The air was much heavier than normal. Sayo thought it would choke her if she failed to breathe properly. 'Is something big going to happen?' she thought as she hurried her way home.

She was blocked by people clad in black as she approached her home. They formed a line, blocking her way.

"I'm sorry, miss, but you'll have to evacuate from here. It's not safe," said one of them.

"What's wrong? My home is just at the end of this street," protested Sayo, attempting to push through the group. The group did not yield.

"No can do, little miss. It's really getting dangerous, and everyone has already evacuated. Your family has probably arrived at the evacuation area. We even have a Pillar staking out here too, by the way," the Kakushi explained.

Just as Sayo opened her mouth to voice her confusion, she saw a horde of eyes chasing after a man with a katana in his hand. Behind the group, several humanoid demons followed. They were a spitting image of the demon that terrorized her family, separating her from Himejima all those years ago.

The Kakushi gasped. One of them broke from the line, scooping Sayo onto his back. As he ran away from the village, Sayo heard him exclaim, "Do you really want to get eaten by demons and never ever see your family again?"

Sayo could not think of a response. As they approached the woods, a person standing a distance away appeared in her line of sight, darting towards the pair.

The Kakushi cursed. "There's a demon so close to the evacuation area? Are the others on their way still safe?" he muttered to himself. "I can't fight, and it's too dangerous to go to the rendezvous. What should I do...?"

As the man considered his next move while on the run, Sayo wondered if this is karma for 'framing' Himejima and getting adopted by a well-off family, as if nothing had happened. She had never meant to accuse him, but she had failed to notice the demon's disintegration. She had really thought she pointed at the demon at Himejima's feet. If her punishment was to get eaten by this demon, then so be it. She implored the Kakushi to set her down and save himself.

"As tempting as it may be, I still have a duty to ensure your safety," was the man's answer as he made the decision to run back to the village. If luck permits, they might run into a Demon Slayer on the way.

Just then, an object flew past the pair, causing the demon to emit a guttural scream. Sayo turned around to see the demon collapsed to the ground, its head replaced by a mace.

"Amazing, we've been saved by the Pillar himself," said the Kakushi with a sigh of relief, and perhaps a degree of awe. "Thanks, Himejima-dono," he said as they passed the Demon Slayer.

Sayo did a double take. 'Did he just say Himejima?' The man, clad in a yellow haori was leagues stronger than the Himejima who took care of her and the other children many years ago. However, he still had the same aura about him. It always made her feel safe.

"Take her to the refuge, quickly," said Himejima before retrieving his mace. Sayo watched him say a short prayer for the disintegrating demon.

"Wait a moment, please put me down," Sayo begged the Kakushi.

"You really are a stubborn girl, you know that? Once and for all, my answer is no," sighed the man. "You remind me a little of Tanjiro-dono," he added to himself.

"I really need to talk to Himejima-san," explained Sayo as her voice hitched. "I need to apologise to him before it gets too late,"

Sensing her urgency, the Kakushi relented. Running back to where they encountered the demon, Sayo was glad to see the Rock Pillar still there.

"Why did you come back here? The safety of the child is very important," chastised Himejima.

"It's the girl, Himejima-dono. She insists to speak with you," said the Kakushi as he let Sayo down.

Sayo tugged at the Pillar's sleeve, an old habit of hers. Her mind was suddenly overwhelmed, reducing her to tears. No words were able to leave her mouth. Himejima was touched with a pang of nostalgia. Only Sayo would tug on his sleeves when she needed something.

"Sayo," was all that left his mouth. No emotion was betrayed in his tone. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he asked, "Why are you here, of all places?"

"I was adopted by merchants, and we happened to be staying here for a few months until my adoptive father finishes his business," answered Sayo quietly. "They treat me very kindly,"

"I'm glad you've been raised well,"

"Himejima-san,"

"Yes, Sayo?"

Sayo realized she might miss the chance if she hesitated even a moment longer.

She took a deep breath, collecting her thoughts. "I'm so sorry for all these years ago. I should've told you that I noticed Kaigaku putting out the incense and inviting the demon. I was very thankful that you saved me from the demon, but I didn't know what to do when they started taking you away from me. My adoptive parents told me you died because you tried to kill us, but I know it wasn't you, Hiimejima-san. I thought the blood of your death lies on my hands, I really do…" she lost her voice, overwhelmed by emotion.

Himejima listened quietly. The least he could do was to hear the child out. Her words, too, quelled the fires of his rage. It was, after all, a major misunderstanding. Gathering the girl into his arms, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Sayo,"

"I'm so glad you're alive, Himejima-san,"

"Everything's fine now,"

"Thank you so much for protecting me once more. You must've trained hard all these years,"

"It was not much,"

A voice abruptly pierced through the silent night.

"Message! Message! Attack on the Ubuyashiki Estate!"

Sayo could not see the source of the voice, but feeling Himejima tense up, she understood the urgency of the message. She let go of the hug.

"I must go now," said Himejima, patting Sayo's head. "You have grown so tall, too. I'm sure you're now a beautiful young lady," he said with a hint of a smile.

"Wherever you're going, please be careful, Himejima-san. I still have many other things to tell you," replied Sayo. "I hope I can see you again,"

"Take care of yourself, too. Don't cause the Kakushi here too much trouble, will you?" said the Pillar as he vanished into the night.

"I've never seen the Pillar be so emotional before," commented the Kakushi as he appeared out of nowhere.

Sayo jumped.

"You must've been someone very important to him. Now, listen to the Pillar and don't cause me any more trouble, you hear?" he said as Sayo climbed onto his back.

"Can you explain everything about the demons to me?" asked Sayo.

The Kakushi hesitated for a moment. "Sure, I can tell you all I know while we're on the way,"

As she listened about the history of the Demon Slayers and the long fought war between demons and humanity, Sayo built a new resolve in her heart. She must train to become a Demon Slayer, if it allowed her a chance to reunite with Himejima. She could not bear to lose him once more.