I took the time to draw an image of the character. I introduce my Demon Tanjirou in this story, just older. This is what he'll look like when he's about sixteen to eighteen. Hope you like it! (Was drawn by me Outline was used for the body <--- My one weakness)
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The moment the trio got close enough to the house they stayed in, Sabito called out. He was sure Urokodaki had heard them. As it turned out, the older male was already headed into the darkening outside. The storm was near, leaving him to usher the trio inside. He'd noticed the youngster in Sabito's arms, sealing the doors behind them as the fire flickered and lit the space. Once sealed, he faced the trio before motioning them to lay the child on the blankets spread out. As they did, Giyuu took the time to light a few candles, assuring more warmth got to the smaller figure. Once the stranger was wrapped up, they all moved slightly back before hearing Urokodaki call them over. Each took a spot beside the other fire, where a pot was resting.
"You all worried me. Where did you find the child?" Giyuu glanced to Sabito before speaking, his voice low.
"I got separated from Sabito and Makomo. While separated, I ended up stumbling into the kid. They was out cold and nearly frozen to death. I panicked and screamed, which drew the other two toward me." Urokodaki nodded, taking another glance to the kid. He brushed a hand over Giyuu's head, letting out a low sigh.
"You did well. You're scream might have saved not only the new face, but yourself. This storm is going to be a bad one, so we'll have to tough it out." The trio nodded before Urokodaki turned to the food, dishing out some of the soup. "Now then, eat up. Since you both rescued this stranger, you're tasked with caring for them. Once they wake, I'll be sure to get answers."
"How old do you think they are?" Giyuu's question was one most had. There was a long silence before Urokodaki shrugged.
"We won't know till he wakes, but he looks no older then eight. He's young, that much is obvious. Now, no more question. Eat before it gets cold." The trio obeyed as they talked amongst themselves, eating together like the happy family they all sought. Unknown to them, they were not aware of the slight shuffles of the stranger.
Once they'd finished their meals, Giyuu was the first tasked with caring for the new face. As he approached, he sat besides the blankets. His hands held the bowl of broth, the spoon shifting as he got comfortable. He couldn't help but admire some of the qualities. Placing the bowl beside him, he found his hand moving on its own. Fingertips touched the smaller horn, noticing how dull it felt. Those blue eyes glanced to the long lashes already present, making him wonder whether the figure was a male or female. Of course, he knew boundaries was more than willing to keep his curiosities unanswered. It simply wasn't his business.
Removing his hand from the horn, he nearly jumped back and spilled the food when eyes opened. There was a layer of fear in the strangers gaze. Those maroon yet pinkish hued eyes narrowed slightly, as if scoping out Giyuu. It no doubt startled and freaked the raven out. He should have went to Urokodaki, to announce the other was awake, but he didn't. Instead, his voice appeared without his own consent.
"Hello... You're awake..." The stranger glanced around before sitting up, his eyes falling to his hands as he clenched them. The joints were stiff, but nothing he couldn't handle. Giyuu on the other hand was completely at a loss for what to do. In the end, he decided upon conversation. He was curious after all. "We found you in the snow, out in the woodlands. What were you doing out there?"
"..." There was a long silence as the stranger seemed hesitant. It was as if they were afraid.
"I am called Giyuu. There is no need to worry, I am simply here to help and converse. Might I know your name so we can become acquainted?"
"Tanjirou... Where am I?" Giyuu hadn't been expecting much, but upon hearing the stranger speak, he felt conflicted. The tone was soft and was beyond angelic.
"Uh... You're in a cabin somewhere in the woods. How did you even get out here?" Tanjirou shrugged, pulling his legs to his chest.
"I was at home and broke the rules. I went in the woods and got lost. I figured if I keep walking, I'd eventually make it back. Before I knew it, I was too far away and ended up collapsing in the snow from exhaustion." Giyuu nodded, giving a sad smile. He pressed a hand to Tanjirou's shoulder, offering the bowl of broth. The new face gladly took it, smelling it before drinking it completely. It at least relieved Giyuu of one fear. Tanjirou was not a Demon.
"I wanted to ask, what's with the horn?" Tanjirou hummed, tugging on the end of it.
"Birth defect. My Otousan's brother always tied bows to it whenever we were together..."
"Your uncle seems like a great guy." There was a genuine smile that washed over Tanjirou as he nodded.
"Uncle Koko is the best. He got me so many gifts, including this keychain!" Tanjirou traced his clothes, feeling his heart sink when he couldn't find it. Giyuu noticed the smile fall, his worry growing. "It's gone... How is it gone? It can't be..."
"Hey, Tanjirou, calm down. I am sure we'll find it. How about once the storm passes, we go look!" Those words drew Tanjirou's gaze, his smile returning. Giyuu was expecting a thanks, not a hug. But here he was, being hugged by such a slender frame. It was the first time he felt a true smile show.
"Thank you." Giyuu chuckled, pressing a hand to Tanjirou's head, just as Urokodaki did to him.
"No problem. Something important to someone is worth searching for. Now, I have to go get Urokodaki. He wants to talk to you." Tanjirou released Giyuu, nodding. As he rose, he glanced to Tanjirou once more, who was tapping his horn. It brought a slight chuckle before Giyuu hurried off toward where his sensei was. He was simply glad Tanjirou was not a Demon. He held a hope for friendship between him and Tanjirou.
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Hope you enjoy this and looking forward to continuing this large adventure. Leave feedback. It is always appreciated~