Coco: Hey, guys, just a heads up, that this chapter is the newly rewritten version to this story. I have the first two new chapters now. The third one will be finished shortly. I hope you enjoy the changes I've made and like the new path I'm taking with this story.

Sano Ryūsei looked over the small village he called home as he sat on the highest hill to watch the sunset over the valley. A content smile laid on his tanned face as his dark blue irises that turned pale around the rims shined with the last light of day. His dark, green-hued hair blew in the light breeze as did his clothes.

The man wore a dark, green-sheened uniform under a red haori with a scale like pattern. He had on matching Kyhan with metal armor plates covering the Kyahan and extending to cover the top of his feet. He had similar armor plates on his arm starting from his wrists and up to elbows, which tied his haori sleeves against his arms. He had two swords laying at his side. One being a regular katana was the other was shorter and resembled a wakizashi.

As Ryūsei let out a peaceful breath, he heard noise behind him. He turned his head with his smile widening at the sight they greeted him. A little girl who adorned matching hair and eyes to his own stood a few feet behind him in a pale green kimono. Her long, beautiful hair was pulled back into high ponytail that had a dragon shaped clip holding it together. She held a wrapped package in her hands as she approached Ryūsei.

"Papa, Momma sent me with your dinner." The girl said while smiling at the man.

The girl took a seat next to Ryūsei while holding out the package for him to take. He could smell his wife's delicious cooking coming from the bundle before he even took it into his hands to untie the clothe holding it.

"Thank you, Tatsuo." Ryūsei said as he gave a gentle pinch to the girl's cheek. "Be sure to thank your mother as well when you return home."

Tatsuo nodded obediently as she stood up. She wished she could sit with her father to continue watching the sunset, but she knew she wasn't allowed to be outside after dark by herself. And her father would be busy trying to watch over the village, so she knew she couldn't be here to distract him.

"Be safe, Papa." Tatsuo said. "I'll see you in the morning."

She gave him a bow and a finale smile before she hurried down the hill, so to return to their home where her mother and siblings were waiting. Ryūsei watched her go with a smile on his face before he returned his attention to the setting sun. As it was sinking farther behind the mountains and things turned dark, Ryūsei's smile left his face.

"Something evil approaches." He said as he narrowed his eyes. "But no matter. Any demon who dares to set foot here will have to answer to me."

And so the Dragon Hashira stood watch over the village as the day officially turned to night. Ready for any demon foolish enough to enter his territory.

"Momma, big brother, where are you?!" Tatsuo called out as she tried to search for her two missing family members.

It was chaos around her as homes were burning and people were screaming and trying to flee the maneaters amongst them. Blood was staining the ground at her feet and fire teasingly kissed near her skin as she continued her search. She knew she should be running away. Joining her grandmother and her younger siblings who had fled earlier, but she could not. Not when knowing her mother and older brother were lost in this pandemonium.

Her father, who was undoubtedly fighting against this threat, could not help them now. He had the whole village to protect, so Tatsuo would do her part in looking after their family.

"Momma, big brother!" Tatsuo tried shouting again hoping to hear a reply.

She then coughed and fanned away the smoke that was billowing around her and filling her lungs. As she was running, she bumped into something, which sent her falling back onto the ground. She gasped then looked up to see dark, blood-colored eyes staring back at her. Her blood ran cold realizing she ran right into a demon.

"Well, well, aren't you a cute little girl." The demon said. "…your appearance it resembles that of that Hashira. Are you perhaps one of his children?"

Tatsuo didn't reply as she felt her heart double its pace. She felt as it might leap right out of her chest as the demon took a step closer to her. She then cried out when he gripped the front of her kimono to lift her off the ground.

"I've already had the pleasure of eating at least two of his other spawns. I did not bother with the withered old woman with them." The demon said. "I wonder if you will taste just as sweet."

Tatsuo's eyes widened while realizing this demon must have come across her grandmother and her younger sisters—Himari and Natsuki—which meant they didn't make it.

"Kibutsuji!" A voice roared.

Two blades then came down towards the demon's arm, which forced him to release Tatsuo. The young girl hit the ground once more as her father's board figure moved between her and this demon.

"I thought someone of your stature wouldn't stoop to getting his own hands dirty causing such chaos." Ryūsei said as he glared at Kibutsuji.

"I will be taking my leave shortly, Hashira." Kibutsuji told Ryūsei. "I have already gotten what I came for. A new addition to our ranks. I believe you might know her."

He swept out his hand grandly to gesture behind him to his right side. Both Ryūsei and Tatsuo looked with both gasping at who was standing there. There covered in blood and holding a severed hand was none other than Tatsuo's mother. Though her appearance was altered with ghost white skin and her once soft green eyes were now darker and her pupils slits. Her dark hair fell loose from its usual bun and turned light at the ends where it took on a white shade.

"…Yaeko…" Ryūsei whispered with his voice filled pain. "…My love…"

Tatsuo just stared in horror as her breathing started to quicken as if she was hyperventilating. Her eyes were focused on the hand in her mother's hand that had a scar along the palm that she recognized.

"…Ryogi…that's Ryogi's hand…" Tatsuo said while her stomach churned in realization that her mother had devoured her older brother.

Her mother killed and ate her own son…her first born. Tatsuo had to wonder if she even hesitated.

"Kibutsuji, you bastard!" Ryūsei shouted. "I will make you pay for this!"

Ryūsei went to attack Kibutsuji another demon appeared between Ryūsei and his target. The demon had pale, bluish skin with dark blue markings and bright pink hair. His golden eyes had writing within them that identified him as an Upper Moon. He threw out a punch at Ryūsei who jumped backwards to dodge.

"Akaza, kill him." Kibutsuji said. "I will be leaving now with this one."

He gestured to Yaeko who was pulling the fingers from Ryogi's severed hand to eat one at a time. The sound of the bones breaking between her teeth, caused Tatsuo to flinch.

"Yes, Muzan-sama." Akaza said as he grinned. "This will be my first time fighting a Dragon Hashira. Let's see what you've got, old man."

Akaza jumped forwards Ryūsei who was forced to engage him in battle. Tatsuo flinched every time her father clashed with Akaza as he was forced farther and farther away from her. Tatsuo then stiffened when some breathed against the back of her neck.

"Hmm, you smell delicious." Her mother's familiar voice purred next to her ear. "Just like that boy. And I'm still so hungry, so be good girl and let me have a bite!"

She snapped her teeth and the sound caused Tatsuo to cry out and roll away from her mother.

"Momma, please!" Tatsuo begged. "It's me! Tatsuo! Don't you remember me?!"

Her mother stood up from her crouch while letting out a chilling chuckle, which turned into cackle.

"Of course, I do." Yaeko cooed with a twisted smile. "You're my little girl. My sweet little Tatsuo. But what does that matter? Just give me your flesh already!"

She lunged herself at Tatsuo who let out a scream while putting her arms as a feeble attempt to protect herself.

"Momma, please, no!" Tatsuo cried in hopes of stopping her mother from hurting even as her mother's teeth ripped into her shoulder. "Momma! Stop, please! It hurts! Arrrgh!"

"Ah, so good~" Yaeko said elatedly. "Give me more! I want more of your flesh!"

"Give it to me! Give me your flesh!" A demon screeched as it charged forward.

Tatsuo, who the demon was charging, stared evenly at the demon before pivoting on her right heel to dodge the demon. Her sword was drawn in a flash as the demon turned to face her once more. It jumped towards her again with its mouth opened wide as it aimed to take a chunk out of her shoulder. However, Tatsuo was too quick for it as she used her katana to slice the demon's head in one simple, clean swipe upward.

'Breath of the Dragon. First Form: Breathing Fire.'

The demon's gagged on it owns blood as its widened in disbelief at what happened. As its body hit the ground and started to crumble away, Tatsuo swiped her sword to the side to rid it off blood.

"You damn girl!" The demon screeched. "I'll get you for this."

Tatsuo scoffed as she turned to glare down at the demon who would be gone in seconds. It's been quite some time since that horrible day. That day where her family was slaughtered and her mother turned into a demon by Kibutsuji, and Tatsuo has grown since then. Her hair, which she once wore long, was now cut into a short messy bob that felt around her ears with the tuffs curling backwards. Though she had a few long strands on her right side that were braided together.

A small hair pin that was shaped like a jade green dragon was woven into the braid, which made it look as if it was climbing up the braid. She was taller and more toned. Losing all the soft, roundness in her cheeks. She wore dark green kimono-like dress with quartered sleeves that stopped above her elbow. The skirt of the dress stopped mid-thigh with slits in the side. Underneath were black leggings that went down past her knees and went underneath black boots that went up to her knees. Over the outfit she wore a pale turquoise haori that had a dragon-like scale pattern across it.

"Just die already, demon." Tatsuo said coldly. "Hearing your voice sickens me."

The demon finally dissolved into ash and disappeared, but it wasn't long before another took its place. It came after Tatsuo from behind. Said girl kicked herself up and over the demon while drawing a second katana in a split second.

'Breath of the Dragon. Second Form: Dragon Hunt!'

She twisted her body around, so she was looking down at the demon with her blades at the ready. In a scissor-like motion she chopped the demon's head from its body. Blood spewed everywhere from the wound as the demon and its head hit the ground. Tatsuo landed back on the ground while sheathing her swords, which held to her waist by a white sash.

'Master was right,' Tatsuo thought as she looked around. 'There really are too many demons to count on Mt. Fujikasane. I'll rid this place as of many as I can.'

She knew more would only be brought in to replace those slain for future final selections, but she couldn't just ignore the ones here. If they have the ill-fortune of crossing paths with her, she will kill them. Not that they would give her any other choice. The demons here were starving and would take any chance of getting their hands on a meal. Though they weren't starving enough to team up and help each other to kill even more humans. No, demons were too selfish to share food. Tatsuo looked up to see the sun starting to peek overhead. Meaning the demons would soon be retiring for the next several hours unless more rain decided to move in and block the sun.

'I need to find a place to rest,' she thought. 'Even if for only a few short hours.'

She started that search for shelter while also keeping her guard up as she wouldn't put it past any of these demons to try for a last-minute attack. She wasn't about to let some demon get the drop on her. Her master wouldn't let her hear the end of it. Nor would any of the others if he decided to tell them about it. She frowned just thinking about the teasing she would receive. But more than that, she didn't wish to be a disappointment her master.

Tatsuo moved farther down the mountain looking for somewhere to turn in for a few hours rest. Though she might not get any rest as she saw dark clouds on the horizon. She also thought she might have picked up the sound of thunder in the distance as well. If that storm moves in, there will be no rest for her. Tatsuo froze when hearing a twig snap. She ducked behind a tree while glancing around it to see what was making the noise.

Her eyes landed on a boy who looked about her age. He had dark hair with a reddish hue, which matched his eyes. His eyes looked tired as he stumbled and leaned against a tree. Tatsuo noticed the open wound on his forehead, which was bleeding rather heavily. The boy looked pale, which meant he's probably been bleeding for some time.

'What kind of idiot leaves a wound like that open on a demon infested mountain?' Tatsuo had to wonder.

Not only will it attract those flesh-eating monsters right to him, it could get infected and cause him problems down the road. Though it wasn't really her problem. Her master told her to worry about herself and not take the risk of helping others during this test. However, demon slayers were supposed to protect people. If she left him as is, he'd definitely find himself in a demon's stomach. As Tatsuo debated for a few more seconds, she heard a thump, which had her turning back to the boy who passed out on the ground. She sighed.

"Looks as if I'm taking on a burden." She said.

She walked over to the boy who didn't even flinch when she crouched down and poked his cheek.

"You're lucky I have some kind of moral compass, or I'd leave your dumbass out here, pal." She said.

She looked back up at the sky seeing that indeed the clouds were moving in. This worried her. She'd have to find shelter quickly and hope no demons stumble across it because if it became dark enough, they'd hunt during the day. She quickly shifted one of the boy's arms around her shoulders then the other. She managed to tuck her arms under his legs and pick him up.

"Time to go." She said to her unconscious companion.

Tanjiro groaned feeling himself rouse from sleep as a warm feeling seeped through his body. As he became more aware, he gasped realizing he must have passed out. He jerked up right while noticing a turquoise haori falling into his lap. He looked around noticing he was in a cave and a fire was burning beside him.

"You shouldn't be moving around like that." A voice piped up. "You'll make yourself dizzy."

His head jerked around to the voice to see a girl who appeared to be his age. Her tanned skin glowed in the light of the fire as she was feeding it more twigs. He looked around the cave once more while glancing uneasily towards the back where it was too dark to see.

"I already searched through it." The girl assured him. "I had to kill a few demons who had been hiding from the sun, but it's safe now. We should just count our blessings that it stopped raining, so no more would come looking."

Tanjiro did smell the moisture lingering in the air and on the ground. Though it was being dried away from the sun shining down, which he could see from the mouth of the cave.

"Our clothes are still a bit damp, but things could be worse." The girl commented.

Tanjiro, who appreciated this girl's kindness, was about to ask who she was, but as she warned, a wave of dizziness washed over him. He placed his hand on his aching head with his eyes blinking in confusion when he felt clothe underneath his fingers.

"I wrapped that headwound of yours." The girl told him. "Didn't want the demons sniffing us out. That and if you left it exposed to the elements for too long, you'd risk infection, which would leave you weak with a fever. Easy prey for a demon."

Tanjiro looked down to his lap while knowing she was right. He really should have tried to wrap his wound first chance he had. Though he hadn't had any bandages with him at the time. He tilted his head wondering what this girl used as bandages as she didn't seem to have anything besides the clothes on her back and her swords on person. His eyes caught the haori in his lap once more with his eyes widening when he saw one of the sleeves had been ripped away.

"I am very sorry." He said while bowing towards the girl.

She looked at him with a quirked brow as she stopped feeding wood into the fire.

"Sorry for what?" She asked. "Sure, it was risky for me to help you out, I guess, but I couldn't leave you out there to be eaten by demons."

"Yes, but you ruined your clothes to dress my wounds and lost your chance to rest because you were looking after me." Tanjiro said. "I am very sorry for being a burden."

The girl waved him off as she made herself comfortable against the wall of the cave.

"A haori can be replaced. A human can spare not getting some sleep." She said. "But once you die, you're gone, ya know. I'm sure you have people who are waiting for you at home-your master at least, so try to take better care of yourself in the future. You don't want to make them sad, do you?"

Tanjiro looked at the girl with wide eyes as a far-off look came to her eyes. He also caught a whiff of sadness coming from her as she looked out the mouth of the cave to the sunlight. Though he wasn't sure if she was actually seeing it.

"I…I understand," Tanjiro said as he nodded firmly. "Thank you! I will be sure to repay you…um…"

He trailed off since he still didn't know the girl's name. Her dark blue eyes flickered over to him as they lost that distant look.

"My name is Tatsuo." She said. "Sano Tatsuo. What's your name?"

Tanjiro smiled brightly when finally getting her name as he gave her another bow.

"I am Kamado Tanjiro!" He introduced. "And I promise you, Tatsuo, that I will repay your kindness!"

"Just worry about surviving this mountain first, Tanjiro," Tatsuo told him. "Now get some rest. Soon we'll have to move. I'd like to get some traveling done before nightfall."

She closed her eyes as if she was going to get some rest herself. Tanjiro laid back down but kept his eyes open. He knew she said that she already checked his cave, but he'd try to keep watch for now. It was the least he could do for her after all she's done for him.

"Are you certain that you want to go off on your own?" Tatsuo questioned as she was placing her swords in her sash. "You're not feeling dizzy anymore?"

Tanjiro smiled kindly at Tatsuo as the two were leaving the cave. They still had several hours before the sun set, which meant it was the perfect time to try and gain from ground.

"Yes, I'll be fine." He assured her. "You've already helped me enough, and if we travel in a group, it might draw more demons to us."

Tatsuo hummed supposing he had a point, but some missions call for more than one slayer. So, it wasn't as if demon slayers traveled alone often. Though she guessed this was a different circumstance.

"Well, if you're sure then I'll be off." Tatsuo said as she raised her hand in farewell. "Try to survive the rest of the trial, Tanjiro. I'd hate for my kindness to go to waste."

"Right!" Tanjiro said nodding. "I see you at the end of the trial!"

He then hurried off as Tatsuo stand back to look up at the sky. It was completely clear for once, which was unusual for this mountain. Though she wasn't about to complain. She'd take the safe traveling conditions while she could.

"I'll clear as much of this mountain as possible before the sun even sets." Tatsuo said as she dug her feet into the ground.

She then took off running at an alarming speed down the mountain. She easily threw herself over any hurtles as she hoped to end this trial quickly. It was becoming tedious the longer it went. She'd rather be home with her master and the others.

—FLASHBACK—

"Tatsuo-chan, it's time for dinner! Nee-chan helped make it especially for you!"

"If you don't hurry, I'm going to eat all of it!"

"You will do no such thing! This dinner is for her, after all."

Tatsuo, who had been sitting up on the roof to the home she shared with her guardians, looked down over the edge at the three women calling for her.

"I don't want to eat." Tatsuo called down to them.

Three sets of eyes snapped up to look at her as she sat crouched stubbornly on the roof. One set was purple in color and belonged to the woman with long, beautiful black hair. Her face was set in a kind look as Tatsuo frowned down at them. The other set were brown with a goldish tint and belonged to the woman with two-toned hair. She had her hands on her hips and was returning Tatsuo's frown. The last set of eyes were blue like her own, but paler and rounder in shape. They belonged to the woman who also had dark hair, but in fell messily around her face. A face that was set in pout.

"Not until he's back." Tatsuo added. "He promised to be back to eat with us and see me off."

She returned to looking back down the dirt path that led up to their home estate.

"Tatsuo, I know you want Tengen-sama here with us, but a mission is a mission." Hinatsuru said gently to Tatsuo. "He can't control how long it lasts."

Tatsuo's frown only deepened as she didn't budge an inch from where she sat.

"The God of Festivals always keeps his promise." Tatsuo insisted. "…always…"

Hinatsuru looked sympathetically at Tatsuo as she stared hard at path as if her stare alone would summon Tengen.

"Tatsuo, get your ass down here." Makio demanded. "We worked hard cooking this meal for you! Don't you dare let it sit and get cold!"

Tatsuo flinched at Makio's words. Not because she was being yelled at, but because she didn't want to be ungrateful for the meal they made especially for her. She then made the mistake of glancing at Suma who was tearing up. Tatsuo sighed though did drop down to the ground to join the three older women. She looked unhappily down at the ground, which had Makio sighing. She reached out to pat her on the head.

"He might not be here to eat with us, but he'll definitely be here to see you off tomorrow." Makio said reassuringly.

Tatsuo nodded her head while about to follow the three women inside the house. However, she paused when hearing approaching footsteps. She turned her head with a smile pulling across her face when seeing Tengen walking through the gate.

"Master!" She said happy to see him.

She jogged over to greet him as his three wives stood back to let the master and student greet each other. Tengen grinned while lifting Tatsuo up from underneath her arms into the air.

"Dragon, your favorite, flamboyant master has arrived as promised!" Tengen boasted as he tossed her up into the air and caught her as she came back down. "Were you worried I wouldn't make it?"

Tatsuo shook her head as he placed her feet back down on the ground. He ruffled her hair. His wives came to greet him as well with Tatsuo being smushed in Suma's arms as the older woman was explaining to Tengen how pouty and sad Tatsuo was before he showed up and how much she missed him. Her words caused Tatsuo to turn bright red.

"I was not pouty!" She argued.

"Oh, you yes were!" Makio said laughing. "You looked like a little lost puppy."

"Makio-san!" Tatsuo protested as her face reddened even more.

"She didn't even want to eat until you came home." Hinatsuru added as she smiled up at Tengen. "She was waiting eagerly for your return."

Tatsuo frowned at all three women in betrayal as they continued their teasing. Things only becoming worse when Tengen added in and boasted how he couldn't blame her for missing him. Claiming he was the most important person in her life.

"Stop teasing me already!" Tatsuo begged as she worried about her face exploding in embarrassment at this point.

Of course, the teasing didn't end even as she was herded back to the house to eat dinner.

—END OF FLASHBACK—

It could be crazy living with Tengen and his wives, and while sometimes she really wanted to run and hide from them for some peace and quiet, she wouldn't trade them for anything. Which is why she was eager to return to them.

'I'll clear this trial soon enough.' Tatsuo thought. 'And once I return home, I'll be allowed to truly help Tengen-sama on missions. I won't be left at home anymore and having to wait for his return…Master, everyone, I'll be home soon.'

Coco: And that is the end of the first rewritten chapter. I probably won't be writing an A/N for the next one or the third one.

So, until then, remember to stay safe and continue being your beautiful selves!