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I always wanted a purpose.

Even from a young age I could never sit still because I wanted to fit in, to be able to feel some sort of accomplishment in this small thing we call life.

I had my entire future planned ahead of me, and I would willingly follow it if that meant I could fully understand what the word 'purpose' truly meant.

Did it mean why we were put on this earth to begin with? Is it something to do with the people around us? Maybe it's our future that we chose to follow, but instead we're met with cruelty and sadness instead of what we were initially expecting..

My entire life has been based around one thing, and one thing alone. Nothing could have prevented that because it was already in place before I was born.

Generation after generation was produced for the same purpose. All of us were just pawns in a large game of chess that seemed as though it would never end, that no one would win and the continuous, constant motif of death and destruction would continue far beyond any sights, even from the wisest men and women.

My role in this story is no less than a bug in a forest, but that doesn't mean I don't have a part to play, a role to fulfill to gain my purpose. The one my ancestors died over, the one I was destined to have before my great grandparents were even conceived.

The purpose I would never let go of.

It was who I am. Who I was raised to become in a world filled with bloodthirsty monsters who only wanted to see my crimson leek to the ground as my corpse became cold.

It was always a part of the script that I had to be in danger constantly for me to grow into the person I am today.

A young child raised in conditions no adult could comprehend. That was my life for some time, and no, I wouldn't change a thing about it, because that is the reason I am able to survive today. That is the reason I have become the person I am today.

I hold no regrets.

Even after the ones I have slaughtered, the lives I have ruined, the pain I have endured, the suffering others went through In order to keep my body breathing. I do not hold an ounce of empathy.

Just like me, they are but fish in the sea. Yes, they have but a small life in the grand scheme of things, but their actions can hold more consequences than anyone could ever imagine. Even one small act of arrogance to the wrong person could shape the entire world and society as we know it.

Yes, it may sound a bit much when upfront about it, but it's true. I've seen it far too many times to consider it to be a mere coincidence.

I've seen the purest of people shaped into the type they hated most just because they were at the wrong place at the wrong time, or even just because they were told the wrong lies.

Our effect on others is more prominent than anyone would think.

All small things add up to a bigger picture, or in my case, a bigger evil.

The type of evil that feeds on people's sins. Their lust, their greed, their pride, their hatred, their envy...all of it can be shaped into something bigger with the right words and the wrong actions, that will forever be etched into the victims mind.

My friends- my family- have fallen for this trap too many times over, and that resulted in no less of their deaths.

If wasn't there to stop them, no one would.

Blood has been spilled onto my palms more than once, each time was for the better of everything around me.

And I would do it again.

One million times over, if that's what's needed.

Especially if it was to reach this ending, then it would be all worth it.

"Welcome to the final hashira meeting everybody."

I tilted my head to the side, watching as Kiriya sat in front of the two men, his sisters at his side, and then my presence standing behind them, a spear in hand.

I knew my purpose. And, for a long time, I didn't.

Was I supposed to be a monster- a mix between a human and a demon and to be looked down upon in my entire life? No.

Was it to be the guardian for the Ubuyashiki's? Almost.

Was I meant to be free?...Yes. That is the only conclusion I enjoyed the thought of.

While the Ubuyashiki family was always good to me, kept me safe and alive and secure...I think we all knew something felt off. I was constantly unsure. No one regarded my opinion when it mattered most. And I had a lack of respect when it came to my race, but...I don't need to worry anymore.

I'm no longer a halfling.

That means I cant heal when my arm gets torn off or I get stabbed in the gut. Nor do I ever need to taste the metallic stain of blood on my tongue ever again. And it certainly doesnt mean that I must feel ashamed of myself any longer...

I was free.

Perhaps that was why I was never good at protecting others. but...thats how I used my freedom, and I am proud of myself for what I tried- what I had never been good at.

No one knew how it happened, really.

Aoi told me that after Muzan had been fully defeated and the calm after the storm had finally arrived, my heart had stopped.

For thirty minutes.

They all thought I was going to die.

However, just as the Kakushi were about to take my body and take me to the piles of others who had passed, my breathing had miraculously returned and I was taken back to the closest hospital immediately for treatment.

It seemed, as Muzan died, so did something inside of me. The last thread that connected us had finally snapped and nothing was left as it burned in the ashes of hell.

Whatever had cursed my family into becoming monsters, had finally been lifted.

I was free.

"Thank you for coming, Sanemi, Giyu.." Kiriya turned over his shoulder to smile at me, softly taking my hand in his own. "(Y/N).." I smiled softly down at him, giving his hand a small squeeze before he let go and turned back to the two men.

Kiriya was like his father. Kind, soft, loving....every time I looked into his eyes, I saw him. I saw his kindness, the freedom he granted me. I saw how each of my walls fell around him, collapsing into rubble and staining the ground with what was left of the damage.

Kagaya..

"You are the only two pillars left now. Most of the other children have left us..However, we managed to exterminate all demons." A smile made his way to his lips as he spoke. "And, thus, as of today, the demon slayer corps is to be disbanded."

The duo in front of him tensed at his words, eyes widening before they turned to look at each other in shock. I, however, hardly reacted. I knew this would be coming some time soon. It was only a matter of time- especially with the threat of demons completely cast aside.

Kiriya's two sisters slowly lowered themselves into a bow before the two men, their heads touching the ground.

"You've risked your lives for the longest time.."

"You fought and devoted yourself to the people of this world.."

The two men let out small gasps as Kiriya lowered himself into a bow as well. "We, as the Ubuyashiki family, thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

I nodded behind him, my hand falling across the spear as I got to my knee and bowed my head, my hand moving over my heart. "It has been my honour to stand beside you both in battle."

Giyu was the first to react as he shifted in his sat position. "Please, lift your heads!"

"We dont need any of your gratitude!" Sanemi cried as he moved to stand to his feet in order to make his way over. "The biggest reason the corps lasted so long was because of the Ubuyashiki family! You know that, right?!"

The three children slowly lifted their heads as they saw Sanemi above them, and I gave a small glance. Giyu soon moved to his feet and furrowed his brows. "Kiriya-sama, you did an incredible job, too. So I believe that all of your ancestors, including your father, would be very proud."

Kiriya froze at those words, eyes widening. He looked like he was about to break. "Kiriya.." I spoke, lifting my head to crouch beside him and lay my hand on his shoulder. I turned to the two girls as they began to sniffle, and suddenly, tears ran down the poor boys cheeks.

He nodded, letting his tears run free as he let his hand land over mine. "Thank you....thank you so much..!"

I turned to the two girls as they began to weep, and I furrowed my brows. Slowly, I moved my hands to rest on their heads, sighing with a small smile on my face as the two men turned to one another with a smile.

It was all over.

"I-..I have one more order of business.." Kiriya stuttered out, turning his body so that he was facing me as he began to wipe his tears. "(Y/N), you served..my mother and father.." he sniffled. "Better than anyone could.."

I smiled, shaking my head as the two girls lifted their heads and nodded. "I was just doing my job....Your father saved me, so I did my best to protect him back." I chuckled nervously, shrugging my shoulders. "I...Im sorry it wasnt enough in the end..." I bowed my head, eyes closing in respect.

The boy shook his head. "Y-you didnt let him down- really..thank you. I-I believe that my father would want you to find your own freedom after youve been by his side for so long, so..." he turned away, lips quivering as though he was about to let another round of tears fall.

"Y-youre fired!"

There was a long silence in the room, all before Sanemi snorted, and I finally processed what Kiriya had just announced. "W-what?!"

"M-My father said that you wouldn't give up easily and find your own freedom, so-..." he gritted his teeth, bowing his head to the ground in another bow, the sisters following. "R-respectfully, you're fired! Go live out the rest of your life in peace."

I was about to go against his word, but he interrupted me quickly. "You...have served my family for so long...ever since I was little...we are all so grateful for all of your hard work..all of your sacrifice...s-so, allow our family to pay for everything you have for the rest of your life!" I froze at his words, even as he lifted his gaze from the ground shyly.

"K-kiriya.." I muttered, unable to really process his words, but I knew what they entailed..He was letting me go to live a life of peace. No finances to worry about, no fear of not being able to have a place to live or be....this was his way of saving me...

I smiled softly, looking into his eyes.

They were so much like Kagaya's...

I couldn't help it when I wrapped my arms around him, holding him close to my chest. I closed my eyes, my free hand moving to bring his sisters into the hug, to which they immediately jumped into the embrace, all of them holding onto me and gripping onto my cloth as if for dear life...they were trembling..

"...Thank you, Oyakata- sama...thank you.."

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"So, what's your plan, now?"

The trio walked side by side, strolling through the garden with the me in the middle, Sanemi on the left, and Giyu on my right.

"A life of peace doesn't sound too bad.." Giyu mumbled beside me, adjusting the clothing over his lost arm to make sure it was comfortable.

Sanemi scratched the side of his face, looking up to the sky with a raised brow. "You think I know?"

"How about you?" Giyu tilted his head to me, eyes filled with a curious glint.

I thought for a moment before I spoke. "I suppose...for the short term, I may visit Uzui, then Tanjiro and his friends, then set up some memorials, I suppose." I shrugged at the thought, humming to herself and furrowing her brows. "But, for the long term, I haven no clue.."

An idea suddenly sparked my mind and I smiled at the thought, looking up at the Wisteria trees above, eyes softening. "Though, I would like to go to live in the mountains...and I know the exact place I can set up a nice house.." I nodded at the thought. "Yes, I might do that."

Sanemi raised a brow, turning to face me with a raised brow. "You got anywhere in particular you thinking?"

I nodded. "Yes, I grew up there as a child. It's about time I lived an actual normal life back home."

"Got room for two?" Sanemi smirked, an almost cocky air around him as he walked, leaning his arm on my shoulder. I blinked in surprise.

"Three." Giyu corrected beside me, his hand moving into his pocket.

I chuckled, shrugging Sanemi's arm off. "I'll think about it. Though, a life of peace doesn't mean living with a loud idiot, and Giyu."

Giyu deadpanned, brows furrowing. "That was uncalled for."

"Sorry, Shinobu taught me." I shrugged, smirking to myself as we walked down the path.

Soon, a nice silence filled the scene, surrounding us and wrapping us all in a soft blanket, as though it was taking care of each of us, one by one.

"You think.." Giyu spoke out, looking to the ground. Me and Sanemi tilted our heads to him. "They knew their sacrifice was worth it..?"

I paused at that, my eyes widening for a moment, all before I turned back to look at the path ahead of us. "I...I think so." I smiled softly. "And, if they don't, then we have to ensure that we keep this peace.."

Sanemi rose a brow, a small scowl on his face. "Do we have to get all sappy..."

"It's your job as soldiers, and mine as A Guardian."

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The end

Hello! Thank you all so much for your support for this story- that is the only reason ive been able to persevere and keep going until I finished this story!

I understand the ending may seem a bit rushed, and I am very sorry about that, but this is the best way I could think of ending this with how busy Ive been recently! I hope you enjoyed this story!

Goodbye!!

I'll see you all in the next one ;)