A second chance

Blood in the forest, enter Tsugikuni

Two hours earlier~

The same night~

Tamayo can feel fear and anger clutch at her heart as she continues to run through the forest. Leaves and branches scratch at her skin only to have the minor cuts heal instantly.

The night like any other is dark say for the moon and stars above. It is particularly windy this night, but all of that does not compare to the adrenaline or running through her demonic veins. Slung over one shoulder is a packet of her notes and.  A handful of medicine. She tightens her grip around the hand of Yushiro's and with the other she holds Chachamaru close to her chest.

"Lady Tamayo I'll—"

"No!" She cries, her grip tightening further as they near the edge of the forest. "I won't lose you."

Before Yushiro can argue further, they come to a sudden halt. He grabs onto his lady and pull her back up before she can fall down the cliff. He appears down, noting the steep descent and the uneven rocks. They could easily regenerate what limbs they might lose, but the demon chasing them had a powerful blood demon art and he was noticeably quick. It would be in Yushiro's opinion too much of a risk.

"Found you at last traitor!" Snowed a raspy voice. The two demons turn, and the cat demon leapt down from his mistresses tight hold and hisses.

The Demon before them is nothing more than skin and bones, his hair made up of leaves while his skin is of wood. From behind his back are vine like appendages with thorns, moving about as if they had a mind of their own.

"Oh, he'll be so pleased when I bring him your head." Snarls the words like Demon. "Blood demon art: vine imprisonment!"

Before any of them can move, all three demons have been tied in thick vines with thorns. The demon smiles, his thorn, covered vines buried deep within the soil. They grow, allowing for him to hover above the ground, smiling down at his prisoners.

Chachamaru let out an angered hiss, struggling to escape his bines, but they seem to grow stronger with each movement. Letting out a cry of pain, the vines grow thicker as the thorns pierced his flesh. With each cut, and with every drop of blood divines seemed to grow thicker and tighter.

Yushiro's muscles tense, not daring to move after what had happened to Chachamaru.

"Chachamaru, NO!" Tamayo cries. She can't stand to see her longest, living companion being in such pain, even if it's only temporary.

"Muhahaha!! Wonderful isn't it?! Anyone caught in my vines whether they be demon or human get their blood sucked by the thorns. Struggle all you like they only go stronger with each movement you make. My precious vines won't stop until they absorb every drop of blood even after death!!" The wooden forest themed demon explained.

Yushiro's blood boiled unable to stand his ladies distress or hear anymore of this disgusting bastards voice. "Shut up you hideous bastard! How dare you make lady Tamayo cry!"

"Impudent brat!" Cried the demon. He was just about to activate another part of his blood demon art when a demonic presence filled the air, followed by an erie whistle. Everyone froze in place looking at one another.

Tamayo glanced at her companions, the demon holding them hostage, to then peering over the demons shoulder and towards the woods. Her lips pursed into a frown, knowing her eyes had caught movement from the shadows of the foliage. She attempted to feel for the demonic aura, but just as suddenly as it came, it had vanished. The whistling continued on for another minute or two, then it had also stopped.

The sound of a blade being unsheathed rang out through the small clearing. Tamayo blinked and a sword was at the demons throat. Holding the elegant, weapon was a figure dressed in a black kimono with white lining the sleeves and bottom. From her angle, she noted the demon was wearing some type of white uniform underneath. It was unlike the typical demon slayer uniform. The man's open kimono fluttered about his form as the wind continue to blow gently.