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Chapter 14

"You did it, Tanjiro. You managed to kill that mutated demon."

"Yes."

"And you, Y/N. You managed to kill the mighty beast Yumie."

I smile, nodding with a vague sense of bittersweetness.

I can sense the proud warmth from Urokodaki as he looked at the two of us.
"I'm truly impressed you both made it back."

"Thank you."
I nod with Tanjiro, the two of us back to the comforts of home, feeling the warmth of the fire that lit up the room.

"You should know, there are different kinds of demons. The blood demon art is a type of spell that some of them use to give them special abilities."

I share a surprised glance with Tanjiro, looking back at Urokodaki.

"You may have to face some of them in the near future. And fighting against supernatural abilities will be one of the hardest things you've ever done."

"But still, Y/N, Tanjiro, I have no doubt you two will be just fine."

I smile and nod, his words of praise remaining in my mind.

"So... Nezuko seems to be a lot more different than other demons. Is it because of this... bloody demon thingy?"
Tanjiro asks, peaking my interest.

Urokodaki looks towards the door of the room where Nezuko slept again.

"No, I wouldn't call that an example of the blood demon art. This is only a guess, but I believe Nezuko can recover her strength by sleeping, instead of consuming human flesh like other demons do."

The two of us nod and wish him goodnight, heading to our room.

Sitting down with our backs against the wall, Tanjiro and I watch Nezuko sleep, smiling with relief that she truly is okay.

I sigh and pull my knees closer to my chest, looking at the floor.

"Hey, Tanjiro?"

"Mhm?"

"I know we aren't related by blood, but I want you to know that you and Nezuko truly are like my family. If it wasn't for how kindly you and your family treated me, I don't think I'd be here. So... Thank you."

He smiled and softly pet my head, the kindness that radiated from him making me smile too.

"We don't have to be related by blood to have an unbreakable bond. You're family to us too. I'm sure Nezuko would agree as well."

I tear up and cry, hiding my face in my sleeves as Tanjiro rubs up and down my back with a gentle chuckle, his warm smile greeting me when I'd turn to look at him.
"There, there, no need to cry, Y/N."
He soothed me, and I tightly wrap my arms around him, feeling him return the hug just as tight.

"I swear on my life I'll never let you, Nezuko, or anyone else suffer again. I'll protect you, okay?"

"Then who's gonna protect you?"
He wipes my tears away. I let go and see him hold his pinky finger out to me.