Chapter 8: Rekindled Soul

Kaoi: Just what is happening. That couldn't have been another vision! The pain was real! Too real! That was the most pain I felt than my entire career in the corps. I know I lived through that week and that someone killed me and Teru- Teruo!

Ram: Honored Guest, are you okay? I heard screaming.

Twin pink and blue maids enter the room to see a very distraught Kaoi in bed as he breathes heavily.

Kaoi: I'm okay."Ah" I just had a horrible night terror. "Ah" Sorry, I caused such a ruckus. "Ah"

Ram: Well, I am pleased to hear that it was nothing serious.

Kaoi: No problem. Say where am I?

Ram: You are in the Roswaal Mansion of Lord Roswaal. I am Ram, and alongside my twin sister Rem, we are the housemaids of the mansion. Here, let me give you your spectacles.

Kaoi: Thank you.

Kaoi: There is no doubt about it. I really have somehow gone back in time to the moment I have first woken up.

Ram: It is my honor. Now if you don't mind we will retrieve your belongings. Please wait here for the moment.

Kaoi: Okay.

With that, the twins leave the room and leave the young boy to his thoughts. Although the blue-haired Rem lingered a bit before closing the door.

Kaoi: Going over all the facts. I have lived in the mansion for 10 days as a butler. At the end of the fifth day, I am sent back here by an unknown power.

Following my most recent experience, I came back only after I had died. Did I die in my sleep during the first week? How? There was that convulsion where I certainly felt like I was dying. Could that have killed me when I was sleeping peacefully?

Assuming that is indeed the case. What caused the convulsion?

It seems like the only thing I can put together is that every time I die, I go back to a certain point. However, that brings up new questions. Like can I activate it without dying or can I control what point in time I can go back to?

[Knocking]

Emilia: Kaoi? It's me, Emilia. Can I come in?

Kaoi: Yeah, come in.

Emilia: I heard you woke up screaming. Is everything alright?

Teruo: Caw Caw Alright? Alright? Caw Caw

Seeing his now alive friend, Kaoi couldn't help but tear up as he hug his beloved crow.

Teruo: Caw! Caw!

Kaoi: Yes, everything is now alright.

A Moment Later

Emilia: So are you ready to tell me what had gotten you waking up screaming?

Kaoi: Yeah, I think I am.

Kaoi: If there is an intruder coming to the mansion. Then I'm going to need to let people know. Although convincing them is probably going to be hard. Maybe if I reveal information that I could only know through conversation may help.

Kaoi: I think twice, Emilia, I die-

Suddenly the world had stopped

Teruo and Emilia had stopped moving like they were frozen. In an instant, there was only silence as all noises ceased. Kaoi could no longer feel the air coming through the window.

Kaoi: What's happening? Why can't I move?

Strange streams of black fog appeared from Kaoi's back and formed a spiral Vortex. Out of it, came a clawed hand outlined with a purple glow that moves towards him.

Kaoi: A hand?

The slender hand moved slowly over his frozen body.

Kaoi: It's grasping my heart!

Then all of a sudden Kaoi felt pain. Although not as bad as the pain he felt moments before. The unexpected crushing of his heart

Kaoi: [Gasping]

Emilia: Kaoi!

Kaoi: Uh?

Emilia: Kaoi, what happened?

Teruo: Caw! Caw! What Happened? Caw! Caw!

Kaoi: Sorry, just remembering something from my nightmare.

Emilia: A nightmare?

Teruo looked at his partner with confusion as he too was a bit stunned.

Kaoi: Yeah, recently I have been having some intense nightmares. Sorry for worrying you two over nothing.

Kaoi: I guess that confirms it. I really have died and I can't tell anyone, not even Teruo without my heart getting pulverized.

Kaoi: Don't worry about it. It will soon pass.

Emilia: Ok then, well is there anything I can do?

Kaoi: Yeah just take me outside after I get my clothes back and leave me there. I need to have a few thoughts to myself with some fresh air.

Timeskip - Courtyard

After retrieving his belongings for the third time, we can see the Demon Slayer laying on the grass as he is deep in thought.

Kaoi: So here I am, cursed with a power that sends me back in time every time I have died and I can't tell anyone about it.

Although, I guess I should be more appreciative. Without it, I would have woken up in the afterlife instead. But now there is the problem of an intruder assaulting the mansion. An intruder that had gotten the best of me and killed Teruo.

No! I have gotten too passive after I was first woken up. If I had remained vigilant, I may have never died in the first place.

What was even my goal living here as a butler? Sure, being able to read and know a little about this word may have been nice, but what was my end goal in all of this?

Another world or not, there will always be demons, and I have not been fulfilling my duty.

Well, that stops now, first, I will need to get a better handle on my mana. I haven't been able to not set my sword on fire every time I use Total Concentration Breathing in my personal training sessions. My mana automatically activates and that would be a problem as it uses up too much mana and stamina performing Flame Breathing.

I would also have to train in Yin magic as I feel that it would be very useful in my upcoming battle. Maybe I can use that reward from Puck to convince Beatrice to teach me.

Emilia. Puck. Beatrice. Ram. Rem. Even Roswaal.

I have failed you all before but now I set my heart ablaze. You have my word as a member of the Demon Slayer Corps. I will protect you all.

The sound of footsteps reaches Kaoi's ears as the twin maids approach him.

Rem and Ram: Honored Guest, our master Roswaal has finally returned home. Please, come inside.

Kaoi: I have four days until the night of the attack. I must use them to prepare.

Day 1

Roswaal: Whatever you desire, just say it

Kaoi: I would like to stay at the mansion as part of the support staff. I would also like lessons in language as I can't read and write along with training in Yin magic.

Kaoi: Even though this would hamper my time to prepare. I must gain the trust of at least Ram. She seems to somewhat respect me asking for help and in turn helping with her tasks. That way if the intruder does make it to the mansion. By having the trust of the throne candidate, the great spirit, and a staff member; Roswaal, Beatrice and Rem may assist me.

Roswaal: A unique reward for a unique man. Very well, starting tomorrow you will work for me and Ram will be teaching your studies. As for magic training, however, I'm afraid I would be a poor teacher, not for lack of skill, but for inconsistency. I'm called away for business often. But that doesn't mean you can't learn here. Beatrice here is quite the expert.

Beatrice: Hmph, I don't have time to train someone, I suppose.

Puck: Come on, Betty. Consider it a favor from me.

Beatrice: If Buddy insists then I may find time for a lesson or two.

Kaoi: Thanks, Puck. Oh and one more thing.

Everyone looks up at Kaoi in anticipation.

Kaoi: Can someone lend me a pair of hair shears and point me in the direction of the lavatory?

Timeskip

Kaoi: Not ever again will my life be taken. This will serve as a reminder of what I will be fighting for.

Kaoi: Man, I haven't worn this hairstyle in forever, but now I must move forward.

Kaoi: Rozu. Senjuro. Mitsuri. Rengoku-sama. It may take a long time, but somehow I will come back.

( gormagala2002/art/Ch-8-Kaoi-Haircut-892692040) - This is an image of what his hair looks like now.

With that mental declaration in mind. The now determined swordsman exited the lavatory to greet the world with his blazing spirit.

Emilia: Kaoi! Oh my…

Ram: So incredibly unrefined. If you wanted a haircut you could have simply asked Rem for one.

Kaoi: Thanks, but I felt like carrying a piece from home with me.

Day 2

A bright afternoon, had the grass fields shine by sunlight as the blonde spirit and black-haired swordsman train in the mystic arts.

Beatrice: To start off your lesson, we must go over the basics of magic. There are six attributes a person can have an affinity for. Fire, Water, Earth, Wind, Yang, and Yin.

Kaoi: That is kind of similar to the five base breathing styles.

Beatrice: Usually, mages have an affinity for one element but you are a rare type for having an affinity for two. Even more so that one of them is Yin.

Kaoi: It is?

Beatrice: Indeed, Yin and Yang magic users are rare to come by. Then you have someone like Roswaal who has an affinity for all elements.

Kaoi: Okay, but wait! How come Emilia can use magical ice attacks then?

Beatrice: She is contracted with Buddy, who is a great spirit of fire. Fire magic is the art of controlling temperature, so Buddy simply lowers the temperature to freezing point to perform any magic attack you see.

Kaoi: Interesting. Could I do that?

Beatrice: You would have to ask Buddy for that. For now, I will help you train in Yin magic.

Kaoi: Magic that allows the user to blind, restrict movement, and cast ailments on an opponent, right?

Beatrice: That is the basic understanding, I suppose. However, there is more application than that. If you can utilize Yin magic to its full potential, then you can distort space and time, I suppose.

Kaoi: Really?

Beatrice: That is how Betty's door-crossing ability works. Now after taking a look at your mana when you performed your demonstration earlier. I noticed a few things. For one, it seems like you are able to expel a small amount of mana whenever you imbue your sword with fire magic. This would be useful as Magic users have a limited amount of mana they can use before their gate can't take it anymore and run the risk of exhaustion and breaking your gate.

Kaoi: That would explain what happened during my fight with Elsa.

Beatrice: Luckily for you, your gate is very sturdy to endure such abuse and you seem to be able to replenish your mana in one day's time. Now, Betty will teach you a basic Yin spell.

Kaoi: Alright let's do this.

Beatrice: This spell is called Shamak. This spell erupts a cloud of black smoke that engulfs the opponent and makes them lose their spatial awareness. I shall demonstrate, I suppose.

Kaoi: Wait a moment!

Beatrice: Shamak!

But it was too late as Kaoi was suddenly in a world of darkness. He couldn't tell where he was as all of his senses except touch didn't function. After a moment, Kaoi was able to take in his surroundings.

Kaoi: That was intense.

Beatrice: Now you try, I suppose.

Kaoi: Okay, here goes.

Beatrice: Now imagine a circular opening as you hold your hand out. Visualize that you are pushing out mana. Make sure you are saying the right words when you are doing this.

Kaoi: Shamak!

From the palm of Kaoi's hand erupts a smoking plume as the area in front of the two is covered in black smoke.

Kaoi: Wow! I expected that to go wrong.

Beatrice: That is probably due to your Total Concentration Breathing. You were able to perform adequately. This will end your lesson. I must go now, I suppose. Just remember to be aware of your gate.

Kaoi: Okay Beatrice. From the bottom of my heart. Thank you very much for this.

Kaoi: And somehow. I will find a way to repay you.

Day 3

Kaoi: Thinking about it now, Beatrice's expression reminds me of Tomioka's face a little bit.

Sunset lights the bedroom in orange as Kaoi can't help but think of his old world. All of the people he may not see for a while.

Kaoi: I wonder how Rengoku-sama is doing. I do hope they don't worry too much about my disappearance. Who am I kidding? They're probably sending search parties right now.

[Knocking]

Ram: Hello Bakaoi, I came to see how your studies are going.

Kaoi: Fine Ram, I am at least able to read the basic I-glyphs to comprehend this book.

Ram: I see, well here have some tea.

Kaoi: Huh?

Indeed, the pink maid had brought a tea set and had made the young boy a cup.

Kaoi: What's all this then?

Ram: After seeing you study so diligently under my tutelage. Along with performing satisfactorily in your work as a butler to Lord Roswaal. I thought I should grant you the privilege to have tea with me.

Kaoi: I see, thank you.

Ram: So what do you think of what you've read?

Kaoi: Well, I got to say it's very interesting. The two that stood out to me was the Noble Dragon in the middle and the Witch at the end.

Kaoi could instantly feel the discomfort when he talked about the Witch.

Kaoi: The Noble Dragon more so as it kinda reminds me of a myth from my people.

Ram: From your people?

Kaoi: Oh right. I never told you. I originally came from an isolated fishing village. See that silhouette on the back of my Haori? That's the head of the Great Dragon we worship. Would you like to hear his tale?

Ram: Yes.

Kaoi: The story starts at the dawn of man. Where the early world was ruled by titanic monsters who destroyed many landscapes. Mountains were made into pieces, grass fields were burned and a majority of life was devastated.

This put the world in danger, so a Great Dragon rises from the water and declared that the destruction stops. The monsters did not like this and thus battled the Great Dragon.

This did not go well for monsters as each one that challenged the Great Dragon was destroyed by the blue flames that he would spew from his mouth.

In the end, only the great dragon stood tall as all of the titans were slaughtered. With the world at balance, the Great Dragon returns to the water where my people believed that he slumbers until this day. Waiting for when the balance of the world is at risk.

So, what do you think?

Ram: [Sips] I think that besides having a dragon, that story has no similarities to the tale of the Noble Dragon, Bakaoi.

Kaoi: [Laughs] I guess you're right.

Ram: Also unlike your Great Dragon. We know the Noble Dragon is real.

Kaoi: And what makes you say that?

Ram: Just look how the world is right now. At least the Noble Dragon upholds its duty to protect us. If your Great Dragon was real wouldn't he be here now to fix everything that is wrong? Your people must pray enough for his return.

Kaoi: On the contrary. We pray that he may never wake up.

Ram looked at Kaoi with intrigue as he spoke that sentence.

Ram: What do you mean?

Kaoi: The Great Dragon is a protector of the world and not humanity or any other race for that matter. In fact, my people believed that if he were to wake up. He would be coming to destroy us as we have become a threat.

Ram: If that is the case then why would you worship such a dragon that would destroy you no differently than one of those titanic monsters.

Kaoi: Because we see him not as a monster but as a force of nature. A necessary evil that brings balance into the world. Out of respect and fear, my people pray that the world is not put at such risk so that he never awakens.

The two sat in silence after that. Kaoi couldn't tell what Ram was thinking as she wasn't looking at him and instead was staring at her cup.

Ram: This Great Dragon of yours, does he have a name?

Kaoi: Yeah, Gojira.

Ram: Gojira?

Kaoi: It's how you say it in the old language. Though in this language it would be Godzilla.

Ram: Is that so? Well, if that is all then I must go. I stayed here far too long.

Kaoi: Okay, See you later then.

The pink maid picked up her tea set and was about to exit the door.

( watch?v=Rss5PAPSr1Y)

Kaoi: Ram.

Ram: What is it, Bakaoi?

Kaoi: If I'm ever in a bind. Can I count you to have my back?

Ram: As your senior, it is my duty to make sure you realize your full potential as a servant to Master Roswaal. That is to say that if you found yourself against him, you will find me by his side, but if that is not the case…

Kaoi looks back to see a simple but genuine smile. Kaoi for the first time had gotten a look into both of her red eyes.

Ram: then I will uphold my duty and protect my junior.

They stare at each other as for a small moment, Kaoi feels like he is seeing a whole new side of Ram. Kaoi then smiles and simply says

Kaoi: Thank you and have a nice night.

Ram: You're welcome and to you a nice night as well.

Ram closes the door as Kaoi looks up at the moon with fierce determination.

Kaoi: I swear Ram. If not to Emilia. Then I swear to you, Ram. I will make sure that you and everyone else are safe.

While Emilia may have been the first person Kaoi met in this world. It was Ram that he felt like he had found true kinship in. He may be far from all the people he ever knew deeply. Whenever Kaoi is with Ram, he feels at peace.

End Song

Kaoi then looks back at the book and turns the pages to see the image of the Witch. His eyes become focused as he softly spoke out his thoughts

Kaoi: Emilia...

Day 4

Emilia: Kaoi!

Kaoi: Oh, hey there Emilia. Hey there, Puck!

Puck: I see that you're in your regular clothes.

Kaoi: Yeah, I finished all my tasks early, so Ram gave me the rest of the day off. So I decided that I would go out to explore the woods.

Emilia: The woods…

The silver girl said in a worried tone.

Emilia: That sounds kind of dangerous don't you think?

Kaoi: Hey! I was able to fight Elsa, the bowel hunter. I think I can handle some wildlife.

Emilia: Well if you say so.

Puck: Hey! Is Teruo coming with you?

Kaoi: No, I told him to stay in my room for the time being. Don't want to confuse him with any other crow. Am I right?

Emilia: [Giggles] Kaoi! You're so silly!

Puck: That's Kaoi for you.

Kaoi: But for real Emilia…

Emilia: Huh?

Kaoi: As much as I want to talk to her now. I need to wait for a better time.

Kaoi: Sometime later this week, there is something I would like to discuss with you in private.

Emilia: Really?

Puck: Oh! And what do you need to speak to her privately for?

Kaoi: Actually this concerns you as well, Puck.

Emilia: I see, well then. What about the day after tomorrow. I should have some free time then.

Kaoi: That would be great. See you later Emilia. Bye Puck.

Emilia and Puck: See you later, Kaoi!

Timeskip - Woods outside Roswaal Mansion Dusk

Some time has passed since Kaoi had explored the woodland area. Making sure to familiarize himself with the forest. In case that he has the chance to encounter the soon intruder before they enter the Mansion. Now he sits on a ledge overlooking the Mansion.

Kaoi: Man, even from up here this place looks beautiful.

[Stomach Growls]

Kaoi: Guess it has been some time since I ate lunch.

Kaoi then rummages through his pockets to grab a snack wrapped in cloth.

Kaoi: So glad that I asked Ram to make some of her Steamed Tatoes. I wonder if they taste just as good as Senjuro's Satsuma Potatoes.

[Bite]

Kaoi: Tasty!

Kaoi: She was not kidding when she said she makes great steamed tatoes.

[Bite]

Kaoi: Tasty!

[Bite]

Kaoi: Tasty!

[Bite]

Kaoi: Tasty!

One Snacking Later

Kaoi: Guess it's time for me to go back now.

Right when Kaoi starts to get up. A sudden chill went up his spine as he sensed an emotion he's all too familiar with.

Killing Intent

( watch?v=BWXuxb09PfI)

Kaoi turns to see the same Iron Ball that had killed him previously thrown towards him at a terrifying speed, but this time he is ready.

Kaoi dodges perfectly as he slides down the walls of the ledge. He lands on the ground and makes a dash through the woods.

Kaoi: That was definitely the same ball and chain that killed me last time! But this time I'm not convulsing uncontrollably. No! This time I am prepared to fight.

Kaoi hears the sound of chains following him as his attacker continues to pursue him. Kaoi then stopped as he reached a dead end.

Kaoi: Great! Guess I didn't memorize the layout enough. Alright, I guess it's now or never.

Kaoi pulls out his burning purple sword from its sheath and almost instantly the orange flames erupt to encase the edge. Demon Slayer, Kaoi stands tall as he waits for his opponent.

Kaoi: So are you really going to stay in the shadows like a coward!?

The spiked iron ball hurls towards the young Demon Slayer. Kaoi crouches to dodge the incoming strike.

[Cloth rips]

Kaoi: Damn! They ripped apart my haori!

While Kaoi may have been left unharmed. The spiked iron ball which now that he got a good look resembles a morningstar ripped his haori and embedded itself on the dirt wall.

Kaoi: All right, show yourself, damn it! You ripped my only haori jacket! You might as well come out.

He tugs at the chain but whoever is holding it has incredible strength as they did not move. Soon Kaoi can see the attacker's figure as they slowly walk towards him.

?: Then I have no choice.

The attacker said as they stood in the light before Kaoi.

Kaoi: Wait! That voice! It can't be!

?: The ideal scenario would have been to finish this without anyone noticing.

The person holding the chain on the other end is none other than the blue-haired maid of the Roswaal Mansion.

Kaoi: Rem.

Next Time

"DIE! WITCH CULTIST!"

"Flame Breathing: Third Form"

"Fura!"

Chapter 9: The Morningstar Demon