Drinking from the Fountain (Demon Slayer x Male Reader)

Prologue

The afternoon sun beats down on me as I enter town. The sun has started to set, I suspect dusk will soon be upon the town. The people of the town clearly understand this as well, the streets sparsley populated.

I'm supposed to be searching for my partner on this mission so we can find the demon behind the towns recent dissapearances. However, my instinct tells me I won't be as easy as I thought. The town has plenty of side alleys, and confusing dead end pathways.

With a puff of frustration, I start my stroll through town, drawing some sideways glances from storeowners trying to close their shops. A young boy with a sword, especially at this time of day, is sure to draw some attention. I ignore them to the best of my ability and continue through the village, taking in all the different paths I see.

Overall the place seems quiet and peaceful. Of course, not everything can last. I see a woman sobbing on her knees in front of what I assume is her home. I continue till I'm in front of her and crouch down to her level. She doesn't seem to notice my presence so I clear my throat. She snaps her head up to meet my gaze and I give her as gentle a smile I can manage.

"Ah," she catches her breath, "I apologise, I did not notice you young man."

I nod, "It's alright, I was actually wondering if I could ask what was the matter." I stand and offer her my hand, which she takes and wipes off her kimono as she stands.

"Oh. Well..." she trails off, looking down at the ground, tears threatening to cascade down her face again.

"I don't mean to pry ma'am. If you're uncomfortable with my asking I understand," I say with a reasurring soft tone. She seemed very anxious to answer the question, so I didn't want to push her into any decision.

Without raising her head she nods. We stand there for a moment, I let her process and decide what to do. "My son. Hiroki. Has not come home in two weeks. The worry and fear has gotten the better of my thoughts. I am sorry to trouble you with my problems."

My smile fades from my face. This damn demon. I can feel a somber frown stain my face, "I am truly sorry to hear that. Do you know where he was seen last? Where he may be perhaps?"

She tries to speak but her voice breaks. She grips her kimono tight in her hands and whimpers softly. It must be hard for her to talk about this. The fear of losing a child must be a truly intense one.

"H-He... H-He asked me if he could go see the river at night. I knew that... t-that it was dangerous, but..." her voice breaks again. This time followed by tears staining the dirt in between us.

I let out a soft yet understanding sigh. Ya know what they say in these situations. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. "Right. I will do my best to search for him there. Please, for the time being, stay inside. It isn't safe outside at night."

She looks up at me with a hopeful gleam in her eyes. She nods enthusiastically and wipes her eyes with her sleeve, "Thank you! Thank you so much!"

She goes to bow and I hold out a hand to stop her, "Please, do not thank me yet. All I've said was that I will try. Thank me when you can hold your son again."

Her green eyes lose a bit of the shine they had, some of the doubt returning to her. She simply nods once more, "Yes. I suppose you're right."

"Alright. I will be off. I will return when I can find anything reguarding Hiroki." With a small bow I start heading towards the east side of town; this creek is my only lead so far, and with no sign of the other slayer I must head there on my own. This demon picks on children, the weak, it cannot be strong.

At least I hope so. I've only fought 4 demons, only killing 3. This is my third mission, the first two were pretty easy; I assume this one isn't much different. I must keep my guard up, however. Underestimating an opponent is how you seal your ticket to an early grave.