Chapter Text
The trees surrounding the Kamado family home swayed gently in the summer breeze, the sounds of a woman in labor a striking contrast to their peaceful dance.
Kie Kamado lay on a futon spread out across the tatami mats; her breathing labored as she painfully brought new life into the world. Beside her knelt her faithful husband, Tanjuro, his calloused hands holding her as she squeezed tight to try and fight the pain of childbirth. His crimson eyes were ridden with concern and joy as he murmured encouragement to his wife.
The mountain seemed to come alive as if awaiting the arrival of the child. At last, with one final cry of effort, a sharp, clear wail broke through the air - the sound of a newborn's first breath. Tanjuro's eyes were filled with joy and relief as he gently scooped up the tiny infant, wrapping her in a soft cloth.
"She's beautiful," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
The newborn squirmed in his arms; her small face scrunched in protest of her new environment before she eventually settled in her father's arms. Her skin was warm and soft, flushed pink with life, and a faint tuft of dark red hair crowned her head. When her eyes fluttered open for the very first time, they glimmered a deep red - a mirror of her father's.
Kie, her face glistening with sweat and tears, took Tanjiko into her arms with trembling hands. Her lips curved into a wide smile as she held her firstborn close, whispering a prayer of gratitude to Hinokami.
"Our sweet Tanjiko," she said softly, brushing her fingers over the baby's delicate features. Tanjuro placed a hand gently on her shoulder, his fingers trembling slightly as he bent down to kiss his wife's forehead.
Outside, the forest seemed to celebrate. The breeze rustled through the leaves, carrying with it the scent of blooming wildflowers and damp earth. The world beyond the Kamado home seemed to hum with joy as if celebrating the arrival of a child who would one day carry a fire strong enough to vanquish darkness.
The next year, deep into winter, the Kamado family welcomed their newest addition.
Nezuro Kamado was born in the heart of winter, bringing new warmth and joy to the family.
As time went on, the Kamado family continued to grow, eventually adding steadfast Takeo, cheerful Hanako, and playful Shigeru.
As Tanjiko grew older, her father began teaching her their family's traditional kagura, the Hinokami Kagura. He would lead her into the clearing near their home, and with the stars glittering overhead, he moved through the intricate steps of the Hinokami Kagura. Despite his illness, he danced with grace and precision, which amazed Tanjiko.
"You must breathe with your entire being, Tanjiko," he would say, his deep crimson eyes locking onto hers. "The dance is not just about the body - it's about harmony with yourself and the world around you. With your breathing, you can push through anything."
Though still small and unpolished, Tanjiko watched and imitated her father with unwavering focus, trying her best to mimic his grace. She knew her father would one day die, and as the oldest child, it was her responsibility to carry on their traditions and take care of the family.
When Tanjiko was eight years old, shortly after the birth of baby Rokuta, her father called her to him. Sitting up on his futon, he held his hanafuda earrings - symbols of their family's heritage.
"These belong to you now, Tanjiko," he said, his voice weak with illness. Tanjiko could faintly smell the bitter, acidic scent of death in the room. "They are a part of who we are, a reminder of the strength and kindness that must burn within you. Protect those you love, always. You are my beautiful daughter. I wish I could have had more time to teach you and protect you, but now you must take care of your mother and your siblings. I will always be there for you, Tanjiko."
Though still young, Tanjiko was the oldest child and understood the responsibility her father was laying on her shoulders. She allowed her father to put the earrings in her ears and could smell his pride when he saw her wearing them.
In the days after Tanjuro's passing, Tanjiko often found herself returning to the clearing where they had danced, practicing the steps of the Hinokami Kagura.
That year, she danced alone while her family watched. Kie's eyes filled with tears as she saw the image of her husband overlap with her oldest daughter.
In the years that followed, Tanjiko took over selling their family's charcoal, carting it down the mountain to the nearby village. Nezuro would often accompany her, insisting that he could help, but he often needed to stay behind to help their mother watch the younger children and help in the charcoal-making process.