Unforgiving World (Tanjiro x OC)

Chapter 23

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"Star breathing, first form; Dazzling Galaxy!" Belts clashed against Amaya's sword, the girl fending off the demon's attacks the best she could. So far, none of the belts had been able to actually hit her, which increased Amaya's confidence. The demon was obviously growing more frustrated with each blow that was either deflected or dodged, having thought and hoped that the demon slayers fighting them would've been weaker.

Tanjiro attacked right by her side, both of their strengths enough to counter the demon without too much trouble. He'd left Nezuko's box on top of the building where he crashed before, seeing as the strap broke at the most inconvenient moment. Catching herself as another set of belts shot straight at her, forcing her to dash towards a building and push herself off the wall with her feet. Twirling around in the air, Amaya cut three belts all at once, blood spouting from the demon's wounds as she glared at Amaya in pure anger.

Before she could attack again, Tanjiro was there with her, descending from the air to cut off the few remaining belts. All futile though, since it didn't take long before new ones regenerated. Rolling over the ground before jumping up and slashing across the belts, Amaya flipped herself over so she could land on one knee behind the demon, Tanjiro soon taking a stance right next to her. The demon landed softly on the ground after her attack towards Tanjiro, glaring sharply as she stared at the slayers.

"Your moves weren't half bad. Also, you certainly did a fine job separating her", grumbled the demon lowly, nodding her head towards the piece of the belt that contained lady Koinatsu. Tanjiro panted slightly before taking a deep breath, Amaya simply glaring right back at the overly confident demoness. "I mean, how cute is that of you, boy? As ugly as you are! I'm starting to get rather fond of you! It's a shame the girl has to come in the way, between you and I. You're like a rat on the brink of death yet protected like a child."

Amaya scoffed as she tilted her chin upwards, an irritated vein popping on her forehead from the demon's words. "Shut your trashy mouth. I know he can easily handle someone as weak as you on his own, I'm just here for the fun of watching you struggle", growled Amaya, venom basically leaking from her tone. The demon's eyebrow twitched in offence, lowering herself down as she flexed her fingers. "You loud-mouthed brat! I thought of saving you for last because you don't look all too bad, but I've changed my mind! I'll devour you first and make sure you feel every second of it!" shouted the demon, planning to attack before something interrupted them.

A loud bang sounded from a small distance away, dust rising up in an enormous explosion and making everyone's attention get trained on the unknown disruption instead. "What an infernal racket, you piece of trash! What is that sound? What are you doing? Where? From the Ogimoto House? And also Hinatsuru... How many of you are here? Five?" What the hell was this demon talking about? It seemed like she was talking to someone who wasn't even here right now. Another demon? Perhaps, but Amaya couldn't let her thoughts get occupied by that.

"I'm not telling you!" responded Tanjiro sharply, pointing the sharp point of his blade towards the demon with a glare. Amaya sighed as she drew her blade as well, twirling it around her hand as she gave an uncaring response. "I knew you were stupid, but not dumb enough to think we'd give you such information", mumbled the girl, but the demon blatantly ignored her comment. "If you tell me the truth, I'd be willing to spare your life. We clashed for maybe an instant, but look at his sword! It's already nicked", pointed the demon, making both slayers' brows furrow.

Amaya gazed towards Tanjiro's sword while he did the same, actually noticing the small chips that were engraved in the sharp edge of it. How'd that even happen? A nichirin blade was one of the strongest materials there was, how could it get nicked in such a short time? Maybe it was because Tanjiro felt like he was off his game, stress could cause such things. Or perhaps... He wasn't compatible with Water Breathing anymore. "Some hack of a swordsmith must've forged that blade, right?" taunted the demon, but Tanjiro's kind and respecting personality wouldn't allow her to speak lowly of someone Tanjiro knew.