The Hidden Demon Slayer (DEMON SLAYER X OC)

Chapter 14: Predator and Prey

Two weeks have passed, but it felt like forever. The trio have been travelling for ages, but they never felt a sign that their destination was close. It was like they were totally lost. Haruto got lucky because Nariko can adjust her size, but it was still slowing his pace. At night, Nariko had to carry Haruto on her back so he could take a rest. Kakushigoru even got tired of flying on the fifth day, so he had to get in the basket with Nariko.

"Haruto, are you sure you know where we're going? You're somewhat leading us to nowhere," the female whined as they continued to walk. It was already dark which made things easier.

"I'm… certain… that…'' Haruto yawned for a bit after finishing his sentence. "We are… getting close." He was overcome by fatigue after the long journey, so he couldn't think properly. "Ikishima. Shikichi wanting to join us in his suicide mission," Kakushigoru also cried out, already loosing his patience and trust.

"Relax. If I'm actually trying to kill us all, it's only going to be the two of us. I can't kill Nariko since she's a demon. There might be even a chance that she would be the one who'd kill us."

"Yeah, he does have a point. After all, I haven't eaten anything or anyone yet. And I'm starting to get hungry."

Haruto's spirit suddenly awoke, trying to find the trail. "You know what, we should get there as fast as we can! I really want my best friend to get help as soon as possible!" He started to walk fast, making Nariko chuckle. 

"What kind of trail are you following, anyway?"

"It's a trail only I can see. Our ancestors have made a technique that can seal our tracks, and leave off traces only our family can see. You could say we are really good at hide-and-seek."

Nariko and Kakushigoru were stunned at the new discovery. "Their family lineage must have been associated with shinobis," they thought.

"By the way, Nariko. Is your friend still alive?"

She stopped for a moment and reminisced about the times they were together and how Himari tried to kill Tamayo. She shrugged her shoulders, a worried look plastered on her face.

"I really hope she is alive and well. Tamayo-san must have been doing her best to revert her back to normal."

Haruto looked down, regretting his choice of topic. This could be one of the reasons why he couldn't get a girlfriend.

"I'm sorry if that offended you–"

"Of course she was offended, you brat!" Kakushigoru rushed to Haruto, pecking his head as hard as he could. Nariko had to hold him off or else he would drill a hole in Haruto's head. 

"Stop that! It didn't bother me at all! Just don't kill him!"

Haruto had to cover his head. He never knew Nariko's kasugai crow was overly protective despite its haughty demeanor.

It took them a few minutes to settle down. Kakushigoru thought that he needed to teach Haruto a lesson, but Nariko never liked his approach. He apologized to her, but never even looked at Haruto. "Didn't know birds can look down on human beings. Does it have a short temper, or is it just stupid," Haruto asked himself.

They resumed their walk without taking further breaks. Their hellish adventure progressed for three days, and Haruto still proclaimed that he was hot on the trail. It was like a never-ending nightmare for the trio.

It was yet another night, and the tension just got higher. "Haruto! I swear I'm going to kill you!"

"Shikichi liar! Everyone is lost!"

"We're almost there, so shut it!"

"You keep saying that when it's been almost three weeks! Will you still keep your promise at your grave?!"