Ijin guided Nezuko to a room in the house, opening the door to reveal a cozy space with a modern bed set against one wall. "You can rest here for the night," he said, gesturing towards the bed.
Nezuko looked at the bed curiously, as it was quite different from what she was used to back in Japan. There, people usually slept on futons laid out on tatami mats. This modern bed, with its fluffy pillows and soft mattress, was entirely new to her.
She approached the bed cautiously, already barefoot. Then she carefully crawled onto the bed, her small bare feet sinking into the plush mattress. As she settled in, she couldn't help but marvel at the sensation of the bed conforming to her body, providing a level of comfort she had never experienced before.
Nezuko hesitated for a moment, glancing at Ijin, who stood there, seemingly expressionless. Encouraged by the fact that he didn't seem to object to her using the bed, she lay down on it, feeling the softness envelop her. As she closed her eyes, she began to feel a sense of safety and warmth that she hadn't felt since she was with her family in her own world.
Ijin, maintaining an emotionless expression, asked Nezuko, "Do you need anything to eat?"
As a demon, Nezuko was unable to consume human food, but she was touched by his kind offer. "Thank you for your kindness, Ijin-san, but I don't need any food," she replied with a warm smile.
As Nezuko spoke, Ijin couldn't help but notice the sharp canine fangs she had. Furthermore, her hands possessed claw-like nails, pink in color that gradually faded into red tips. He made a mental note of these peculiarities but chose not to comment on them at the moment.
Ijin walked over to a nearby closet and retrieved a folded-up blanket. Despite his expressionless face, there was a certain sense of care and attentiveness in his actions. He gently unfolded the blanket and spread it out over the bed, making sure it covered Nezuko as well.
As Nezuko settled into the bed, she couldn't help but be acutely aware of Ijin's quiet yet gentle presence. She watched as he made sure the blanket was tucked snugly around her, ensuring she was warm and comfortable. A sense of security enveloped her, something she had been yearning for since her arrival to this foreign world.
When the lights were turned off, the room was cast into a soft darkness. Nezuko lay there, taking a moment to process the events of the day and the kindness she had received from Ijin. She felt her heart swell with gratitude, and a sense of hope began to flicker within her.
As she closed her eyes, she realized that the bed she was lying on was the most comfortable she had ever experienced. The plush mattress seemed to conform to her body, providing support where needed, and the silky sheets caressed her skin, making her feel cocooned in warmth and safety.
Gradually, the exhaustion from her recent trials and the soothing environment lulled Nezuko into a deep, restful sleep. It was the first time in a long while that she had felt truly at ease.
The next morning, Nezuko awoke feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. She stretched her limbs, feeling the softness of the bed beneath her. As she crawled out of bed, her bare feet met the cool floor, and she wrapped her brown haori around her. She took a deep breath and decided to venture out of the room, her curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar surroundings.
As she entered the living room, she noticed Ijin talking with Echo. Their conversation was indistinct, but Nezuko could tell they were engaged in a serious discussion. She decided to greet Ijin, and with a warm smile, she said, "Good morning, Ijin-san."
Ijin, who had been completely engrossed in his conversation and had forgotten that he was no longer alone in the house, was caught off guard by Nezuko's presence. In his surprise, he choked on a bite of the sandwich he had been eating. His eyes widened, and he struggled to catch his breath.
Frantically, he grabbed a nearby glass of water and took a large gulp, trying to dislodge the sandwich that had gotten stuck in his throat. He coughed violently, a mixture of panic and embarrassment washing over his face.
Nezuko couldn't help but giggle at the comical sight.
Ijin, still recovering from his choking episode, bashfully asked Nezuko, "Would you like some breakfast?" His voice carried a hint of concern, yet he tried not to let his kindness appear too obvious. A smile never graced his lips, but his eyes betrayed a sense of genuine care.
Being a demon, Nezuko had to decline his offer once again. "Thank you, Ijin-san, but I'm not hungry right now."
Ijin scrutinized this girl thoughtfully, noting that she didn't appear malnourished or unhealthy. However, he couldn't help but feel suspicious about how a homeless foreigner, who until recently couldn't even speak the native tongue of this land, managed to find food and sustenance.
As his eyes studied her, he wondered what secrets she might be hiding and how her life had brought her to this point.
Sensing her hesitation, he insisted on his offer again. "You don't need to be modest. You can have breakfast."
Nezuko, feeling unsure about what to do, decided it was best to tell him the truth. "I appreciate your kindness, but the truth is, I cannot eat human food. I know it sounds strange, but it's because I'm a demon." She looked down, embarrassed by her admission.
Ijin's eyes widened as he recalled Nezuko mentioning that demons were monsters that lurked at night and ate humans. He couldn't help but feel a slight shiver run down his spine, as he scooted his seat a few inches away from her, trying to appear casual.
He cleared his throat and asked, "If demons eat humans, and you're a demon, then, uh... were you planning to eat me?"
Nezuko shook her head. "No, I would never do that. I have no desire to harm anyone, especially someone who has been so kind to me."
Ijin couldn't help but remain slightly wary of Nezuko. If humans were the primary diet of demons, then despite her lack of intent to eat him or anyone else, she would eventually require nourishment. He pondered over this dilemma, not knowing the full extent of her unique circumstances.
Sensing his concern, Nezuko decided to open up about her situation. "Ijin-san, I understand your concerns, but I am not a typical demon. I have never consumed a human in my life. My energy comes from sleep; that's all I need."
Ijin hesitated, unsure what to make of Nezuko's explanation. However, he didn't sense any deceit from her and decided to shift the conversation to a different topic. "Can you stop addressing me with the '-san' honorific?"
Nezuko smiled and happily agreed, "Of course, Ijin."
As she said that, Echo chimed in, "Ijin, are you sure about that? In Japanese culture, omitting the honorific can indicate a close relationship or familiarity.
The boy felt his heart sank as he stuttered, "A-actually, on second thought, you can... um, just keep calling me Ijin-san. That's fine."
Nezuko couldn't help but giggle at his flustered reaction. She decided to playfully tease him by continuing to call him without the honorific, "Alright, Ijin, if you insist." Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she inched closer to Ijin, trying to get a better look at the handheld device he had been using to communicate with Echo. Her head tilted slightly to one side, displaying a sense of childlike wonder as she observed the small screen.
"Who is Echo?" she asked innocently, her voice filled with genuine curiosity.
"I am Echo, an artificial intelligence, or AI for short," Echo replied through the device.
Nezuko furrowed her brow, not understanding the concept. "AI? What is that?"
Meanwhile, Ijin felt tense as Nezuko drew nearer to him. Her closeness was unfamiliar, and he couldn't help but feel a little flustered by her presence. He tried to maintain his composure, focusing on the conversation about Echo.
"Echo is not a person, but rather a highly advanced computer program," Ijin explained.
"Computer program? What's that?" Nezuko asked, her confusion deepening. She tried to wrap her head around the idea of a non-human entity that could interact and converse like a living being.
Ijin, perplexed by her lack of knowledge about computers and phones, turned to Echo for answers. "Echo, do they have computers in Japan?"
Echo quickly replied, "Yes, computers do exist in Japan. In fact, Japan is known for its advancements in technology."
"But I have never seen or heard of any of these things in Japan before," Nezuko interjected, puzzled by the information.
Ijin raised an eyebrow, the mystery surrounding Nezuko deepening. It was hard to believe that someone from Japan, a country renowned for its technological innovations, could be so unfamiliar with basic concepts like computers and phones. He pondered for a moment and then reasoned that perhaps she lived in a very isolated place, far from modern civilization since she mentioned living on a mountain.
Nezuko leaned closer and playfully nudged him. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity and a touch of mischief as she asked, "Can I hold Echo, Ijin?"
Somehow, Ijin felt oddly compelled to comply. He hesitated for a moment, but ultimately couldn't find the resolve to say no to her. With a reluctant sigh, he handed over his phone to Nezuko, who excitedly took it in her hands.
For Nezuko, the touchscreen device felt like a window into a magical world. As her delicate fingers brushed against the smooth glass surface, she marveled at the way it responded to her touch. The icons and images on the screen seemed to dance beneath her fingertips, moving and changing with each gentle tap and swipe.
Her eyes widened in amazement as she explored the various applications and functions the device had to offer. To her, it was as if she had been given access to a realm of sorcery, where a mere touch could conjure up images, sounds, and even knowledge from faraway places.
Nezuko's face lit up with delight as she continued to play with the device, discovering new wonders with every interaction. The fascination in her eyes and the occasional gasps of surprise and excitement made it clear that, for her, this small piece of technology was nothing short of enchanting.
As she continued to explore the device, she came across several open tabs displaying information about local orphanages. She began to piece together that Ijin might have been searching for a place for her to stay, perhaps feeling that she needed a more suitable environment than his home. This realization filled her with a mixture of emotions - she felt touched by his concern but also worried that she might be burdening him or overstaying her welcome.
She couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety at the thought of leaving Ijin's home and venturing out on her own. The idea of living in an unfamiliar place with strangers, in a world so different from her own, was intimidating. At the same time, she didn't want to impose on his kindness any longer than necessary.
Torn between her gratitude for his help and her desire to not be a burden, Nezuko hesitated, her fingers hovering above the screen. The conflicting feelings stirred within her, making it difficult for her to decide what to do next.
Ijin, who had been observing as she played with the phone, noticed the sudden change in her expression from one of curiosity and delight to concern and unease. He could sense that something was troubling her and decided to address it.
"Is something wrong?" he asked gently, "You seem upset."
Nezuko hesitated for a moment before responding, "I... I was just thinking that maybe I should start leaving soon. I don't want to be a burden on you."
Her voice was soft, and it was evident that the thought of leaving was making her uncomfortable.
Ijin raised an eyebrow, puzzled about where this sudden desire to leave was coming from. He leaned over to take a glance at the phone in her hands and saw the page it was on. Realizing that she must have seen his search for orphanages, he decided to address her concerns directly.
"You can do whatever you want," he said in a stern tone. "So tell me, what do you truly want?"
Taken aback by his directness, Nezuko looked into his eyes, her own eyes welling up with emotion. "I... I want to stay with you, Ijin," she confessed. "And I need help finding a way back to my brother."
Her voice trembled as she spoke, and it was clear that the thought of being separated from her brother and left alone in this unfamiliar world terrified her.
Ijin looked at Nezuko thoughtfully, his stern expression softening. "You can stay in this house for as long as you want," he assured her. "You don't need to worry about that."
As for her second wish, he frowned slightly, his uncertainty evident. "Regarding finding a way back to your brother... I'll need a lot more information about your situation. There's still so much I don't understand about how you came to be here and what you've experienced. But if it's within my power, I can try to help you."
Nezuko's eyes shimmered with gratitude as she listened to Ijin's words. Although he couldn't guarantee her reunion with her brother, his willingness to help her meant the world to her. With renewed hope, she resolved to share her story and work together with Ijin to find a way back to her family.
Her relief overflowed, and she couldn't help but express it physically. She suddenly leaped forward, tackle hugging Ijin, who found himself once again caught off guard by her affectionate gesture. This time, however, he managed to suppress his reflex to put her in a joint lock.
"Again!?" Ijin exclaimed, a mix of surprise and confusion in his voice. He let out a sigh, accepting Nezuko's exuberance as a part of her unique charm. "Alright, tell me about your brother," he said, curious about the person who meant so much to her.
Nezuko, still clinging to him, looked up with a warm smile, her eyes glistening with love and admiration. "My brother's name is Tanjiro," she began, her voice filled with affection. "He's a kind and caring person, always looking out for our family. He's strong, determined, and has a unique sense of smell that helps him track things. He is a demon slayer, and he's been trying to find a cure for me, so I can become human again. I miss him so much."
As she spoke about her brother, her connection with Tanjiro was palpable. Ijin could see just how important he was to her, and he couldn't help but feel a sense of responsibility to help her in any way he could.
The revelation left Ijin's eyes wide, the words tumbling out of him. "Wait, you used to be human? So, you got turned into a demon?" The gravity of her story hit him hard.
With a solemn nod, Nezuko confirmed. "Yes, that's correct. All demons were once humans. A demon named Muzan Kibutsuji is responsible for turning humans into demons. My family was attacked by him, and I was the only one who survived, but not without being turned into a demon myself. My brother has been working tirelessly to find a way to turn me back into a human, and I hope that one day, we'll succeed."
A careful observation swept over his face as Ijin absorbed the magnitude of her past. "You already look very human to me. Your appearance is mostly human-like, except for a few peculiar features, such as your fangs, claw-like nails, and the orange ridges at the ends of your hair. What makes you different from a human, besides these features?"
Nezuko thought for a moment before responding, "Hmm… I can regenerate, and I'm stronger. But I don't need to consume human flesh. I can recover my strength and energy through sleep."
A furrowed brow signaled Ijin's confusion. All those traits she described sounded advantageous and desirable. Why would anyone want to become a human again?
The thoughtful expression returned to his face, eventually forming a question, "Has your brother taken you to see a doctor or a scientist? Someone who might be able to help you with your condition?"
His question was met with a nod as she answered, "Yes, there's a doctor named Tamayo. She's a demon herself but has been working on a cure to turn demons back into humans. She actually found a way to do it, but before I could receive the treatment, I was transported to this world."
Ijin shifted his gaze to Echo, resting in Nezuko's hands, and asked, "Echo, can you search the internet for any information on a 'Muzan Kibutsuji' or a doctor named 'Tamayo'? See if there's anything about demons like she described."
Echo quickly responded, "I have searched the internet for the names 'Muzan Kibutsuji' and 'Tamayo' as well as any information related to the characteristics and conditions Nezuko described. I'm unable to find any relevant information or credible sources on these subjects."
As the impossibility of Nezuko's existence weighed heavy on his mind, Ijin sank into contemplative silence. In a world where the ubiquity of cameras and the internet made it difficult for such remarkable creatures to remain concealed, the anomalies of her tale felt implausible. Despite the earnestness radiating from her, he was left grappling with doubt.
Deciding to test her claims, he asked, "You mentioned that you've become stronger as a demon. Can you show me?" In response, the demon girl intensified her hold on him, effortlessly lifting him from his chair.
Finding himself hoisted by a petite girl like Nezuko didn't sit well with him. His face contorted with annoyance as he accepted her strength. His pride bruised, he issued a challenge, "Can you squeeze even harder?"
Nezuko complied, applying more force to her hug. Ijin, determined to prove a point, urged her on. "Use all your strength."
As Nezuko continued to crush him, she began to realize that something about Ijin wasn't normal either. Any regular human would have had their ribs fractured by the pressure she was exerting. But Ijin remained unharmed.
Closely studying Nezuko's eyes as the pressure around him increased, Ijin noticed the transformation. Her pupils morphed into vertical slits, uncannily akin to a cat's, while veins surfaced at the sides of her eyes. It was a sight that sent an unsettling chill down his spine.
Eventually, the firm grip around him loosened. With a gentle ease, Nezuko returned him to his chair. The cat-like eyes and prominent veins receded to their usual state, leaving no trace of the daunting transformation that had taken place. Curiosity piqued, she commented on his durability. "You're very durable, Ijin. I didn't expect you to withstand that kind of pressure."
A grunt was all he managed in response, masking his astonishment at both her impressive display of strength and the stark metamorphosis of her eyes.
Lost in contemplation, Ijin tried to piece together the puzzle before him. The evidence was overwhelming; her strength surpassed the realms of human capabilities, let alone for a petite girl like Nezuko. The true testament to her extraordinary tale, however, was the transformation of her eyes. It wasn't something that could be fabricated. The pieces of her story were falling into place, edging him closer to believing the impossible.
With a sigh, Ijin rubbed his head and finally admitted, "Alright, I have no choice but to believe you."
A sense of relief washed over Nezuko, and she continued to cling onto Ijin like a cat, her trust in him growing stronger with each passing moment.
Ijin couldn't help but think what a strange creature Nezuko was as she continued to cling onto him. Her feline-like actions prompted him to reach up and gently pet her head, feeling that it was the appropriate thing to do in the situation. Surprisingly, Nezuko seemed to enjoy the head pats, humming in delight as she leaned into his gentle touch.
Here he was, interacting with a demon who, despite her fearsome strength, behaved more like an affectionate cat than a dangerous monster.
Ijin gently inquired, "Do you want to be turned back into a human?"
With an endearing sincerity in her eyes, Nezuko nodded. "Yes, I do. More than anything, I want to be human again and live with my brother."
Hearing her heartfelt response, Ijin contemplated for a moment. "I might know someone who could help you with that," he suggested. "If this 'Tamayo' person has already created a cure, then it should be possible to do so again, right?"
The idea seemed to spark a glimmer of hope in Nezuko's eyes, as she eagerly awaited more information about this potential solution to her dilemma.
As Ijin led Nezuko outside, the warm sun bathed the street in a pleasant glow. Nezuko squinted her eyes, adjusting to the bright day. Just as they stepped onto the sidewalk, an autonomous car silently rolled up to them, stopping with a soft hum right in front of their house.
Ijin opened the passenger door and motioned for Nezuko to climb in. With wide eyes, she hesitantly moved toward the vehicle, glancing back at Ijin for reassurance. Even though she had seen such vehicles during her time wandering the city, they were still a novelty to her, as she had never encountered anything like them in Taisho-era Japan.
Once inside, Nezuko marveled at the sleek interior, her eyes darting from one feature to another. She turned to Ijin and excitedly shared her limited knowledge of transportation from her time. "In Japan, we have rickshaws and horse-drawn carriages. We also have trains, but they're not as advanced as the ones I've seen here. This... this is like magic!"
As the car began to glide forward, Nezuko held onto her seat, her amazement only growing as they embarked on their journey.
As the autonomous car smoothly accelerated, Ijin's mind was occupied with Nezuko's description of transportation. He found it difficult to reconcile the image of rickshaws and horse-drawn carriages with the bustling, modern cityscape that surrounded them. In the world he knew, such modes of transportation had long since been replaced by cars, buses, and trains.
Ijin's brows furrowed as he mulled over the incongruities. Nezuko's words painted a picture of a world that seemed to belong to a distant past, a time when life moved at a slower pace, and modern technology had yet to leave its indelible mark. It struck him as strange that she could be so oblivious to the existence of the conveniences that had become commonplace in his world.
He glanced over at Nezuko, who was still captivated by the car's futuristic features. As he considered her situation, he began to wonder if there was more to her story than he initially realized. Could it be that she wasn't merely from an isolated part of Japan but rather from a completely different time altogether?
Ijin asked, "Have you ever been inside a car before?"
The girl shook her head, her eyes wide with fascination as she continued to take in the sights and sounds of the sleek vehicle.
"I've been on a train before," Nezuko said, her voice filled with a mixture of excitement and nostalgia. "But the trains here don't produce any smoke." She gestured toward the window as a modern, electric train zipped by, its smooth and silent movement a far cry from the smoke-belching steam locomotives that she once rode on.
Ijin's confusion only deepened as he listened to her words. Steam locomotives, which had once been a mainstay of transportation, were now consigned to the annals of history, replaced by more advanced, efficient, and eco-friendly alternatives. It was baffling to him that Nezuko could be so familiar with the outdated technology, yet seemingly oblivious to the many innovations that had taken place since then.
As they continued their journey, Ijin's mind raced with questions. Could Nezuko really be from a different era altogether, somehow displaced in time? The idea seemed far-fetched, but he couldn't shake the growing suspicion that there was more to her story than met the eye.
Echo's voice suddenly broke through the peaceful atmosphere inside the car, its digital tone tinged with urgency. "Ijin, Nezuko, I need to inform you both about something important. There have been recent reports on the news about a series of murders taking place in Nexus City."
Ijin and Nezuko exchanged concerned glances, their previous conversation momentarily forgotten as they listened intently to Echo's words.
"More disturbingly," Echo continued, "the victims were found to have been partially eaten. Gruesome images and videos have surfaced from surveillance cameras, showing monstrous humanoids lurking in the shadows of the city."
Nezuko's eyes widened with a mix of fear and sadness, thinking about the potential threat to the people in the city.
Echo added, "I would advise you both to exercise caution and avoid staying out in the city at night. The authorities are working to apprehend the culprits, but until they are captured, it's best to stay vigilant and prioritize your safety."
The revelation cast an ominous shadow over their plans.
