The Hidden Demon Slayer (DEMON SLAYER X OC)

Chapter 20.1: One More Moment

Nariko slipped through the trees like a shadow, breath steady, senses sharp. The cottage came into view, warm light glowing through its windows like a beacon. She approached the door quietly, scanning the area once more before stepping inside. Kenzhou was already on his feet, brows furrowed. "What happened?"

"They were Hashira," she said without pause, shutting the door behind her. "Flame and Mist. They sensed something, but I convinced them I was just a former Demon Slayer passing through."

Hanabi, seated at the table with a steaming cup of tea in hand, looked up, and concern flashing in her eyes. "Did they follow you?"

"No," Nariko replied. "But they're suspicious. And they'll be watching the area for a while."

Kenzhou clenched his jaw, but said nothing. Nariko stepped further inside and shrugged off her cloak.

"They didn't recognize you," Hanabi asked, her voice still laced with worry.

"They knew my master's name, and they noticed I was using Thunder Breathing, not Water." She glanced at him. "They're sharp, but they're not hostile yet.."

Hanabi folded her hands together. "So... what happens now?"

"You need to go," she said quietly.

Kenzhou's brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"I mean it," she pressed. "Now. Tonight. The Hashira won't stop patrolling this area until they've sniffed out whatever stirred their senses. They're too experienced and relentless to let a single clue slip through their own hands."

Hanabi's voice was small. "But this is my home..."

"I know," Nariko said gently, turning to her. "But if they find Kenzhou here... it's over. You know what they'll do to him." She hesitated. "And what they'll do to me if they find out what I really am."

Kenzhou stepped forward, defiant. "Then we fight them together."

"No." Her tone was firmer now. "That's exactly what I'm trying to avoid. I'll stall them and buy you time to get as far away as you can."

"You're asking me to leave you behind," Kenzhou said, jaw tightening.

"I'm not asking," she replied, eyes flashing. "I'm telling you this is the only way. If you stay, everything we've done to survive until now will be wasted."

Hanabi stood slowly, tears pooling at the corners of her eyes. "Where will we even go?"

"There's a safe trail behind the north ridge," Nariko said quickly. "Follow the river and head for the Hoshigawa Forest. I know a healer who lives on the outskirts. She owes me."

Kenzhou didn't move for a long time. Then finally, he exhaled hard and muttered, "Damn it all..."

Nariko placed a hand on his arm, voice quieter. "If you want to live longer with each other, then do as I say." Kenzhou was taken aback and wanted to protest against Nariko who was clearly still insisting that he's in love with Hanabi, but he did not push it any further. "Hanabi, we have no choice but to leave now."

Hanabi hesitated for a while, but then she moved to gather what little they needed. Blankets, food, a worn satchel of supplies. The urgency in the air thickened.

As the two prepared to leave through the back window, Nariko turned to look out the front door, where the cold wind pressed against the cracks. She squared her shoulders and whispered to herself, "Just one more breath. One more moment of control."

The door creaked open, and she stepped out into the night alone. Behind her, the cottage stood quiet and dim, its windows now darkened. Kenzhou and Hanabi were gone, just like she told them.

She tightened her cloak around her shoulders, as if it would help muffle the racing beat of her heart. "If they don't find anything," she had whispered to Kenzhou earlier, "they'll move on. I'll buy you time, and when it's safe, you can come back."

Kenzhou hesitated, his brows drawn, but he nodded. Hanabi gave Nariko a last look, then slipped into the dark with him. Now, only Nariko remained.