Chapter Text
Darkness eclipsed his eyes as the last remnants of Tanjiro’s face became obscured. He could hear the boy choking back tears and Kyojuro wishes he could move his mouth, comfort the boy one last time before he passes on but his body wasn’t listening to him anymore. It’s ironic, for so long Kyojuro accepted that he would die in battle. He made peace with the idea of sacrificing his life to protect the innocent of this world, yet he couldn’t help but wish he had a little more time. Kyojuro wants to live long enough to see the world Tanjiro-kun envisions, and to see how far this little firestarter will go. A passion was ignited in Kyojuro that he hadn’t felt in a long time yet it was all futile, despite his best effort Kyojuro knows he is going to leave his mortal body. At the very least he wanted to thank Tanjiro for letting him die in peace. A demon slayer’s death isn’t a glamorous one, and he has seen fellow members die in terribly gruesome ways but here he was being passionately praised for his hard work surrounded by allies it was a magnificent send-off. Kyojuro slowly drifts away feeling the warm embrace of the rising sun, it was like falling asleep.
He was adrift in darkness for what felt like hours. No sensations could reach him, he merely was existing in this empty void. Yet ever so slowly he could feel a gentle touch on his forehead the warmth radiating from that touch spread throughout his body and scattered the dark void around him until he finally had control of his body again. Kyojuro couldn't help but wonder what the land of the dead was like, was it something dreadful? If they could create something like demons, then what else could exist, he almost wants to go back to that void but then he remembers that gentle touch. So, ever so slightly he opens his eyes, a bright light stuns him momentarily until a shadow blocks out the rays and Kyojuro holds his breath. Staring down at him was his mother, red-rimmed eyes and a worn-out beautiful smile
“Hello Kyojuro.” She said
“Mother,” he called hesitantly.
“What are you doing here so soon?” Her voice cracked and Kyojuro could feel her tears falling onto his face, “You shouldn’t greet your mother with such a handsome face. You have to come and greet me when you're old, the very least you can do is look as worn out as your father.”
Despite the situtation Kyojuro could help but give her a crooked smile“And disgrace you, mother. Senjuro and I got father’s looks if we get any uglier and people might have mistaken us for wild animals.”
She giggled, Kyojuro really missed his mother's laugh,“You could never disgrace me.” She touched his face tracing the outline of his features, “Kyojuro you've made me so proud. You stupid, brave boy.”
Tears were really running down her face, and her muscles contorted her features painfully. Despite that Kyojuro couldn’t help think how beautiful she was. After she had died her presence had never left the manor even if his memory of her was slowly fading. If nothing else Kyojuro is thankful to see his mother once more.
“I didn't image death could be so peaceful,” Kyojuro said after a moment,
His mother pursed her lips, before kissing him gently on his forehead and covering his eyes with her hand. “Kyojuro, please forgive your mother.”
“You have done nothing that requires my forgiveness. Why do you say that?”
“You know when I married your father, I knew any child I gave birth to would follow in his footsteps. Yet I selfishly got married to him, what kind of mother signs their children's death certificate. As a mother and human being I have failed you.”
Kyojuro jerked up wanting to dispute his mother, only to have her hold him down, “Mother please don’t say that. I am thankful for the life you have given me, for my little brother. Never once have I…”
“Kyojuro, my sweet child, “ She cuts him off whispering quietly, ”I’m going to be selfish on more time. So please forgive your mother for any future suffering.”
“For what?” Kyojuro asked, suddenly feeling drowsy
“You’ll understand in time. For now, why don’t you rest, you'll need the energy.” Kyojuro is pulled back into the void, as his mother gently pats his head, "Kyojuro next time you see your father, make sure to give a good right hook and tell him its gift from me alright.
Kyojuro couldn't help but snort, Father is going to be in so much trouble the next time he sees Mother. His mother’s touch growing fainter and fainter until the feeling was replaced by a coarse warm hand. Kyojuro’s eyes snap open and was welcomed by the sight of warm brown eyes, that were wide in disbelief. Tanjiro stumbles off his stool and races to the door screaming out
“Rengoku-san is awake! He woke up!"