~~~~~

"I give you this to take with you:

Nothing remains as it was. If you know this, you can begin again, with pure joy in the uprooting."

― Judith Minty

~~~~~

"MUICHIROU!"

(Y/N)'s voice was blocked by the water that suddenly entrapped him upside down. He attempted to thrust his blade into the vase of water, but to no avail. It was useless.

"Just hang in there!" she shouted. She struggled under the Upper Moon's attention: parrying and dodging every attack with pain rushing through her body. (Y/N) already has the poison running in her veins. Her limbs were starting to lose its feeling.

Muichirou tried to unleash a thrusting breathing technique this time, but it still didn't budge. The last of the air in his lungs were used in vain at attempting to break free.

"Ngh!" Panic started to rise from his chest at the sight of his significant other receiving gashes from her opponent.

Gyokko grimaced, "You're too weak. Someone like you is not worth for the almighty Gyokko's attention." The Upper Moon Five unleashed a ginormous fish-like creature in the vicinity, hovering over the demon huntress.

(Y/N)! (Y/N)! (Y/N)! Muichirou eyes were wide. His chest was starting to hurt and the suffocation was slowly killing him.

She tightened her grip on the katana, looking up in the opponent. She started to dodge the assaults of the enemy, countering it with a breath technique of her own.

In the corner of her eyes, she saw Kotetsu moving to save the Mist Pillar from his struggle. Her footing faltered from the effect of the poison, receiving a deep cut in her left arm. She gritted her teeth in pain.

"(Y/N)-san!" shouted Kotetsu, witnessing how she struggled at the demonic creature.

The girl said, "Don't mind me! Get Muichirou out of that thing!"

Kotetsu nodded, moving swiftly towards Muichirou.

Muichirou tried to warn the young Kotetsu. The fish-like summon stabbed Kotetsu in his vital point: the solar plexus. This didn't escape (Y/N)'s vision. "Kotetsu-ku-AGH!"

Muichirou's attention was stolen. His heart dropped at the sight of his beloved impaled in her right chest. (Y/N)!

With the last amount of strength, Kotetsu raised his red mask and blew into the water basin. Muichirou inhaled the bubbles of air and unleashed a breathing technique.

Forcefully pushing her body to its limit, (Y/N) finally cut off her opponent's neck at the sight of the opening before her body succumbed to the poison and the fatal injury. The demon disintegrated as her incapacitated body collapsed.

"(Y/N)!" Muichirou caught the girl's battered body. The numbness was slowly seeping into his body as his lungs ached. He cradled her in his arms. Tears brimmed his mint green eyes as he only thought of her survival. (Y/N) is strong. I know she can pull through. I know...

Muichirou was only convincing himself.

His heart is clenching in pain as he witness her coughing fits. Blood flowed freely from her wound and mouth. He hastily applied pressure on her wound. He assured, "You're going to be alright. We're going to get through this."

"Stop," (Y/N) mumbled, struggling to speak. She could already feel the life gradually leaving her with her body rapidly weakening.

Muichirou didn't stop applying pressure. Tears finally spilling from his eyes. His heart was continuing to shatter at the non-stop flowing of blood from her wound. If only he could be someone strong as Gyomei, he could've break free from that Blood Demon Technique earlier. If he wasn't so careless, he shouldn't be stuck in that water basin. If he didn't overestimate his own power, even if he's a Pillar, the situation won't be worse!

"I said stop!" coughing immediately followed after. Muichirou spoke, "Stop talking...please."

(Y/N) weakly said, "I won't be hanging on much longer-" she painfully coughed out blood, "Mui-kun."

"No! Don't say that! You're going to survive this. You're strong, (Y/N). You've always been so...strong..." his voice broke. He sobbed. He cried. But, he still continued on applying pressure on her wound.

(Y/N)'s lips quivered. She can't bear seeing her Mui-kun break down, but she has to remain strong for him. She puts a lot effort in raising her hand to touch his face. Her hand shakily approached his cheeks. Muichirou soon noticed this. He finally gave in and stopped the pressure. With his hand, he aided her on touching his blood-stained cheek. He almost flinched at the abnormally low temperature.

(Y/N) said, "Smile for me."

Muichirou smiles. The tears still streaming down his cheeks.

Contented, she continued, "Always remember. I always love you, Muichi...rou."

Her hands slipped from his grasp. His eyes widened. He called out, "(Y/N)! Hey, wake up! Don't close your eyes!" He hugged her lifeless body. He helplessly cried into her shoulder.

He can't bear to live his life without her. He can't bear to live without seeing her smile. He doesn't have anyone left. His family already left him behind. Why does everyone he loves be taken from him? His parents are gone. His twin brother is gone. His best girl is gone.

He won't be able to hear her voice again.

"Mui-kun!"

He won't be able to laugh with her again.

"At least you finally have some humor in you! AHAHA!"

He won't be able to comfort her when she was crying.

"Thanks... Mui-kun."

He won't be able to eat the food she cooks only for him.

"I hope you like it!"

He won't be able to take her out again.

"The sight... it's beautiful! Why didn't you tell me about this place sooner?"

Her eyes. Her smile. Her warmth. Her affections. His sunshine. All of it gone in the blink of an eye.

"(Y/N)...don't leave me too."

***

The rain poured down on him.

Muichirou was standing in front of her grave. It was decorated with blooming flowers, perfectly contrasting what happened. His dull eyes studied her smiling portrait. If only he can smile like that again, he'll be sure to give every second of it for her.

The funeral ended hours ago. They buried his beloved as the sun was rising. (Y/N) did mention she wanted to be buried as the Sun was rising because she wanted her death to be a new day for light.

Muichirou didn't expect it to come true.

"Hey. Why are you smiling?" asked Muichirou. He pursed his lips before continuing, "How can you smile like that knowing you left me behind?"

He waited, expecting for an answer or maybe a voice. He knew nothing will answer him, only the sound of the rain beating him as if mocking him answered his question. He didn't know why it was raining. The skies were clear when they buried (Y/N) earlier that morning. He thought maybe the rain was here to mock him. To mock him for his broken promise of protecting her from all dangers. To mock him for his failure to protect the only thing he swore to protect.

"Answer me."

Nothing.

"I said answer me! Damn it!"

(Y/N) knew that Muichirou hated not receiving answers in his questions. Though he often mumbles some weird questions, he was slightly irritated no one has an answer for them.

Tears escaped his eyes, "Why won't you answer me?"

The rain stopped beating his body. He sensed a presence behind him, sheltering him from the unforgiving rain. Muichirou snapped, "Leave me alone."

Tanjirou said, "No."

"Stop meddling with other people's business."

Tanjirou gripped the umbrella righter. He insisted, "I'm not meddling with other people's business. I know you want to be alone, but you've been here for the whole day! You're drenched in the rain. (Y/N) doesn't want you to catch a cold!"

"You have no idea what (Y/N) wants! You'll never know! If you were there, then maybe she might still be alive!"

Tanjirou knows that. If he was able to kill the Upper Moon Five sooner, then maybe, just maybe, (Y/N) might still be alive.

But, no. She's dead. and she'll never come back.

Tanjirou punched Muichirou. He looked down at him. He shouted, "Yes, I'm fully aware of that! And, it hurts! I always ask myself why wasn't I able to protect (Y/N). Why wasn't I able to protect my sister?! Why did I let her die?!"

Right. Muichirou thought. You're Tanjrou's sister.

Tanjirou didn't even realize he was already crying. "I don't know what she wants. But all I know is she doesn't want YOU or anyone of us to grieve over her death like this!"

He stopped momentarily. His breathing was ragged from lashing out. "We still have that Muzan to pay for this. I'll send him to hell myself for killing my family."

Why didn't I think of that? Muichirou's eyes widen at the realization. If he didn't exist, you wouldn't even have to fight and die.

Muichirou swore he will be the one to behead Muzan for her.

***

Muichirou won't be able to send Muzan to hell.

He accepted that, right after learning he'll succumbed to death because of blood loss. He knew Tanjirou will definitely behead the demon that started it all: Kibutsuji Muzan. He'll leave the task to him.

He gripped his katana tighter, determined to change the tide of the battle before his consciousness slipped away. His eyes saw how his blade turned red. He was immediately reminded by (Y/N)'s Nichirin Blade. He always admired the beautiful hue of red. It was unique, so is her. I'll be coming soon. Wait for me, (Y/N). I just have to kill this piece of shit.

The Wind and Rock Pillar both successfully beheaded the Upper Moon One, with the help of the Mist Pillar.

Muichirou's upper body fell to the ground. The battle is still in its peak. Despite the rigorous and loud sounds of battle, they were gradually silencing. He saw the bracelet his beloved gave him on his birthday.

"I know it's not much. But I hope you like it! I can't really help but buy it. I remember you in that bracelet, Mui-kun."

Muichirou lightly smiled at the sight of the bracelet in his wrist. It really suits him. He turned to the waiting girl and said, "I'll never take it off."

A satisfied smile graced her features. She eagerly hugged Muichirou, causing the male to tense up. He was always surprised by the sudden hugs his (Y/N) gave him, but they were always warm. He wrapped his arms around her figure and nuzzled in her neck, taking the scent of her hair.

"Happy birthday, Muichirou. And, I love you so much."

A smile adorned his features. He whispered, "I love you too," before darkness took over his sight.

***

Muichirou slowly opened his eyes.

He saw his brother crying. He was overly confused.

Yuichirou, his older twin, said, "Don't come here! Go back!"

Hurt by his brother's first words, Muichirou said, "Why? I worked so hard. Aren't you going to praise me?" Tears escaped his eyes and flowed down his cheeks. Even in the afterlife, his brother doesn't compliment his efforts. Just what the hell does he has to do to receive his brother's praise?!

Crying, Yuichirou replied, "WHY? That's what I want to ask. You could've run away. You're only fourteen!"

Muichirou refuted, "I couldn't abandon my friends and run away!"

"But you wouldn't have died! Why did you even die here? It's a meaningless death. Do you even know why you're even born?"

Finally had enough, Muichirou said, "You died when you were eleven, Nii-san. You're way more pathetic than I am. Why was I born? I already know the answer to that."

He remembered his (Y/N). "I..."

'Smile. Even for a little. You...

'...deserve to be happy.'

"...was born to be happy.

"Isn't that the same for you, Nii-san? Am I wrong? Were you not happy? Did you never once feel a moment of happiness? I was happy. When the four of us were living together as a family. And ever since I was left alone, I've had my share of painful sad moments."

Muichirou stopped for a while. He continued, "But I made friends. I had someone by my side. I had fun, and I could smile again. I had so many times where I was happy that I can't count them all..."

He looked down. Then, he asked, "Is that so bad? I didn't run from anything, and I didn't turn my eyes either. I put my life on the line for my friends and I have no regrets about it."

The tears were already bothering him. He didn't want to cry, but it just...hurts. Muichirou needed to let it all out.

"Don't call it a pointless death. If it was anyone else, they can say whatever they want. But I don't want you to put it that way, Nii-san."

Yuichirou approached his little brother. He apologized, "Sorry. But I know that." Yuichirou pulled Muichirou to a hug. He said, "I just didn't want you to die, Muichirou..."

Muichirou wrapped his arms around his brother's figure and sobbed in his shoulders.

"...Anyone but you, Muichirou."

Muichirou raised his eyes and saw a figure of a girl standing in the distance. He immediately knew who it was. She was smiling at him. She said:

"I'm so proud of you, Mui-kun."

***

"Holy shit."

Muichirou can't believe it.

His eyes didn't deceive him.

He was looking at the world without the existence of the demons. The humankind won the battle against the demons. And now, they're living free of worries from the risks of being outside at night. There are no demons lurking in the shadows. No demons waiting in the dark to feast on humans. The demons were finally wiped out from its existence. No one has to risk their lives against the demons anymore.

"Why'd you stop?"

Muchirou looked at his older twin brother who was looking back at him with annoyance. In disbelief, Muichirou said, "The demons...are gone."

Yuichirou turned his body fully to face Muichirou. "What do you mean? The demons were gone from existence ever since the Taisho Era."

Confused, Muichirou asked, "What? You don't remember?

Yuichirou rolled his eyes. He took his little brother's hand and dragged him to walk. He said, "I don't know what you're babbling about. Let's go or we're going to be late for school."

School? Muichirou simply followed his brother's lead. Pondering during their walk, he concluded that he was the only one who remembered everything. This gave away by Yuichirou's annoyed reaction. It seems like it is general knowledge to everyone the demons are gone and they won't ever come back. If his brother thinks demons are gone...

Then that means this is the future.

Muichirou's eyes widen at the realization. He almost gasped. He was born again. He was reincarnated back to Earth, lived his childhood, and regained the memories of his previous life.

In the hallway (Muichirou didn't realize they're already inside the school), Yuichirou said, "They didn't put us in the same class, Muichirou. You're on your own."

"W-what?"

Yuichirou scoffed, "I said you're on your own."

"Wai-"

"(Y/N)-san is going to be my classmate! I'm so lucky!"

Muichirou's head snapped towards the source of a male's voice. All his mint green eyes can see are the bustling of students in the corridor, rushing to their respective classrooms. You're here too?

He looked at each classroom in their floor in search for a certain girl. Just a glimpse. A single glimpse to know the girl he loves is safe and sound. he desperately looked at each classroom, taking each student's attention. Muichirou stopped his search when the bell rang. I still have the whole day to search for you.

Muichirou was sitting in his class, quietly figuring out what class (Y/N) might be.

He sighed. He knew he had to ask his classmates what class she might be in. He was growing sick of the murmuring complaints of not being able to be her classmate. Muichirou assumed (Y/N) is a popular figure in their school. He can always ask. After all, he's only a transferee, which means he has absolutely zero friends and its up to him to make one.

I guess it's better late than never. Muichirou thought while standing from his seat. He walked over to one of the boys that appeared to be friendly in his perspective. With a genuine smile, he greeted, "Hi! I'm Muichirou Tokitou. I'm a transferee here, so I was wondering who's this (Y/N)-san you're talking about."

Muichirou wanted to know how popular his future girlfriend is. The fact they want to be her classmate somehow proved she has a good reputation.

The person he approached was one of the people who complained about not being able to be (Y/N)'s classmate. It was a boy. He has a short and chocolate brown hair with oceanic blue eyes. He has a thin-framed and black glasses sitting on his nose. Muichirou thought this guy has good looks if he just removed that glasses.

The boy studied him first, looking up and down. He replied, "(Y/N)-san is practically the perfect role-model of our batch. It doesn't surprise me almost all of the boys are head-over-heels over her. Plus, she's already in the top position in the student council. That makes her popular."

The words 'almost all of the boys are head-over-heels for her' keep on echoing in his mind. He didn't expect her to be this popular! It's not like she doesn't deserve it. (Y/N)'s a beauty. He knows that and it is carved in his heart, mind, and soul. Many guys back in the Demon Slayer Corps likes to flirt with her before he claimed her as his.

It seems like Muichirou has so many rivals to (Y/N)'s heart.

Muichirou said, "Thanks. What's her class? I still don't know your name."

The boy laughed. He scratched his neck as he answered, "Sorry about that. The name's Hitoshi Takehiko. She's in Class A."

Muichirou remembered he checked that classroom earlier, but he didn't see any traces of (Y/N) being there. He asked, "Where is she often?"

Hitoshi's friendly aura dropped. He became suspicious of Muichirou. "You're asking too many questions for a transferee. Do you know her?"

Muichirou efficiently lied, "We know each other from childhood. I moved away from here and came back. I didn't expect I'll have the chance to see her again." The last part is real.

Hitoshi's smile came back again, much to Muichirou's relief. He really is not from here. His family moved here because it was more peaceful than the bustling city. Hitoshi answered, "You're one lucky guy. If she's not in her classroom, she'll be at the Student Council Office. If not there, she might be in the back of the school, enjoying the sight of the nature..." Hitoshi raised his index finger to his lips, "The last bit is a secret though."

Muichirou was slightly ticked off at how this Hitoshi boy was talking about her like you're all buddy-buddy to him. Fortunately, he wasn't in Class A, meaning (Y/N) was not his classmate. He asked Hitoshi, "How do you know that? Why'd you tell me?"