**MANGA SPOILERS AHEAD*

WARNING: Angsty Alternate Timeline, I switch from canon to not canon often

What if? What if Nezuko arrived before Tanjiro's transformation? How does that change things? I apparently want maximum angst. Sorry ya'll.

Ummmm I honestly don't know what is wrong with me, because I am actually hoping that the anime does this… and it will break me to my core. I guess I want to be depressed. This is inspired by some fanart I saw on pinterest - The poster's name is "Czyhm". I do not know if this is the actual artist as there is no other information.

This story is from Giyu's POV to make it even sadder, apparently.

Seriously, this is my final warning that this will be sad lol

Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters!


It hurt.

It hurt a lot, but he didn't care. The loss of his arm was a small price to pay to defeat Muzan. He watched with bated breath as the giant form of a baby slowly disintegrated in the sun.

He wasn't sure what happened; one moment, he and Sanemi had felt that their attacks were no use, and that Muzan would successfully dig himself underground and save himself. Then, all of a sudden, he stopped moving and began to fade away.

He had a good idea of what did happen. Just moments earlier, Tanjiro had been swallowed whole as the Demon King shifted his appearance to that of a giant baby. He tried to pull Tanjiro out, but was forced back as he watched the last of that green and black Haori disappear into the flesh.

Tanjiro. Yes, it must have been Tanjiro. He was still fighting from within. But how? Was he even able to move? "You will have to ask him yourself," he thought to himself, forcing to believe that the boy was still alive.

Just a few days ago, he realized that he had grown very fond of the teenager, and since he never had an older sibling, Giyu felt that filling that void had become his calling. And that scared him. The Water Pillar had a history of losing the ones he loved, and he had silently promised to protect Tanjiro from harm. He would die before he would let anyone lay a hand on the red headed teenager. He had too much to live for.

"Protect Tanjiro," he had whispered to himself, "no matter the cost, protect the Kamado siblings. Do everything in your power to keep them together forever." While he never told Tanjiro of the promise, he said it over and over again in his head throughout this entire battle. He would not back down.

Tanjiro. He thought again, trying to look for the slayer emerging from the ashes of the once Demon King. But, he was blocked as Kakushi rushed around him, attempting to aid him. He cursed under his breath. He knew he needed it. His vision was blurry and dark, the world was spinning, and the pain in his arm was causing his ears to ring. But, he didn't care. If he was dying, so be it. Just let Tanjiro be okay.

The black haired slayer began to struggle to stand up, having one thought on his mind. He needed to find him. He needed to ensure he was okay. He needed to know that he kept his promise. "No, Tomioka-san," one Kakushi said, waving their arms as they tried to keep him from standing up. "You mustn't move!"

Giyu didn't care if his wounds weren't healed properly. He would not rest until he knew Tanjiro was safe. "Where is Tanjiro?" He pleaded with wide eyes. "Is he alright?"

He continued to desperately look around as the Kakushi attempted to block him from standing up.

Then, it was as if someone had knocked all the air out of his lungs. He caught a glimpse of a scene he sincerely hoped he was misinterpreting.

A group of Kakushi were surrounding a kneeling figure, unmoving, limp, and lifeless. One look and Giyu knew; the earrings and spikey, untamed red hair was a dead giveaway.

"He's not breathing, and there's no pulse. Tanjiro." The statement was grouped with uncontrollable sobs from the one who had made the announcement.

No. No. No. No. Giyu felt like he was going to explode. Time stood still as he forced himself up, running towards the torn up figure of the boy he swore to protect.

"Tomioka-san, thank you."

The memory of Tanjiro's bright smile and bubbly personality flashed in Giyu's mind as he ran towards him, hoping, praying to any god that would hear him; please let the Kakushi be wrong. He has to still be alive.

But as he knelt down in front of him, he knew that they were right. All life signs were gone; Tanjiro was gone.

"Tanjiro," Giyu whispered, tears streaming out of his eyes uncontrollably. He placed his hand on Tanjiro's; it was still gripping his sword. Even in death, Tanjiro's fighting spirit lived on. Giyu's chest felt tight as he thought of Nezuko. She was going to be heartbroken. What if the medicine worked and she was human again?

"I've failed to protect you," he whispered, allowing sobs to erupt in between. "I always receive protection from others."

Giyu cursed himself. He had the chance to protect someone, and he failed. Instead, Tanjiro protected him. It wasn't right. He was just a kid.

"I'm sorry, Nezuko," he whispered, knowing the Kamado would find out soon. "I'm so sorry."

His head dropped as his sobs overtook his senses. This was the first time in a long time that he felt this way. After losing so many people, he had shut himself off, refusing to get close to anyone, for fear that he was a curse. But he felt it would be different with Tanjiro. That things would change.

He was wrong. And now he had to live with his actions.

Things began to spin even more. He wasn't sure if it was blood loss, exhaustion, or grief. Probably a mixture of all three. But, he did not want to leave. He knew Tanjiro's friends would be arriving soon, that his sister would be arriving soon, but he couldn't leave his side. He wanted to apologize to them all. To stay with them for as long as they needed.

"Onii-chan!"

His heart dropped. It was distant, but she was almost there. And she sounded different; human.

"Tomioka-san," one of the Kakushi whispered through sobs, "please, let us tend to your wounds," they placed a hand on his shoulder, Giyu's head still low as he slowly let the sobs out. He did not move, did not even acknowledge that someone spoke to him. The memories of Tanjiro flew through his mind; from the moment he met him, to just a few minutes ago. That bright smile, his empathy and kindness; Tanjiro had helped him in ways he could not explain.

"Onii-chan!"

The voice of his sister was now closer, and the Water Hashira knew that he would have to move and allow her to spend some final moments with her older brother. He backed away slowly, but not going far. It felt as if he was attached. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but something inside him told him to stay. As if staying would magically bring him back to life.

He watched with tears in his eyes as the younger Kamado fell to her knees, tears spilling out of her eyes as if they would never stop.

"I'm sorry," Giyu said in his head, unable to croak the words out. Nezuko let out a bone chilling scream that broke him to his core. "Why, why, why? Why couldn't I protect him?"

Nezuko put a shaky hand on her brother's cheek, trying to raise his head and take one last look at him. "This is your fault," Giyu silently cursed himself. He wanted to look away from the scene, but couldn't leave their side. "Why couldn't you do one thing? One thing, keep him alive. And you failed."

"No, no, no," Nezuko shouted over and over again, now trying to hug him as his body shook around like a doll. "I'm human! You worked so hard, and I couldn't wait to show you!"

Her grief is because of you. You failed.

"I'm sorry, Tanjiro," Nezuko cried out with her sobs, "You did this for me."

You could have saved him. You could have held on. You could have switched places.

"You did it," Nezuko was now whispering, her hand back on her brother's cold cheek, "I know everything you have done for the last few years was for me, and you did it."

And he doesn't get to experience it.

"Please, Onii-chan, please come back to me. I want to go home. I want to live as humans again. Please, won't you come back so we can do that?"

Giyu's eyes grew wide. She was in denial. This wasn't good. He's not coming back. He's gone. He wanted to speak to her, to try to comfort her, but he couldn't squeeze any words out. It was like his lungs were being crushed, slowly but surely, in the most agonizing way possible.

Nezuko continued to plead. "I can't do this without you! Please, come back! I need you!"

He won't. And it's my fault. I'm sorry, Nezuko…

"Please."

Silence.

Only the quiet sounds of breathing, with occasional sobs could be heard. "Please," Nezuko whispered after a few moments, as if willing him to come back to life with her pleas.

But, nothing happened. He's gone.

Suddenly, a commotion started to rise. "Tanjiro!" Two voices in unison, and they were coming this way.

The Water Breather could not take it any more. He could not sit and watch his friends grieve over his dead body either. He began to get up to walk away, but he felt heavy. He had no more strength in him.

"Nezuko! Is he okay?" Zenitsu shouted as the two friends approached.

Nezuko's eyes filled with tears as she made eye contact with him. Slowly, she shook her head.

Zenitsu's eyes grew wide as he approached, Inosuke not far behind him. The three of them knelt in front of the shell of what once was their best friend, comrade, and brother.

"Oi," Inosuke shouted, tears dripping out of his mask, "oi, wake up! This isn't funny, Monjiro!"

He was rapidly shaking the red head.

It's no use, Giyu watched as the trio desperately tried to wake him up, he's gone.

"Tanjiro," Zenitsu shouted through tears, jumping onto him so hard that Tanjiro's body was pushed onto the ground, face facing up.

The change in position caused Giyu's emotions to well up inside of him again. Tanjiro's pale, swollen face was now completely visible, breaking his heart even more. He was once so full of life, always smiling, always willing to talk, brighter than the sun. He didn't deserve to go out like this. His body was so broken, cut up and destroyed. How dare you taint this boy, Muzan. Nezuko, Inosuke, and Zenitsu all piled on top of him, allowing their emotions to get the best of them as the tears flowed down their cheeks.

You've done this. You allowed Muzan to do this.

Giyu didn't know how much time had passed. Was it seconds? Minutes? Even hours? Other things were happening, Kakushi were still fussing over his wounds, and he seemingly lost his awareness of his surroundings.

Am I dying?

It could be true. He was still losing blood and had certainly sustained internal injuries.

Maybe I deserve it. Maybe I can join Tanjiro.

Another shift. Giyu wasn't sure if he was hallucinating at this point, but it looked as if Tanjiro moved.

The group around him had silenced. Giyu forced himself to slide a little closer, staring straight into Tanjiro's face.

What?

The tumor on the right side of Tanjiro's face was shrinking. All four seemingly held their breath. What was going on?

Then, time froze. Giyu wasn't sure if he was hallucinating, or if this was reality. Or, maybe, he was passing into the afterlife and being greeted by him.

Tanjiro began to rise. "Huh? Tanjiro?" Inosuke said, confusion in his voice, but laced with excitement. "So you are okay?"

Then, Tanjiro's eyes opened.

Giyu's chest tightened. His eyes; those shining, kind, red orbs; were not normal. They were pink. And had cat-like slits.

Anything but this..

In an instant, Tanjiro's missing arm regenerated. Giyu's instinct kicked in immediately, and he lunged towards her, trying to catch her before the regenerated arm reached her. "Nezuko! Look out!"

But he was too late. Nezuko, who was situated right next to Tanjiro's left side, was thrown against a wall in a flash, knocking her out.

"Huh? Tanjiro? What are you doing? That's your sister, you idiot!" Zenitsu cried, confusion all over his face.

"Zenitsu, Inosuke," Giyu finally found his voice, "RUN!"

They didn't listen, and in an instant, chaos ensued.

The Water Pillar instantly jumped into action. What an awful turn of events. He would have to be the one, now? He had to kill Tanjiro? This was so cruel. They had already lost Tanjiro, so he needed to end him before he killed anyone.

"Why, Tanjiro?" More tears welled in his eyes. "Why do you have to become a demon?"

He ran for his sword, knowing that it was now his job to kill him. Why.. why Tanjiro of all people?

A hissing sound, and Tanjiro was suddenly using his arms to shelter himself. The sun! Of course, this would be over soon. Thank the gods, he would not have to behead him. Giyu wanted to mad dash for Nezuko and make sure she was okay. But he was frozen, watching as the skin of the once sweet boy began to disintegrate. He felt anger; Tanjiro deserves a burial, not this.

Goodbye, Tanjiro.

But he never faded away. The burning stopped. He hissed as he started to run towards his former comrade.

He has already conquered the sun.

What would they be able to do? Was he killable? Why, Tanjiro? Why couldn't you die a human?

Tanjiro's eyes were white and angry, drool dripped from his fang-lined mouth. He was like a wild animal. "Come on, control yourself, like your sister!"

He desperately prayed that Tanjiro would show signs of control, but instead, he was leaping towards a Kakushi, ready to kill. The black haired slayer knew he could not hesitate, and he had to protect those who were powerless. It might not be much, but it should weaken him..

He thrusted his sword through Tanjiro's chest, pushing him away and trying to pin him against the wall.

Using the same move that Tanjiro himself tried to use against Muzan.

Giyu cursed under his breath, the awful irony of the situation was making his stomach churn.

He hesitated for one moment, and it was a moment too long. Before he knew it, his face was met with Tanjiro's arm, and he was knocked down. Blood that Giyu didn't know he even had left spilled out of his mouth, and darkness continued to threaten his vision.

I can't do this anymore.

His sister. Sabito. Makomo. Shinobu. Muichiro. Genya. And, he was sure, there were more that he did not know about. Tanjiro.

Their faces flashed through his head. Was this his life flashing before his eyes? Would he meet his end at the hand of the boy he swore to protect?

"Oi, what are you doing! The Half and Half Haori guy is our ally!"

The teen who wore a boar head leapt into action after Giyu was knocked down. "How could you?" He shouted, ready to swing his blade on Tanjiro's neck. "I'll cut him down. I'll stop him! I'll-"

But he paused. Tears spilled out of the mask as he said, just barely above a whisper, "I can't follow through," he said, stopping when his sword had made contact with Tanjiro's skin. "It's no use, Tanjiro."

Another pause, and he lowered his head. He was accepting his death at the hands of his best friend.

"I can't do it."

Run, Inosuke. He's going to kill you... Giyu struggled and struggled to move. No, this had to be worse than the previous outcome. Why couldn't he have a proper death? Was Muzan to blame for this?

But he couldn't move. His legs felt like lead. Darkness was overtaking his senses. Yet another person he would watch die in front of him.

"Onii-chan!"

Nezuko… she's okay…when did she wake up?

Nezuko wrapped her arms around her demon brother, changing his attention and saving Inosuke's life. To Giyu's horror, however, he instantly sunk his teeth into her shoulder. Blood started to drip down from her shoulder, as well as her arms.

This felt all too familiar. He was reminded of meeting the Kamado siblings. Nezuko was going through her transformation, and was ready to bite down on Tanjiro. But she stopped herself in time. He was feeling deja vu like never before.

Stop, Tanjiro. It's your sister.

"I'm so sorry," she screamed, trying to drown out his unhuman growling. "I'm sorry I didn't understand for so long! I put everything on your shoulders."

She desperately tried to get to him, it was as if all of his pain and suffering were exploding over, and she just wanted him to understand that she was sorry. "Why is it always you who has to suffer?"

Tears streamed from her eyes as she embraced him as tightly as she could.

I have to help. Stand up, Giyu. Stop being useless.

"Why do kind people who struggle every day," Nezuko was still shouting, "get trampled over and over again?"

Listen to her, Tanjiro. Please.

"It's frustrating, but don't give in! It's almost over, so don't turn into a demon. Let's go home."

Home.

"GRAAAAHHHHHH!"

The ground shook. It was no use. He was too far gone.

Get up. Help Nezuko.

He couldn't move.

"NO, Tanjiro!" This time Zenitsu jumped on him from behind to embrace him, trying to bring him back. "It's Nezuko! She's human again! She'll die! Stop it! Didn't you hear her call you 'brother'?"

Please….

Another growl. Were they not getting through to him at all?

"KNOCK IT OFF!" It was Inosuke who was shouting, hitting him on the head. "Quit your screaming! Don't hurt Nezuko! This," he sobbed, "this isn't you! You're so nice! Go back to being Tanjiro! PLEASE!"

It only seemed to make it worse.

Tanjiro opened his mouth once again, this time releasing a scream so loud, it was the same power Muzan had used on them earlier. Shockwaves released into the air, and Giyu knew he was going to get hit.

Muzan… this is your fault.

He was flying through the air again. His body hit stone, blood dripping out of his mouth. He looked over; Nezuko was hanging onto her demon brother for dear life, but he looked like a wild animal. Tentacles were now growing out of his back; "Just like Muzan," he thought again.

Stand. Fight. Save anyone you can.

"Don't give in, onii-chan! Please!"

Get up. Save his friends. If Tanjiro were really here, he would thank you for saving them.

"Water breathing, fourth form, striking tide!"

He didn't know how he did it, but he was moving again.

He bit Nezuko. He's learned the taste of blood. There is no going back. You must kill him before he kills anyone else.

He understood what he had to do. No more moping, no more wishing. He had to do it. He had to end Tanjiro.

But… How would he do it? Sunlight and red blades won't work. Was there any way?

"Please, don't kill anyone!" Nezuko was pleading, still trying to raise her voice above his growls. Tanjiro's mouth was wide open, his eyes white with anger.

He's out of control, I can't stop him! He will kill us all!

An attack straight towards him. Another shockwave; Giyu braced himself for impact, knowing that his reaction speed was considerably lower than normal. However, somehow, he dodged.

"NEZUKO!" Zenitsu shouted from the ground. He could see it. Nezuko had tried to block the attack with her hand, and it was now covered in blood.

Stop hurting your sister, idiot! Can't you see it's her! Everything you've done, it's been for her! Stop hurting her!

Yet another attack. This one went wide, attacking Zenitsu and Inosuke, sending them flying around the water pillar as he wracked his brain for another move.

"Nezuko! Get away from him!" Zenitsu pleaded, reaching, trying in vain to get to Nezuko before it was too late. "Please... he'll kill you..."

"Ne…zu..ko..Tan..ji…ro.."

Both Zenitsu and Inosuke were sprawled on the ground, covered in blood and dirt. The continued to use every ounce of strength left to beg their friend to stop.

Shit, he's going to die! His body is destroyed! Tanjiro, you're going to kill your best friend! Your sister!

Inosuke was in bad shape. He needed to end this.

Tsk, you have to stop hesitating. This isn't Tanjiro any more.

Tentacles were bursting out of his back, attacking Giyu in every corner. He didn't have time to think, let alone finish him off. Nezuko continued to hold on for dear life, blood dripping on to the ground. And yet, Tanjiro only focused on him.

He paid no attention to the human that was embracing him.

There is bleeding prey right in front of him. He's not attacking, he's not eating her.

Giyu's eyes grew wide. "Tanjiro, are you fighting it?"

Hope. What was this feeling? Was he fighting it? Was he trying to control himself? Giyu prayed to the gods that he was right. If he was fighting it, if that meant even a sliver of hope, he would take it.

You have to turn him human. But how?

He couldn't get to him. The demon form of who he looked at like a little brother was attacking on all sides, using his large tentacles to hold him at bay. He jumped around, dodging the attacks, but was struggling every moment.

I can't keep doing this. I can't do it.. It's useless. I'm useless.

He froze once again. It was no use. He couldn't protect anyone. He was gasping for air, and he wouldn't have enough time to figure out how to get to Tanjiro.

He was going to die, and not achieve anything..

"Flower breathing, final form, Equinoctial Vermilion Eye!"

Kocho's Tsuguko…

She was running towards him, evading his attacks. She did not hold a sword in her hands.

What are you doing? Get back! He'll kill you!

Then, he saw it. She was not completely unarmed. She held an injector. Was it medicine?

Time slowed as he watched the flower breather attempt to help. She jumped, and instantly took a hit straight on the chest. Tanjiro was watching her closely and attacking as needed.

It's no use…

"That's enough, Tanjiro." She thrusted the vial squarely into Tanjiro's back. "Come back to us. Stop making Nezuko cry."

And, as quickly as she appeared and launched an attack, she was unconscious on the ground. "Kanao.." Nezuko said, tears in her eyes.

It suddenly felt calm. The long tentacles that he had been fighting had stopped moving. Tanjiro was no longer growling. Silence filled the air, but nobody moved. He fell to his knees, exhaustion overtaking him. He began to wonder just how he was able to keep fighting the last few minutes. His head dropped, and he gasped for air.

He grimaced, grabbing his side where he was experiencing excruciating pain. He didn't want to look up, for fear that something horrible had happened. He raised his head slowly, and once again, his breath hitched as he witnessed the scene in front of him.

Tanjiro, still in demon form, stood there, staring into nothing, unmoving.

"Tanjiro," Nezuko whispered, placing a hand on his face. "Can you hear me?"

Giyu wondered what would happen next. Was he about to unleash more power? Was that medicine the kind to turn him back into a human?

Don't sit and think, dumbass. Get up and help.

He forced himself up, using what strength he didn't know he had left. He ran to Kanao, swiftly picking her up, and giving her to a Kakushi. "Take care of her," he ordered. Then, he ran to Nezuko.

She was still standing in front of her brother, her hand still resting on his face. His eyes were still demon like, but blank, as if no one, not even his demon self was there. "Onii-chan?" Nezuko whispered again.

"Nezuko," Giyu shouted at her as he approached, "you don't know what will happen! Get away from him!"

Before she could even respond, Giyu had wrapped his arms around her, bringing her to the Kakushi as well. "Keep her safe," he said, before turning to look at Tanjiro once more.

"Tanjiro?" He said loudly as he approached him, his sword still unsheathed, not letting his guard down. "Can you hear me? It's Giyu! I'm here. It's okay, I'm here."

Tanjiro blinked. Then, so quickly that Giyu gasped, he collapsed into his arms. "Tanjiro," he whispered, kneeling down with the boy in his arms and cradling him. He gently turned him over to reveal his face; his eyes were now closed, and he was grimacing. Was he in pain?

He's alive.

"Tanjiro," he said again, laying his ear on his chest to listen for a heart beat.

Thump…thump…thump…

It was slow, but there. The boy let out a yelp, and as his mouth opened, Giyu caught the sight of his fangless teeth.

Human teeth.

"It's okay, I've got you," he whispered, wiping the hair from his forehead. Tanjiro was now sweating profusely.

He's turning into a human. Will his body be able to withstand that? After everything he has gone through in the last hour?

He huffed as he watched the small form shake in his arms. Whatever he was going through, it was tough on his body. He cradled him tightly, wishing to take away his pain. He was so small, reminding Giyu that he was still only a child.

You can do it, Tanjiro. Fight. Come back to us.

Nezuko was now at his side, her hands cradling his head, and Giyu softly moved him to Nezuko's lap. Other slayers and Kakushi were now slowly surrounding them, watching with bated breath.

"You've got this Tanjiro," one said rather loudly.

"Come back to us! You can turn into a human again," said another.

"Tanjiro," came the familiar husky voice of Inosuke. He sat down next to Nezuko, also grabbing his head to try and calm him. "We're here, buddy. You can do it, turn back into a human!"

He continued to shake and grimace, letting out painful shouts as sweat poured down his face.

You're strong, Tanjiro. I believe in you.

"Tanjiro!" Now Zenitsu arrived, coming to the other side of Nezuko. Some Kakushi members laid their hands on thunder breather as he hung his head. "I'm sorry you're in pain. Keep fighting it, Tanjiro. We're waiting for you."

"I'm here, onii-chan. Fight this, let's go home!"

The group fell in silence, eyes fixed on the boy struggling on the ground. Some fervently prayed for his health, for him to turn back into a human, and to survive this altercation.

After moments passed, Tanjiro stopped shaking. His breathing evened out, and his face finally relaxed. Giyu placed his left hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat.

He's alive…

And then, Tanjiro opened his eyes.

Those bright red, kind eyes stared at the group surrounding him. No longer had slits like a demon; Tanjiro was human again.

"Onii-chan," Nezuko said from the top of her lungs, her eyes welling with tears.

"I'm sorry," his voice was raspy and barely came out as a whisper, "about your injuries. Are you… okay?"

A feeling of weightlessness overcame Giyu. Tanjiro was back.

"HE'S BACK!" A group of Kakushi shouted, maybe a little too loud, "TANJIRO!"

Giyu sighed. It was over. Tanjiro was okay.

"Tomioka-san," someone said as they placed a hand on his shoulder, "please, can we tend to your wounds?"

Giyu shook his head. "I'm fine," he lied, "tend to Tanjiro first."

The Kakushi knew to not fight him. They nodded, knowing Giyu would come to him when ready.

The Hashira did not move from his position, his eyes softened as Tanjiro turned his head towards him. "Giyu-san," he whispered quietly, "did I hurt you?"

More tears spilled out of Giyu's eyes. Tanjiro sounded so sad, so quiet, and he feared he would never be the same. "It's okay, Tanjiro. I'm fine. I promise."

Tanjiro closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "I see," he whispered, and his head slowly lulled to the side.

Fear arose in Giyu's stomach, and he felt for his heartbeat once again.

Thump…thump..thump…

He felt a sigh of relief. Was it finally over? "He's asleep," he whispered to the group surrounding him. "Let's get him out of here."

And with that, Giyu picked up the unconscious Tanjiro, and began to walk towards the edge of the battlefield.

No matter what happens in this life, I will protect you with my life. I will be the big brother you sorely need. You have been given a second chance at life, and I will not allow anything horrible happen to you, ever again.

It was a promise he fully intended to keep. He will do anything, and he means anything, to protect this boy and his family.

As he reached another group of Kakushi, they had a stretcher ready for him. He was relieved of the sleeping boy, and then, almost instantaneously, he finally allowed the darkness to overtake his senses, and he collapsed, deeply asleep, in the arms of another comrade.


A/N: Whew, and there you have it, folks. I hope you all enjoyed (and maybe shed a tear or two)

There will be an epilogue, so keep an eye out for that! Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review!