A/N: - I own nothing mentioned in the story.

"Y-You run away...Shinobu...pl-please listen to me and escape...!"

I couldn't help but stare in disbelief at my sister who usually tends to be cheery and positive to say such a hideous thing to run away and leave her behind to get devoured by that demon.

But what can I even do in this situation? My leg was injured and Nee-san had inhaled enough frost that now she was barely able to respire, using her breathing technique for recovery was a far-fetched hopeless wish.

I looked toward the sky but there was still some time to dawn and that monster would engulf both of us readily before that.

'What should I do...'

I was so weak in sword skills that I properly cannot even slash a demon's neck despite having a Nichrin sword with me. And when the Demon in question was the Upper Moon ranked 2, the possibility of winning grows beyond impossible.

But whatever the case, I would not leave my sister behind. I can not allow myself to do that.

"Let's go, Nee-san. We are leaving this place together an-"

"No, Shinobu, we can't." Her fading voice made every strand of my body stand up straight and the sense of urgency made my eyes blurry because of tears.

I did tell her that we would get out together but with these weak limbs of mine, I couldn't drag Nee-san along. In the end, I was nothing but a failure to my sister.

"Listen, Shinobu. You need to run away from here since I want something from you. I want you to live your life in a better way. I want you to have family and kids that no demon slayer could have because of their duty. So please listen to me and step toward a better future... I beg you..."

I could tell, she was forcing those words out since her organs were already on the way to stop functioning. Her eyes were about to close as well and her body was turning cold passing each second.

The voice of a small chuckle from the demon resonated which meant he was near yet I could feel nothing from him. No fear, no remorse...nothing.

All I wanted was to save my sister...is it too much to ask for?

"Haww...what an iconic sight. I might melt~"

The husky voice of the Demon neared. At that moment, death never felt so close yet I could not do anything to fight either my anxiety or this demon. I could just stand still in front of my sister and hope that some miracle happens and only I get devoured today.

I want my sister to live. She's a Hashira. She has a dream, a goal to pursue. I...I have no worth remaining alive, rather I want to grant my sister to carry on from here.

But even with all the prayers, I knew nothing would change. We...we both are going to die today, aren't we?

"Now, now don't-"

SLASH*

My eyes widened at the sudden appearance of a young man who not only appeared out of thin air but also...beheaded the demon...?

But as one could expect from an Upper Rank, the very moment the sword slashed the nape, it turned out it was a false body made out of ice. However, it doesn't change the fact that this boy...he's strong.

Not only he doesn't seem nervous despite being in the presence of the demon, but his sword skill and the precise way he used to slash his blade were also impressive. I couldn't help but feel a light of hope igniting while looking at the broad back of the boy.

"Don't worry. I won't let that Demon harm you or anyone else from now on."

His voice was heavy but there was a certain amount of gentleness hidden behind his tone. I could tell that he was here solely to save us. However, I couldn't help but worry for our savior and just hope that he doesn't end up dying because of us.

"Don't interrupt someone so suddenly, boy~I was-"

The Upper Rank two who was now on the nearby house roof halted his words since the boy from our front suddenly appeared near him, slashing his blade downward, intending to cleave the demon and put an end to this farce.

The Demon swiftly brought his war fan and blocked the weapon, however, from the looks of it, the Demon was getting overwhelmed by the strength of the boy.

My eyes widened when suddenly I saw the Demon parting his lips and frost growing out his mouth, intending to freeze the boy through his breath.

I was about to shout when suddenly the boy let go of the hold from the hilt of the blade and utilizing his free hand, he grabbed the demon by his whole maw before a cracking sound reverberated.

However, it was too late and the warrior found his hand which was holding the demon's mouth, freezing.

However, there was no change in his expression as he calmly let go of the Upper rank and leaped back slightly, with his hand still in bad shape. Though it didn't seem he was bothered because of it, it doesn't mean the frozen hand wouldn't hinder his movements.

"Ahh... "

"Nee-san, please stay with me..."

I kept on rubbing her palms to keep her warm but her condition was worsening by the second. I could only rely on the warrior now but if he fails to stale Demon-

"First Form: Dance. " I barely heard the boy muttering before he vanished from his place like he never was there.

The place where he appeared was a meter away from the Upper Moon before in an arc he slashed his blade downwards with flames enshrouding his strike and the pace of his movements was near untraceable.

'He...he...did it?!' I couldn't help but widen my eyes since the attack just cleaved the Upper Moon's neck in a swift motion, to the point where the Demon also seemed shocked.

I saw everything yet it was too unbelievable to trust my own eyes. That kind of technique was new to me and the speed the boy portrayed despite being almost the same age as me was anything but normal. His strength and technique easily rank him amongst the Hashira.

However, my celebration soon died down as the Demon held his falling neck with his hands before he disappeared in a mist leaving words of warning behind.

"I will remember you, Boy. Don't stroll alone at night from now on~"

'Cocky until the end' I cursed under my breath.

The warrior seemed hesitant about whether he should follow the demon but in the end, he sheathed his sword before he jumped down from the building and walked up to us.

"Her condition is critical, so can you trust me for this and climb on my back? I will carry you both to a brilliant medic."

I had lots of questions for the boy who politely asked as he knelt down to check up on Nee-san.

His eyes were no longer filled with murderous intent like before and what could I only sense was genuine concern.

Despite having doubts, I wordlessly nodded and walked up to him before draping myself over his back.

Warm*

His warmth gave me a sense of dependence and security even though I know nothing about him other than the fact that he is a capable slayer.

His raven hair had edges of crimson frills and it inched down his shoulder. Though I have generally seen boys and men with short hair until now, his grown hair seemed perfect with his kind yet cold looks. Now that I carefully inspected there was a strange mark on his head as well.

After he asked whether I had comfortably attached myself to him, the warrior picked Nee-san in his arms with his right arm tucked under the back of her knees and his other arm supporting her by her neck.

"I-I can walk you know... " I was feeling guilty to put him under so much weight. Even though my limbs are short, I was not light weighed. Initially, when I climbed his back I wasn't thinking straight but now, I was feeling guilty.

However, the boy didn't seem bothered by the pressure not even a bit as he assured me with a small smile.

"You are injured, Shinobu-san so let me carry you for now."

He knows my name? Might have heard from Nee-san.

I was about to insist on walking when suddenly the scenery around us began to shift at a high pace, and soon I realized that the boy was not walking while carrying both of us, rather he was running at a very high pace.

His movements were agile enough that without any excess weight, I think I would be barely able to outrun him.

Seriously, how is he so strong yet never heard of in the Corps?

I didn't have to wait for my questions to get answered.

After fifteen minutes of pacing across the town, the boy halted at a wooden house built on the outskirts of the same town next to where the fight broke out.

I came to know that the boy was named Kamado Tanjiro and it wasn't him who introduced himself, rather...

"Tanjiro generally remains slightly conservative toward strangers but please don't judge him based on that."With a bright smile, the elder sister, Kamado Nezuko spoke as she treated my wounds.

She's the medic about whom Tanjiro-kun told. And I have to admit that she really does have a vast knowledge regarding herbs and natural medications.

She fed Nee-san a paste of some rarely found herbs which would not only stop the ice from injuring her internal organs but also heal them at a slow pace. Some damage can no longer be repaired and it was most likely that she would have trouble using her breathing technique anymore since her lungs were the most hampered during the fight.

But until she can live, I could handle anything.

"No, it doesn't have mattered if he wouldn't have spoken to me at all. In fact, if Tanjiro-kun would have left me and Nee-san and ran away from the Demon then I wouldn't have blamed him for that as well. Yet, he chose to fight for us and also brought us to safety. I cannot express how much gratified I am by his action."

I wasn't lying or exaggerating a single thing rather I felt I haven't thanked him enough. More like, in front of him, I wasn't able to say this much as I have told Nezuko-san.

The elder Kamado seemed rather easy to converse but in front of Tanjiro-kun, a sense of nervousness rose which rendered me from speaking too much.

"It's alright, Shinobu-san. We both help anyone in need regardless of what the other party has to propose. So just rest for now and let me know if you need anything."

She has already fed me soup rice and fish for dinner and also applied medicines over my every wound. I would be registering myself in hell if I take any more advantage of their kindness.

Nezuko-san checked on Nee-san once again before she bid her farewell and walked toward the room next to us.

There were two futons given and one vacant for me.

I remained by Nee-san's side for some time, gazing at her and feeling relieved that she still is breathing and alive. I recalled the event which transpired today and every time I remember that demon bastard my anger begins to boil.

He was playing with our lives and who knows how many innocents he would have devoured until now. That vile creature needs to perish. Every Demon deserves to die a painful death that even in the afterlife they tremble at the thought of what they did when they were alive which caused them their demise.

'Please recover soon, Nee-san... '

I remained by my sister's side for some more time before I walked out of the room.

There was a porch that opens to the back side of the house where other than vast fields and grown crops nothing else could be seen. The only thing obstructing the view was the figure of the only male in this house.

"Is everything alright?"

He didn't turn to look at me but still could sense my presence. As expected from a trained warrior, I guess?

I was skeptical about whether I should disturb him but now that Tanjiro-kun has already perceived my company I did not remain in the shadows and walked up to him.

"Yes, everything is fine. I just can't sleep right now. What about Tanjiro-kun?"

For some reason, Tanjiro-kun binds a cloth around his eyes. It was nothing peculiar but just a red fabric tied behind his head and covering his eyes entirely. I did try asking Nezuko-san but she gave me a vague answer for it.

I made my way toward him, before making myself shamelessly comfortable beside him. I knew Tanjiro-kun doesn't like to talk to strangers much but there was something I needed to tell him before it gets too late.

From what I have heard from Nezuko-san, the Kamado siblings roam around Japan while helping people and providing medical treatment for those in need. They never take any charges from the patient just like how they rejected taking fees from me.

Nezuko-san's medicines sell through local pharmacies which helps stabilize the family's financial conditions so they could continue their social work.

It's strange how contradictory Nezuko-san could be to her brother.

We have only spent some hours yet she opened up to me about her life like we are old friends. She's a very cheerful person, someone like my Nee-san. And if I compare myself to Tanjiro-kun who was only a year younger than me, then I would put myself in the category of an immature kid whereas he always shows a composed front, someone on whom people could rely with their eyes closed.

"I remain awake during the night since nowhere is safe nowadays."

"Then when do you sleep?"

"In the morning, when Nezu-nee remains under the sun. Then is the only time I could allow myself to rest properly. "

"Oh...makes sense."

He cares about his sister.

I have already acknowledged the fact that these two were too close but witnessing the concern Tanjiro-kun carries for his sister moved my heart. How can a person be so kind-hearted yet strong at the same time?

"I heard that you are not a Demon slayer. Is there a reason that you don't want to become a part of the corps?"

It was baffling to hear that someone so skillful and aware of breathing techniques was not working as a Slayer. Not only Tanjiro-kun would not have to fear for his sister's safety but he could help many more innocents than he could do alone.

And having him in the Corps would be a great addition, more so when recently many Hashira have retired from their posts.

However, Tanjiro-kun's answer was something I was not able to refute.

"I have a friend, Shinobu-san, who's a demon."

My eyes narrowed at that but soon I calmed myself down.

Tanjiro-kun's words might have raised suspicion if I didn't have come to know what kind of man he is and how much he despises the Demon Lord Muzan Kibutsuji.

But it was perplexing why he would be siding with those inhumane creatures in the first place.

"A friend, you say...how come?"

"Well, you can say she's an anomaly who has freed herself from the curse of Muzan and now actively seeks passage to defeat the Demon Lord. She is also a researcher who is trying to find a way of turning Demons back into humans."

It was amazing to hear that there was such an exception to the army Muzan holds who not only was able to gain freedom from his shackles but also rebelled against her race while trying to find treatment for those who have suffered such a miserable fate.

Though it was commendable, I couldn't bring myself to believe this friend of Tanjiro-kun but it's not like I would say it to him.

A brief silence ensued between us before Tanjiro-kun again spoke up, "You should sleep for now, Shinobu-san. Until I am here, I promise I would not let anything happen to you or your sister, so rest assured. "

I think he misjudged the reason why I was awake. I just simply wanted to chat with Tanjiro-kun and get to know something about him but remaining here any longer would be making a nuisance out of me and nothing else. So I said good night to my savior and walked back to the room where Nee-san rested.

Only if I would have known that the next morning I would not be able to see Tanjiro-kun but only a letter left by the siblings, I might have tried to talk to him some more. Get to know him more.

Tanjiro-kun was a mystery to me. Someone I wanted to unravel and get to know what was going on in his mind. I wanted him to open himself to no one but me at least. I wanted to befriend him and emotionally support the boy who, who knows, how many responsibilities have been shouldering since the age when I was just playing around.

However, it was nothing but a futile wish since after that night I never saw Tanjiro-kun and Nezuko-san ever again.

Who knows where our relationship might have led to? Every time I think about that time I feel regretful for not taking that single step and crossing the boundary which Tanjiro-kun has created around him.

Now only I could think what if I would have said this or did that...but that wouldn't change the fact that I would never be able to meet my savior, ever again.

"Shinobu...what are you doing? "

"Ah, it's nothing... " I hurriedly put away the diary in which I have been writing about that incident to relive that memory since my sister suddenly walked inside the room without knocking.

Seeing me hiding the diary, she sighed before expressing her thoughts which I really didn't want to hear since I already knew the content of what she was about to say.

"Really Shinobu...you have written over thirty diaries over that single incident... I mean, how much obsessed are you with that boy?"

This one counts to be the forty-eighth diary to be precise, but telling this to Nee-san was nothing short of a bad idea since she would make fun of me afterward along with those three muchkins.

I stuffed the stationary in the cabinet before I made my way out of my room, pulling my sister in tow so she doesn't spy my things.

"Alright, I am leaving now. "

"There is a Hashira meeting today, right? Can you give this to Sanemi-san in my stead? "

I raised my brows upon seeing the bento boxes my sister has been hiding until now before I asked in an uncertain tone.

"Sure, but why Shinazugawa-san? Is today his birthday?" I pretended to be ignorant even though I know what has been going on in the background between the Wind Pillar and my adorable Nee-san who is bad at hiding things.

"Just give it to him, alright? Now go!"

"Fine. Don't push me now. "

With a chuckle, I left the butterfly mansion to report for the meeting.

At that time I had no idea that after waiting for two years I would be finally meeting the only man I have ever come to yearned for.

A/N:- The very moment I see five reviews on the first chapter, I would begin writing the next one.

A character might seem slightly OOC but they won't diverge too much from the canon so don't worry.

I hope you guys liked the chapter~