Chapter 10: The Calm Before The Storm

Ram: Demon?

Emilia: Slayer?

Beatrice: Corps?

Everyone looked shocked at Kaoi. As the words that came from his mouth didn't make any sense to them. Rage returns to Rem's eyes.

Rem: You mean to tell me that you're part of an organization that hunts demons for a living?

Ram's face also seemed to grow in contempt as she hugged her sister closer to hold her back. Kaoi felt hurt that he seemed to have lost the goodwill from the pink maid but proceeded to explain.

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Kaoi: The Demon Slayer Corps. We number in the hundreds. An organization completely unrecognized by the government. Since ancient times we have existed to hunt down demons. With no magic power at our disposal, we face them with only our swords by our side.

Demons

Their staple food, humans. They kill and feed on them. It is unclear when or where they first appeared. Incredible physical prowess. Their wounds almost heal instantly. Flesh completely restores itself. Severed limbs regenerated. They can use special powers called Demon Blood Arts to cast powerful techniques or are the supernatural abilities possessed by each of them. They can only be killed by sunlight or decapitation with a special sword.

Nevertheless, the demon slayers fight these demons with mere mortal bodies. As humans, wounds are slow to heal and lost limbs never grow back. Even so, they battle demons to protect and defend humanity.

(End at 1:25)

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Everyone in the room paused. No one was sure what to say after that.

Emilia: ...Puck?

The silver half-elf looks at her father figure for confirmation. To see if what Kaoi had said was just some big lie.

Puck: Everything that Kaoi had just said just now was a hundred percent true.

Roswaal: Ohh myyy! I do hope I shouldn't take this as a threaat! It would be a shame that I would have to expel my new butlerr! and after we had him cleared of being a witch cultissst!

Rem: Oni don't hunt humans! Why would they do such a thing?

Kaoi: For most cases, the demons of my world feed on humans to gain power and to have a chance to become one of the Twelve Moons.

Beatrice: You are not making any sense, I suppose. If humans and demons exist in your world, then how come you said that technically there was only a single race. Do demons not count as people? And what are these Twelve Moons you speak of?

Ram: Yes, Bakaoi! Are we not considered people in your world?!

Kaoi: Because at some point in a Demon's past, they were once human.

This piece of information made everyone's eyes widen in surprise.

Emilia: Kaoi. What do you demons were once human?

Kaoi: Unlike the Oni of this world. Demons are not born but are created when a human is exposed to the blood of Muzan Kibutsuji, the king of all demons. The Twelve Moons is an organization made up of the twelve most powerful demons in existence that serve under his direct command.

Roswaal: And going by what you said earlierr. I assume that your organization has no idea of his origin thennn?

Kaoi: Nope I'm afraid the only person who knows that would be Muzan, himself. Point is, these two here and anyone else like them are nothing like the demons of my world. Therefore, when I am talking about the race that they belong to I will be using the word Oni and Demon will be used when speaking of the monsters of my world.

Emilia: But surely not all demons are evil? There must be some that come out good.

Kaoi: I'm afraid it's not that simple. When a human transforms into a demon, they lose all sense of self and begin to pursue satiating their hunger. To demons, humans are rich in nutrients and will eat anyone in their vicinity. They will even eat their own brothers, sisters, parents and children. If they somehow do regain their memories, they become racked with guilt and descent into madness.

Emilia gasps at this revelation. It was such a horror to become something that needed to feed on human flesh but to be so starving that you ate those that were close to you.

Kaoi: Or that they simply forgo their humanity for power.

Puck: and you fight these demons with only your sword?

Kaoi: You see besides the Blood Arts used by Demons. Magic really doesn't exist in my world.

Beatrice: Impossible! Magic is an intrinsic part of life, I suppose

Kaoi: Maybe to you, but we have been getting along well. Some Guy in another country invented this thing called electricity and it's amazing. It can light up an entire city during the dark of night. As for how we deal with demons.

Kaoi holds out his nichirin blade as it is sheath within its scabbard.

Schhk!

The sound of metal drawn is heard and everyone can get a good look at the purple sword.

Kaoi: In tangent with our breathing techniques, we use Nichirin Blades that are made up of a special type of steel. That when a demon's neck is sliced upon, they are unable to regenerate and turn to dust. These blades are sometimes referred to as "The Color-Changing Sword"

Emilia: The Color-Changing Sword?

Kaoi: Called so because Nichirin Blades take on a distinct color when first drawn by its owner. I thought mine would be red like Rengoku-sama's since I had been taught Flame Breathing, so imagine my surprise when my sword turned into this shade of purple. No one truly knows what this phenomenon exactly means, but it is generally agreed upon that it takes a certain amount of skill for the sword to change color.

Roswaal: Well as enlighteninggg as this was, I have one more question before I announce Rem's sentence.

Kaoi: Ask away.

Roswaal: You said that the Demon Slayer Corps are unregconised by the government. Why is thaat?

Kaoi: That is because beside the members of the Corps and the victims of demon attacks, the rest of the world believe them to be a myth.

It was simply revelation after revelation.

Emilia: How can that be?!

Beatrice: Yes, with how serious you spoke of the Demons. How could they remain unknown to such a large population, I suppose?

Kaoi: They attack mostly small villages where if someone goes missing and is later found. An animal would be blamed for it. If one does survive a demon attack, few would believe such a tale. Due to being active at night, there are fewer witnesses to tell what has transpired. I believe I cleared everything up, now. I hope with this information I can fully gain your trust.

Roswaal: Veerrryy Well, Now Rem, you are guilty of disobeying my specific orders and try to kill your junior staff member. Normally I would have to expel you for such a thing, but since you were unsuccessful in your attempt to kill young Kaoi I'll place you under house arrest in the dungeon untill I feeeel like you have learned a lesson.

Rem: Very well Lord Roswaal.

Kaoi: There's a dungeon in this mansion?

Roswaal: Why yes indeeeeed. But do not fret young Kaoi. It is only a normal room that is locked from the outside. Now if that is aaaaall I have a matter to attend toooo and will be leaving the mansion for a short time. Oh and Kaaoooi.

Kaoi: Yes?

Roswaal: Be sure to count your blessinnngsss. Had you killed Rem or had Ram not vouched for this incident to be examinnneed. I would have to do something very drassstic.

Kaoi didn't need to use his empathy powers to understand that Roswaal was serious about that last sentence even with that weird accent of his.

Kaoi: Noted.

With that, everyone left the room to do their own thing. Ram took Rem to the "dungeon", Roswaal went to get ready to meet someone and won't be coming back until tomorrow morning, and Puck and Beatrice left for the forbidden library. Once again it was only Kaoi and Emilia.

Kaoi: Emilia, don't you have somewhere else to be?

Emilia: Well yes I do have to go study for the royal selection but there is something I want to talk about first, Kaoi.

Kaoi: We might as well get this out of the way. What do you want to know?

Emilia: Kaoi, if you felt threatened in the mansion, why didn't you come to me for help? Did you not trust me?

Emilia asked with hurt eyes, feeling betrayed as the man who helped retrieved her insignia didn't allow her to help. She felt guilty that she was blind to the dangers that fell upon her.

Emilia: I mean Puck told me that you were bothered by something but I assumed it was that nightmare you told me about that morning. Was that also a lie?

Kaoi: No Emilia, that was not a lie and I do trust you.

Emilia: Then why didn't you tell me anything!

Kaoi: I guess for the same reason you told me your name was Satella.

Emilia: [Gasps]

Kaoi: I wanted to leave you out of the situation because I believed I could handle it by myself and keep you safe. Your take on this was to tell me that you are the evil witch that everyone in the world hates.

Emilia: I see, so this is what you wanted to talk about tomorrow. Well, what you said is true. I did try to keep you away because I thought I could retrieve my insignia without getting anyone else involved. I was shocked that you still helped me despite being a half-ef and calling myself, Satella. When you told me you didn't know what an elf was, I just thought you were playing dumb. However, I'm still hurt that you felt like you couldn't come to me when you felt like you were in danger! It was very foolish of you!

There was a slight pause between the two as Kaoi gathered his thoughts.

Kaoi: I will admit that I am a fool for not at least letting you know. However, you were also a fool when you wanted to push away your only lead to your stolen insignia.

Emilia: Fine! We were both dunderheads! … So what now?

Kaoi: I know we have not been getting close especially after what we went through in the slums. How about this? From now on if there is something that is bothering us, we inform the other and at least we will be aware of the situation. It will be our first step as friends.

Emilia: You want to be friends with me? Even with everything that has happened?

Kaoi: Emilia, no one, not in this world, mine or any other is meant to be alone. So what do you say? Shake on it?

Emilia looked at the hand for a moment before simply smiling and taking it. For the first time in her life she has finally made a friend.

Timeskip - Corridor

Kaoi: Ram hasn't been talking to me ever since this morning.

After the examination of the events that transpired last night, Kaoi returns to his duties as a butler and has been cleaning the corridor with Ram in awkward silence.

Kaoi: It is probably a lot to take in. Although, I do wish she would talk to me. Since we are probably going to spend a lot more time as Rem is confined.

Ram: Bakaoi.

Kaoi: Yes?

Ram: We are going to Irlam Village as we are in need of supplies. Come.

Kaoi: Okay.

Teruo: Caw Caw I'm Coming Caw Caw

Kaoi: Teruo…

Teruo: I'm keeping my eye on you. Won't have you face danger alone.

Kaoi: Fine. Do you mind if he tags along?

Ram looked at the two for a moment before answering.

Ram: He may come.

The butler and maid make their way down to the village. The silence never lifted between them. Even Teruo is quiet as he perches on Kaoi's shoulder.

Kaoi: The tension was never this thick when I came here with Rem.

Kaoi thought to himself that he wanted to repair whatever damage last night's events caused to his relationships to the twin maids. He was on good terms with Puck and his yin magic teacher Beatrice. Roswaal seemed to be neutral to the whole ordeal and Kaoi had just mended his friendship with Emilia.

The moment Rem had finally admitted defeat, Kaoi felt the remorse and fear as she accepted he wasn't a witch cultist. He felt pity towards the blue oni and wanted to in some way comfort her. However, there is one thing he must understand.

Kaoi: Ram? Why does your sister hate the Witch Cult so much?

Ram didn't answer and continued to walk forward.

Kaoi: I had only got bits and pieces of information so I can somewhat figure it out. But I want to know the full story.

Silence still persisted and Kaoi was about to give up until Ram finally spoke.

Ram: Years ago, we used to live in an Oni village.

Kaoi's head stood up in surprise.

Ram: As it was customary we were to be executed for being twins. However I had used my magic to protect Rem. After that we were allowed to live.

Kaoi: Wow!

Kaoi: And I thought I was a dedicated older sibling.

Ram: I was revered as a prodigy among the village and everyone praised me for my talent in mana manipulation. I didn't care though. All that was important to me was Rem. My parents and I were the only people that didn't see her with disdain as our fellow villages did.

Kaoi could clearly feel the frustration in her words. He can tell that she truly does care for her sister and resent the villagers.

Ram: Then one night, the Witch Cult attacked our village and all of the oni including our parents fell.

This caught Kaoi's attention.

Ram: I was left alone fighting to protect Rem. However, the cultists had me outnumbered and soon one of them cut my horn off.

Kaoi: Guess that would explain how she became hornless.

Ram: It seems for a second time we were to be executed together. That is until a passing mage arrived and saved us. He then took us under his wing as maids of his household.

Kaoi: Roswaal

Ram: Correct and since then Rem has developed a fierce hatred for the Witch Cult.

Kaoi: I see.

Kaoi: In a way, these two are kinda like…

Kaoi: Oh we're here!

Ram: Indeed. Now wait here Bakaoi while I gather what we need.

Kaoi: Yes Ram!

Ram left for a moment and after she was done with shopping. Ram saw that various onlookers were viewing a scene with happy smiles. The scene being Kaoi chasing the children around who in turn are chasing Teruo.

Cain: Come back!

Petra: We just want to play!

Teruo: Caw Caw Stay Back Caw Caw

Kaoi: Cut it out you brats!

Ram: Bakaoi, what are you doing?

Kaoi: Oh Ram, well you see the children started to swarm me but as soon as Teruo spoke up they started chasing him.

Ram: I see, but now I'm afraid it's time to go now.

Kaoi: Okay, well I gotta go now.

Kids: Awwww…

Kaoi: Come one, Teruo needs a break after- Huh?

Kaoi felt a tug on his tailcoat as he turned around to see the small girl, Meili.

Kaoi: What's up?

Meili looked down for a moment before turning her head up to speak.

Meili: Uh, Take a look. Over there.

She then points towards the entrance of the woods.

Kaoi then looks at Ram for permission.

Ram: You may take a look, Bakaoi.

The group make their way to a fence where a puppy dog is on the other side. Meili went to grab the small thing and then went back to the group.

Kaoi: It's this little guy, again.

He moved his hand to touch the pup but it growled at him.

Petra: She's usually so tame

Mild: She only gets mad at Kaoi.

Lucca: What'd you do to her, Kaoi?

Kaoi: Wouldn't I like to know. Now that I got a good look. He seems to have a bald spot on his head.

Not feeling like having his hand bitten. Kaoi simply got up and left with Ram. Despite recovering from the fight with Rem, Kaoi is still able to use Total Concentration Breathing and lift the barrel on the way back to the mansion.

Ram: Bakaoi, I have a question of my own for you.

Kaoi: Uh, sure, ask away.

Ram: Do you hate the demons of your world?

Kaoi: What brought this on?

Kaoi thought back to all of the demons he had faced during his time with the core.

Kaoi: If it's for the sake of avenging those who were killed, to make sure that there are no more victims, I will not hesitate to bring my blade down any demon's neck.

The pink maid simply looks forward as Kaoi gives his answer.

Kaoi: That is to say I don't necessarily hate them. In fact, with a few exceptions, I mostly pity them.

Ram looks at him with an intrigued look.

Kaoi: At first, I despised them but around the time I started to develop the empathy powers that I realized that they were once human.

Ram: You didn't know how they were created?

Kaoi: No, I mean that sometimes after I kill a demon, I can feel their sadness and regret from the actions they took as demons. Reminding me that at some point they were humans no different from me.

Ram: I see.

Kaoi: Now thinking about it. There was news that brought me hope for these tragic creatures.

Ram: What's that, Bakaoi?

Kaoi: Before I arrived here, a demon was pardoned by the leader of the corps.

(Play Nezuko Theme)

Ram now looks at kaoi with surprise.

Ram: A demon pardoned?

Kaoi: I couldn't believe it myself but from what Rengoku-sama told me is that a demon slayer with hanafuda earrings found his family killed by Muzan. Only his sister survived to become a demon. However, she doesn't crave human flesh but instead fights other demons to protect humans alongside her brother and their two companions. A boy that wears the head of a boar and a boy of yellow. Together they are on a quest to search for a cure and turn her back into a human. A story that tugs on my heartstrings and gives me hope that this is a turning point in our war with Muzan. It makes me glad that they are pardoned and are able to continue their journey.

Ram for a few seconds stayed silent as she brewed over Kaoi's words.

Ram: Bakaoi.

Kaoi: Yes?

Ram: I think you should tell Rem this story. I am certain she will like it.

Kaoi takes a moment before he simply smiles.

Kaoi: Okay I will.

With that, they arrived back at the mansion at dusk.

Roswaal: Raaam! Kaaooi! I see that you two are together. That saaaves me time.

Roswaal can be seen walking out in formal clothes. So different from his usual attire.

Kaoi: Right, you are going out.

Roswaal: Right you are Kaoi. I received a message that was a tad troublesome…

He quickly placed his hat on and smiled at the three servants.

Roswaal: So I'm off to make the rounds outside. I don't expect to be hoooome tonight, so Ram and Kaoi, take caaaare of things.

Ram: Yes, sir. As you command.

Kaoi: Got it, Roswaal.

Kaoi: Now that I think about it, Roswaal didn't leave last time.

Roswaal: Kaoi, take good care of everyone while I'm gone.

Kaoi: Sure.

With that Roswaal began hovering to the clouds, stopping for a second and then rocketing at an insane speed over the terrain until he was no longer visible.

Kaoi: Despite the powers I have seen from various demons, the magic of this world still amazes me sometimes.

Ram: Bakaoi, where is your crow?

Kaoi looked around to see that indeed Teruo is nowhere to be found.

Kaoi: He must have stayed back at the village. Don't worry I'm sure he'll be back in no time.

Ram: If you say so.

After organizing the groceries, Kaoi prepares to take off his butler uniform until he hears wings flapping in the air and he sees Teruo through his window. Along with feeling urgency and distress. Two feelings that Teruo normally has when there is a demon attack.

Kaoi opens the window to let his crow companion in.

Kaoi: Teruo! What's wrong!

Teruo: Children in danger! Strange monsters have taken them away into the woods!

After hearing the report, Kaoi grabs his blade and heads to the door. Along the way he encounters Ram.

Ram: Where are you off to at this time of night, Bakaoi?

Kaoi: Teruo came back and told me that the kids from the village were taken by monsters! I have to go and get them back!

Ram: Are you sure your crow is telling you the truth?

Kaoi: Teruo would never lie about something like this.

Ram looks into Kaoi's eyes and sees that he is completely serious.

Ram: Very well Bakaoi. Seeing as you are still recovering from last night's fight I will once again assist you in this endeavor. However, if there is an attack on the mansion then who will protect Miss Emilia?

Kaoi: I hadn't thought of that!

Emilia: Kaoi? Ram? What is going on? I heard loud noises down here so I decided to check it out.

Kaoi stops and takes a moment to think about how to handle the situation.

Kaoi: Emilia, Teruo told me there is a monster attack on the village. With Ram going with me I want you to go get Rem and look for the forbidden library.

Ram: Bakaoi!

Emilia: What! But I want to help!

Kaoi: Emilia! Right now Puck is asleep and we need you to be protected. Rem may be in punishment but she can still fight. I'll talk to Beatrice about letting you two stay. With them, by your side, I'm sure you will be safe.

Emilia: But Kaoi-

Kaoi: No buts. I need you to understand that you can't be harmed. You are a dragon candidate. I know you want to help but this is something that you can't be involved in. Do you understand?

Emilia pauses for a brief second before responding.

Kaoi: Emilia, trust me. This is something I have been doing for years. I got this.

Emilia: Okay, I trust you.

Emilia runs off to the dungeon.

Kaoi: I have to talk to Beatrice now. Ram, Wait for me at the door I'll be out.

Ram: Very well.

Kaoi using his intuition finds the entrance to the forbidden library.

Beatrice: What do you want now, I suppose?

Kaoi: Beatrice there is a monster attack on the village and I need you to let Emilia and Rem stay in here until this attack is finished.

Beatrice: Why would Betty do that?

Kaoi: Look I know you are not the biggest fan of people but as you know Emilia is very important to Puck and Rem is recovering from last night so please as your student do this for me.

Beatrice: Fine, hold out your hand, I suppose.

Kaoi holds out his hand as Beatrice grabs it with hers.

Beatrice: I, Great Spirit of the Forbidden Library Beatrice, on my honor, am henceforth bound by this temporary contact.

Kaoi: What?

Beatrice: It is a contract where I shall provide refuge to the half-elf and oni until this matter with the Mabeasts is settled.

Kaoi: Oh, Thank you.

Kaoi runs out of the forbidden library to meet up with Ram.

Kaoi: Ram, are you ready?

Ram: Of course, Bakaoi.

Teruo: Caw Caw Follow Me! Caw Caw

Kaoi: Okay then Teruo will lead us to where the monsters took the children, Let's go!

Not wasting any more time the Demon Slayer and Oni Maid dashes down to the village. Time is of the essence and the game is on.

Here we go! The climax of arc 2 is upon us. There may be two chapters left. Feel free to tell me what you think and have a good day.