichiro alone for much longer. “I understand I’ll stay for the night if you don’t mind and I’ll depart in the morning.”

“Of course, Tanjirou, my door will always be open for your family.” She smiled sincerely. “It would please me if you joined us for dinner and caught us up on how you’ve been.”

“Of course, Tamayo-san.”

Tanjirou started the journey back home with a weight lifted off him physically and figuratively. His family had a chance , and that’s all Tanjirou needed.

He set a grueling pace for himself. Chachamaru hadn’t manifested himself since he was returning but Tanirou hadn’t needed directions; he could feel the familiar pull of the flower's magic alongside his developing soul bond with Muichiro drawing him toward the boy. 

He’d actually had a book strapped around his  detailing everything there was to know about them. Tamayo had gifted it to him after he showed interest in the subject.

The journey back passed much faster as Tanjirou ripped across the landscape.

in a frantic rush to return to Muichiro. 

It had only taken him three days to run back compared to the seven it’d taken him to get to Tamayo’s.

He felt an immense joy at the prospect of reuniting with Muichiro after 10 days. That is until the unmistakable scent of Muichiro’s blood and pain registered in his olfactory. 

Stone-cold dread shivered down his spine as well as curdling hot anger at the prospect someone was hurting his soulmate . 

He’d make the person who hurt him pay in blood.

Muichiro’s stay at the mountain had been going swimmingly in his opinion. Tanjirou’s fishing advice had come in handy, although he hadn’t used any of the hiding spots he had shown him. The wildlife had seemed oddly kind towards him, like they knew he was protecting the flower while Tanjirou was gone. 

A huge male elk had even stalked up to him and let Muichiro stroke its neck. Whenever he saw a bird, they’d land on his head and greet him with a soft chirp. 

After the first two days, Muichiro had gotten tired of confining himself  to the cave, so he’d taken to exploring, but never too far where he wouldn’t be able to come back to the cave before night. He’d even found a cool boulder formation that contained a miniature waterfall. He’d written down the general location in a journal he’d brought to show Tanjirou when he’d come back.

Speaking of said boy, Muichiro hoped that Tamayo would be able to help Tanjirou. He’d help heal Muichiro’s family; he could only hope Tanjirou could heal his own.

A loud bugle tore him out of his thoughts. The giant male elk that had let him pet him had reappeared, seeming nervous and agitated. Muichiro approached the animal carefully. “What’s wrong, bud?” He held out a hesitant hand, letting the elk close the distance and let Muichiro pet him. The elk rubbed its wet nostrils over his palm. The elk stepped after, impatiently passing the ground and gesturing behind with his massive set of antlers that almost whacked Muichiro in the face.

The dots connected in Muichiro’s head. “You want me to ride you?” The elk moved its head as if saying yes. 

After that day Muichiro was able to travel much farther, as the elk would show up every day to let Muichiro hitch a ride on his back.

It was on the tenth day after Tanjirou had left that Muichiro noticed something was off. The elk—which Muichiro had named Nakama—seemed much more irritable. He’d bugled Muichiro impatiently to get on and when he had, Nakama had bolted so fast that Muichiro had to twist his fingers into the elk’s fur so as to not slip off. Nakama seemed to be going downwards at startling speeds. The birds that had said hello to him had also accompanied him, as if guiding the elk to a certain location. It was when they reached the foot of the mountain that Muichiro knew why.

Yuichiro was here. 

Yuichiro was here, screaming his lungs out, yelling ‘Muichiro.’

Oh no.

Yuichiro was cold, frustrated, and absolutely furious. When he’d spotted Tetsuido outside his house sipping on some tea, he’d gone to ask where Muichiro was. The old man had told him bluntly that Muichiro had gone off with a friend.

When Yuichiro had said Muichiro didn’t have friends, Tetsuido had frowned and mentioned a Tanjirou. Someone Yuichiro had never heard Muichiro mention.

At that Tetsuido paled and confessed what Muichiro had actually gone off to do instead of training. He’d run off with some boy and lied about it. Yuichiro had been furious with Tetsuido also; he’d yelled at him for allowing this to happen but Tetsuido had Muichiro’s reasoning as to why he’d ask him to lie, saying that his family already knew Tanjirou and that if he asked to stay with him for a while, his family would say no because they were too overprotective and smothering. Tesuido’s explanation had left Yuichiro was angrier than he’d been when Muichiro’s stupid ass had first reappeared from the mountain.

He’d basically dragged Tetsuido to where he’d dropped off Muichiro with Tanjirou and followed the tracks. Now he was suddenly thanking his father for all the times he’d shown him and Muichiro how to follow and discern tracks, but as Yuichiro followed the tracks further, the two human tracks had turned into one human track and one wolf track . Yuichiro had started to panic when he’d realized the difference and it reached an all-time high when he saw where exactly the tracks had led.

Straight to the mountain.

Yuichiro at the moment was experiencing a plethora of negative emotions toward his twin that he didn’t know whether to be angry or worried for him. The answer was both first he’d hug Muichiro, then he’d smack the absolute shit out of him.

Arriving at the base of the mountain, Yuichiro hesitantly walked upwards, screaming himself hoarse as he yelled out for his twin.

The sharp snap of a twig had Yuichiro swiveling towards the sound. There he found his twin standing anxiously near a tall pine with a travel satchel and sheepish smile. “Yuichiro, I know how this looks but—“

“But what! But what, Muichiro, of course it looks bad; you’ve been fucking lying to me—to Mom and Dad—for what?! To hang out with some friends you never even bother to introduce me to!? What was his name, Tanjirou?”

Muichiro flinched at the vitriol in his brother’s tone. He’d known that he’d be angry but Muichiro hadn't thought that Yuichiro would be this furious. “Yuichiro, I’m sorry but I can explain—“

“You’re sorry? You're fucking sorry?! That’s all you can say to defend yourself. Fuck!” Yuichiro said in a panic while pacing back and forth, ”Muichiro I was following your tracks. I saw the wolf tracks right next to yours. I thought it had killed you .” Yuichiro yells. “Do you know how goddamn worried I was?!”

Muichiro paled at Yuichiro’s words; he'd seen the tracks but he still hadn’t put two and two together.

Yuichiro marched up to his twin, harshly yanking his arm and leading him down the monument. Or tried Muichiro had pushed him away harshly, sending Yuichiro a few feet forward.

Muichiro instantly regretted his action when he saw the downright wrathful expression on his brother's face. “Yuichiro, I can’t leave yet.”

“Why the hell not!” Yuichiro yelled, stepping closer to Muichiro. 

“I can’t tell you.”

“You have the fucking audacity to not even tell me the truth after you’ve been gallivanting here doing who knows what after I’ve spent these past hours wondering if you were being digested in some wolf’s stomach?!” Yuichiro screamed, grabbing Muichiro’s collar and shaking him vigorously. “I don’t fucking care about whatever bullshit reason you can’t leave for! But you’re going ! Even if I have to drag you there.” Yuichiro forcefully yanked his brother by the arm, sending him falling into the dirt, clipping his chin against a rock.

“Yuichiro—Stop!” He didn’t listen, still forcefully pulling him away. “I said stop!” Muichiro yelled forcefully, pulling his arm away and getting up to his feet to harshly push him away.

Yuichiro stumbled into the dirt. His patience now wore thin. He picked himself up and reeled right around to deck Muichiro in the face. If he had to knock him out to get back home, so be it. 

The punch connected with a sick crack, snapping Muichiro’s head the opposite direction. Tears pooled in Muichiro’s eyes at the pain and he felt liquid crimson oozing out his nose and pooling in his mouth after he bit his lip. He looked back towards Yuichiro, who seemed horrified at the sight of Muichiro bleeding.

It all seemed to happen in slow motion then for Yuichiro as he registered that he’d made Muichiro bleed . 

Right after, Yuichiro heard a distant thump thump thump getting ever so close. Until it became a deep rumble vibrating the very earth he stood upon. And like some harbinger of death, a thunderous howl echoed throughout the mountain just as an absolutely massive wolf came charging in. The beast from hell was terrifying; its monstrous maw was curled into a furious snarl, showing off its luminous pointed canines. 

He could only analyze the beast for a second before it pounced on him. A mass of pure muscle pressed itself forcefully onto him, while huge claws painfully clutched at his skin. The wolf looked at him with nothing but boiling anger; its pupils were nothing but tiny dots, red and fiery like the deepest pits of hell, alongside a horrible growl rumbling in its throat.

Yuichiro let out a scream as he stared up at his executioner.

 The scream seemed to knock Muichiro out of his pain-filled haze. He immediately pulled at Tanjirou’s head. “Tanjirou, wait, please! Don't hurt him; he's my brother!”

Yuichiro could barely register his brother’s words as he stared down death in the form of a mouth of teeth poised to rip his throat out.

And for one horrible second nothing happened. Yuichiro was frozen in fear, but the wolf hadn’t pounced; rather, it stepped off him instead. Yuichiro had only just realized just how deep those fearsome claws pierced him. The wolf had to actually pull its claws out of his flesh, the action feeling like molten fire pressed onto his skin. The claws were removed with a sickening squelch. Blood sluggishly flowed out of the wounds, staining his clothes a crimson red.

Muichiro moved to help him up; Yuichiro had stood up on wobbly legs, grimacing as the action jostled his wound. After he could stand, Muichiro looked over his wounds, glancing at him sympathetically—the look sent heavy guilt down his spine. Muichiro’s face was a smudge of red and purple, with his nose at an odd angle and a deep red swelling on his cheek. 

Yuichiro had that to him. The thought left him sick to his stomach.

Muichiro then went to the wolf. 

Who curled itself around Muichiro protectively.

“Are you ready to listen?” Muichiro asked nasally.

Yuichiro nodded.

This wasn’t exactly how Tanjirou had imagined he’d meet Muichiro’s brother. Muichiro had talked about Yuichiro a lot and Tanjirou had frankly been excited to be introduced but after he witnessed how he had injured Muichiro, he'd be happy to never see him again.

He snarled at the other twin when he’d gotten too close. He’d flinched back violently. Muichiro hadn’t scolded him, too focused on his pain to really register anything. 

He’d led them to a creek where he’d helped to wipe the dried blood off Muichiro. The bleeding had thankfully stopped, although Muichiro’s nose was bent at an unnatural angle, which left Tanjirou feeling furious all over again. Muichiro had placed a calming hand on him, stopping him from doing anything rash. 

Tanjirou growled but obeyed. He instead sat Muichiro down on a rock and went to healing. The spell he was using was rather advanced and would take a lot of fine control so Tanjirou had instructed Muichiro to stand as still as he could. 

His brother was still silently standing a few feet away, watching them with an odd expression.

Tanjirou focused a tiny flame on his claw; he dragged it across Muichiro’s nose, setting it back into place and healing the cracked cartilage. He made Muichiro open his mouth as well to heal where he’d bitten his tongue. 

Muichiro felt instant relief when he could finally breathe without it hurting. “Thank you.” He murmured. Tanjirou chuffed in response. Muichiro smiled. “Could you change forms?”

Tanjirou growled before ultimately accepting and shifting back. Yuichiro seemed to pale even further at seeing Tanjirou as a human. Tanjirou took satisfaction in noting he was physically taller than him in this form too.

“Yuichiro, Tanjirou. Tanjirou, Yuichiro.” Muichiro said pleasantly toward his twin, as if he hadn’t broken his nose.

Yuichiro had rushed forward toward Muichiro but Tanjirou had immediately stopped him by placing himself as a barrier.

“Tanjirou, it’s okay; thank you for worrying but please let him through.” Muichiro pleaded. Tanjirou hesitantly agreed, sidestepping and standing next to Muichiro instead.

“Muichiro, I'm so sorry. I didn’t mean to—I shouldn’t have. Oh my gods, Muichiro. I’m so sorry. ” Yuichiro frantically apologized while checking his twin's face for any leftoverdamage.

Muichiro trapped his twin's hands, giving a soft smile. “It's okay, Yuichiro. I forgive you for being upset and while you shouldn’t have hit me, I understand where you were coming from.”

“You shouldn’t apologize so easily. I hurt you .” Yuichiro cried.

“I don’t care.” Muichro said plainly. “Besides, you can make it up to me by letting us explain.” Muichiro gestured to Tanjirou.

Tanjirou sent the other twin a stony look. Just because Muichiro had forgiven him, he hadn’t. Yuichiro would have to do a lot more for Tanjirou to even think about trusting him.

Muichiro sat himself down on a flat rock and Tanjirou sat on the dirt beside him. Yuichiro settled himself a few paces away, guilt still heavily accentuating his features.

“I’ll start from the beginning.” Muichiro sighed wearily. He began to explain their disastrous first meeting, Tanjirou helping him get the flower, their resulting friendship—Muichiro had purposefully cheapened to omit the whole soul bond thing—and a half-truth as to why Muichiro had been staying here.

After said explanation, Yuichiro seemed even more grave. His brother had been sneaking out for months and Yuichiro hadn’t so much as noticed. Muichiro seemed to realize what his twin was thinking and went to reassure him with a pat on the shoulder. “Don’t blame yourself, Yuichiro. I always made sure to be extra sneaky when leaving to see Tanjirou.”

At the mentioned name, Yuichiro glanced at Muichiro’s shapeshifting companion. Tanjirou was tall and imposing; his presence seemed so much heavier— ancient even. Yuichiro had felt his anger flare at the older boy since he’d been the root of all of Muichiro’s change, but he couldn’t quite channel it into action. Tanjirou had, after all, jumped to Muichiro’s defense after Yuichiro had punched him. 

Yuichiro had no right to judge after he’d laid hands on his baby brother.

Some urging from Muichiro later, Yuichiro had mustered up the courage to apologize to Tanjirou. He seemed less furious than when he’d first seen him; now he sported a look of mild distrust—which was fair. 

Tanjirou hadn’t accepted his apology but had thanked him for apologizing nonetheless and put his hand out for a handshake. Yuichiro had taken the older boy's hand, balking at the rough calluses present on it. He’d also healed the wounds he’d inflicted on Yuichiro.

After it was all said and done, Muichiro and Tanjirou had escorted him to the foot of the mountain. His brother had explained that he’d be staying for the night and he’d return later in the day.

Yuichiro had left them with a conflicted expression on his face. 

That night he and Muichiro had curled up in his den poring over all the details on finishing a soul bond. Tamayo’s—or well, Tanjirou guessed it was his now—tome detailed all the little nuances, like how a soul bond needed to happen under the open sky, the specific elixir they’d both have to consume, and the exact runes and movements they’d have to perform to begin the whole process. 

One thing Tanjirou had found really interesting was that he and Muichiro would have to dance in order to seal the bond. The ceremonial dance would first be initiated with a blood ceremony, where Tanjirou would have to cut open Muichiro’s hand and vice versa. Then they’d have to clasp hands and let their blood mix.

The whole blood debacle hadn’t seemed to bother Muichiro, but rather the dancing did. He’d shyly confessed that he’d never learned the rhythmic movements. Tanjirou had assured that he’d teach him how to dance, and after he had the basics done, they’d choreograph their soul dance.

Muichiro had added as a throwaway comment that it’d be a bit silly to dance without music. Tanjirou, however, took the comment to heart and scoured the book for any mention of music. The tome had described that dances accompanied by music typically had a higher chance of success.

Muichiro looked pensive in thought at reading the excerpt before he said he could probably write something they could dance to.

Tanjirou would have to be the one to sing it since Muichiro had not been blessed with a singing voice. Tanjirou had objected, saying he hadn’t either, but Muichiro just looked at him judgementally at that. “You howl, Tanjirou. That’s basically like singing; all you need to do is… howl words.”

Muichiro's explanation had actually made some sense to Tanjirou, the disconnect between his melodious wolf form and tone-deaf human form finally connecting like dots in his head.

Tanjirou had spent the whole night writing various notes in his journal while Muichiro marked the pages with the most important details with loose strips of paper.

They’d both collapsed a few hours later, exhausted and covered in ink.

Tanjirou had woken up with Muichiro already awake with breakfast cooked. Tanjirou’s heart melted at the kind gesture, and he happily took the roasted fish Muichiro had offered him. He’d savored the flavor Muichiro had seasoned with a new spice mix a traveling salesman had sold to him a few weeks back. The spices gave the fish a rich, salty flavor with hints of lemon.

Once the delicious breakfast had begun to digest in both their stomachs, he and Muichiro spent a good chunk of the day roaming the mountainside. Muichiro had guided them to a few spots he’d found to be very pretty, which Tanjirou had agreed with. He’d especially liked the small pond Muichiro had guided them to. The water was a clear crystalline blue with picturesque flowers bordering the edges of the water. With a few wild koi that had found a home there too, each a beautiful smoky black with bold orange dots on various parts of their scaly bodies.

He’d led them to a large assortment of boulders that Tanjirou liked to climb from time to time. They’d raced to the top, although Tanjirou had won by a landslide since he’d already known all the grooves and best places to latch onto.

When they’d both gone to leave, a large elk—the lead male of the elk herd residing here, Tanjirou realized—had appeared into view.

“Nakama!” Muichiro exclaimed in excitement. He scrambled off his back to free the deer in front of him. And to Tanjirou’s, the grumpy old male had nuzzled its snout into the boy’s waiting hand. “Tanjirou, this elk kept me company while you were gone; he even let me hitch a ride on his back!”

Tanjirou smiled at the deer in gratitude; he bowed deeply, thanking the wise old deer for safeguarding his friend. The elk—or Nakama, he guessed—had bowed in return before trotting back into the foliage to where his herd was located. 

A few birds had also come to greet them. Muichiro had cheerfully explained that these birds had also kept him company and had helped Muichiro find supplies and food. And again Tanjirou expressed his deep gratitude in the form of a bow as well as handing the birds some berries he’d picked a while back.

The sun was high in the sky when they’d eventually but woefully departed once more. But before Tanjirou could leave, Muichiro had clasped his arm. “Wait, Tanjirou! I almost forgot, but… would you like to meet my family?” Muichiro questioned shyly; he’d hoped the other would say yes despite the disastrous first meeting with Muichiro.

Tanjirou mulled over the proposition for some time before eventually saying yes. “I’d be honored to.”

Muichiro had a smile so large that it nearly blinded Tanjirou. “Yes! Alright, I’ll let you know when you can meet them tonight!”

Tanjirou nodded in acceptance and uttered one final goodbye before trudging up his mountain for the millionth time.

The return back home had been less tense than Muichiro had expected. His parents had happily ushered him in. Instantly pressing him for details on his training tip. The questions lifted the previous cloud of dread over his thoughts since Yuichiro hadn’t told his parents the truth. 

In response to their questions, Muichro showed off a miniature version of the ‘Typhoon Spear,’ which his parents had awed and oohed at.

He spent the rest of his evening talking with his parents, detailing all the landscapes he’d discovered while he was ‘traveling’ with Tetsuido.

Muichiro still felt a little guilty at lying to his parents, but if he had told the truth, he feared they wouldn’t understand Tanjirou or, in the worst case, stop Muichiro from seeing him.

Dinner was eventually made and set on the table by him and Yuichiro—who’d just exited their shared room. He seemed tired with prominent eye bags under his eyes, but at the sight of his twin brother, the weariness had been lifted but also at the same time intensified.

His mother had prepared them steaming takoyaki accompanied by a small bowl of miso soup, which Muichiro had greedily eaten up; he’d missed his mother’s cooking.

Once he finished his dinner, Muichiro excused himself with the justification of being tired from the walk back home.

Laying himself down on his futon, Muichiro let the lull of exhaustion from a day of lull him into a sleep filled with dreams of wolves running under the sun.

Yuichiro had entered their room to see Muichiro sleeping with a serene smile on his face. Yuichiro’s guilt intensified tenfold at the sight, remembering that he’d bloodied the peaceful face greeting him. A shiver from Muichiro broke him out of his self-hating spiral and spurred him to wrap a blanket around his brothers. Whid happily accepted the warmth and cocooned himself.

Yuichiro chuckled at his brother’s antics, the heavy guilt weighing down his heart lightening ever so slightly.

Two weeks later, Muichiro had taken him to meet his parents. 

Tanjirou gulped nervously at the sight of Muichiro’s home. He’d already been on edge walking into the village. Everyone had eyed them suspiciously since they’d never seen Tanjirou before. And yeah, he guessed that he did look foreign. With the huge scar across his forehead. 

Even when he’d gone to Tetsuido’s house, Tanjirou hadn’t seen a single townsfolk due to his house being on the outskirts of town. Muichiro’s house, however, was right in the heart of it. Meaning that when Tanjirou had first stepped into town alongside Muichiro, every single head had swiveled towards their direction.

Muichiro had assured him that they were just curious since their village didn’t get many outside visitors. Which didn’t help to abate Tanjirou’s nervousness at all. It just made him feel more exposed, like if he made one single mistake, they’d all figure out what he was and where he was from.

The home itself seemed cozy. With a charming little advertisement bolted on the edge of their lawn. It wasn’t huge but still seemed to fit Muichiro’s family of four comfortably with room to spare, alongside the huge backyard that accompanied it.

Tanjirou had assumed it led directly to their lumberyard, seeing as it wasn’t fenced off. He’d asked, and Muichiro had confirmed his hunch. He’d told them they could check it out later.

Tanjirou had smiled excitedly at the prospect and felt his nervousness fade a little. Once Muichiro had noticed Tanjirou’s more lax demeanor, he opened the door to his home.

Looking in, Tanjirou had immediately seen Muichiro’s family arranging the table to eat. 

Including Yuichiro, fantastic.

Muichiro’s family had all immediately stopped when they’d seen the both of them come through the door. Muichiro’s mother had quickly ushered them in and sat them down next to one another.

Much to Tanjirou’s joy, they served him fatsia sprouts alongside a bowl of tonkatsu. The tantalizing scent had tested Tanjirou’s restraints harder than anything before. Each new whiff of the aromatics and spices drove Tanjirou closer and closer to digging in before the rest of the family had been served.

But Tanjirou stood firm no matter how hard it was. Once everyone had been served a plate, Tanjirou had finally dove into the tonkatsu and closed his eyes in pure bliss afterwards. The breading was an immaculate mixture of all the right spices, salty and savory, and the pork itself was cooked to perfection and melted in his mouth. 

Taking a bite into the fatsia sprouts next, his taste buds relished the familiar sensation of the plant. Slightly bitter but offset by the seasoning and slight char it had gotten from being cooked.

“I take it that you liked the meal, Tanjirou?” Muichiro's mother asked, startling Tanjirou from his flavor filled  ecstasy and making him choke for a few moments.

Once he’d dislodged the loose pork molesting his vocal cords, Tanjirou had spoken. “Absolutely, Tokitou-san, your cooking is quite delicious.” Tanjirou said genuinely while sporting that charming smile that had seemed to charm Muichiro’s parents in an instant.

You see, when Muichiro had first brought Tanjirou up to his parents, they’d been happy, of course, but also apprehensive. Muichiro had come up with the story that they’d met on the first training trip Muichiro had gone to and they’d simply kept in touch through letters. His parents were glad   son had finally gotten a friend, but when Muichiro had mentioned when they’d first met and his parents had pointed out why they hadn’t mentioned it sooner, Muichiro had come up with a lie even they could see through. Prompting them to question if Tanjirou was a good influence for Muichiro if he’d been making their boy lie.

Seeing him in person had probably intensified their fears. After all, Tanjirou looked a bit wild. Living on a mountain for the majority of your life tends to do that. His clothes weren’t ratty per se, more like well-loved in Muichiro’s opinion. His scarred forehead also gave the impression of someone who got into fights, seeing as it was a claw mark instead of a burn or something less intimidating.

But when Tanjirou had flashed that disarming smile of his, Muichiro’s parents worries had flared down significantly. Tanjirou seemed polite and friendly. Nothing like the brutish ruffian they’d associated with his name.

Although there had been something they’d noticed that aroused curiosity instead of worry. 

The way Muichiro interacted with Tanjirou.

They acted much more intimate with one another than a months-old friendship usually prompted. As if they were old friends who knew each other better than they did themselves. But the real zinger had been caught by Muichiro’s father.

Muichiro was acting the exact same way he had when he’d met his wife.

Then it all clicked. This wasn’t just a friendship; Muichiro had a crush . An honest-to-gods crush . Muichiro’s father had almost cried a river at the revelation; he was elated to know his son had finally found someone! Because as far as he could tell, Tanjirou seemed to very much reciprocate those feelings.

Both of the boys fell into easy banter; they seemed more comfortable when physically closer, and perhaps the most peculiar thing was their tendency to respond as if they were reading each other’s minds.

He shot a knowing look toward his wife, who seemed to observe the exact thing he had. 

Dinner was going swimmingly in Tanjirou’s professional opinion. Muichirio’s parents were a kind and welcoming bunch, and Yuichiro had wisely avoided speaking directly towards him. Perhaps he could sense the anger Tanjirou still held towards him.

Muichiro himself seemed much more at ease than he had when they’d first arrived. His scent had turned from that citrusy scent of worry to a softer, sweeter honey smell of happiness.

Dinner was eventually finished by everyone, and Yuichiro had taken their plates away to clean. Leaving only him, Muichiro, and his parents. They'd fallen into a probing conversation afterwards. They’d asked him how old he was, what magic he practiced, and if he had any plans on working or already was.

Frankly, the abrupt shift from kind and polite conversation to direct and probing questions left Tanjirou with whiplash. He’d scrambled for a response; he was 17, he’d shown them a little demonstration of his magic, and he said the technical truth that he was a coal burner. Or more accurately, his family was.

They’d asked him a few more questions, in response to which Muichiro had gotten slightly annoyed and had told Tanjirou he didn’t need to answer if he didn’t want to. Tanjirou looked at his friend with overwhelming gratitude, but he’d answered the questions regardless.

He had to win his parent’s approval after all.

Once he’d answered enough questions, Muichiro’s parents seemed satisfied and once again returned to kind conversation. 

By the end of his little visit, Tanjirou had won over Muichiro’s parents. They’d admired the boy's honesty and dedication to their boy as well as his family. He had a hardworking look to him alongside the genuine kindness behind his eyes.

They’d offered him a place to stay for the night, but Tanjirou had politely declined, stating that he had some work to do back home. Which he did; he needed to finish the rest of the soul bond tome so he and Muichiro could get the ball rolling.

Muichiro had escorted him out and immediately grappled him into an intimate hug once they were out of sight. “Thank you for coming.”

“Of course.” Tanjirou said softly. “Whenever you need me, I’ll always be there for you.”

Muichiro nodded into his collarbone. Before he could think, Muichiro had opened his mouth to let the words ‘I love you’ escape his lips, but he promptly shut it once he’d registered the words. A rush of blood came roaring up to his face as his heart thudded thunderously in his chest. 

Tanjirou had ignited something in Muichiro that sent his blood singing and his bones trembling. 

It was as exhilarating as it was exhausting.

“See you tomorrow?” Tanjirou whispered silkily into his ear. The soft hiss of air sent shivers down Muichiro’s spine. 

“Of course.” He whispered back. Tanjirou gave him one last squeeze before pulling away, already mourning the warmth from Muichiro. He gave the younger boy a toothy smile before walking back to his mountain.

Muichiro waved bye and sighed dreamily as he saw his crush slowly fade from view.

“I can see why you have a crush on him.” His father acknowledged the abrupt sound, startling Muichiro from his daydreaming.

“Dad?! What the hell?” Muichiro yelled in shock, leaping three feet away from the man.

“Language.” He scolded softly. “You do like him, don’t you?”

“How did you—“ 

“A parent always knows.” His father explained, looking at Muichiro with knowing eyes. Muichiro looked away immediately; his parents knew— “I was in the same boat once too, y’know?”

“You were?” Muichiro tilted his head in wonder.

“Your mother and I didn’t just fall in love on the spot. It took a lot of convincing from your old man.” Muichiro’s father joked while putting an arm over his son’s shoulder. “I’m glad.” He said quietly, looking at his son with a tender look.

“You are? I would’ve thought you would be more…” Muichiro trailed off, trying to find the right word.

“Protective? Of course I am. Tanjirou seems nice and all, but you’re still my baby boy. I won’t have my son dating someone who doesn’t court them properly.”

Muichiro let out a snort. Tanjirou had already done a lot more than court him properly. The sound drew a questioning look from his father. “Tanjirou’s done… a lot for me.” Muichiro unconsciously fiddled with his hair. “He’s the reason I’ve been wearing my braids, and we’ve—“ Muichiro bit his lip to stop his big mouth from blabbing about the soul bond. “We haven't necessarily talked about dating, but I like him a lot, and I know I mean a lot to Tanjirou too.”  

“Hmm, well, it’s good to hear he’s treating you right. In my humble opinion, son, I think you should go for it. That’s how I got in a relationship with your mother after all, I confessed randomly while we were walking together at night.” He paused, reminiscing on the twenty-year-old memory still fresh in his mind. “Anyone would be lucky to have you, Muichiro.” He squeezed Muichiro’s in reassurance before pulling him into a tight hug.

“Thanks, Dad.” Muichiro whispered, feeling hopeful about his chance of being with Tanjirou.

It was a beautiful feeling that bloomed in his chest, thinking about a future with the boy he held so close to his heart.

Weeks passed by in a blur as he and Muichiro continuously met up. Now thankfully at daytime, since Muichiro’s parents now knew who he was, allowing Muichiro to simply leave his home whenever he wanted to meet up with him.

They’d set up a new time for when to meet and where. At around noon near the clearing, Tersuido had first dropped Muichiro off. 

The townsfolk hardly paid them any mind now, labeling Tanjirou as ‘Muichiro’s friend.’

Right now they were currently slumped against a tree far in Muichiro’s lumberyard. A sprawling territory filled with various tree stumps and saplings springing from the earth. The area had a deep and ever-present scent of sawdust that Muichiro himself also possessed faintly.

Here’s where they would often spend their time together when Muichiro wasn’t busy with lessons or work. One time Tanjirou had stumbled into Muichiro working. He stood there shocked for a few good minutes, blushing madly at the sight of Muichiro hauling wood back to his father with prominent muscles and sweat glistening on his brow. Muichiro’s father had spotted him, first shooting him a knowing but warning look that shook Tanjirou out of his stupor, and then bowing apologetically at him. He’d volunteered to help them after, shocking them all with just how much wood he could carry in one go. 

It had been quite the strain on his muscles, but the look of awe and adoration on Muichiro’s face made Tanjirou ignore the pain. Instead, he’d progressively piled on more wood to show off. Which seemingly worked, as Tanjirou would relish in the amazed looks he’d send the older boy.

Both Muichiro’s father and Yuichiro's father seemed to pick up on what he was doing—Yuichiro had mock gagged, which resulted in a playful smack from Muichiro—and his father had given him a look . 

Although he was showing off a bit, Tanjirou still made a point of helping the family transport and chop down the trees. The work left him with satisfaction and a nice burn in his body whenever he did it.

Muichiro had said one day that he didn’t need to help, but Tanjirou had brushed it off, saying he wanted to help. After all this way, he got to see Muichiro more often.

Muichiro had blushed at his reasoning, the blunt statement sending butterflies flying in his stomach. Tanjirou had given him a sly smirk before playfully tackling him and starting a playful match of wrestling.

“I think we’re ready.” Muichiro beamed, his joyful voice startling Tanjirou out of his reminiscing. “For the soul bond. He added as clarification.

Tanjirou let out a questioning noise at that. “Really?”

“We’ve researched all we can research; we’ve triple-checked every precaution and warning, like you said. I hardly think there’s a reason to wait anymore.” Muichiro commented, making a point to emphasize each safety note Tanjirou had jotted onto scraps of paper in the tome.

Tanjirou scratched his scalp in thought. “You’re right.” He conceded. “But Muichiro, this is a big commitment; are you sure about this? Us?” 

“I’ve never been more sure of anything.” Muichiro declared, taking Tanjirou’s hands into his own. “Tanjirou, I—I trust you. Differently from how I trust my family or anyone else, this is something intimate between you and me. This trust is something I want to cement, and I know you want to too.”

Tanjirou grumbled at that but didn’t disagree; Muichiro always had that innate ability to divine what Tanjirou wanted. “I do want that.” Tanjirou confirmed squeezing. Muichiro's hands. “Okay, how about let’s say… in six to seven days from now we do it, just so we have enough time to prepare everything we need?” Tanjirou proposed.

Muichiro’s eyes brightened. “Yes, a week from now we do it!”  He said giddily while rising up to his feet and pulling Tanjirou into an impromptu dance.

Tanjirou smiled at his friends' antics, his heart squeezing at the wonderful sight. “On one condition.” Tanjirou interjected, holding up a finger; he’d had a lot of time to mull this particular dilemma in detail. Muichiro cocked his head questioningly, prompting Tanjirou to speak. “You have to tell someone what we’re doing, preferably your parents.”

Muichiro froze, right, his parents. He could see the reasoning behind Tanjirou’s prerequisites. This was a life-altering thing they were doing, something he couldn’t—and didn’t feel right—keeping from his family. “Ok, I’ll

Tell them and Tetsuido too. They all deserve to know.”

That helped to assuage some of Tanjirou’s worries that they were going too fast with this. If Muichiro was willing to tell them, then he obviously felt confident in His decisions on completing this soul bond.

Their little agreement had prompted Muichiro to bring Tanjirou to dinner three days later with his family and Tetsuido. 

It had been a little awkward bringing Tanjirou inside and everyone had immediately whipped their attention towards them. But Muichiro guessed that was sort of his fault, he had been quite serious when he told his family and Tetsuido that he and Tanjirou had to tell them something.

He and Tanjirou sat opposite of his family, both of them nervously fidgeting before finally holding each other's hand under the table in silent support. 

The dishes had already been placed: udon with a side of fatsia sprouts for Tanjirou. Saying their thanks, both boys dug into the delicious food, relishing in the rich broth and the way the food sat heavily in their bellies after finishing.

Tetsuido had been the one to break the silence first. “I honestly thought it would've taken you longer, Muichiro, but I’m glad you’re both in a relationship.”

Deja vu hit him like a freight train as Muichiro choked on his tea once more. Tanjirou had turned a burning crimson red, holding his hands up and about to say something in denial, but Muichiro had beaten him to it. “That is not what we wanted to talk about.” Muichiro rasped.

“Really? We all honestly thought the same thing.” Muichiro's mother unhelpfully added.

Tanjirou had turned an even deeper shade of red at the statement. “I assure you, Tokitou-san, that is not what I and Muirchro wanted to talk about.” He stammered nervously. “Do you want me to say it, or should I?” Tanjirou asked, facing him.

“I’ll do it.” Muichiro answered while placing the ancient tome Tanjirou had acquired from Tamayo onto the table. The heavy object caused the table to shake under the weight, catching everyone’s attention. “Tanjirou and I… We’ve come to the mutual decision to… soul bond.”

While his parents seemed confused at the term, Tetsuido had become deadly serious, any cheer on his face gone at the mention of the word. “That is dangerous magic to play with, child.”

“Wait, what does that mean?” Yuichiro asked, directing his question toward Tetsuido, his parents looking inquisitively at the old man as well.

Tetsuido mumbled something under his breath, most likely something along the lines of wanting his pipe to smoke. “It’s a ritual that was banned a long time ago because of how dangerous it was. It’s in the name; basically, both parties form a bond between souls. Something incredibly dangerous that permanently alters both parties involved once performed.” He said sternly while eyeing both him and Tanjirou with a reprimanding look. “Do you two understand how dangerous it is meddling in this type of magic?”

This time Tanjirou piped up. “Tetsuido-san, I myself had the same worries, but all the repercussions that can arise from a soul bond are from a forced one. Muichiro's bond has been developing naturally .”

Tesuido looked skeptical at the information. “And what would you know about how this magic works, child?”

“We’ve been reviewing this tome extensively, master.” Muichiro interjected, sliding the heavy book towards the other side of the table.

Muichiro’s parents had been the ones to grab it, cracking the ancient tome open and reading a few excerpts alongside their own notes. Muichiro’s mother and father seemed doubtful at best, and Yuichiro seemed downright distrustful at worst. “Muichiro, I can’t in good faith let you do something like this.” His mother said. “Why do this anyways? The both of you are already such good friends.”

Muichiro halted at his mother’s question; telling her the full truth would involve revealing Tanjirou’s identity. Stealing a glance towards Tanjirou’s anxious expression confirmed that he’d reached the same conclusion as well. “I… We are going to do this because it happened naturally for us. Like Tanjirou said, nothing will happen to us because it’s occurred naturally for us.” He fiddled with his hands unconsciously, hoping his kid answer would satisfy his other.

“You're lying.” Yuichiro pointed out angrily. Muichiro cursed mentally; this was positively the worst time for Yuichiro to point it out. 

“I’m not.” Muichiro bit out a tad too defensively, clueing everyone in on the opposing side of the table that he was omitting something. He sighed in defeat, but as he opened up his mouth, Tanjirib squeezed his hand and shot a kind smile before talking for him.

“Muichiro is not lying, Tokitou-san. If you would flip a few pages in the tome, it details exactly how this bond will affect the both of us.” Muichiro’s mother obliged, flipping a few pages forward, stopping perhaps on the heavily annotated part of the tome. It took a few silent minutes of everyone reading the passage and their notes before Yuichiro was the one to break the silence.

“There’s no way in hell you think we’re letting you do something this insane!” Yuichiro hissed. “Especially with that thing.”

“Yuichiro! Mind your manners.” His father snapped.

“ Shut the fuck up .” Muichiro fumed, the curse leaving his lips, shocking everyone, including Tanjirou, who flinched at Yuichiro’s accusatory tone. Yuichiro was one word away from revealing what Tanjirou really was. This was not how Muichiro expected to go. Everything was spiraling out of control too quickly.

“I’ve kept your little secret long enough. I told you the next time you lied, you were in for it with our parents!” Yuichiro yelled. “How could you lie again! You promised you wouldn’t!” Yuichiro seemed just as upset as he was furious.

Muichiro glared at his twin, opening his mouth to say something, anything that would salvage this disastrous talk, but he promptly shut his mouth when he saw Tanjiro's expression. He looked positively angry at Yuichiro’s statement; his whole demeanor seemed to have flipped in the matter of seconds, shifting from his friendly disposition to the apex predator that had protected him when Yuichiro broke his nose. 

He went to comfort him; he could see Tanjirou's emotions getting the better of him, causing some of his wolf form to slip out in the form of elongated nails. Muichiro could feel pinching in his palm and the little fangs just barely getting out of Tanjirou’s mouth. He rubbed soothing circles over his friend's palm. It seemed to help somewhat, but still Tanjirou was furious. “You don’t get to sound hurt after you broke his nose!” Tanjirou snarled, inadvertently showing off his canine fangs for everyone to see.

It was then that the adults all rose from the table. “All of you have some explaining to do. Outside now.” Muichiro’s father all but yelled. The three of them obliged and followed him out into the lumberyard, where they all sat on nearby stumps. 

“Now what’s this about breaking Muichiro’s nose, Yuichiro?” His mother asked.

Yuichiro looked down, ashamed. “We had a disagreement over…” Muichiro looked at his twin with pleading eyes. “ something,” Yuichiro glared at him as if to say, ‘you’re telling them’, “and I… punched him… in the face.”

“We’ll talk about that later.” His father scolded before looking towards Muichiro, “Now what was this disagreement about?”

Muichiro froze at the question; he looked towards Tanjirou, who looked clammy and pale. Muichiro’s resolve hardened in his eyes. “I can’t tell you.” Tanjirou looked at Muichiro with grateful eyes before closing his eyes as if deep in thought before standing up.

He took a deep breath in, letting the air calm the thunderous beating of his heart. “I was the cause of the disagreement.” Tanjirou admitted nervously. His grip on his human form started to fade more as his fangs grew and his hair grew shaggier. 

Muichiro stood up with him, holding his hand in reassurance. He gave Tanjirou a questioning look, asking for permission. Tanjiro nodded in response. He trusted Muichiro, and he’d learned to trust his family, even Yuichiro, who’d begrudgingly kept his secret until the whole soul bond thing, and even then he’d only revealed it out of fear of Muichiro’s safety, which Tanjirou could appreciate to some extent.

“I was not entirely truthful about what I saw on the mountain.” Muichiro said each word, coming out more shaky than the last. “I met Tanjirou.” Everyone except Yuichiro looked at them curiously, and Tanjirou took that as his cue to let his human form fade away entirely.

He let his spine grow and his bones readjust to accommodate his forelimbs. Ears sprouted from his head as his snout elongated. His tail erupted from his backside as his crimson fur grew out of his skin and into the shaggy pelt he’d become accustomed to.

Gasps of shock escaped his parents’s and Tetsuido’s lips upon seeing the ten-foot-tall werewolf   in front of them.

Tanjirou lowered his head and made his body language as nonthreatening as possible. Muichiro had helped convey that further by showing no fear in coming right next to him. “The legends were true… somewhat.” 

“I’m still the same Tanjirou you’ve come to know.” The rough baritone of the wolf’s— Tanjirou’s— voice startled them further.

“He was the one who guided me up the mountain; he's the one who gave me the cure.” His parents’s eyes widened as they looked over the wild animal currently curled protectively over their son. Tetsuido took a tentative step forward, his hand outstretched.

“I always sensed something odd about your friend… but I never would’ve guessed it’d be something like this.” Tetsuido explained, stretching his hand closer to Tanjirou’s head. Tanjirou closed the gap by nudging about into the old man’s hand, chuffing playfully.

Muichiro’s parents followed, each outstretching their hand to pat Tanjirou’s head. “We owe our lives to you, Tanjirou. Thank you.” His father said sincerely. “I think I see your reasoning behind doing this soul bond.” He added before sighing in resignation. “We’ll think about it; give us time to read over the tome, and you’ll have our answer once we’re done. But don’t think you’re off the hook for lying to us for so long!” Muichiro grimaced.

Yuichiro took that as his moment to stand before Tanjirou. “I’m… sorry for putting you on the spot like that, but I couldn't in good conscience let my brother do something like a soul bond while still keeping secrets.”

“I understand.” Tanjirou said simply and gratefully at his honesty.

After the both of them had explained everything they had been doing up until now, including the fake training trips and the reason behind them. His parents had been less than okay at Tetsuido lying to them, but they’d abated their anger somewhat at Tetsuido’s conditions before he left Muichiro. His parents acknowledged that Tetsuido was like a grandparent to him and always had his best interest at heart, but they still had a long talk after.

At Tanjirou’s explanation as to why Muichiro had needed to stay at the mountain for a week, everyone—including Yuichiro—had given Tanjirou their sympathies. They all seemed a bit horrified to learn that Tanjiriu had been orphaned at such a young age and left to grow up alone , in the wild no less. That revelation had finally opened Muichiro’s parents' eyes as to what exactly their son meant to Tanjirou. In a way, just like Tanjirou had saved their lives, Muichiro had saved Tanjirou’s soul from the frigid isolation and grief. And Tanjirou had saved Muichiro’s family.

It was that fact that had them finally acquiesce to allowing the soul bond to take place a few days later once they’d finished reading the tome. On one condition, they all had to be there to see it.

Kie opened her eyes wearily. As if a heavy fog had just been lifted from her mind. She wobbled up to her paws. Her body, sluggish and tired. Looking around, Kie noticed that she was not in her den. That revelation made her canine instincts scream at her as she recalled just being attacked. Pure, unadulterated grief hit her suddenly at remembering her mate being slain right in front of her as that demon from hell disemboweled him. She recalled her husband’s cries while in the throes of death. The memory sent chills down her spine. 

However, as she took in her surroundings, she was relieved to find her pups safe and sound, albeit in this strange home, but still safe and whole. That is until she did a head count and noticed her eldest was missing. Tanjirou . He had been missing during the initial attack, gone down to the human village hours from the mountain. 

A rustle behind her had Kie whirling, hackles raised and fangs bared at the sound. She stopped suddenly, hope painfully curling in her heart at the sight of her mate healthy and whole in front of her. Had the last few hours just been a dream?

From the look on Tanjuro’s face, she didn’t think so; he looked grave, as if he were a dead man walking. But still he approached her and nuzzled her appreciatively as Kie whined in loss, grief, and sadness.

Tanjuro growled back in here, reassurance, healthy. She nuzzled into his neck further, taking in his smoky charcoal scent and relishing in how alive it felt. She whined again. “Tanjirou isn’t here.” She whispered.

Tanjuro whined back, scenting the air and confirming he couldn’t smell their eldest’s strong sweet scent of roses and cinnamon. Kie cried silently into his fur. Rage and grief clawed in her heart as her mind spiraled to the worst-case scenario: that their beautiful baby boy was dead.

A shoji door opened, shooting Kie’s nerves back to one hundred as she and Tanjuro stepped forward as the first line of defense for their pups. 

Tamayo was there holding up her hands in reassurance; her eyes seemed to sparkle in a tired sort of relief. 

The both of them relaxed at the sight of their old friend. They were safe here. She shifted back into being human, as didTanjuro. Tamayo gave them a relieved smile before enveloping the two of them in a tight hug. “I’ve missed you both.” She whispered.

The tone had keen curiosity flaring; the last they’d seen Tamayo was a few months ago when Tanjirou had come down with a fever. So why did she sound so relieved, as if they’d been reunited after a few years? “What happened, Tamayo?”

The question had her friend tensing before she disentangled from the hug. “There were some complications… after your battle with that thing. Tanjirou brought it to my attention, and I helped to cure you.”

“We are once again in your debt, Tamayo-san.” Tanjuro commented, giving her a grateful smile.

“Please think nothing of it; I owe a much bigger debt to your family.”

Kie took the witch’s hand into her own. “Should you ever need anything, please tell us. You’ve helped a great deal these past few years, especially with Rokuta’s birth a few months ago.”

Tamayo wilted at Kie’s last statement. Her expression rang warning bells in Kie’s mind. “There are a few things that happened that are… frankly not my place to inform you of. Tanjirou is back at the mountain. I think you deserve to hear what’s happened from him.”

Kie and Tanjuro nodded grimly, both relieved that their firstborn was safe. Nothing about this situation sat right with either of them. Just what had happened while they were incapacitated? Tamayo gave them one last look before slipping out and mentioning dinner would be served in an hour.

She and her mate went to rouse their children. She cooed at Rokuta’s little yawn as a pup as his little crimson eyes opened. She carried the little wolf pup in her arms like a baby as she went to wake Nezuko. Her second eldest woke fast, the little six-year-old leaping off the bed and shaking her limbs awake. Kie chuckled at her children’s antics, looking at the rest of her children; they seemed to have awoken much the same way Nezuko had. 

The rest of the hour before dinner was spent with many children running around the room in a game of tag. They seemed a bit more subdued when learning their big brother was back home but nonetheless still played with almost as much enthusiasm.

Tamayo had come back a while later inviting them to dinner, and they happily accepted. Kie observed the house; it seemed Tamayo had moved again, and in such a short period of time too. Kie had asked Tamayo what had caused her to move again only after a few months. The questions made her friend nervous again, but nonetheless she answered that Capitol soldiers had caught onto her trail once more. 

Tanjuro shot Kie a look, reeling that he had caught her odd behavior too. 

Once dinner was in their bellies, Tamayo meticulously checked everyone over once more before concluding everyone was healthy. Kie let out a relieved breath at that. It seemed the monster hadn’t hurt their family as badly as she’d hoped. She was starting to think that she’d imagined the grisly sight of Tanjuro’s death, but the deep-rooted terror she had felt just seemed too true for her to fully write off as a dream. Even her own blacking out seemed off, as she had charged at the beast filled with rage. She didn't remember anything after that.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, Kie, but I’d advise you to go back to Tanjirou as soon as possible. He isn't in any danger… It’s just—there’s  something very important he needs to tell you.”

“I’ll be sure to disembark with my family soon then.”

Tamayo nodded before leading them to more appropriate guest chambers. Kie and Tanjuro had shifted back to their wolf forms and curled protectively around their pups on the large futon Tamayo had placed down for them. Kie had a restless sleep that night, her thoughts preoccupied with Tanjirou and Tamayo’s odd behavior.

Morning came after much twisting and turning. And Kie rose to meet it just as the sun rose. Tanjuro roused from his slumber a while later and greeted her with a warm nuzzle. Kie reciprocated the gesture before waking up her pups. 

Tamayo had come shortly after inviting them to breakfast, which they’d eagerly feasted on. Tamayo had even introduced them all to her new apprentice, Yushiro; he seemed a bit rough around the edges, but his devotion to Tamayo was endearing.

Once breakfast had been thoroughly devoured, Kie and Tanjuro caught up with Tamayo on what had happened these last few months. Rokuta could finally sit up on his own, Tanjirou was getting a better grip on his solar magic, and Nezuko had shown improvement as well. As Kie informed her more of the events of the last few months, her friend seemed to become more and more sympathetic. When Kie had questioned her, she’d only cryptically responded with it’s not her place to say and once again urged them to go see Tanjirou.

Tanjuro had thanked Tamayo for the help and silently left to gather the pups, and Kie thanked her old friend as well as she shifted back into her wolf form. Tamayo had supplied a cloth to bind Rokuta to her chest along with Hanako and Shigeru. Tanjuro had scruffed both Takeo and Nezuko. Usually they’d allow the pups to run with them, but this trip required speed that her pups just didn’t have yet.

Saying one last goodbye, the Kamado family disembarked, running back home to their mountain. Unbeknownst to them, ten years had come and gone while they slept.

Tanjirou yawned as he shook off the morning lethargy. Last night he slept in the flowerbed at the peak. Something about those flowers felt softer and more comforting than his own furs. Standing up, Tanjirou checked the blue spider lily over before bounding down the mountain to meet Muichiro.

His pace was far swifter than usual, and that was mainly due to the fact they’d be completing their soul bond today! A week after Tanjirou had revealed himself, Muichiro’s parents had given the green light to proceed. Which they did with renewed vigor. They spent the next days practicing the steps of their dance while Tanjirou memorized the lyrics of the song Muichiro had written for them. 

It was a short song, but still beautiful. He was excited and a bit nervous to sing it in front of Muichiro’s family, though.

As he approached the foot of the mountain, Tanjirou spotted Muichiro waiting for him there on their log. Tanjirou let out a short bark, catching Muichir’s attention right as Tanjirou tackled him. “Good morning,” he giggled as Muichiro struggled to shove him off his chest.

“Good morning to you too.” Muichiro grinned while using his muscles to push the mass of fur and the bulk off his chest. Tanjirou had only budged a little but still stepped off his soon-to-be soulmate. Even thinking about it sent excited shivers down Tanjirou’s spine.

Muichiro seemed to feel the same excitement as he let out a small laugh before launching himself towards Tanjirou, starting a wrestling match. Muichiro had actually won this time, as he disabled Tanjirou by scratching his favorite spot behind his ear, sending his friend toppling to the ground.

Tanjirou had retaliated by slobbering on Muichiro’s face. Who had grimaced slightly but swiped the saliva back into Tanjirou’s fur.

Wrestling now done, he and Muichiro ascended the mountain and went to where they had decided to perform the ceremony. It was decently high in the mountain; it was actually the place Muichiro had found while he spent his week on the mountain. The land was relatively flat and clear of trees, with only a small pond containing koi taking space in the clearing. A few paces away from the pond was a pile of boulders stacked beside each other. Bordering the clearing were tall pines and birch trees that towered over them.

Muichiro dismounted and went to investigate the ground Tanjirou had followed before him, shifting back into his human form. Deciding  he wanted to be bold today, Tanjirou swiped Muichiro into an impromptu practice dance. The moves now flowed naturally out of them as they both twirled and jumped into each other waiting hands. At one point Tanjirou had even lifted Muichiro into the air and twirled him gracefully.

Muichiro smiled so brightly that Tanjirou gave him a beaming smile. They danced for a bit longer, making sure they got all the steps right before settling down and munching on some bentos Munich had brought for breakfast.

They descended the mountain shortly after to meet up with Muichiro’s family. He’d been expecting to help in the lumber mill once more, but to Tanjirou’s shock, he found Muichiro’s family handing him a wrapped gift. Tanjirou had torn open the gift wrapping hesitantly and gasped when he saw the contents. 

A beautiful red kimono shimmered under the wrapping. Tanjirou carefully pulled it out and admired the beautifully decorated fabric. The kimono was a deep crimson red arch. gradually faded into black at the ends. The design depicted a howling wolf in a valley of fire. Tears pooled and slid down Tanjirou’s cheeks before he even realized. 

This was the nicest piece of clothes he’d owned in ten years. 

He’d enveloped Muichiro’s family into a firm hug in gratitude. Tetsuido had chuckled alongside Yuichiro, who huffed. Muichiro's parents had hugged Tanjirou firmly. “You’re a part of our family now, Tanjirou.” Muichiro’s father whispered. Tanjirou had held onto them tighter in response.

He’d tried the kimono on shortly after; it fit snugly to his body, comfortably loose and tight in all the right places.

He sighed contentedly as he folded the kimono. Muichiro had told him to leave it on his bed, seeing as he’d be wearing it for the ceremony alongside Muichiro, who would be wearing one of his nice kimonos as well.

The rest of the day was spent at Muichiro’s, readying themselves for the ceremony. Tanjirou had bathed and scrubbed himself meticulously; he’d even spritzed some of the powerful cologne Muichiro’s father had lent him. 

It was nearing sunset when both he and Muichiro  were ready. Tanjirou’s heart sang at the sight of Muichiro in his kimono. He looked so beautiful that Tanjirou just wanted to reach out and…

Tanjirou halted that thought as he and Muichiro embarked alongside his family up toward the mountain. They seemed a bit wary, which Tanjirou could understand; his mountain was a dangerous place for people who’d never stepped foot on it. 

He, alongside Muichro, had taken the lead, directing the rest of their group on the proper path up to their clearing. 

They arrived after a half an hour of walking, the sky now painted in a rich amber and quickly darkening.

“Ready?” He asked towards his partner.

“Not yet. I need to tell you something before we start.” Muichiro clasped his hands onto Tanjirou’s. “I’ve been keeping a secret from you.”

Anxiousness started to roil in Tanjirou's stomach. Muichiro had been keeping a secret from him? Did he not trust him? Had Tanjirou done something wrong?

Muichiro smiled slyly before pulling the boy down and into a soft kiss. All of his worries immediately melted away as Tanjirou registered Muichiro’s soft lips caressing his own.

Cathartic was how Tanjirou would describe this kiss. It felt so full of reassurance and love that all Tanjirou could do was kiss him back with equal fervor. The sensation had apparently triggered their magic to start up once more as Tanjirou registered wind breezing softly across the land as his warm flames licked at him.

Muichiro pulled away shortly after. “I love you.” He confessed, a shy smile adorning his handsome face.

Tanjirou took his soulmate’s face into his hands and gave him a soft kiss. “I love you too.” He whispered sweetly into Muichiro’s ear. Heart bursting with warmth at the boy in front of him. His eyes crinkled as he gave Muichiro a smile so wide it hurt his face. 

Muichiro smiled in response, his turquoise eyes sparkling like the rarest of jades, and Tanjirou fell all over again looking at those teal depths.

A loud cough reminded Tanjirou that he and Muichiro weren’t alone; they both blushed when they looked back at their family. Yuichiro looked sick but also happy in his own weird way. Muichiro’s parents were smiling encouragingly, and Tetsuido had a smug look on his face. 

And with that, Tanjirou and Muichiro began to dance.

Tanjuro almost cried in relief at seeing his familiar mountain come into view. The sight had reinvigorated him after days of running. Only about an hour or two and they’d be back home. Back to his son.

Kie seemed to have the same idea as she bounded playfully in front, enticing him to a race. Seeing their younger siblings ahead, Nezuko and Takeo had encouraged him to run faster so they wouldn’t lose. Tanjuro grinned at his pup's playfulness. He bounded forwards, catching up to his mate and then surpassing her, chuckling slightly at Kie’s playful growls and his pups' victorious howls.

They’d raced all the way to the mountain and had agreed the race had been a tie, much to their pups' protest. Twilight had just barely made itself known over the oranges and reds of the sunset as Tanjuro ascended the mountain. He knew in his bones that his son was here; he could see his blazing presence and was inadvertently drawn to it. Oddly enough, it wasn’t leading them to their den but rather to a branched-off trail. Tanjuro didn’t remember making it for his pups. Kie seemed to share his sentiment as she scented the air. She growled, prompting Tanjuro to scent the air as well.

His son’s floral and cinnamon scent came to him naturally, clearly defined, though it seemed much more refined than a seven-year-old boy would normally have. Tanjuro shook it off, scenting the air once more, and came to a halt once he’d caught the other scents. Human family, if he was guessing, but their scents held no malicious intent; probably some poor folks who’d gotten turned around by his son's scent seemed to follow the human, which meant he was probably guiding them home. Tanjuro had presumed that until he felt the surge of magic that swelled the area.

He felt his fur stand on edge as the magic in the air condensed. Tanjuro set the pups down next to Kie, who curled defensively around them. Tanjuro bounded off towards the source.

Panic fueled his sprint faster and faster in worry his son could be hurt or worse, fighting . He saw the burst of magic up ahead at the clearing and skidded to a halt. He camouflaged himself in the dark foliage, taking care to not make a sound as he prepared his body to pounce on whatever was threatening his son. Looking towards the clearing, Tanjuro paused.

Tanjirou, his beautiful, full-of-life seven-year-old, was up ahead laughing and dancing with a human boy while singing . The only problem was Tanjirou didn’t look like a boy at all. His pup was a man grown. Tanjuro looked towards the scene in shock, and a horrifying revelation dawned on him. They’d been asleep much longer than they thought. At most Tanjuro and Kie had surmised they'd been asleep for two weeks, but looking at his firstborn fully grown, Tanjuro made the horrible revelation that they’d been asleep for ten years. They’d left Tanjirou alone for ten years .

Tanjuro wasn’t one to cry; his emotions showed much more plainly on his face than actions like crying did. But seeing his son had grown up without them left droplets of salt water dribbling from his eyes. His beautiful, tragic, grown son had spent ten years without his family. Tanjuro had failed him. Failed his son, his heir, his legacy.

He heard Kie trot up next to him, pups all carefully scruffed and hanging from her mouth. Her lupine features were drawn in shock at seeing her mate’s tears. He gestured towards the clearing. Kie followed his eyes and saw… Her Tanjirou, her little pocket of sun that had just turned seven, so tiny and small, their heir all grown up. He was taller than Tanjuro when human. Kie understood why Tanjuro had been crying as she felt the tears flow out her eyes like melancholic rivers. Her beautiful baby boy had grown up without his mother, his father, or his siblings . Her pups seemed curious as to why she was, but they could quite see what was happening in the clearing.

Kie nuzzled her snout into Tanjuro’s fur as he did the same to both of them, sobbing in regret. Something soft and melodic snapped them from their cries. She looked towards her son and gasped. His voice came out soft and sincere. So different yet so alike to the yips and high-pitched squeals of laughter she’d come to associate with her son.

Tanjuro and Kie could only weep as they watched the son they failed sing his song of longing, mourning, and solitude. Cementing their beliefs.

Tanjirou felt weightless the longer he danced. He could feel the thrum of magic swell in tandem as he took a step or how it sung when he touched Muichiro, letting their magic mix in a harmonious symphony that had them performing their next steps with greater fervor than the last. Even the stinging in his palm from where he’d sliced it open to mix with Muichiro’s blood from his own sliced palm did little to hinder him or even the bitter tasting elixir they’d both drank barely registered in Tanjirou’s mind, he was just to enraptured in this never ending high of happiness to register the painful sensations.

Ecstasy tingled his skin as he danced and held Muichiro. His soul intermingling with the others tentatively entwining themselves. Muichiro glided towards him, and Tanjirou grasped his hips firmly and twirled him in the air, catching him in the air and bowing low to the floor before stealing a cheeky kiss. He’d backed away right after waiting for Muichiro to dance towards him again so they could start  the second phase of their dance. On cue, Muichiro strode forward full of confidence and joy as he leaped the last few feet to where Tanjirou was waiting with his arms ready to catch him.

Muichiro fell perfectly into his arms, and Tanjirou twirled the boy up in the air once more. Muichiro did a spin in the air before descending into Tanjirou’s waiting arms.

A glide, a twist, a twirl. All of it melded into one beautiful dance. Tanjirou could only ride the waves of joy as his body moved seemingly without direction. 

Muichiro tapped his shoulder, signaling his cue. Tanjirou nodded slightly, taking him into his hands and guiding Muichiro into a slow dance. Tanjirou took in a breath before letting the lyrics of the song flow out.

In the moonlight I felt your heart

Quiver like a bow string's pulse

In the moon's pale light you looked at me

Nobody knows your heart

When the sun has gone I see you

Beautiful and haunting but cold

Like the blade of a knife so sharp, so sweet

Nobody knows your heart

All of your sorrow, grief, and pain

Locked away in the forest of the night

Your secret heart belongs to the world

Of the things that sigh in the dark

Of the things that cry in the dark

The words bled out of him slowly and forlorn, remorseful of the life he’d lived in bitter isolation. Beautifully tragic was the only way Tanjirou could describe this assembly of words. It wasn’t just a song to either of them. Rather a story, something deeply personal and intimate to Tanjirou. Something that held all of the sensations and feelings he’d locked up after his family’s curse. Saying it aloud now felt like something in Tanjirou had finally healed . An ancient wound he’d never thought would heal finally scabbed over as each syllable tumbled out of his lips.

Before he could stop himself, Tanjirou tenderly kissed Muichiro. He let his love and adoration seep into it. This wonderful, incredible person Tanjirou was so lucky to have met and now meant the world to him. “I love you,” he exclaimed. 

Muichiro smiled at him, his eyes sparkling. “I love you too.” 

And with one final twirl the dance had been performed. 

Magic swelled around them as the final step was accomplished. Wind and fire rose in great pillars, clashing together and coating the landscape in viscous colors of white and red. They both clung onto one another tightly, feeling their spiritual selves opening up to accommodate another. 

In one swift movement Tanjirou felt his soul latch onto Muichiro’s, inciting a sensation so cathartic tears sprang to life in his eyes. Muichiro seemed to feel the same, as he clutched onto Tanjirou with a ferocity that bruised his skin.

The storm of wind and flame subsided instantly, coalescing around them in a sphere of tangible magic before evaporating. They both slumped after.

He rested his head on Muichiro’s shoulder as he caught his breath. Each inhalation of air bringing him back to the present. He felt—actually felt— Muichiro’s joy. 

Tanjirou laughed and Muichiro joined in. And soon enough both of them were splayed out on the floor cuddling while crying their eyes out with laughter.

The laughter died down and Muichiro’s family sat down next to them. “So? How do you feel?” Muichiro’s mother asked. ”

“Amazing.” Muichiro answered before he could. Tanjirou gave a small laugh in response while clasping Muichiro’s hand in his own.

“Yeah, amazing.”

For one long moment neither said anything, relishing and probing into their new soul bond. It felt raw and new, unrefined yet powerful. Touching it sent sparks shooting down his spine and light exploding in his eyes. 

Tanjirou had been so caught up in the sensation that he hadn’t noticed the newcomers' scents. A stray branch snapping in the distance had been the one to catch his attention.

Tanjirou had tensed at the sound, and Muichiro had responded the same, feeling his cautiousness. ‘You okay?’ 

He nodded slightly and inclined his head toward the bushes. ‘Yeah, it could be nothing.’ Nonetheless, Tanjirou shifted, positioning himself defensively in front of Muichiro and his family. “Whoever’s there, show yourself.” He barked out harshly.

The bushes rustled once more. A dark silhouette stepped out. 

A silhouette that turned into his father.

His tall and slender form slinked out, his kind eyes tinged with sadness and regret. He held his head low in shame and submission.

Tanjirou stood slack-jawed. It couldn’t be. Tamayo would’ve sent word. He would’ve noticed .

Yet here he was. His father was awake and stalking towards him.

‘I’m taller than him now,’ Tanjirou noted deliriously. A cool palm shook him from his panic; Muichiro nodded his head, urging Tanjirou forward.

Tanjirou obliged, taking a few trepidous steps forward. “Father?” His voice cracked pathetically.

Tanjuro whined at his son’s deep voice. not at all liked the high-pitched tone he’d heard so often. “Tanjirou?” He croaked.

Tanjirou barreled right into him afterwards, sobbing into his father’s fur. He felt like a pup again, curling into his fur again for comfort. How he’d missed this. The sharp woody scent was ever present on his father. The way he felt so safe in his embrace, so sure.

Tanjuro curled his neck around his firstborn. Taking in his scent. Still rosy with hints of cinnamon, but gone was the milky scent of his youth, replaced with a sharp smoky note. Kie ambled in afterwards, pups in tow. They’d all dog-piled onto their brother, causing Tanjirou to sob even harder.

His family was alive .

They curled around him, yipping or whining, and scenting him. Tanjirou whined in response, tail wagging ferociously as he nosed each of his siblings and his parents. 

A howl tore out his throat before he could stop. Too long had he sung to the sky without a response and now seven other voices sang with him. Tanjirou howled the loudest he’d ever had before. The mountain echoed his fervor, trees began to rustle, animals called out, and wind roared all around them in response to the return of Tanjirou’s family.

For the first time in ten years, one lone howl was accompanied by seven more.

Introductions were a bit awkward after their tearful reunion. His father and mother had noted Tanjirou’s scent clinging to Muichiro. Which caused a multitude of raised eyebrows. “Father, Mother, I want you to meet Muichiro, my… soulmate. And his family.”

“Soulmate!” Kie barked in surprise along with Tanjuro; she scented the boy’s scent once more noting  just how intertwined their scents were. 

Muichiro walked forward slowly, putting his hand out in greeting. “It’s very nice to meet you. Tanjirou has told me so much about you all.” 

Tanjuro shifted to his human form, taking the offered hand and shaking it firmly. “Likewise, Muichiro-san, it's a pleasure to meet the person who my son has chosen to soul bond with." Tanjuro said softly.

Muichiro smiled humbly, taking Tanjirou’s hand into his own. “Tanjirou and I have come to love each other a lot.” He whispered adoringly. Tanjirou blushed in response, squeezing Muichiro’s tightly.

Muichiro’s parents introduced themselves along with Yuichiro and Tetsuido. Both parents seemed to have an understanding of sorts, seeing as their sons had partaken in a ritual that had basically tied their families in a way marriage did.

Embarrassing moments were shared on Tanjirou and Muichiro, which prompted Tanjirou’s siblings to chip in to the verbal dogpile. With Nezuko even mentioning the incident when Tanjirou had singed a whole part of his hair off, leaving a pink bald spot for months. The story had sent Muichiro off into a few moments of tear-filled laughter, much to Tanjirou’s embarrassment.

Although Tanjioeu had gotten his revenge when Yuichiro mentioned Muichiro’s first disastrous effort at cooking rice, describing how he’d charred itnto something unrecognizable.

Tanjirou had laughed uproariously at the story, teasing Muichiro while his family chuckled alongsidehim.

The night followed much of the same way until Rokuta had fallen asleep in his mother’s arms, signaling the end of their long conversation. 

Tanjirou had escorted Muichiro’s family down the mountain. But thanked them again before they departed back to their house.

Muichiro had stayed behind, giving Tanjirou one more peck on the lips and a goodnight before leaving a smitten Tanjirou smiling dopily at him. 

Muichiro chuckled at his boyfriend’s expression. He gave a short wave before catching up to his family.

Tanjirou's tail wagged vigorously even after the fact. He felt on top of the world. Muichiro was his soulmate and his family was back! What wasn’t there to be happy about?

Although the thought that Tanjiorou was basically an adult while his siblings were all still little children sobered him. Nezuko was still six but if she hadn’t been afflicted, she would’ve been sixteen by now. Ten whole years were stolen from his family. Ten whole years Tanjirou had lost with them.

He brooded on that thought the whole trek back upwards. Although it faded somewhat when he saw his mother and father awake and alert, not the sleeping expressions he’d become accustomed to.

His father approached with his ears pinned and tail down, a sad whine keening in his throat. His mother approached in much of the same manner, her whine tinged with regret and remorse. Tanjirou whined back, hugging his parents firmly. “You don’t know how happy I am to have you all back.” He confessed through tears. “It’s been so hard without all of you.”

“Oh my sweet summer child.” Kie murmured, hugging her son tightly. 

“I hope you can forgive us, Tanjirou.” His father croaked with a deep sadness etched into his face. His eyes seemed haunted in a way, haunted with the knowledge he’d had of his firstborn for ten years. “We left you alone for a decade.” His voice broke off as tears choked out his voice. “I’m so sorry, son; I’m so sorry for failing you. ” Kie echoed the statement. 

Tanjirou whined in response, nuzzling his parents further. “It’s okay; I could never blame either of you for what happened. It wasn’t your fault; something took you all from me. You didn’t mean for it to happen.” Tanjirou spoke with certainty. “There’s nothing to forgive. Please don’t blame yourself for this. You’ve all suffered enough.” He sobbed into his litter’s fur, blabbing incoherent apologies for not helping sooner for being weak, and for failing them.

To which his parents had reasoned with kind words and reassurances that he had nothing to apologize for. Their sweet firstborn son had gone through hell and back just to save them. All that he’d done was anything but weak. 

Tanjirou had cried all the more when hearing the words. But a decade-old weight felt like it’d lifted from his chest.

July 14th, Tanjirou’s eighteenth birthday, and also the day he’d officially inherit his birthright. In a technical sense he would become the head of his family but Tanjirou would still defer to his father, still considering himself too inexperienced to take over the reins just yet.

Here they were, his family alongside Tanjirou’s, huddled up on an ancient ceremonial ground that left all silenced in reverent awe. This entire ground felt hallowed; something irrevocably significant had happened on these grounds.

The trip itself had taken them all a few days; Tanjirou’s family temple resided quite a ways away from their quaint little village. It would’ve taken them longer if it had been for Tanjirou and his parents volunteering to let them hitch a ride on their backs. 

His parents, alongside Tetsuido and Yuichiro had declined at first but once he’d explained how it’d be better for all of them since they’d get there faster, they’d all begrudgingly agreed. 

Aside from the faster travel time, Muichiro also wanted to revel in his brother’s fumbling at the breakneck speed they’d be traveling at. He’d busted out laughing when Yuichiro had let out a high-pitched scream when they’d first bolted. Which had earned a painful thwack in response.

A jingling bell broke him out of the memory. Looking up ahead, Tanjirou was decorated in an intricate garb of bells and flowing red robes. His skin had been dusted in gold flecks alongside a painted dragon coiling around his neck and ending in his heart. Although that specific detail couldn’t be seen now, Tanjirou had shown it to him before he’d fully put on his robe. He was also wearing a beautifully carved set of antlers that seemed to almost protrude out of his head. They were comprised of one main trunk with smaller horns protruding outward almost like that of a deer’s but thicker and longer. 

Most interesting of all, in Muichiro's opinion, was the makeup Tanjirou wore. Aside from making him look painfully attractive. It detailed a sharp red eyeliner with mock scales painted on his cheeks, with two large scales being drawn under his eyes and flames sprouting out his mouth and trailing all the way down to his collarbone. His Hanufuda earrings still faithfully swinging from his ears.

Tanjirou’s father slapped a drum and the ceremony began. 

Tanjirou danced fast like a serpent, his body coiling tightly before stepping into an onslaught of steps that Muichiro just knew Tanjirou had practiced painstakingly. The added weight of the prosthetic horns seemed to bother him little as he lowered and raised his head swiftly. He began a long sequence of steps almost like the strikes of a fight but adorned with the fierce quality of an enthralling dance.

Muichiro could feel the burning elation within their soul bond. The emotion curled around his heart, feeding into his own excitement. He just couldn’t help it, watching Tanjirou with a wonderful gleam in his eyes, smiling fiercely while dancing like a graceful prince.

The dance eventually ebbed out, ending with a slow shuffle of steps before Tanjirou fell to one knee and bowed his head low to the ground.

Tanjuro’s father walked to him right after, with a small bowl of crimson liquid in hand. He lifted Tanjirou’s chin up, smiling tenderly at him. Dipping his fingers into the liquid, Muichiro could make out Tanjuro drawing a small sun on Tanjirou’s forehead, signifying his release of the sun’s inheritance and handing it to his firstborn. 

The sun seemed to intensify after the nice heat, turning sweltering within seconds. Flames started to lick at Tanjirou’s feet before rapidly expanding and rising to envelop him. He heard his family’s exclamation of shock but waved off their worries. Tanjirou was fine; the flames wouldn’t burn him, they were just cleansing him before he inherited his birthright. The flames intensified moments later. They began to rise into a great pillar of fire as Tanjirou floated up higher and higher until he was a solid few feet in the air. 

He could feel the sweat dripping from his skin as the sun’s heat intensified even more. Even Tanjirou’s family seemed to have been affected. With Kie even asking Tanjuro if he’d experienced this type of heat in his own ceremony, to which he responded with a no.

The answer worried Muichiro a bit. He probed into their soul bond with worry, and Tanjirou reassured him, instantly pushing his feeling of joy and exuberance through the bond. Muichiro exhaled a little in relief and looked at Tanjirou once more.

He could see his actual body begin to glow in a blinding white light. His human form seemed to take that of a wolf before dissolving and… taking a different form! Muichiro smiled in suspense. The form Tanjirou was taking didn’t seem to resemble anything he’d seen before; it was just a big sphere growing bigger and bigger.

Until it stopped for a pair of seconds, prompting Muichiro to hold his breath. The sphere vibrated before shattering. An earth-splitting roar was followed soon after… and Tanjirou emerged…

In glistening red scales.

And four titanic wings.

Muichiro’s jaw dropped as he gazed at his soulmate’s new form. If Tanjirou had been large as a wolf, he was absolutely colossal now. 

His four large leathery wings blotted out the sun and his body seemed to rival that of the mountain they’d lived on. He let out another roar, twirling in the air like a beast of legend. Which Muichiro guessed he was now. 

His scales seemed like actual blood-red rubies. Thick and prominent around his noticeable features, such as his snout and eyes but smooth and imperceptible everywhere else. Alongside his beautiful glittering scales, a long mane flowed out from the upper part of his neck, crimson red, flowing like a raging fire. His wings seemed almost like that of a bat, but something similar to fur or feathers adorned the top part. Alongside a set of subwings poking out of the base of his tail.

His four large legs seemed limber and long, with claws the size of spears adorning the end of his hand-shaped paws. Even his tail adorned a claw-like appendage at the end of it alongside a tiny flame flickering at the very top.

Muichiro was starstruck at Tanjirou’s mystical form. Of all the things he could’ve turned into, he’d become a dragon . The first dragon to roam these lands after 1,000 years.

Tanjirou’s flight seemed to flag; his form became shrouded in flames once more before shrinking down to his human form alongside four large wings and a tail struggling for air. He retained his balance and later had more confidence in his wind strokes. He dove down afterwards, landing clumsily and meeting the eyes of all the stunned individuals around him. “Um, surprise?” He laughed nervously while scratching his cheek.

Muichiro launched forward first, enveloping him in a tight hug. “You’re amazing, Tanjirou.”

He blushed at the praise before smiling coyly. Muichiro felt Tanjirou’s hold on him tighten before he felt the thrum of energy powering through his wings. And suddenly they were airborne. Muichiro found himself clinging to his soulmate like a lifeline, screaming out of fear and elation at seeing everything from a bird's-eye view. Tanjirou chuckled before leveling off; he’d curled his tail around Muichiro’s, giving him more stability. 

Muichiro gazed into Tanjirou’s deep crimson eyes. Tanjirou gazed into his jade depths. They leaned in slowly, the kiss intimate and sincere. Muichiro smiled into it alongside Tanjirou, who swiped them both in the air mid-kiss. 

“I love you.” Tanjirou whispered. Muichiro smiled giddily, kissing him once more. 

Tanjirou twirled in the air, happy and smiling at the beautiful boy currently wrapped in his arms. 

Muichiro smiled back. His heart leaping in joy at the sight of his soulmate.