The Hidden Demon Slayer (DEMON SLAYER X OC)

Chapter 7: Can't Let Go

While Yushiro and Nariko forcibly escaped, Tamayo did all she can to help regain Himari's self. She was still blank, laying down on the surface.

"Why now? What do you want from Himari, you bastard," Tamayo said in a toneless voice, referring to the only person who brings misery in a human's life.

Keeping her guard down, she was thrown to the wall with her back hitting it first. She immediately stood up as she encountered a berserk Himari. Eyes all white, sharp fangs growing, ready to kill. The bewildered demon ran towards Tamayo and luckily, she avoided her. But it won't do her any good if they keep chasing each other throughout the night. Tamayo knew she had to do something. She kinda regrets sending the two off. No one can assist her in stopping Himari.

She pulled up her kimono sleeves and started to chant her Blood Demon Art. "Scent of Illusory Blood, Visual Dream." Himari stopped for a moment as Tamayo successfully dulled her senses. She couldn't see anything, which made her infuriated. It gave Tamayo some time to escape, but she knew that wasn't enough. She had to finish her off or else she cannot stop her from doing any harm. 

"I have no choice. I can't revert you back to your real self." 

Meanwhile, Yushiro couldn't take another step and dropped Nariko on the ground harshly. "You idiot! You could've just dropped me nicely. Why must you always resort to violence?"

"Because you are a demon, and you're an eyesore. I don't care if Himari was the one who turned you into a demon, but it doesn't change the fact that I find you unpleasant," Yushiro muttered while crossing his arms.

"If that's how you want, then I don't care if you treat me like trash. But I didn't even do anything to you. I tried to understand you, but you won't let me. You sure are in your rebellious phase," Nariko replied. She stood up and was ready to leave. "Tell Tamayo-san it was nice meeting her. I have to get back to my teacher right now to settle things," she added.

She was about to walk away when Yushiro grabbed her hand.

"How dare you leave Tamayo-sama when she told you to return? You are going to wait here with me until she tells us to go back."

"Look, I know you just want to follow her orders, but I can't stand it if I'm with someone who loathes me. Now let go of my hand," she ordered but Yushiro resisted.

"You are not going anywhere. I have to follow Tamayo-sama orders, which means we have to return in one piece."

"But it's against your will, right? So let go. I'm really sorry for bothering your precious moment with Tamayo-san."

"Yes, it is. But if you leave now, Tamayo-sama might think I killed you or I let you leave on your own and she might hate me forever."

"Wow, you really like Tamayo-san, don't you?" Upon hearing this, Yushiro's ears turned red until his whole face was blushing and kept quiet. He suddenly let go of Nariko's hand.

"Well, that was weird. Fine. I won't go anymore. We will wait until your beloved Tamayo-sama calls us," she teasingly said before she sat on the ground.

"If you're going to ask if it's obvious, yes. It is. Too obvious, actually. But I get it. You want to be there for her always. Plus, she saved your life. It would make sense for you to like her. If someone doesn't, then they're very ungrateful."

Silence filled the forest until Yushiro finally spoke. "I guess you're right. I really did my best to give back the favor by being her assistant."

"And you're doing a really good job. I respect you for that. I even envy you. You can protect Tamayo-san. I couldn't even do that to my own family. I guess they're cursing at me right now for being such a failure. I didn't even have the time to mourn for them. But they have the right to do so."