The Hidden Demon Slayer (DEMON SLAYER X OC)

Chapter 17: The Voice That Broke the Chains

"Kenzhou-sama! Please don't kill Ikishima-san!" The maiden cried out loud, making Kenzhou drop his arm.

"H-Hanabi?"

For his family, the years after Yamiaku's visit were bleak and uncertain. But Hanabi was a comfort to Kenzhou. Her eyes continued to be a source of unwavering beauty and calm despite the chaos that had befallen him. Every time he looked into those captivating eyes, he experienced some measure of hope during the gloom that had engulfed his life. He was shocked that she recognized him despite the fact that he had turned into a monster.

"Hanabi, you're alive?"

"Yes, Kenzhou-sama. I'm indeed alive. I've heard about what happened to your family and tried looking for you for years, but I couldn't."

"I'm sorry if I haven't reached out to you all these years. But now I'm here. I will fill you in with all that happened after you and the rest of our servants left," Kenzhou proclaimed while grabbing Hanabi's hand and giving her a reassuring smile.

"This looks like a nice reunion and all, but can you also fill me in with everything so I could also grasp the whole story," Nariko pleaded as she was very oblivious to the flow of events.

"Oh, of course. I almost forgot. How do you know her, Hanabi?"

"She got lost in the woods a few months ago and stumbled upon my home so I took her in for two nights."

Kenzhou was baffled with the sudden revelation, but he immediately pushed it in the back of his mind. "And you never found anything suspicious about her identity?"

"Well, I had to admit that I was very scared when I first met her because she looked exactly like you right now, but then she said that she was just very exhausted from travelling for weeks," Hanabi replies with a very innocent look on her face.

"You really shouldn't go around and be nice to everyone who's exhausted, especially that demon," Kenzhou warns while pointing at Nariko.

"Like you're no better, dumbass! You're a demon as well!"

Hanabi started to worry that they'd get into another fight again, so she interrupted them without hesitation. "We should head to my place before any villagers would find us."

Kenzhou and Nariko silently agreed, letting Hanabi lead the way. The three of them walked in silence through the forest trail, the moonlight threading through the canopy above. Crickets chirped faintly in the background, and every now and then, an owl called in the distance. Hanabi led them down a narrow path that veered off the main route, hidden behind thick undergrowth. After a few more minutes of walking, they arrived at a modest wooden cottage nestled between two ancient trees. Vines crept up its sides, and a soft, warm light flickered through the window.

"Please, come in," Hanabi whispered as she opened the door, revealing a cozy interior. The scent of pine and dried herbs filled the air. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting golden glows against the wood-paneled walls. Mats lined the floor, and shelves were stacked with jars, scrolls, and old medicinal tools.

Once inside, Kenzhou and Nariko settled into the sitting area near the fire. Hanabi poured some warm tea and handed them each a cup.

"Here, Nariko-san," Hanabi said, setting down her tea. She walked over to a large wooden chest in the corner of the room and pulled out a neatly folded bundle of fabric. "You might want this. Your current clothes are quite torn."

Nariko looked at the offering, her eyes widening slightly. It was a Demon Slayer uniform, a fresh, dark fabric with familiar patterns. It was exactly like the one she wore when she was still active in the Corps. "A uniform? Where did you get this?" she asked, surprised.