Afternoons in the Karsten estate are always the most pleasant. The insects can be heard chirping as the smooth breeze brushes over one's hair. This accompanied by the sweet taste of tea can make Kaoi feel like he is back home.
Kaoi: [sips] Tasty! This tea is very excellent, Wilhelm.
Wilhelm: It is my pleasure, Lord Kaoi.
Kaoi: Just Kaoi is fine. There's no need for formalities.
After what had transpired on the day of the Royal Selection mission meeting, Kaoi and Ram had been staying at the Karsten estate as perdue to a contract between Crusch and Emilia.
Wilhelm: Very well, I am just pleased to see that you have recovered quite nicely after your duel with Lord Julius.
Kaoi: Yeah, Felix is really something. It would normally take way longer to fully recover my body to be in fighting shape.
Wilhelm: Then you wouldn't mind taking on this old man for a spar would you?
The old butler then takes out two wooden swords and offers one to Kaoi.
Kaoi: And what brings this on?
Wilhelm: I was present for your duel with Lord Julius. Now I want to experience this Flame Breathing technique of yours.
Kaoi: All right.
The two then take their position facing each other with their sparring weapons on the ready. Ram watches with Teruo under an umbrella.
Kaoi: On your mark, Wilhelm.
Wilhelm: Just remember, this is to test your sword skills, so no magic.
Kaoi: No problem, Flame Breathing
Kaoi: Huh?
Just as Kaoi was about to make the first strike, Wilhelm completely vanished into thin air! Kaoi suddenly found himself head first into the ground as his legs were swept by the old man. Turns out Wilhelm is very fast. Faster than Kaoi could perceive.
Ram: Oh Bakaoi…
Kaoi: This old man was able to be as fast as Rengoku-sama without using Total Concentration Breathing! Elsa, Julius, Reinhard. Seriously If any one of these people becomes a demon, they would have enough power to immediately become an upper moon!
Wilhelm: I've expected you to be more diligent than that.
Kaoi: Well it seems like I'm not sparing against any ordinary old man.
Wilhelm: Let this be a lesson to never underestimate your opponent, Kaoi.
Kaoi: I'll keep that in mind! Now come on Wilhelm! Second round!
As the two continue the friendly spar, a certain cat boy looks at them through the window as his lady inspects several documents.
Felix: What are nyou saying, Julius?
Flashback
Julius: It was my fault that my sword, the prized heirloom of house Juukulius, broke .
Felix: Julius, I watched that duel with my own eyes. It was clearly Kaoi who broke it.
Julius: Yes, but he wouldn't have if I didn't insist that we duel in the first place.
Felix: Nyou were trying to protect him from the other knights.
Julius: Except that he didn't need protection. I failed to see the raging flame he is and I was burned for it.
Flashback Ends
Felix: Just how deep were you cut by this man. …Oh?
Looking past the two sparring warriors, Felix can see that at the front gate talking to the guard is Reinhard.
Scene Change
Reinhard is now bowing to Kaoi, showing apologies. Ram looks at the two from the other side of the gate.
Reinhard: Forgive me!
Kaoi: What are you going on about? The duel was between me and Julius.
Reinhard: A duel that you were pressured into after declining and one that had no meaning. I should have stopped it but failed due to my lack of virtue.
Kaoi: The duel was pointless, sure I unnecessarily escalated it by requesting to use our real weapons, but in the end it was Julius who instigated the duel and paid the price for it.
Reinhard: Yes, his family's sword. Which is why I'm not angry at you for breaking it, but at myself. Had I been a better friend to Julius, a better knight to you, then none of this would have happened.
Kaoi: That sword of his was a family heirloom? Now I feel bad for accidentally breaking it.
Reinhard: Accidentally?
Kaoi: I meant to disarm him but in the heat of the moment I got a bit carried away.
Looking at the demon slayer in shock, Reinhard is a bit baffled that he is telling the truth.
Reinhard: I see, that's why I propose having a calm and open discussion with him. To clear up any misunderstandings like that.
Kaoi: How is he by the way? I haven't heard anything about him since our duel.
Reinhard: If I'm being honest, not well. While he still works as Lady Anastasia's knight, I can tell he is deeply affected by what has transpired as he rarely makes appearances outside of meetings and training sessions.
Kaoi: I see. Alright, I'll be sure to talk to him.
Reinhard: Thank you, Kaoi.
The two then respectfully bow to each other and then part ways.
Wilhelm: Shall we continue?
Kaoi: If you don't mind.
Timeskip
Normally, Kaoi would enjoy exploring the city but since word has spread about his exploits. People would swarm him and make it difficult for him to navigate. Kaoi had mostly taken to walking down the alleyways with the pink maid in tow.
Kaoi: Hey, Ram.
Ram: Yes, Bakaoi?
Kaoi: Will it really be okay for me to come back to the mansion after all that has happened.
Ram: Master Roswaal made it clear that after you gate had been fully assessed that you are to return to your duties as a servant of the Mather's Mansion. You will most likely receive tasks that will distance you from Lady Emilia for the time being.
Kaoi: Yeah, I figured as much. Huh?
Noticing a strange gathering of people, Kaoi goes for a closer look and sees that posters of the five candidates are put up for the citizens to see.
A certain fruit salesman comes up behind him.
Salesman: Interested in the royal selection, too?
Kaoi: I guess…
(Emilia: Because what would be the point if you're just going to leave anyway!)
Kaoi: Should I have never gotten involved in all of this in the first place?
Salesman: Five candidates, huh? If you ask me, letting a half-elf is pure insanity. Emilia, eh? There is no way a relative- Hey where did he go?
Not interested in what the salesman had to say. Kaoi made his way with Ram back to the Karsten home.
Ram: Had enough of the city for one day?
Kaoi: You could say that.
Ram: … Bakaoi, it's no use wallowing in self-pity.
Kaoi: What?
Ram: Both you and Lady Emilia let your emotions get the better of you. What happened last night can never be undone, so stop stupidly reminiscing and begin to plan how to use your useless mouth to reconcile with Lady Emilia.
While Ram's words were a bit harsh. Kaoi couldn't help but smile a bit.
Kaoi: You're right, Ram.
Ram: Of course I am, Bakaoi.
Timeskip
Walking up the stairs with a towel, Kaoi was about to turn in for the night until he sees Crusch in night clothes at the top of the staircase.
Crusch: Kaoi, would you mind joining me for a bit? The breeze is pleasantly cool tonight. perfect conditions for sharing a drink. as we gaze upon the night sky.
Silently nodding, the two sat across each other at a small table on the balcony.
Kaoi: I don't drink alcohol.
Crusch: But you seem old enough.
Kaoi: I just prefer not to drink alcoholic beverages.
Crusch: you are welcome to drink water, I won't be drinking enough to get drunk.
[Clink!]
Crusch: Tell me, how is the assessment of your gate?
Kaoi: After explaining to Felix every oddity and an examination. Felix theorizes that the souls of my world function differently from the gates he normally inspects. Which would explain how my mana can be affected by Total Concentration Breathing or how I can exhaust my gate without risk of it breaking. Although we're still not able to figure out how I can cast certain yin spells but explode on Minya.
Crusch: Well, you can put your trust in Felix. He is excellent with healing magic.
Kaoi: I wouldn't be so sure. In our first session I felt like he was planning on doing something but back out at the last minute.
Speaking of the devil or catboy in this case.
Felix: [squeals!] What are Nyou doing here Kaoi? And Miss Crusch why are you dressed so vulnerably?
Crusch: Is it strange? It's no different than what I wear to dine with you.
Felix: That's exactly the problem! Men are nyothing but wolves!
Kaoi: You're a man, too.
Crusch: That's enough joking, Felix. Everyone present at the Royal selection knows whom Kaoi has real feelings for.
Kaoi: What are you talking about?
Crusch: Oh! Did I get something wrong!
Kaoi: If you're implying that I have romantic feelings for Emi, then I'm afraid you're wrong.
Crusch: Really? Apologies then.
Felix: Not like it matters, I heard that they got into a big fight.
The Demon Slayer could only roll his eyes at this comment.
Kaoi: If there isn't anything else you want to ask me. I'll be taking my leave.
Crusch: There is one thing that interests me. At the Royal Selection, you mentioned being a part of the Demon Slayer Corps. I would like to hear about this corps in more detail.
Kaoi: Maybe later. For now, good night.
Crusch: Good night, Kaoi.
After the Demon Slayer leaves, Crusch looks out the window as the wind begins to pick up.
Crusch: The wind is picking up. It looks as if the weather will be rough again tomorrow.
The Next Day
Despite the win-loss record going in Wilhelm's favor, Kaoi couldn't deny the joy he feels whenever they spar.
Wilhelm: You are quite the swordsman. I see that your Flame Breathing is quite formidable. Your mastery of such techniques can even give me trouble in my youth. I must give applause to whoever taught you.
Kaoi: Rengoku-sama will definitely appreciate that and I gotta tell you your skill is on par with a hashira. The strongest and most skilled swordsman in the corps.
Wilhelm: Thank you.
Ram: Bakaoi!
Catching the attention of the two swordsman, is the pink-haired maid with an urgent look on her face.
Ram: There is an urgent matter!
Living Room
Crusch: Has Ram told you what's going on?
Ram: I received a troubling feeling through the synesthesia, an ability that allows us to feel what happens to each other, to an extent that I share with Rem.
Crusch: We don't know the details, either. but it came from the Mather's domain, which you know as Margrave Roswaal's territory. Evidently some troubling movement was seen in the vicinity of his mansion.
Kaoi: Troubling Movement?
Crusch: We did foresee this situation. from the moment the Margrave declared his intention to back Emilia, a half-elf.
Kaoi: You mean there's trouble happening because of that prejudice?
Crusch: That is likely a correct summation.
Kaoi: Then I believe that I have no time to lose.
Ram: Bakaoi…
Kaoi: If Emilia and the others are in danger, then they are going to need all they can get.
Ram closes her eyes as she understands the situation. While she does not want to do any damage to her Lord by cutting off ties with the Karten House, Rem is a capable fighter there is only so much she can take, Roswaal is often called away, Puck can't be out after 5, and Beatrice resides in the library. Leaving the village nearby defenseless. In other words, The domain will need her and Kaoi if an attack were to take place.
Kaoi: Lady Crusch, I'm going back to the Mansion. Until it's taken care of the assessment of my gate will have to-
Crusch: Kaoi, if you leave here, that will make you my enemy.
Kaoi: What?
Crusch: Allow me to correct one idea you have. I have only allowed you to stay here as a guest, receiving treatment, because I am contracted to do so.
Kaoi: I see, so you and Emilia had a contract regarding my gate's assessment.
Crusch: Indeed, if you abandon that contract yourself, I am not obligated to continue protecting you. the moment you leave this household, Emilia and I will not hesitate to become enemies.
Kaoi: … Fine by me.
Crusch: Hm?
Kaoi: Even if you feel that way. I still have a duty as a Demon Slayer to protect my friends at the mansion. To protect those in the village. Although, I can't help but feel that you want Emilia out of the picture.
Felix: I think you seem to have gotten some things wrong.
Now looking at the catboy, Kaoi can see a stern expression displayed on his face instead of the cutesy face he usually has.
Crusch: Felix that's enough.
Felix: No, I will say it. The mistake he's making is a bit too grave. even if you leave nothing will change. You'd be wasting your time. After you insulted the wise men of the council and destroyed Julius' sword. You would be making things worse by leaving. If you were to stay here, you'd be much better off.
Kaoi: So you finally decided to show your true colors.
Turning his back to Crusch and Felix, Kaoi began to respond
Kaoi: Crusch, last night you wanted to know about the Demon Slayer Corps. Well then allow me to tell you then. We are an organization of swordsmen dedicating our existence to protect humanity from Demons. We don't care about trivial things like class and territory. We do not ask for compensation for our work. Every one of us has held our blades for a simple goal, to be the safeguards of every man, woman and child. Despite the distance between men and the corps, I still have a duty and I will see it fulfilled!
Crusch and Felix could immediately feel the pressure emanating from Kaoi as he said that last part.
Kaoi: Let's go, Ram. Thank you for your hospitality Lady Crusch.
Felix: A good man knows how to take a warning!
Kaoi: If I had listened to that, then I would have never become a Demon Slayer.
Outside of Crusch Mansion
Kaoi and Ram prepares to take a carriage with the assistance
Kaoi: Ram, How long until we make it to Roswaal's mansion?
Ram: About 2 and half days, Bakaoi.
Kaoi: Didn't we arrive here in less than half a day?
Ram: Well Bakaoi, the road we used is now covered in fog, so we'll need to use a detour.
Kaoi: Fog?
Ram: Sorry I forgot that you are ignorant to such things. The fog is caused by the White Whale, one of the most dangerous mabeasts in the world. No even you would survive an encounter with it.
In a sudden flurry of emotions, Kaoi senses the feeling of rage coming from Wilhelm. A large amount that is normally sense when someone is looking for revenge.
Kaoi: Did Wilhelm lose somebody to the White Whale?
Kaoi: Okay and Wilhelm!
Wilhelm: !
Kaoi: Thank you for lending us the carriage and for being an excellent sparring partner.
Ram: Yes, in my Master's stead, I would also like to thank you for the hospitality you have shown us.
Wilhelm: Please, Take care of yourselves.
Scene Change
Kaoi: You know Ram, I'm surprised you are not seething with rage with how I basically burned Roswaal's bridge with the Karsten House.
Ram: Master Roswaal was already expecting for some of his connections to cut ties the moment it was announced that he was sponsoring Lady Emilia. He is a smart man however, so I am confident he will find a way to make do. It was just that Lady Crusch is the kind of woman that works in transactional relationships.
Kaoi: I see.
Kaoi: Roswaal, now that is a man who is a complete mystery to me. It's not that he wears clown makeup or that he does that weird accent of his. Everything about that guy seems to be fake, even his emotions. However, Ram seems to put her complete trust in him, so I guess I'll have to too. Still I can't help but feel that he has ulterior motives.
Timeskip
It has been two days since we left the Karstan Mansion. Ram tried using her clairvoyance with Rem but for some reason they couldn't connect. I tried sending Teruo to deliver a message but he never came back. It was too quiet for both of us to be comfortable.
Kaoi: Still nothing from Rem?
Ram: No it's like something is interfering with my clairvoyance. Kaoi?
Kaoi: Yes, Ram.
Ram: There may be a chance that the Witch Cult may be involved.
Kaoi: The cult?
Ram: They are crazy fanatics. It's likely that they will go after Lady Emilia due to her resemblance to the Witch. What I want you to understand about Kaoi is that they are not the demons of your world. Underneath their hoods, they are humans no different from you. Are you willing to let your blade slice flesh that is of your own?
Kaoi: ….If they committed the atrocities that I heard so much about, then they were never humans in the first place.
Ram: I see, Thank you Ka- Hrk!
Kaoi: Ram?! What's wrong!
Ram: It's Rem! We have to hurry!
Snapping the reins on the ground dragon l, the carriage increased speed, but then…
[Shrk!]
The ground dragon's head was sliced off and the carriage crashed into the road.
Kaoi reacts by getting Ram in his arms as he jumps to safety. As he lands he sees that they are suddenly surrounded by men in black hoods with red accents.
Ram: The Witch Cult!
Wasting no time, Kaoi puts Ram on her feet and draws his sword.
Kaoi: Ram, remember your training! Keep your breathing steady!
Ram: No need to tell me! Stupid Kaoi!
Kaoi: Great to hear! Now, Flame Breathing, First Form: Unyielding Flame!
Dashing at one of the cultists, Kaoi slices his neck and the cultist's head goes flying into the air. The demon slayer continues his assault as he decapitates two other members.
Ram: Fura!
Using a combination of Total Concentration Breathing and her wand, the pink-haired maid casted her wind magic to kill five cultists at once.
The surviving members tried to launch fireballs at Ram, but Kaoi jumped in at the last second.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing - Fire Magic, Fourth Form: Blooming Flame Undulation!
Creating a flame barrier, Kaoi was able to counter the flying fireballs, although he sustained some burn damage. The magical output was enough to protect Ram as she jumped from behind.
Ram: Fura!
And finishes off the remaining hooded figures. She then crouches over to Kaoi's side.
Ram: What were you thinking! You could have been severely damaged blocking that attack!
Kaoi: I couldn't let you get hurt. Now come on! We'll have to move quickly!
Ram: Fine but no more reckless actions like that! You won't be of use to anybody if you keep this up!
Kaoi: A small price to pay for your safety.
Ram: Hmph! Stupid Bakaoi…
Even when running at abnormal speeds, it was night when the two neared the village. A village that is currently on fire.
Ram: We're too late!
Kaoi: There's still a chance to save them!
Taking out his blade, Kaoi sprang into action. Entering the village, he sees that Rem is trying her hardest to kill every cult member.
Rem: You Damned Cultist!
Too preoccupied, the blue-haired maid failed to notice the cult member that was about to strike her back with a dagger. Kaoi did however.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Third Form: Blazing Universe!
The cultist couldn't even react as his body was sliced in two.
Ram: Rem! Are you okay?!
Rem: Kaoi! Sister! You came back!
Kaoi: Rem what happened here?
Rem: When you were away, the witch cult attacked, Lord Roswaal ordered me to fight off the forces that were attacking the village and to have the villagers that survive retreat to the Mansion.
Ram: I see.
Ram: Okay now Rem, I'm going to need you to retreat to the mansion as well.
Rem: But Sister-
Kaoi: Me and Ram will take it from here. You need to go back to the mansion and protect the Villagers and Emilia, okay?
She wanted to stay with them, with her sister, but she knows that Kaoi is right.
Rem: Kaoi, Sister, Please make it back safely.
Kaoi: I promise.
Ram: We'll be fine Rem.
The blue maid takes off for the mansion. Leaving her twin sister and the demon slayer to deal with the remaining cultists in the village.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing, Second Form!
Ram: Fura!
One by one each and every cultist falls between the two.
Ram: Do you think that's the last of them?
Kaoi: It should be I don't feel anything but-
Just then Kaoi sensed one of the most intense emotions in his entire life. It was wild, untamed and destructive. It was then that Kaoi knew the feeling of madness.
?: What a very, very, very, very, very entertaining sight! Truly, truly, truly!
Kaoi and Ram turn to see a man walking towards them. His cheeks were gaunt and the skin on his bones was unusually thin. His complexion and lips were deathly pale and had a sickly green-tint to them. His outfit is similar to the robes that the members of the Witch Cult wear.
Everything about this man puts Kaoi on edge.
?: You wouldn't happen to be Pride, would you?
Kaoi: Pride? What is he talking about?
Ram: Bakaoi, be weary of this man.
Kaoi: Ram?
Ram: He is an Archbishop.
Kaoi: An Archbishop?
?: Indeed, I am a sin Archbishop. Representing Sloth, Betelgeuse Romanée-Conti!
Kaoi: Archbishop of Sloth? Did he mean he thinks I am an Archbishop of Pride?
Betelgeuse: To think you would show such diligence by running here after your ground dragon showed great sloth. It makes my brain tremble…
He starts to wildly swing his arms as he says this but then gets into a more serious posture.
Betelgeuse: But you also show sloth by betraying her love! The Love she has graciously covers you!
Kaoi: Love? Does he mean the Witch's Miasma?
Betelgeuse: Please forgive us the sloth that has led us to betray your Goodwill! Love... we must repay love with love!
(Play Theater D)
Suddenly dark hands sprang from his body and were launched at Kaoi and Ram. The Demon Slayer manages to dodge and slices any hand that comes near him.
Ram: Argh!
The pink maid however, was caught by the hands and was slammed into a nearby wall.
Kaoi: Ram!
Kaoi rushes over to Ram, slashing the hands that were holding her in the process. Blood was seeping from her head and her ribs broke from the impact. She wouldn't be conscious if it weren't for Total Concentration Breathing.
Kaoi: Why didn't you dodge the hands?
Ram: [Gaspings] … what hands, Bakaoi?
Kaoi: The hands that came from his body!
Ram: There was [coughing] nothing that came out…
Kaoi: How can this be? I clearly saw those dark hands.
Betelgeuse: You can see my gift!?
Kaoi: He's surprised! Are they invisible?
Betelgeuse: My brain... my brain trembles!
Kaoi: That's it, I have enough!
In a blink of an eye, Kaoi rushes at Betelgeuse, who reacts by sending out more of those dark hands.
Kaoi: Flame Breathing - Fire Magic, Eight Form: Torching WIldfire!
Using his flaming sword, Kaoi cuts each hand into pieces. Soon Kaoi was mere inches away from the Archbishop.
Kaoi: It's over, Betelgeuse!
However, instead of looking in despair at the face of destruction. Betelguese slowly smiles..
Betelgeuse: Agreed… Sloth!
A black wave emanates from Betelguese. Kaoi suddenly felt severe pain in body that he couldn't help but fumble over. Crashing into the ground, Kaoi's mouth begins to foam. He tries to get up but is instead push down by Betelgeuse's hands.
Kaoi: What is this!
Betelgeuse: While you showed great diligence. I'm afraid that mine is simply far greater!
Kaoi: Damn it! Did he use some magical power? I can't get up!
Betelgeuse: Now I believe it's time for your repentance. By the authority of sloth..
Betelgeuse then sends over to grab the injured oni and lifts her in the air.
Kaoi: Ram! Leave her alone!
Betelgeuse: But I must show! I must show you the price for your sloth. Because of it you killed her.
The madman then leans his body backwards to face Kaoi.
Betelgeuse: You killed her.
Ram: [spits out blood] …kaoi… [Shrieks]
Her limbs start to twist in unnatural ways. Every joint was snapped in two and all Kaoi could do was listen to her screams.
Kaoi: RAM!
Then the pink maid goes limp.
(End OST)
Betelgeuse: My work here is done. Farewell, may you not act so sloth.
The madman summons multiple giant hands that cover him and sends him flying towards the Roswaal Mansion. Even as the hands were lifted off Kaoi, he couldn't find it himself to move as he stared at the limp body of his companion.
Kaoi: Ram..
Slowly he begins to crawl. His eyes tearing up at the sight of Ram's mangled body.
(Play Dreams and Regrets)
Kaoi: Ram...
Phantom words start to seep into his head
Kaoi: Bakaoi? That's a bit of a mouthful to pronounce.
Ram: It may be, but it is Bakaoi's name.
Ram: If what Miss Emilia said is true about you being able to fight off the Bowel Hunter. Then there is no doubt that your sister are just as stubborn as you are. I'm sure she is fine, Bakaoi.
Ram: I will uphold my duty and protect my junior.
Ram: Thank you for everything you have done, Kaoi.
Kaoi: I'm sorry Ram...[sobs] ... I'm so sorry [crying]
The demon slayer cries as he failed his closest friend in this world.
The best he could do was held her tightly in his arms.
Ram: ...he...he...he...foolish bakaoi...
Kaoi: Ram!?
Ram: ...Rem will be upset that we weren't able to keep our promise...
Kaoi: Ram! Hold on, we can-
But it was too late, for the pink oni died in his arms.
Kaoi: Ram [sobs] Even in her last moments she was thinking about her sister. [sobs]
Never than ever, did the Demon Slayer feel like there was nothing he could do.
Except...
Kaoi: Wait!
The demon slayer grabs his nichirin blade.
Kaoi: There's still a way!
While most of the parameters still remain a mystery, the ability, Return by Death, Kaoi discovered during the week at the mansion proved itself by allowing him to go back. With this he can go back and intercept the attack. All he just got to do is...
Kaoi: Cut my own neck!
Kaoi: Wait! If I do this then I am leaving everyone at the mansion to die!
Kaoi: It won't matter, the world will reset!
Kaoi: I don't know if that is how this power works!
Kaoi: I have to save Ram!
Kaoi: Is she worth it?
Placing the blade upon his neck, Kaoi takes a good look at the oni's sleeping face.
Kaoi: She is worth it. Ram, I'm sorry that I failed you, but I promise to do better. See you soon.
[Shrk!]
[Splat!]
The sound of flesh tearing and blood splattering can be heard as Kaoi falls onto the floor. His hand landing nears the fallen Ram's own.
Soon the surrounding area starts to be covered in snow.
Author's Note
Wow! What a chapter to write! Anyway, I hope you guys were satisfied. Like always feel free to comment your thoughts on what you think of the story. If you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them.
Until the next chapter.