Chapter 12: End of the Week

[Knocking]

?: Kaoi, Wake up.

Kaoi: uhhhhh…

Kaoi's eyes open slowly as he gets up to open the door.

Ram: About time you got up. Now get dress and come with me. We must prepare breakfast.

Kaoi: Are you sure you should be looking after last night? You took a pretty bad hit.

Ram: You need not worry. Miss Emilia was able to heal my body fine. While I won't be using any magic from now on. I can still fulfill my duties as a maid which is much needed since Rem is still in confinement.

Kaoi: If you say so. Just give me a moment to change.

Timeskip

Normally peeling potatoes wouldn't feel weird to Kaoi but after last night's events and prior. It was unnatural to him at least.

Ram: What is on your mind?

Kaoi: What do you mean?

Ram: I do not need empath powers to realize that something is bothering you. Also, you are peeling that tato too much.

Kaoi looked down to see that indeed he had been making what is essentially a potato stick.

Kaoi: Hah, I guess it just feels a little weird to be doing housework after last night where we were fighting…. Wolgarm was it? And there was the night before where Rem tried to kill me. Now I'm am preparing steam tatoes for breakfast.

Ram: It should be expected of course. As members of Lord Roswaal's staff, we have a duty to take care of the Mansion at all times until we are told otherwise.

Kaoi: What I mean is that when I was traveling as a demon slayer. It was mission after mission, maybe a trip to the wisteria house if I was heavily injured but besides that most of my time was spent walking from village to village as Teruo guides me.

Ram: Your crow would guide you.

Kaoi: Yeah, Teruo is actually a kasugai crow that is trained how to speak like a human to guide us to our mission and to relay messages. Really this week is the most I ever stayed at one place.

Ram: I see.

Just then Emilia enters the kitchen.

Emilia: Kaoi. Ram. Are you two feeling alright?

Ram: Yes Miss Emilia, as I told Bakaoi. I recovered enough to perform my duties here.

Kaoi: We're back to Bakaoi, huh?

Kaoi: Yeah Emilia, We're okay.

Emilia: That makes me glad. I was very worried when I saw the state of you two when you came back last night.

Kaoi: It's okay you did a good job healing us.

Ram: Agreed.

Emilia: Oh! Kaoi, Roswaal told me that after you and Ram serve breakfast. You two should go to the village.

Kaoi: What for?

Emilia: They want to thank you two of course! Not only did you return the children to safety buy you also rid them of the curse!

Ram: If it is what Lord Roswaal commands.

Kaoi: Okay. After I give Rem breakfast we can leave for the village.

Emilia: Be safe you two.

Kaoi: You're coming with us.

Emilia: Huh?

Kaoi: I noticed that you seem to lack some social skills. What better way to improve them than talking to the locals.

Emilia: But would that really be okay…

Kaoi: Of course it would be!

Timeskip

Now we find our demon slayer butler walking down a corridor. Kaoi soon stops in front of an ordinary door.

Kaoi: Hey Rem, I'm here with breakfast so I'm coming in!

Kaoi unlocks the door as he then enters into the "dungeon". There he sees the blue oni laying on the bed.

Kaoi: Wake up! Sleepyhead, I brought food!

Rem stills didn't respond.

Kaoi: Well, good news. You're no longer need to be here!

The moment he put down the tray the blue oni spoke up.

Rem: What?

Kaoi: Today at breakfast, Roswaal offered me another reward for saving the children, so I used it to lift your punishment. Emilia expectedly was shocked but I got her to understand.

Rem: But I had just tried to kill you. Why would you do such a thing?

Kaoi: I feel like you learned your lesson and it would do you good to be outside. Ram, Emilia and I are going to the village later. They want to thank us for saving the children and I thought it is nice for you to join us.

Rem: All Rem did was try to kill you and then hide with Miss Emilia While you and Sister saved them and kill the mabeasts. I am nothing but a monster

Kaoi could see the tears forming in her eyes. After days of only seeing the stoic maid, Kaoi could finally see the emotional girl that Rem is. An emotional girl that feels extremely guilty.

Kaoi: Rem, your not a monster.

Rem: Yes I am! Why was I the one to keep my horn? Why couldn't sister be the one to keep her horn? Why was she born with only one horn? Why did we have to be twins?

Kaoi could only look in pity as he watched her sniffle from sadness.

Rem: I'm sorry. That was a strange thing for me to say. Please forget it.

Kaoi: Actually I understand what you meant. Ram told me about what happened that night in your village.

Rem: Then you know if it weren't for Rem, Sister would still have her horn and-

Kaoi: and she would be without the sister she cares more than anything in this world.

Rem got up in shock, she now faces Kaoi with teary eyes as he sits next to her on the bed.

Kaoi: Sure, I knew you two for a week but that is enough time for me to know that Ram doesn't regret losing her horn cause to her you're more irreplaceable. The sense of protective instinct you have for each other is so strong. I couldn't tell which one belongs to you.

Rem: Sister finds me irreplaceable? Even though I couldn't be her replacement!

Rem: Then what about you Kaoi? Surely you must hate me? I wouldn't blame you.

Kaoi: I won't lie, I was mad that you tried to kill me, but as I got to know you better. I realize that I have a lot in common with you two than I thought.

Rem: What do you mean?

Kaoi takes a deep breath. His eyes closing as he prepares to tell Rem about him.

Kaoi: Four years ago, I used to live in a fishing village on Odo Island. It was just me, my father, and Rozu. Even when our mother died, My father stayed strong for the three of us and we lived in joy. That is until one night a group of demons came to the island and began eating everyone. My father was one of the first victims as he protected Hoshi from being devoured. Soon it inside our house was just us and the demon that killed my father. I was sure that we were going to die.

Rem: How did you survive then?

Kaoi: A demon slayer from the mainland came and slew the monster and his compatriots. That demon slayer was my mentor Kyojuro Rengoku. Soon after the incident, he offered me a chance to avenge my father and to make sure no one else lost someone as we did. I accepted and the rest is history. What I'm trying to say Rem is that I understand what you did and would've done the same if I were in your shoes. So wipe your tears. I don't blame you for what you did two nights ago. You're not a monster, just a girl afraid to lose everything again.

Hearing this, Rem couldn't help but let her tears fall as she leans into Kaoi's chest.

Kaoi: There, there, it's alright. Tell you what, later in the month, you, me, Ram, and Emilia have a picnic outside together and we all have a good time. I'll even prepare the food by myself.

Rem: Really? You would do that for Rem?

Kaoi: Really.

Rem: How can Rem ever make up to Kaoi? For not only forgiving her but for saving her sister as well.

Kaoi: Set your heart ablaze.

Rem: huh?

Kaoi It's a saying taught to me by Rengoku-sama. It means to move on from your past. To set your painful memories on fire as they do not matter now. To get strong so you can forge a bright future for yourself and Ram. It won't be easy but over time it will be worth it. Don't worry about doing little tonight. There will come a time when you are most needed.

Kaoi pats Rem's head in comfort.

Kaoi: So will you set your heart ablaze?

Rem: [Sniffles] Yes, yes Kaoi. I will [Sniffles]… set my heart ablaze.

Kaoi: Say Rem do you want to hear a story?

Timeskip.

The village certainty had a more joyful atmosphere than last night. With the children swarming Kaoi and some of them chasing Teruo. The adult villagers thanking Ram for helping Kaoi and even Emilia for healing them. Soon the twins left early to prepare lunch and afterward Kaoi and Emilia followed suit.

Emilia: That was amazing, Kaoi. Thank you for bringing be and Rem along. Everyone was so happy and nice!

Kaoi: Well what are friends for!

As Emilia happily skips ahead, Puck floats over to Kaoi

Puck: I would also like to thank you for bringing Lia along. This has been one of few times that she has been this happy.

Kaoi: Really?

Puck: Let's just say that she had a hard life until now and I hope that you continue to stick by her as her friend.

Kaoi: No problem.

Puck: I have faith in you Kaoi. Please don't let Lia down.

Kaoi: Got it.

After arriving at the Mansion, Emilia went back into her studies while Kaoi opens a door to once again find the Forbidden Library. The small but powerful caretaker sitting and reading a book like she mostly does.

Beatrice: How is it that you are able to find the right door, again and again, I suppose?

Kaoi: I don't know. Just lucky I guess. While I got your attention I would like to thank you.

Beatrice: For what?

Kaoi: For taking care of Emilia and Rem of course and also If you hadn't taught me how to properly manipulate my mana through my Shamak lesson. I might have not been able to separate my mana from Flame Breathing.

Beatrice: Betty was simplifying fulling the conditions of our temporary contract. I am glad that you were able to take something your lesson, I suppose. Even if it was a favor from Buddy.

Kaoi: If that is all, farewell.

Beatrice: Wait a moment.

Kaoi turns around to see the blonde spirit in front of him.

Kaoi: Yes?

Beatrice: I am curious about the world you come from. I propose that if you will give Betty pieces of information about Demons and Demon Slayers. I am willing to continue teaching your magic lessons.

She then holds out her hand like before when they formed that temporary contract.

Kaoi: I can agree to that, but we don't need to form a contract over it.

Beatrice: What do you mean?

Kaoi: We can just trust each other to fulfill our end of the bargain. I trust your word and you can trust mine. Have a nice day!

Once again Kaoi left Betty alone in the massive library as she stood there pondering on her most recent exchange.

Beatrice: What an odd man, I suppose.

Roswaal's Study at Night

We find the eccentric magician sitting in a chair in the dark as the pink oni stood on the side.

Roswaal: By the way, Ram, did you find the one who was controlling the maaaaabeasts?

Ram: Yes, but the trail had already vanished. It seems one of the children that Bakaoi and I brought back from the forest disappeared the next day. I am sorry to let the perpetrator go.

Roswaal: Aaaaall is forgiven. I do wonder. Was this all connected to the battle for the throne, as well? The Bowel Hunter, Mabeast masters… A Demon Slayer. We've gotten involved with some bizarre chaaaaaracters.

Ram: No matter how many strange characters you face, you aren't the sort of man to lose heart, are you?

Roswaal: My, how audaaaaacious you've become. Come here.

Ram sat down on his lap as he caressed her head.

Roswaal: You deserved a rewaaard for all you have done.

Ram: Please do.

Roswaal: You've used quite a lot of mana. May the stars protect you.

Roswaal began to channel his mana into the fingertips that were placed on where Ram's horn used to be.

Ram sighed in content.

Roswaal: I am quite impressssed with how you were able to gain his trust. It must have been tough to earn favor with an empath. Tell me Ram do you have genuine feeeelings for the boy?

Ram for a moment thought back to last night as Kaoi cut down all of the Wolgarm. The spectacle she had witnessed through his Flame Breathing skills.

Ram: What I feel for Bakaoi is irrelevant as my loyalty lies in you.

Roswaal: That is great to hear. For I will be coooounting on you in the months to follow.

Ram: As you wish. Since that fiery night, my body has belonged to you, Lord Roswaal.

Roswaal: I must win this battle for the throne, no matter what it takes. For the sake of my goal…For the coming day when I kill the dragon…

Roswaal: Although….

He then glances at a black book on his desk.

Roswaal: What transpired on the day of Kaoi's arrival still troubles me…

Kaoi's Bedroom

Late at night, we find our demon slayer studying glyphs. That is until he hears the door opens and the pink maid comes in with a tea set.

Kaoi: More tea?

Ram: I figured that you at least deserved another tea with me, Kaoi.

Kaoi: You called me by my name again.

Ram: Another privilege that you have earned. Whenever we are in private I will refer to you as Kaoi but in the presence of others, I will use Bakaoi.

Kaoi: Guess that fair.

The two then grab their cups and began to sip their hot beverage.

Kaoi: By the way, you seem to be in good spirits.

Ram: I would have to thank you for that. Your talk with Rem seems to have lessened her guilt.

Kaoi: She told you, huh?

Ram: Indeed. I also appreciate using your reward from Roswaal to lift Rem's sentence.

Kaoi: Well I'm glad that she is feeling better. On another note what happened to that girl that was used as bait by the Wolgarm? I didn't see her among the children today.

Ram: You see Kaoi…

The pink maid explained to the boy that the little girl they saved most likely have been the one controlling the mabeasts. As the adult villagers recounted that she had appeared one day but never questioned her presence.

Ram: I know this may be hard to believe.

Kaoi: No, I believe it.

Images of the young girl and her dog flashed through his head. Along with images of children that were turned into demons.

Kaoi: Anyone, no matter how innocent or young … can become a demon.

A small silence took place before Ram broke it.

Ram: Speaking of that night. There is something I would like to ask.

Kaoi: Ask away.

Ram: How were you able to kill those mabeasts without seemingly tire out?

Kaoi: Well you see…

Kaoi explains Total Concentration Breathing and the benefits reaped from his training.

Ram: By learning how to breathe a certain way, you are able to increase your physical prowess and stamina.

Kaoi: That's about right. Why the sudden interest?

Ram takes one more sip. She then opens her eyes and proceeds to speak.

Ram: Ever since I lost my horn, I had been unable to absorb mana from the atmosphere, so I had been eating these in order to survive.

She then holds out a strange purple nut in the palm of her hand.

Ram: They're called Bokko fruit, meant to use as an emergency for magic users to replenish their mana. Point it, that my lack of a horn has caused me to have little stamina as you probably noticed by now.

Kaoi indeed remembers the times she would take a rest in the middle of her duties and leave the rest to him.

Ram: After these recent events, I decided that I want to be more useful to Lord Roswaal as well as ease the guilt on Rem for me losing my horn. Kaoi, I ask of you to teach me how to harness Total Concentration Breathing.

A bit shocked at the request. Kaoi quickly composes himself.

Kaoi: Well it may take a long time. It took me a year to properly master it, but Mitsuri was able to do it in half that time.

Ram: Mitsuri?

Kaoi: A fellow student of Rengoku-sama. She also has pink hair.

Ram: Please keep your perverted delusions to yourself, Kaoi.

Kaoi: Okay, okay,

The demon slayer waved off.

Kaoi: The gist of it is that if you are willing to go at it with maximum effort. You may master Total Concentration Breathing in six months or under.

Ram: You are saying…

Kaoi: Yes, I will teach you how to use Total Concentration Breathing.

Ram then slowly returns to smiling.

Ram: Thank you, Kaoi.

Kaoi: Anything for you.

Looking out the window once more. The lost swordsman began to think all that has transpired in recent times

( watch?v=IGWtNqeZMp0)

Puck: My name is Puck and I am a spirit that protects the girl you see now

Emilia: It's Satella, no family name

Kaoi: My name is Kaoi also no family name and I am a wandering swordsman. My feathered friend you saw just now is my Kasugai Crow, Teruo.

Kaoi: Rengoku-sama, I may not know what my goal in all of this may be or the purpose the Witch has for me.

In a different mansion, the red-haired knight, Reinhard walks through a corridor until he enters a room with a smile.

In a fancy carriage, a blonde princess rides with her one-armed knight.

Inside a manor, a green-haired woman maps out a plan of attack with her cat-eared companion.

In a lit office, a purple merchant enjoys her time with a purple man in a uniform similar to Reinhard's.

Kaoi: Rest assured that whatever challenges may come.

In the darkness of a cave, a crazed man convulses in joy.

Inside a huge body of fog, the eyes of an enormous figure glow red.

Kaoi: I will face them with my heart set ablaze…

Now stands the Demon Slayer along with the twin maids and silver half-elf looking at the starry night sky together. While Roswaal and Beatrice watch from their respective windows.

Kaoi: and the friends I have made today!

End of Arc 2

Finally done! I hope you all had a good time reading this and are excited for more to come. The updates are going to get slower due to college work picking up. There will be a small break before I get into writing the next fic. Anyway, tell me how you feel and have a good day!

The next chapter will just report the status of the story and how I will proceed.