Previously on Chapter 41

Promise me... you're the only one who can stop him... mama's voice echoed in my head. I close my eyes as I feel a weight in my chest. Father did care about me at some point. But he's nothing but evil now. I promise, mama... I will end father.

-Not Your Fault-

Y/N P.O.V

I sit on the chair near the bed, waiting for Tanjiro to wake up. He's really drained from the last battle. His hand finally released mine after hours of holding it firmly. It shows me how scared he is to lose me. So, I'll stay by his side until he wakes up, because I don't want him to panic and think I actually left him.

I hear a soft rustling sound, as I sit by the window with a book in my hand. I slowly lift my head from the book I'm reading to see Tanjiro slowly opening his eyes. He blinks a few times as if trying to adjust to the brightness in the room. I place the bookmark on the current page and closes it. I place the book on the table.

"Y-Y/N..." he said, still in daze. His hand moves a little as if he's trying to search for something. His eyes snaps open. He quickly sits up and looks around, as if he didn't see me yet.

I quickly rush towards him, taking a seat on the edge of the bed. "Hey... hey. Shhh... shh... Tanjiro, I'm right here" I said, grabbing a hold of his hand. He turn his head, as he stares at me. His body visibly relaxes as he lays back down. I smile softly at him as I rub the back of his hand. "Calm down, Tanjiro. I'm here..." I said.

"I thought I lost you... you d-died in m-my arms" he said. He place his hand on the back of my head, gently pulling me down until I lay next to him. He choke out a sob as he tighten his arms around me. "I thought you were dead, Y/N..." he cried out.

"I'm here, Tanjiro..." I whispered softly. He buries his face into my chest. I lift my hand, running it gently through his hair. "I'll always be right here... near you. Next to you..." I said. He just tightens his arms around me. He's showing no signs of letting me go.

"B-But h-how are you still a-alive?" He asked, after he calmed down. I think about his question and furrowed my eyebrow. I guess even after that near death, and after I got stabbed by a Nichirin blade which should have been fatal on demon. Yet, I still survived. I guess that's because I'm not a full fledge demon. But a half-demon.

"I'm a half-demon, Tanjiro... I guess the one you killed that day was just my demon self..." I said. Tanjiro eyes widened at what I said. Come to think of it... my body does felt different. Could it be that my half-demon self got destroyed? Am I fully a human now?

"Does that means you're fully a human now?" He asked. I blink my eyes at what he said. I'm surprised that we have the same thought. Tanjiro sniffs at me, making me blush. "You also kind of gave off a different scent, Y/N" he said.

"I did?" I said. He nods his head. I lift my hand, trying to focus on my demonic strength. But nothing happened. I blink my eyes in realization. I turn to look at Tanjiro. I slowly nod my head. "Yeah... I guess that means I'm just an ordinary human now. Just like you, Tanjiro" I said, turning my head to look at him while smiling softly.

"Why are you crying?" Tanjiro said worriedly as he lift his hands, gently cupping my cheeks. He gently wipe the tears in my eyes. I didn't even realize I had started to cry. I'm so happy that I don't have to worry about hurting people nor worry about people hating me for being a half-demon.

"I'm not crying..." I said, letting out a happy laugh as I place my hands on top of his that are still cupping both of my cheeks. I smile brightly at Tanjiro. "These are happy tears. I'm happy, Tanjiro. I'm a human now. That means I don't have to worry about hurting people or getting judge again for being a half-demon because I'm just a human" I said.

He smiles softly and gently pulls me into a hug. I bury my face in his chest as he hugs me tightly. I tighten my arms around him as I hug him tight. I can be a normal human now.

"Now that I'm just a human, I don't think I can use my Demon Blood Art again. How will I continue fighting the demons?" I said, pulling away slightly to look at Tanjiro. He blinks his eyes at me and smiles. He places his hands on my shoulders.

"Don't worry about that. Now you can learn how to use a Breathing Technique..." he said. I grin at him and nod my head happily. Tanjiro is right... I can try to use Breathing Techniques. Just like the other Demon Slayers. I'm not the only odd one anymore. I can finally be just like the others.

***

Tanjiro have finally gotten a lot better. But his injuries haven't fully recovered. Just enough for us to have our journey back to the Demon Slayer Corps. He can rest properly in the Butterfly Estate.

They prepared a cart for Tanjiro to travel, so he can lay down along the way. I take a seat next to him as he held my hand. Nezuko is sleeping inside the box. She have managed to conquer the sun. I'm so happy for her.

I notice everyone's gaze on me. Their eyes reflected fear. When I was in that state. I can still see my actions. I was so close to kill them. So I can't blame them for being so scared of me. But it saddens me.

We stand in the middle of the village as Tanjiro is about to say goodbye to the villagers. I stand up and step off of the cart. I turn to the villagers and bow at them.

"I'm so sorry for my action. I was not myself that day and I almost hurt everyone. No words can justify my doings. But I hope you can accept my sincere apology" I said. I feel tears gathering in my eyes.

I feel a tug on my haori. I turn my head to see a little girl. I stare at her in wonder. I do recognized her because she was the one I saved in the forest when she was attacked by a bear.

Flashback

I take a walk around the forest, trying to look for a place I can train. I hear a scream and quickly rush towards the source. I notice a girl getting chased by a bear. I quickly rush over and grab her, jumping on top of a tree. I sit on a branch, holding the girl close as she clutch onto the front of my shirt.

"It's okay... you're safe now, little girl... the bear can't get to you up here" I said, in a soft voice. She opens her eyes, realizing she's on top of a tree. She turn her head to look at me. I smile softly at her. "Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" I asked.

"I'm okay... thank you, miss!" She said. I smile softly and ruffle her hair. I make sure the bear is out of sight. I don't wanna have to kill it. So, I'm gonna make sure the bear isn't around before dropping the little girl to her home.

End of Flashback

She gestures me to crouch down. I did as told. She lift her hands and places something on my head. I lift my hand and realize it's a flower crown.

"I don't blame you miss. I know you're a good person because you saved me from a bear that day" she said. My eyes glisten at what she said. She giggles and throws her arms around me. "It's not your fault, miss. You're an amazing person! I want to be as strong as you one day! I'll never forget you, miss" she said. I wrap my arms around her, smiling happily.

The crowd eventually starts to clap after witnessing our interaction. The look of fear and doubt vanish from their eyes. I turn to look at Tanjiro who watches me with a soft smile on his face. I smile back at him and hug the little girl closer. Finally... they accepted me.

*to be continued*