"You seem quite shocked to see me." The white-haired female giggled, her laughter sounding like the chiming of bells and soft serenade. She looked and sounded as delicate as she used to be yet Tanjiro could tell that beneath her exterior--under that mirage, was something unfathomable and dangerous.

He didn't know how or when but he felt the cool fabric of cloth pressing against his face and wiping some of the dirt and dried blood. He almost winced but years of training has already increased his pain tolerance that he barely felt the sting anymore.

"Riri-san, you're going to get your kimono dirty." He muttered, staring at her in wonder as if it would help in solving the questions left unanswered inside his mind.

Riri's hand halted and she almost looked soft and reminiscent of something as she stares distantly but it felt like a trick, her eyes were suddenly a shocking color of dark red, a huge contrast to her pale skin and her lips parted to reveal sharp fangs and teeth that were just as easily deadly as the claws on her hands.

"Ah well. Old habits die hard. "She said, pulling away and standing straight. She looked taller, taller than the last time he saw her and she towered over him the same way Genya did.

"I'm actually here to give you this." Riri said, taking something from inside her kimono sleeve before gently taking his left hand and depositing it there with a closed-eye smile and lips pressed together firmly.

"Lady Tamayo wanted you to have it."

"La-" She placed another finger on his lips to shush him.

"This will be our dirty little secret, Kamado Tanjiro~ Wouldn't want anyone to know that a demon has infiltrated the training camp, hmp?"

"Riri-san, but-"

"Right?"

"I just want to-"

"Right?" Tanjiro felt a sudden chill as Riri continued to smile at him. Her sweet expression that was not so sweet was like a warning that Tanjiro shouldn't push it.

He robotically nodded, grasping the small pouch in his hand tightly.

"Yes, mam!"

She smiled again, more sweetly this time and she was actually sincere, unlike the way she threatened him.

It was no question that she was a beautiful woman so it felt so sad to know that she confirmed all of Shinobu's words, that the former Fire pillar is now a demon who could no longer walk under the sun.

How sad it is to see such a renowned demon slayer turned into a demon.

He wanted to know her connection towards Lady Tamayo and why she seems to look so depressed and sad. How did Riri-san became a demon? What happened that made her leave the demon slayer corps? Is she helping Yuishiro and Lady Tamayo? Does she crave human flesh the same way all the demons he countered did? And why was she here when it was so bright outside?

She could die from the sunlight!

"Don't look so troubled. It's not good to see such a young boy frowning!" She said, ruffling his head before taking a few steps away from him. It gave him a better glance at her appearance. How could he not notice it?

Riri was indeed a demon now even if his sense of smell did not alert him. Her silver white hair was long and silky, they fell nicely across her shoulders and they frame her equally pale white skin. Her eyes were as red as blood and they were vertical like a cat's eyes. She almost looked like Muzan! Dark and long lashes framed those eyes. Then there were fangs peeking from her lips and her hands folded infront of her, showing her dark red claws. No doubt they were as sharp as the nichirin sword he always swings around, or maybe sharper.

Her ears were slighty pointed, giving her an elvish look to her but what destroyed that little fantasy were the horns protuding on her head. They were small and pointed, almost as long as his hand and they were a dark colour of red and black.

Her kimono was a simple yet expensive looking one. It was a mixture of white and purple that were filled with flowe-- wisteria flowers, they looked almost hand-painted but was as beautiful as the real ones. Her pink obi fitted around her very nicely. If he didn't know better, Tanjiro was looking at a demon princess infront of him. Riri was as regal looking as he could imagine a demon could be. She was soft, delicate and quite as deadly with all her fangs and claws in display.

Though it was an uneasy sight, he could not help but feel quite relaxed. Tanjiro knows she wouldn't hurt him, he knows this!

He was about to ask her what was inside the pouch when suddenly they hear voices arguing.

"Wait, Aniki!"

That was Genya's voice. Tanjiro noticed the sudden stiffness that overcame Riri.

"I want to talk to you about something..."

"Wow. You're annoying. You know I have no brother. Now cut the crap or I'll shred you to pieces!"

Tanjiro didn't want to interrupt but he sensed that the two men were going to do more than just argue. He was about to step in when he noticed the melancholy aura that hung around the demon beside him.

Riri looked so sad that if demons were capable of crying, tears would be rolling down her face right now.

He looked so crushed at the sight of her. How could someone look so sad like that..?

"Don't talk to me like we're buddy-buddy. From what I have seen, you have no talent whatsoever. Just leave the demon slayers!" Came the Wind Pillar's harsh words. Tanjiro didn't know that the two were brothers but he could see the resemblance.

"Those who can't use breaths have no right to be called swordsmen."

Tanjiro looked absolutely shocked to hear this.

"W.. Wait, aniki!"

"I've always wanted to apologize to you!"

Tanjiro mentally cheered for Genya. His friend couldn't possibly just lose or give up like that when they've defeated an upper demon moon together! Tanjiro has high hopes for him.

"Yeah. I don't seriously give a shit. Now screw off." The Wind Pillar said nonchalantly as if he could care less.

Tanjiro's jaw dropped at what he was hearing. There was also a deep inhale beside him and he almost forgot that Riri was there would him. Her eyes were closed now and she was hugging herself as if she was trying to keep her cool.

Tanjiro could not fault her. Even he was crushed for Genya's situation.

"But...I... even ate demons so I could fight.." They heard Genya said and Tanjiro's eyes never left Riri. Her ears dropped at what they heard and if it was possible, there was an even more melancholic aura that surrounded her.

There was a pause before they heard the Wind Pillar's voice again..

"You what? What did you say? You? Demons?"

There was an edge to his voice now.

"You ate them?"

Then it was downhill from there.