Hey readers,

We are nearing the end of the story! It's been such a wonderful experience writing this, and I'm gonna try to end it on a powerful note. This means that the finale (next chapter) will not release until next week. Sorry for the delay, but I really want to make this last chapter good.

As always, enjoy!

Kaa-san- Japanese for "mother" or "mom"


When Tamaki awoke, Mitsuri was no longer cuddled up beside him. She must've gone out on a mission.

Crickets chirped noisily in the cold night air. Tamaki sat up sleepily and checked the time. Ten…forty-three. Wait…

He stumbled out of bed, his eyes wide with shock. Shoot! I slept in! I should have been up two hours ago!

Sliding open his door frantically, he realized he forgot to change and closed it. He quickly changed out of his kimono and into his uniform and then opened the door again. His kagusai crow landed on his head and jabbed him on the top of his head repeatedly. "Caw! Caw! Wake up earlier! Caw!"

"Yeah, yeah, I know! Just give me my mission!" said Tamaki frustratedly.

Luckily, that day's mission was a simple one. The demon was close to his house, and he only had to run a little bit before finding it leering over a young couple. He quickly took it down and breathed a sigh of relief. That could have been bad.

"Thank you!" said the man, holding the woman tightly. "We probably would have died if you hadn't showed up! Thank you!" The woman was in tears, clinging to the man in fright.

Tamaki started to walk away. "Don't worry about it. It's my job."

When he returned back home, Misaki was sitting in the courtyard. "Tamaki-kun, I can't sleep."

Okay…that was better than normally. "Uhh…I don't know how to help you." he said awkwardly, bracing himself for her to suddenly lunge at him and propose marriage.

Instead, she just said, "Do you want some tea?"

"Sure."

Misaki went into the kitchen and started boiling water. Tamaki sat outside in the courtyard, staring at the stars. The moon was obstructed by clouds.

After a few minutes, Misaki came back outside with two cups of tea. She handed one to Tamaki. It was nice and warm, and he took a sip.

"Thanks," he said to Misaki.

She smiled. "I think I'm gonna try and go back to sleep."

Tamaki nodded. She went back to the spare bedroom and shut the door behind her, leaving Tamaki alone in the courtyard. He took another sip of tea, feeling the warmth spread through his body.

A black feather landed on the ground in front of him. What the…is it a kagusai crow? There was a frantic fluttering of wings in the air above him, and a kagusai crow with a strange floral head crest landed on the ground. It's Mitsuri's.

"Caw! Mitsuri-chan is in danger! She needs your help! Caw!" The crow's eyes were frantic, and it fidgeted anxiously.

Tamaki's blood turned ice-cold. She…she's in danger! he thought, the crow's words echoing in his mind. The teacup fell from his hands and shattered on the ground.

He stood up and ran out of the house, adrenaline pumping through his body. Last time she requested help it wasn't that bad, she was just lost, he thought, trying to calm himself a little. But this time, a gut feeling told him something was really wrong.


Mitsuri squirmed furiously, trying to free herself from the ice on her right leg, but no matter how much she tried to break herself free, it was futile.

Her eyes darted around her, the demon she had been tracking lurking in the shadows. It was mocking her, watching her powerlessly struggle.

She was standing upright, her left leg encased in a cold, numbing ice that wouldn't break no matter how hard she tried. Her body was weakened, beaten down by the demon. She was covered in deep cuts, and the very air she breathed was dangerous. There's ice in the air. Every time I breathe, my lungs freeze.

Another burst of ice shot towards her, catching on her left side and freezing her arm, other leg, and part of her torso. She was completely stuck now, there was too much ice holding her in place. Her sword, which was in her left hand, was also encased in the ice. The chilly air was making it harder and harder to breathe. Did my crow make it to Tamaki?

A sharp icicle came flying out of the darkness, aimed right at Mitsuri's heart. Oh no! Is this the end for me? Tears began to well up in her eyes. It was as if everything was moving in slow motion. Tamaki…please… "Save me!"

A blur of light passed in between her and the icicle. The sound of metal slicing through an object echoed throughout the night. As the light faded, someone came into view.

Tall, handsome, muscular. Yellow hair and haori blowing in the wind. There's only one person that could be!

"Tamaki!" she cried, her eyes widening in relief.


Tamaki stood in front of Mitsuri, his sword held out in front of him defensively. The two halves of the icicle lay on the ground behind them, Tamaki having sliced it cleanly through the middle.

"Mitsuri, are you okay?"

She nodded weakly, her pretty green eyes filled with relief. "I'm stuck in this ice. I don't think I'll be able to break free unless you kill the demon." Her breathing was ragged, she was gasping for air. "I'm sorry. I'm not gonna be of any help."

There's something in the air. I can feel it. Breathing itself is slowly weakening me. "Don't worry," he assured Mitsuri. "Remember that promise I made you when we first met? I'll protect you with my life."

She smiled, but then began to cough. "Try to hold your breath as much as possible," said Tamaki.

His ears were telling him there was a demon somewhere nearby. An incredibly powerful one. Nothing like I've ever sensed before…no, that's wrong. I have sensed this level of power before. Likely an Upper moon. Tamaki's senses were on full alert. Any mistake I make could be fatal. Upper Moons are ridiculously powerful. I'm not even sure if I can take this one down myself.

"My, my, what do we have here?" The voice sent chills down Tamaki's spine. He hadn't heard it in fourteen years. No…it can't be…not him!

A Japanese war fan unfolded, glinting in the darkness among two beautiful, rainbow-colored eyes. The air around Tamaki began to get even colder. His eyes widened in shock at the kanji on those gorgeous eyes. Upper Two.

"Konichiwa! You must be another Hashira!" the smiling, friendly face of Doma waved at him happily, as if they were two friends meeting each other.

Tamaki gritted his teeth, sweat pouring down his face. Does he not remember me? I wouldn't be surprised. Demons who live for hundreds of years probably don't remember everyone that they kill.

His knuckles were white as he gripped his sword, blue eyes colder than the ice around him. "You…I won't forgive you!" he growled, fury in his gaze.

Douma tilted his head to the side. "Do I know you, Hashira-dono? It seems like you know me."

Tamaki's eyes narrowed in anger. Of course I know you. After all, it was you who killed my mother.


Fourteen years ago

We lived in the city, in that same house I inherited. After dad had passed away, it was just me, Kaa-san, and Zenitsu, who was still just a baby.

Our mother would care for us better than either of us could wish for. She was warm, kind, and loving. Kaa-san would always go out in the evening to the market to buy food for us. We didn't have much money, but we had each other.

But then, one of those evenings, something happened.

Tamaki giggled happily, swinging Zenitsu around in the air. "Ototo, you're so tiny! Hurry up and grow up so that we can play together!"

"Be careful," said a soft, warm voice. Kaa-san. "Don't drop him."

"Kaa-san, have you gone to the market yet?" asked Tamaki.

"Oh, that's right." Tamaki's mom smiled at him. "Thanks for reminding me!" She grabbed a bag and headed out the door. "I'll be back, watch your brother."

"Aye aye!" said Tamaki. He sat down in the courtyard, holding Zenitsu in his lap.

"When I grow up, I want to be a demon slayer, and protect you and Kaa-san just like Tou-san! What about you? What do you wanna be when you grow up?"

Zenitsu babbled happily, his soft bluish-brown eyes meeting Tamaki's electric blue eyes.

Tamaki tilted his head to the side, confused. "I don't know what you said." He sighed. "You need to hurry up and learn Japanese." Zenitsu's hands reached up and groped the air as he babbled nonsense.

Tamaki giggled. "You're so funny, Ototo! You do the strangest things!"

Zenitsu calmed down a little bit, settling into Tamaki's lap comfortably.

"You know, you're lucky. You got Kaa-san's last name. I wish I had Kaa-san's last name."

Zenitsu stared back at him, his face curious. I bet he wonders what I'm saying.

After a long time of waiting, Tamaki and Zenitsu's mom finally came home. Tamaki ran forwards, hugging her. "Kaa-san! What did you buy today?"

"Noodles, vegetables, and meat. We're going to have udon today. I'll start cooking it."

Tamaki followed her into the kitchen. "Can I help?"

She laughed, a beautiful, melodious sound. "Maybe when you're older."

"Awww," said Tamaki sadly, hanging his head in disappointment.

She bent down and took his face in her hands. Her eyes were the same shade of blue as his. "My beautiful son, don't be sad. Actually, maybe you can help me. You can wash the vegetables."

Tamaki's disappointed look instantly turned into an energetic one. "You can count on me, Kaa-san! I'll make those vegetables as clean as they can be!"

After dinner was finished being cooked, Tamaki's mom set two bowls of steaming-hot udon onto the table. Zenitsu's food would be baby food, some sort of mushy substance that Tamaki didn't understand why babies liked.

Tamaki slurped the noodles happily. "Delicious! Thank you for this meal, Kaa-san!"

She smiled. "I'm glad you like it."

They ate mostly in silence, Zenitsu making the occasional baby noise. Tamaki shivered after draining the soup from his bowl. "I'm a little cold."

His mother frowned. "Even after drinking hot soup? Hmmm…I did feel a chill when I went to the market, maybe it's just winter setting in. I'll give you an extra blanket when you go to sleep."

"Thanks." Tamaki yawned.

After Zenitsu finished his food, their mother stood up and opened the door. "Time for bed." Tamaki picked up Zenitsu and followed her outside into the courtyard, but she suddenly held out an arm.

There was a pale-skinned man standing in the courtyard with long platinum-blond hair, wearing a blood-red turtleneck and tan striped pants. His eyes were a rainbow of colors, and he smiled at them. But what really told Tamaki that they were in danger were the bloodstains around his mouth.

"Konichiwa!" he greeted them cheerfully.

Tamaki glanced up at his mom, and his heart began to pound with fear. Her eyes were widened in shock. "Who is this?" he asked anxiously.

"Tamaki," she said calmly. "Take your brother and run."

She pulled something out from under her kimono. Tou-san's sword! She unsheathed the nichirin blade, holding it out in front of her.

The man frowned. "Now, now, don't be so hasty. I just want you to save you!"

Tamaki's mom gritted her teeth. "Run!"

He had been paralyzed by fear, but the second his mother uttered that word, Tamaki's feet carried him past the strange man and out into the street. He kept running, tears streaming from his eyes. Kaa-san's going to be fine. She's strong! She will take care of the strange man and when we come back home, she will hug us and we'll continue living together! As a happy family!

Zenitsu began to cry, but Tamaki kept running. He didn't know how far he should run, but he kept going.

He suddenly bumped into a person. Stumbling backwards, he fell down onto the dirt on his back.

The person he had bumped into was a short old man, with a large mustache and bushy eyebrows. But the thing that drew Tamaki's attention was the fact that his right leg was missing. He walked with a wooden cane.

"Are you lost, boy?" asked the man. His voice was rough, but kind.

Tamaki sniffed. "My…my mom, she needs help! She was attacked by a strange man! I-I think it was a demon!"

The old man's eyes widened. "A demon? I know the right people to call. Don't worry, boy."

A large black crow came flying out of the darkness. "Notify the Demon Slayer Corps immediately!" The crow flew away with the message.

Tamaki cradled Zenitsu close to him. The baby had not stopped crying since they left the house. "I-It's gonna be fine," said Tamaki, trying to reassure his brother. "Kaa-san is going to be fine! When we come home, she'll hug and kiss us and make us food!"

He felt a hand on his shoulder. It was the old man. "You…you should stay here. When it's okay to go, I'll tell you."

"Oyaji, will they save kaa-san?" asked Tamaki.

The old man gave him a sad look. "We'll see."

By the time the crow came back, it was already dawn. Faint bands of light appeared on the horizon.

Tamaki and Zenitsu had both fallen asleep. The old man had taken them to a house, where they were given a place to sleep. He then remained outside of the house, standing in front of the entrance.

"Caw! The situation has been cleaned up! Caw!"

"Thank you," said the old man to the crow. It flew off.

Tamaki walked outside, rubbing his eyes. "Oyaji, can I see Kaa-san now?"

"Come," said the old man.

Tamaki followed him back to his house. Is Kaa-san okay? Please…

He walked into an empty house. There were bloodstains all over the floor and walls of the courtyard. Tamaki gasped, his eyes widening at the crimson spills.

Is Kaa-san hurt?

"Where's Kaa-san? Where is she?" Tamaki's eyes darted around the area, looking for his mother. The old man would not meet his eyes.

It was then that he spotted something on the ground. What is that? He crawled over to it, and held it in his hands. It's…Kaa-san's necklace! The one Tou-san gave to her! It's her most treasured possession, but why is it on the ground?

Tamaki glanced back at the old man. "Please, Oyaji, I wanna see Kaa-san!" Tamaki's heart was beginning to ache with loneliness. "Where's Kaa-san?"

"She's gone, boy."

It was as if Tamaki was struck in the heart by a sharp object. "Wh-what…what are you t-talking about? Kaa-san wouldn't leave us! She loves us!"

Tears began to fill his sky-blue eyes, the innocent gaze shadowed with grief. "K-kaa-san…she's not gone! You're lying, Oyaji!"

He fell to his knees, crumpling to the ground and sobbing. "Kaa-san…where are you? Please, come back, Kaa-san!"

His wails were unanswered, only the dead silence of the morning sounded. And that was the moment that Tamaki had to accept that she wasn't coming back. Gone…from this world…forever…I'll never see her again…


Present day

Ice-blue eyes glared at the demon that absorbed their maker. Tamaki could feel his eyes watering, all the emotion he had hidden from when his mother had died now resurfacing.

Doma's eyes lit up with recognition."I think I remember you! You're that little brat who ran away with his brother! Pathetic, really. You couldn't even save your own mother, instead abandoning her. But it's okay, as I've already saved her. She lives on forever in me."

"Shut up!" roared Tamaki. "You call that saving? You killed her! You took my Kaa-san away!" He was aware of tears sliding down his cheeks.

"Oh, stop crying!" said Doma. "Emotions are so pointless!"

He's so cold-blooded. A psychopath who believes that killing and eating is a form of salvation.

Doma's eyes wandered to Mitsuri. "And now you're trying to stop me from saving this poor woman? Oh, how cruel! Hashira-dono, you really are evil!"

Take your foul eyes off of her! Tamaki glanced over at Mitsuri. She was unconscious now, possibly due to the injures she had sustained when fighting Doma earlier.

He unfolded his war fans, his rainbow eyes glinting with malice. "I guess I'll have to rid the world of such evil!"

Tamaki gritted his teeth. I'm hopelessly outmatched. This is an Upper Moon. It's a horribly unfair fight. But I'll fight it anyway. For Mitsuri.

"I won't let you take another loved one away from me. Never again."


To be continued…

Finale releasing 6/9/23