A few weeks later

Hotaru's POV

"You're growing so fast aren't you little one?" Hotaru said looking down and tenderly resting a hand on her stomach.

A bit of time had passed since Rengoku left for the Mugen train mission. At that time, Hotaru's belly had grown a bit. It still wasn't super big but it definitely was noticeable. She had also started to feel flutter-like movements within her belly. Hotaru had started to grow more worried about Rengoku because she hadn't heard anything from him. I miss him so much she thought. She missed his hearty laugh whenever something amused him and his radiant smile. At night, Hotaru longed for his gentle touch and how passionate he was when they made love.

Hotaru wondered if Kyojuro's younger brother, Senjuro, had heard any updates about his brother's whereabouts or any news of the mission.

The following day, Hotaru packed a few things and headed to the Rengoku estate leaving early so she'd get there around late afternoon. Please be safe, Kyojuro. I need you, our child needs you, Hotaru thought as her anxiety rose.

When Hotaru reached the Rengoku estate she saw Senjuro sweeping the front entrance like he normally did.

"Senjuro-san!" she called out to him.

"Ah, it's you Hotaru," Senjuro turned around and gave her a small smile. However, Hotaru could tell that something was troubling him behind his smile.

Hotaru noticed Senjuro's eyes widened in surprise a little when he saw her slightly protruding belly but he didn't say anything. After a brief moment of silence, she spoke up.

"Have you heard any news about your brother?" Hotaru asked, a sense of dread settling in.

Senjuro gripped the broom handle tighter, an expression of pain and sorrow crossed his face. Tears were threatening to spill from his face. Hotaru could feel her heart drop.

"My brother, he-he didn't make it. I'm sorry, Hotaru," Senjuro said, tears spilling out. He then wiped his eyes with his sleeve.

Hotaru felt like she couldn't breathe. Kyojuro is dead?! She let the horrifying truth set in. He can't be dead, he promised he would come back for our child .

"Excuse me, Senjuro-san. I need to go, I'm sorry," Hotaru said shakily, turning away from him, tears gathering in her eyes.

"Wait, Hotaru!" Senjuro called after her but she didn't stop running.

Senjuro's POV

Senjuro was disappointed that he wasn't able to have a conversation with Hotaru. He had no way of contacting her to pass the news of his brother's death. The younger Rengoku brother felt bad after seeing Hotaru's reaction to the news.

However he had his own set of questions too. His dear brother did not mention the fact that he had a baby on the way. Senjuro had only found out when Hotaru came to visit. From his vantage point it seemed like she was with child but he couldn't be quite sure. Hotaru and his brother had been together for a while so it wouldn't not be a possibility. If that indeed was true, he hoped he would get to see his future niece or nephew at some point. The prospect of seeing his brother's child in a way helped alleviate some of the pain knowing that a part of him was left here in the world of the living.

If Hotaru was indeed pregnant, it would explain why his older brother had that important discussion with him. It did seem sudden at the time but he wasn't opposed to it. Now that his brother was gone, Senjuro hoped that he'd have a chance to see his niece or nephew.

Hotaru's POV

Hotaru couldn't stop crying for a long time after returning home. She cried until she felt like she couldn't cry anymore. This wasn't supposed to happen. Kyojuro was supposed to come home safely, the young woman thought.

Hotaru stood up and went to the dresser. She opened up one of the drawers and pulled out a small black and white picture. It was a portrait of her and Kyojuro in traditional kimonos. He had surprised her by taking her to a location where someone could take their likeness with a relatively new invention without needing to sit for hours as someone paints. She held the picture close to her chest.

Hotaru did her best to carry on with life as her pregnancy progressed. She had no choice but to do so. The expectant mother had so much love for her child even though he or she wasn't born yet. This child was created from her and Kyojuro's love.

Hotaru was walking around town one evening when she noticed an elderly woman struggling to carry her produce.

"Here let me help you with those," she offered and took some to ease the woman's load.

"Why thank you dear. I appreciate your help," the old woman smiled. She noticed Hotaru's pregnant belly.

"Pardon me for asking, but you are expecting a baby, right?" the older woman asked with a knowing look.

"Yes I am," Hotaru said with a smile.

"Your first?" Midori asked.

"Yes," the young mother replied.

"I predict a boy. You seem to be carrying low," the elderly woman said.

"Call me Midori," the lady said.

"Hotaru, I don't have a last name," the young woman said.

They both made light conversation until they reached the woman's home.

"Come inside, love, I have something for you," the woman said.

Once inside the Midori handed Hotaru a small jar of a mixture of herbs.

"This will help increase your flow of breast milk when your baby is born," she stated.

"Oh thank you," the young woman said.

"May I?" Midori reached out wanting to touch Hotaru's belly. She nodded.

The woman moved closer then gently rubbed Hotaru's stomach.

The new mother-to-be felt movement inside of her belly.

"He kicked!" Hotaru said happily. The older woman and her shared a smile.

"He's eager to see you," she said. "Not quite yet, little one, you're still too small."

They chatted for a few minutes until the elderly lady spoke up.

"My goodness it's getting late. I'm sorry to have kept you so long. I'm sure your husband is worried about you and the little one."

Hotaru's breath hitched in her throat.

"Be careful, those demons are getting stronger and craftier. I heard about an unfortunate incident on a train. Every man, woman, and child ended up being safe but the demon slayer who protected them was lost," Midori said with a sad look.

Hotaru felt her throat constrict and her face grow hot.

"Thank you for your hospitality," Hotaru said bowing before leaving in order to hide the tears burning her eyes.

"Please come by anytime you need anything," Midori said with a smile.

Hotaru left her home feeling that she made a new companion.