Previously on Chapter 26

I wrap my arms around myself as I burst into tears. I'm so sorry, Tanjiro. I'm so sorry for what I had done to you. I almost killed you...

I really am a monster

-Forgive Me-

Tanjiro P.O.V

I speed up as I run desperately. I just pick up another scent side from Y/N's. Judging by the scent, I can tell that it's a demon. Not just any demon, it's an Upper Moon. If Y/N faced that demon alone, I'm worried about her safety and I don't want to imagine what would become of her.

I hear a scream from the distance. I let out a shaky gasp as I stop for a few seconds. I shake my head. Now isn't the time to freeze up. Y/N's in trouble, and I have to save her. I start to run again, trying my best to pick up my speed. I can't lose Y/N... I can't lose another person I care about.

By the time I reach the clearing, I saw Y/N with a hand wrapped around her neck. Her feet is dangling in the air. My eyes widened in horror at the sight.

"Y/N!!!" I screamed out. She opens her eyes weakly and turn her head slightly to look at me. Her eyes soften as she notices me. "Let her go, you bastard!!" I yelled at the demon.

"Tanjiro... b-behind y-you" she said. I turn around only to see another demon behind me. I quickly jumps away as the demon attacks me. I take out my sword. My eyes keeps darting back and forth between the other demon and Y/N.

There's only on of me and two of them. At least this one is a Lower Moon demon, but it's still going to be a lot stronger than a normal demon. Can I fight them? I don't have time to go back and look for help. Y/N's going to get killed. No... it's not about I can. I have to do it!

"F-Forget a-about me, Tanjiro... run and save yourself..." she said, in a weak tone. I shake my head at what she said. No way... there's just no way that I'm going to leave her here with these two demons.

"Relax, young boy. We're not here to kill this girl. We've been given an order to retrieve her" the Upper Moon said. My eyes widened at what he just said. They're trying to take her away.

"Like hell you will! Over my dead body!! Let her go... let her go RIGHT NOW!!" I yelled angrily as I hold onto my sword's hilt tightly to the point my knuckles turns write. There's no way I'm going to let them take Y/N away.

"Sorry, boy. An order is an order... take care of him!" The Upper Moon commands the Lower Moon. I jump out of the way as the demon starts to lunges at me. Dammit! I can't focus on freeing Y/N if this demon is around. Why didn't I pick up his scent? Why do I only pick up one scent??

The demon suddenly appeared, and kicks me off my feet. I let out a groan as I fall on the ground. The demon sits on my back, preventing me from getting up. I struggle to get up. But the demon is just too heavy.

The Upper Moon demons just laughs at my state. He turn his head to look at Y/N, who looks like she's going to lose her consciousness any second. He lower his hand a little so Y/N's face is closer to his.

"Now, are you going to come willingly... or do we have to do it the hard way? I'd start by finishing that boy. Or, I'll spare his life... ONLY if you agree to come with us" he said.

"No, Y/N! Don't do it!!" I manage to yell, despite having my lunged crushed because the demon is sitting on my back. Y/N turn his head to look at me. Tears starts to swell up in her eyes. Even though I'm having a hard time to breathe, I can still pick up the scent of sadness coming from Y/N. "Please..." I pleaded.

Y/N P.O.V

Tanjiro and I hold eye-contact. Tears starts streaming down my cheeks. I don't know what to do. I can't fight back because this demon is too strong, and if I don't do as he said, he'd kill Tanjiro.

"Make up your decision! I don't have all night!" The demon yelled. I turn to look at him for a brief moment. He clicks his tongue and lift his hand. The Lower Moon demon punches Tanjiro.

"No! Stop!! Don't hurt him!!" I yelled, as I struggle to get out of his grip. But he only tighten his grip, making it hard for me to breathe. Seems like I don't have a choice. I turn to look at Tanjiro with a pained smile. "Forgive me... Tanjiro... I love you" said. The demon slowly lowers me down. Tanjiro's eyes widened at what I said.

"Knock him out... we don't want him to follow us" the demon said. The Lower Moon hits Tanjiro on his neck, causing him to lose consciousness. I try to run towards him, but a hand grasp my wrist.

"Can't I at least say goodbye?" I said. He let out a sigh and release his grip. I quickly rush towards Tanjiro. I lift his head, gently placing it on my lap. I place my hand on his cheek, caressing it softly. "I'm so sorry, Tanjiro. I hope you can forgive me... I'll always love you" I said, in a soft voice. I lean down and place a soft kiss on his forehead. A tear falls from my cheek and lands on his cheek.

"Hurry up!!" The Upper Moon demon said. I gently lift his head from my lap, gently placing it on the ground. I stand up and was about to walk away, when I feel a tug on my haori.

I turn my head slightly to see Tanjiro's hand. His hand is gripping onto the edge of my haori tightly. "Y-Y/N... d-don't leave m-me..." he said, while still not conscious. 

"Tanjiro..." I cried out. I crouch down and gently remove his hand. I place his hand on his chest. "I'm so sorry..." I said. I stand straight and walks towards the demon. I turn around to look at the boy I've grown to love with all of my heart for one last time.

Goodbye, Tanjiro...

*to be continued*