Chapter 9: The Morningstar Demon

( watch?v=BYgG9PEcSaA)

Kaoi: Rem was the one that killed me! She was the one who killed Teruo!

Kaoi: I got the feeling that you never liked me but I would never expect you to go this far Rem.

Rem: If you do not resist, I can make your death painless

Kaoi: Yeah that's not going to happen. Now how about telling me why the hell you're doing this?

Rem: If someone seems suspicious, punish them. This is the rule of maids.

Kaoi: So did Roswaal put you up to this? Does Ram even know?

Rem: No. As much as it pains me to disobey Master Roswaal's orders. You are a threat to the mansion and I intend to finish this before my sister sees anything.

Kaoi: I see.

Kaoi: So they were never in any danger at all. It was just me and Teruo.

Kaoi: Well regardless I can't allow you to act as you please. I won't be going down without a fight.

Rem: Then you will die screaming.

The blue maid pulls on the chain calling the morningstar's head to her. Kaoi dodges and quickly holds out his hands.

Kaoi: Shamak!

Balck smoke erupts, obscuring Rem's vision as Kaoi runs into the woods. With a single whip of her morningstar, the black smoke is dispelled and Rem starts to pursue him.

Rem: Come Back!

Kaoi: Seems like I won't be able to blind her with that thing in her hands.

Dodging any strike Rem made with her weapon, the sound of trees breaking can be heard as Kaoi formulates a plan.

Kaoi: She got me good! With that ball and chain weapon of hers, she has a wide range of attack and I can't get close to her. Somehow without Total Concentration Breathing, she can swing that thing with ease and efficiency. Thus, my best bet is to destroy it!

Rem: El Huma!

Ice spears shoot out of Rem's hands.

Kaoi: She can use ice attacks too!

Kaoi: Flame Breathing Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation

Swinging the blade circular allowed Kaoi to melt the spears before they reached him.

Rem: Never again will you hurt Sister, Witch Cultist!

Kaoi: Witch Cultist! Look I don't know who told you that but my family has only worshiped the Great Dragon for generations.

Rem: Don't play dumb! Your bald-faced lies can only take you so far when the witch's scent lies so thickly upon you!

Kaoi: What?!

Rem: When I watched you conversing with my sister, I felt as if I would go mad with anger and unrest. Someone associated with the one who has caused my sister so much agony, boldly encroaching on the place in which she and I belong…

Kaoi: Is that why she had been silently hostile towards me?

The two combatants stop for a moment and Kaoi could finally see for the first time the anger on Rem's face. How her eyes glared at him with content.

Rem: I can't bear it any longer. Even if I know my sister only acts friendly with you, and only pretends to care for you!

This nearly broke Kaoi's heart in two. The look of betrayal spreads across his face.

Kaoi: Ram was only pretending? Even all those times where I thought we got along…

Rem, seeing an opening of attack, launches her morningstar at Kaoi's side.

Kaoi: Third Form: Blazing Universe

With a single slice, Kaoi was able to split the chain. The iron ball flying by his side and crashing down onto the earth.

Kaoi: No! Don't fall into despair! Even if that is the case, it doesn't matter now.

Rem: AARGH!

Furious at the loss of her weapon. Rem used what remained as a chain whip. Lashing out at Kaoi but it was futile.

Clang! - Clang! - Clang!

Kaoi was effortlessly blocking all of her attacks now that the chain had lost its main factor of force. Kaoi gets in close to deliver the final blow.

Flashback

Rengoku: Huh? What would I do if someone close to me started doing bad things?

Here stands a demon slayer looking at his pupil in confusion as they stand in the garden of his estate.

Rengoku: Kaoi… if this is about my father.

Kaoi: No! Not at all! It was just something that came to mind!

Rengoku: [Laughs] Well if that is all then I would say I would stop them and bring them back to the path of righteousness!

Kaoi: Even if it's something bad like killing?

Rengoku: Yes, even then I would do everything in my power to do so. Remember Kaoi! We have a duty to protect the weak. Even from themselves.

Present

Rengoku: Sometimes acts of evil come from the purest of intentions.

Kaoi: Rem, you may have good intentions; wanting to protect your sister and the others.

Kaoi balls up his fist as he lands a blow on Rem's stomach.

Kaoi: I hope you understand why I have to do this then.

With such a powerful punch, Kaoi launches Rem into a tree. Now slumped over, the blue maid has been defeated.

The demon slayer sheaths his sword as he prepares to go back.

Kaoi: Now, when we get back to the mansion. I expect you to tell the truth about what you tried to do. Since you didn't succeed I wouldn't expect the punishment to be severe.

( watch?v=9nJB3AU-WS8)

[Crackling]

Kaoi: Huh?

Kaoi sees Rem now standing as a glow emanates from her forehead. A glowing horn sprang up. Her horn, the one that suddenly materialized on her forehead, was glowing brightly a shade of pink and white.

This shocks Kaoi, not only was Rem seemingly getting up for a second fight but to someone like Kaoi, a horn on a person can only mean one thing.

Rem: [Laughing]

Kaoi: She's a Demon!

Kaoi: Does this mean Ram is also a demon?! That's impossible! Those two can stand in sunlight just fine! They don't eat human flesh! Just what are they?!

But Kaoi didn't have time to ponder on such questions. Rem immediately grabs her new chain whip once more to continue her assault on Kaoi.

Clang! - Clang! - Clang!

Kaoi: What should I do?! She's much faster and stronger than she was before. I'm not sure if I could keep up.

Rem: El Huma!

Kaoi: This again?!

Kaoi: Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation

Rem: El Huma!

Kaoi: Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation

Kaoi: Doesn't she get that this is pointless?!

Rem: El Huma!

Kaoi: Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation

Rem: El Huma!

Kaoi: Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation

Kaoi: No! She isn't doing this to actually hit me but to exhaust my mana! This is bad. If I slow down that makes me open for a kill.

Rem: El Huma!

?: Fura!

Kaoi: Huh?

(End OST)

All of a sudden, the ice spears were instantly destroyed. Not more like being sliced in one moment by a burst of wind.

Kaoi: Was that wind magic? Who do I know can use wind magic?

?: Seriously, Bakaoi. It seems like you can't even live through one day without causing a ruckus.

Kaoi: That voice!

The Demon Slayer looks back to see coming from the trees, the pink maid walking towards them.

Kaoi: Ram?

Even Rem in her crazed state had stopped to look at her twin.

Ram: This is quite the bind you found yourself in, Bakaoi.

Kaoi: Look Ram, before you assume anything. It was Rem that attacked me first and-

Ram: I know.

Kaoi: You know?

Ram: I had known Rem had strong feelings against you for some time now. However, I never expected her to act out of Lord Roswaal's orders to not take matters into her own hands.

Kaoi: So what do you plan to do?

Ram: As much as I care for Rem. I am a maid first and a sister second. Like I told you Bakaoi, I will uphold my duty and protect you from harm.

Kaoi: Ram…

Kaoi could only smile. Seeing that the pink maid had come to his rescue. He is filled with joy that he has made an ally out of her for now.

Kaoi: Thank you.

Ram: Besides Bakaoi, you have much to answer for when this is all over.

Kaoi: That's fair, but I also have questions like answers for as well.

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Rem: [Growls]

Kaoi: Like how do we handle her right now?!

Rem: [Screams]

Dust and debris start flying as the magical energy from Rem increases alongside her rage. The two put up their arms as they brace the sheer power coming from the Demon Maid.

Ram: It's the horn that's making Rem this way. One good, solid hit should bring her back to normal. I shall cover you while you get in close to strike.

Kaoi: Sounds like a plan!

Ram: Just make sure not to destroy Rem's horn.

Like that the two worked in tangent with Kaoi running towards Rem while Ram uses her wind magic to block

Ram: Fura!

Rem: El Huma!

Frustrated Rem whips the ground in front of her creating a large dust cloud.

Ram: Bakaoi! Now's your chance!

Hearing that made Rem prepare for a frontal assault but as the dust cleared Kaoi is nowhere to be seen.

Kaoi: Hey Rem! Behind You!

Turning back we see our Demon Slayer had gotten behind her for a surprise attack.

Kaoi: Flame Breathing Second Form: Rising Scorching Sun!

And with his swipe, the nichirin blade clashed with the maid's glowing horn.

Without her horn active. Rem for the last time of the night had finally fallen.

(End Song)

Kaoi: So glad that's over.

Ram: Likewise, now we must carry Rem home. Lord Roswaal will decide what to do when Rem wakes up.

Kaoi: Here let me do it. I still have enough energy to make the trip back.

Kaoi: Thanks to my training I'm not as exhausted as I was after my fight with Elsa.

Like that the two make their way back to the mansion with one more in tow. On the way there, Kaoi couldn't help but ask questions that needed to be answered.

Kaoi: Ram.

Ram: What is it, Bakaoi?

Kaoi: After what I just experienced. I have to ask. What are you and Rem? Cause you two are definitely not human.

Ram takes a moment in silence before answering.

Ram: Rem and I are Demons

Kaoi: [Gasps]

Ram: or that is what most people would call us.

Kaoi: Huh?

Ram: Due to our monstrous strength many have taken to calling us demons as a way to dehumanize us. Rem and I are the last members of a race called Oni.

Kaoi: I see, that would explain why they don't act like the Demons back home.

Ram: We are a special case though.

Kaoi: How so?

Ram: Originally, members of the oni race had two horns, but twins are born with just one horn each. So twins are detested, and it's customary to dispose of them immediately after birth. But Rem and I were allowed to live.

Kaoi: I see, that must have been a rough place to live then. What about that feral state Rem was in?

Ram: A demon's horns awaken its demon instincts and allow it to devour mana heightening its combat ability. If one is reckless, the recoil will leave them battered.

Kaoi: So if Rem had continued to be in that state she would have suffered from recoil damage.

Kaoi: Do you also have a horn like Rem?

Ram: No, a long time ago I got into a bit of trouble and became hornless.

Kaoi: So she doesn't have a horn.

Kaoi: Well I would like to say thanks for helping me out there. Even if you did it out of obligation and not because you cared for me.

Ram: I would be lying if I said my duty as a maid is the only influence.

Kaoi: Huh?

Ram: While what Rem is true about me only pretending to tolerate your presence. Like I said yesterday, watching and talking to you these past few days has allowed me to grow genuine respect for you, Bakaoi. When I witnessed your fight with Rem I noticed that you were holding back and that you were not looking to severely injure her.

Kaoi: Well it was not like I couldn't understand her motivation. She only wanted to protect what is important to her. It's one that I can resonate with very easily.

Ram. Yes, nethertheless I appreciate that you went easy on her even though she was trying to kill you.

Kaoi: It's okay. Hopefully, this whole ordeal can end in a slap on the wrist.

Ram: Hopefully.

Timeskip

Emilia: Kaoi! What happened?!

Kaoi: Hey Emilia. I just had a little misunderstanding with Rem and we ended up fighting.

Roswaal: [Hums] Ram, what is your take on this?

Ram: Bakaoi was suspiciously exploring the forest. Rem had taken upon herself to eliminate Bakaoi as she believed him to be a member of the Witch's Cult. I intervened as I believed there are too many unanswered questions for a conclusion to be drawn.

Roswaal: Oh my, well we are simply going to have an important meeting when Rem wakes up and Kaoi. I hope you know that we are going to question you on your most recent actions and your potential status as a witch cultist. After all, Rem wouldn't attack someone for no reason.

Kaoi: Yeah I figured.

Roswaal: If that is all then I bid everyone a good night. Ram if you wouldn't mind taking your sister to your room.

Ram: Very well.

Kaoi: Here you go. Well good night everyone.

Just as everyone disperse. Kaoi feels a tug on his arm and sees Emilia looking a little guilty.

Emilia: … I'm sorry.

Kaoi: Huh?

Emilia: I didn't know Rem would do this kind of thing. If I had known then I would have never have brought you here-

Kaoi: None of that now! Look what happened with Rem had nothing to do with you bringing me here.

Emilia: but if I hadn't bring you here-

Kaoi: Then I wouldn't have a job along with not being able to read and have no training in magic. I don't regret coming here. The fight was between Me and Rem. You had nothing to do with it. Okay now stop blaming yourself.

Emilia: Okay

Kaoi: If that is all then good night Emilia.

Emilia: Good night Kaoi.

The demon slayer left the silver girl there as he prepares for the morning to come.

Day 5

As the birds chirp for the sun rises. A blue haired oni slowly opens her eyes to see her master, her sister, her lady, the two great spirits of the mansion and that damned witch cultist!

Rem: [Roars]

Going into a blind rage, Rem tries to get up to attack Kaoi only for her sister to pin her arms down.

Rem: Let me go! I have to kill that Witch Cultist!

Ram: Calm down, Rem! Don't you know the situation you're in?!

Roswaal: Indeed.

Rem stops as she listens to her master's voice.

Roswaal: I remember that I specifically told you that you are to watch Kaoi and report any suspicious activity. Not to execute him without my permission.

Rem: But Master Roswaal

Roswaal: We will get to your side of the story but first Kaoi would you like to explain why you were in the forest at night?

Kaoi: Fine. Well it may sound unbelievable. Ever since I woke up here, I felt some hostility in the mansion.

Roswaal: Really?

Kaoi: Sometimes I can feel certain emotions from someone. It has to be a very passionate feeling though or else I can't sense their emotional state. Using this power, I can tell that someone in the mansion wanted to do me harm but I couldn't tell who.

Kaoi: I'm not exactly lying but since I can't tell them of my other power. This is the best I can do to not make myself suspicious.

Emilia: Feel the emotions of others... then you're an empath

Kaoi: What?

Puck: You see Kaoi, an empath is someone that can read the emotions of others. If one becomes skilled enough they can feel that someone is lying or have a hidden agenda. I have a similar power myself.

Kaoi: I guess I haven't been using my power to its fullest potential then.

Roswaal: What a unique skill to have.

Kaoi: Yeah so not feeling totally safe in the mansion. I thought I would lure my soon to be attacker into the forest who turned out to be Rem. After a hard-fought battle with the assistance of Ram I was able to knock her out.

Puck: That all seems to check out.

Roswaal: Now Rem. Why do you think Kaoi is a member of the Witch's Cult?

Now everyone is looking at the blue oni. Waiting for her to answer.

Rem: Please.. Please everyone don't believe that man's lies. He is covered in the Witch's Scent. Only those in the cult could have such a scent. Please, you must believe me!

Emilia: But Kaoi can't be a member of the Witch's cult. Can he?

Beatrice: How presumptuous of you, I suppose.

Catching the attention of everyone in the room. Beatrice began to make her statement.

Beatrice: I drained his mana when he first woke up here to check whether he is a threat or not. More importantly he lacks a gospel. He cannot be a cultist if he lacks a gospel, I suppose.

This shook Rem to the core as this meant she may have tried to kill an innocent person in cold blood. Giving up she slumps into her sister's arms.

Rem: But what about the Witch's Scent.

Beatrice: While I do not know why the boy carries the Witch's Miasma. Betty and Buddy agree that he is not a member of the Witch's Cult.

Puck: We would have told you if we had known you would attack him.

Kaoi: Excuse me but what is the Witch's Cult?

Emilia: You mean you don't know about the Witch's Cult?

Roswaal: Oh my to be such ignorant about a major threat to the country. Do you truly not know of the cult that many people are so hesitant to even speak about?

Ram: Really Bakaoi. Is your fishing village so blind to the world that they don't even know of the Witch?

Kaoi: This is getting me nowhere. Sure being able to read has gotten me to know a few things about this world but if people assume that I know about things that are common knowledge. It's going to be hard to justify it without sounding suspicious.

Kaoi: There is a reason that I don't know things that are known by everyone. It's not that I am ignorant of the world. It's that I don't belong in it in the first place.

Emilia: What do you mean, Kaoi?

Roswaal: Yes young Kaoi! What exactly are you implying here?

Kaoi: While they may not believe me. I have to fully gain their trust with the truth.

Kaoi: I am saying that I am not from this world but from another world.

Ram: Don't be stupid, Bakaoi. Do you really expect us to believe-

Puck: He's telling the truth.

Ram: What?

Puck: I read his mind. He really is from another world.

Emilia: Kaoi, are you saying you're from the great waterfall?

Kaoi: No, sometime before you met me. I was transported into the middle of that city.

Beatrice: This could explain why you carry the Witch's miasma, I suppose.

Kaoi: How so?

Beatrice: There is a spell called Al Shamak that allows the caster to send a target to a different dimension. A variation of it that could be the spell that brought you here.

Puck: Betty are you saying...?

Beatrice: The boy was summoned here by the witch of envy.

Everyone in the room was shocked.

Kaoi: You mean that the Witch that destroyed half of the world about 400 years ago. Used her magic to bring me here.

Kaoi: Did she gave me this power of returning by death?

Beatrice: That would be the most logical conclusion

Roswaal: Now that we had cleared up that young Kaoi is not a witch cultist but a victim of the witch's magic. I'm sure everyone here would like to know more about your world.

Kaoi: Well I can tell you that it is a very different place.

Roswaal: Very interesting, young Kaoi! Can you explain?

Kaoi: Well technically the only race that exists in my world are humans.

This news shocks everyone in the room. A world where only humans exist!

Emilia: Then you weren't teasing me when you said you know nothing of elves?

Kaoi: No, as I didn't even know of the word before you brought it up.

Beatrice: Wait you said technically, I suppose?

Roswaal: Indeed he did. Now why would you word it like that, young Kaoi?

Kaoi: That goes in hand with the next piece of information I'm about to reveal. But first I believe a reintroduction in order.

Kaoi stands up as he bows his head to everyone in the room.

Kaoi: My name is Kaoi of no family name. I am the Tsuguko of the Flame Hashira, Rengoku Kyojuro and I am a member of the Demon Slayer Corps.

How will everyone react to such shocking news? On a more serious note. I had a good time writing this chapter. I hope you guys enjoy it well until the next chapter.