The timing was immaculate. An hour was left before the sun spread its final glow throughout the land. Ensuring no eyes were following him, Kaigaku snuck away from the shrine. With one last glance at his temporary home, seeing Isshiki, Saki and Sayo collecting the laundry, Kaigaku vanished into the forest's darkness.

A faint rustling pricked his ears. His eyes scanned to perimeter, identifying the source. Dishevelled hair, horns on its humongous forehead, claws replacing its fingers, the creature regarded Kaigaku with unparalleled glee. If there was a word to describe the grotesque creature before him, it would be a monstrosity. Kaigaku wondered how it managed to be so well hidden from him this whole time.

"Did you get separated from your parents, child? Ah, it's been quite a while since I've eaten children," the demon's fangs glinted in the moon that emerged from the clouds.

Having never encountered a demon before, Kaigaku always thought of Himejima as a superstitious man. He now knew better, but at what cost? It had not crossed his mind to stock up on wisteria incense when he left. Driven by his primal instinct to survive, he decided to try striking a bargain with the demon. Kaigaku's throat was dry, and his feet stayed rooted to the ground.

He tried to shake away his fear. "If you don't eat me, sir, I'll let you eat even more children," he said, his voice almost a whisper.

"What's that? Are we striking a bargain?" the demon stuck a finger under its chin. "Very well, if you lie, I'll make sure you die a slow and agonizing death,"

Kaigaku had the demon follow him back to the shrine. He had ironically vowed to never set foot here again, too. Wafts of wisteria floated in the air.

"Are you stupid, child? Demons can't get near wisteria," the demon stopped Kaigaku with a clawed hand, a brief moment of fury crossing its eyes.

Kaigaku apologised as he darted towards the incense. As he extinguished them, he thought of smearing himself with the wisteria ashes, in case the demon decided to devour him as well. The scent that has saved him will once again be his salvation.

"Go ahead," offered Kaigaku, the incense all extinguished. The scent of wisteria gradually subsided.

"Seems like there's at least seven children in there. Today must be my lucky day," said the demon as it scampered into the shrine.

-

Himejima listened to the children's ecstatic chatter on how their day passed. Isshiki and Sayo exchanged glances, wondering what had happened to Kaigaku, as he was not around for dinner. Suddenly, the shrine door broke down. The children's voices immediately turned into terror. Himejima wondered what had transpired as a metallic scent entered his nose. Blood. Based on the number of voices he was able to hear, about three children had already ceased their screaming.

He surmised the survivors left were Isshiki, who was consoling a bawling Tamaki, and Saki, who ushered Sayo towards him. It was then, it occured to him, that he had not noticed Kaigaku the entire day.

"Seems like the kid wearing a magatama wasn't lying," said a grotesque voice. "These children are utterly delicious. I want more,"

A demon. Himejima was sure he lit the wisteria incense that night, as was all other nights. If that was so, who put out the incense?

-

"We must protect Himejima-san somehow," declared Isshiki, shaking in fear.

"But how?" asked Saki.

"You go out through the window and try to get the temple's help. I'll try to buy you time," Isshiki wasted no time in pushing Saki towards the window as he said so. "Just go. I'll see you soon,"

"Children, come over here," called Himejima as he cradled Sayo in his arms. However, he sensed the children building distance from him. He cursed himself for not being strong enough to protect them, as he beseeched the children to listen to him, and not pull any idiotic moves.

Isshiki charged towards the demon.

"Big Brother Isshiki!" exclaimed Tamaki, running after the older child.

"Tamaki, I told you to-" screamed Isshiki, surprised by Tamaki clinging onto him. Just then, he felt his head separate from his body. He was for once glad that Himejima was blind, which spared him from the horrific sight of the former's decapitation. As his life expired, Isshiki wished the rest of the children would find safety, and for Himejima to forgive him for what he did.

"Did you think you could outrun me, little girl?" taunted the demon as it licked its bloody fangs. Saki was not nearly as fast as the demon, and succumbed to death easily. She silently apologised to Isshiki and Himejima for not being able to get help in time.

Himejima could not stand down as the children were being eviscerated. His blood boiled at his uselessness as he slowly filled with rage. He sprang on the demon with his newfound speed and strength. He found it exhilarating.

Even if a child remains, he must protect them.

He must protect Sayo.

As he pinned the demon to the floor and pummelled him with his bare fists, he vowed to never forgive any demon. The squelch of a face being crushed into mush was sickening beyond compare, but he knew that their safety would be compromised if he stopped. He was aware he could never wash away the sin of attacking another living being, if demons can be considered as living, breathing creatures anyway. Regardless, Sayo's safety was his top priority. He was prepared to shoulder the sin.

-

The warmth of the rising sun brought relief to the cold land. The demon's remains disintegrated into ashes as the long night finally came to a close.

Sayo remained where she was, still sobbing. Unable to see clearly, she assumed Himejima was still attacking the demon.

Some villagers came over to the shrine at Kaigaku's behest. They did not recognise him as the dirty orphan who stole from them and slept in the streets, but rather a properly dressed child. Dead children strewn all over the shrine and Himejima's bloodied fists incriminated the latter.

Pointing at the floor by Himejima's feet, Sayo repeated, "It's him! The monster killed everyone! He said he wanted to eat us all!"

Himejima doubted his hearing for a moment. He did not want to believe the words that intruded his ears so. He strove so hard to protect her, yet she repaid her with this?

"What a disgusting person!"

"You must be hanged by tomorrow!"

"You don't deserve to live anymore!"

The villagers tied Himejima up as they continued to spew words of contempt at him.

What he will never notice was Sayo staring at him, confused at his arrest. Where did the demon vanish to? As she was taken away, she wondered where they were taking Himejima, and why she was separated from him.

"Namu amida butsu," was all Himejima managed to say as he walked alongside the villagers who shot him repugnant glances.