A Good Liar

Chapter 10

If you're still confused until now, I decided to separate POVs between Tanjirou and Kanao. Odd chapters are Tanjirou's POV while even chapters are Kanao's POV. There's also a mixed POV from previous chapters, though I won't be revealing the character yet but I guess you already figured out who she is. Anyway, enjoy the chapter (^o^)

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Frigid

The piece of cloth tied around my uniform doesn't provide warmth that much. It was immensely chilly tonight. Traveling miles and miles away; from one village to another, through the forest to the top of the mountains, crossing the river streams. I traveled for almost a week attempting to reach the destination I was supposed to go. 

Traveling by feet is tremendously difficult especially when I lack the perception. It doesn't matter anyway, my mission right now is what I prioritize the most. Meeting that person again is what matters the most. I don't mind the cold. I don't care about the harsh weather. No matter how frigid the environment is; if you think about the importance of your life, if you think about those who are special to you, if you think that your life ends without being genuinely contented, minor problems are always below your objective, right?

I never tried initiating a conversation in my life. I always liked the nature. I habitually admire the butterflies flying around the garden filled with colorful and various varieties of flowers. It was a sight to mesmerize. However, with the things happening right now; the loss of most of my beloved comrades, the missing bodies of those who sacrificed their lives, the ones who trained and fought hard until the end, their mission solely defeating the fiend progenitor that started it all, I couldn't see those sceneries anymore. 

Despite the loss of my fiend of vision of my right eye, I only relied on where my feet would lead me and the remaining unclear vision of my left eye. My left eye was severed from my last battle with that unknown demon. I could tell that he was powerful; he possessed skills in swordsmanship to the point that he was only standing still from the beginning to the end of the battle, he had a certain distance that his enemies needs to be wary of, one step towards that range and you are in grave danger. That was what my observation told me. Despite that, we still lost, resulting to the disappearance of a certain love one.

Right now is not the time to think over the past, today is the future and I don't want to recall the past that hurt the people around me. I must erase the feelings I brought out that left my heart broken. I admit that I was being emotionally unstable, the fact that my sister died already destroyed me, and now him. That's why, I have to move forward, keep aside my feelings, and set place my priorities above everything else. That's all that matters right now. Hoping that the frigid environment would at least calm down and guide me to the right path.

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Forests are filled with growing trees that help depleting the tears of the sky. It is one of the most beautiful creations of mother nature. The color green brings tranquility to the surroundings. In the morning, it provides a calm attribute that fits the slight heat of the sun. In the evening however, it gives chills and dreadful vibe. We get the feeling of trepidation and fear whenever we visit the woodland. 

Just like what I am feeling right now. The moment I stepped inside the forest miles away from Tokyo, I get the feeling of something or someone dangerous to the point that I instinctively took hold of the sword I was carrying. I continued to observe the source of vicious atmosphere. 

Looks like my intuition was right. In the distance, I noticed two figures of distinctive creatures, known as demons. The creatures responsible for my vexation of life. However, I get the feeling of fondness on that certain demon. He has a long red hair and was wearing a red and black kimono.  The kimono is unmistakably belonged solely to one person; identical with the one from back home. The difference was the color which was supposedly green than red. I was facing his back but it is unequivocal that the demon was him. 

But why though?

Then I remembered something...

"Kanao, if you ever hear this, don't worry about me. I'll be in good condition. Just protect everyone for me until I get back home. I love you. I always do."

The message that possibly caused my sudden breakdown. 

It was unclear at first. But, was this the reason why he just suddenly left? I always thought that he was an honest person at first. However, I knew very well the kind of person he was before. A caring and honest person above else. It was quite unreasonable for him to leave just like that. I wonder if I ever regretted crying hardly for that time. 

I knew it. 

I didn't regret it.

He wasn't a liar.

Someone must've compelled him to become the character opposite of his own.

I know that at a time like this, I felt unbecoming calling him by his name. 

Now that he became something or someone I consistently despise, it is unbefitting even calling the name that only belongs to a human. 

He's now a monster.

Someone who lied to me.

Someone who left me in the dark.

A fiend.

I didn't realize I was absentmindedly letting out my frustration. A sudden chill passed through me that was way frigid than when I was travelling. That came from no other than that demon.

"Am I right, Flower Pillar?"

I let out a soft gasp but I stayed there.

I was surprised when he suddenly called me by my status. I was hiding behind a giant tree, but a minacious demon like him would promptly notice my presence. He was a Hashira after all. It was said that demons inherit their skills and talent before they became a demon. He also possessed powerful swordsmanship and numerous skills.

I stayed.

I didn't leave...expecting something will change.

But nothing happened. 

My expectation gradually dissipated.

As I watched him talk to the other demon before he disappeared one again.

Seriously? Why am I not surprised anymore? He literally turned into a demon I loathed so much. I just watched him leave just like that. 

The other demon doesn't present any threats whatsoever, and I don't have time to deal with him. 

The atmosphere stayed the same. As cold as a winter night. I was absorbed by my inner monologues that I didn't notice the demon slowly approaching.

Obviously, I'm not scared.

He isn't worthy receiving the fear that'll build up whenever I felt alone. 

Because I'm not scared of a living creature; I'm scared of being alone.

Scared of being abandoned.

The fear of not being able to embrace those who are close to me.

Unsheathing my sword, I performed a special sword skill of mine. I disappeared for a moment and appeared in front of him. He was shocked. With that, I managed to slice his body making him paralyzed. Unknown to me, I was unable to decapitate his head. 

I continued my journey oblivious to what happened to the demon I unsuccessfully killed.

As expected, the expedition was uneventful.

And the frigid night eventually escalated. 

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another boring chapter... =_=

see you next week! (^o^)