Unexpected Demon Encounters

Chapter 8

We are suddenly standing in front of the jewelry shop we visited this afternoon. Muzan sets me on my feet and offers his arm out to me. Smiling, I take his arm with mine as we walk. I look around.

"Are they following us, Muzan?" I ask, trying to be quiet. I don't see many people out walking right now. I would still rather not be overheard by passerby.

His eyes look down at me. "Yes. Look to your right. In the tree line. Akaza. Doma is on our left." I nod. I can faintly see their eyes.

"I ran away from Tanjiro and Giyu before I ran into you. Tanjiro smelled a demon's scent. I told him that if I was a demon, I wouldn't be out in the sunlight. He seemed to believe it. They think I'm in danger." I let out a sigh.

Muzan nods, listening to me speak. "Can I tell you something?" I look up at him curiously. "What is it?" I smile and wait for him to continue speaking.

"I've watched you grow since you were born. I did know about your older brother being turned into a demon. I gave Gyutaro my permission to give Kai my blood. I saw your brother as an ally in protecting you. I didn't expect the demon slayers to appear. To me...it's still quite odd." He looks down at me. I nod, wanting him to continue.

"How did the demon slayers know to come to your house? How did they know to seek out your brother for being a demon?" He looks away. "Something doesn't add up."

"You think someone told them about Kai. Don't you? That's the most logical thing in that situation. Someone knew his secret and the demon slayers knew where to look from there."

I sigh and continue walking beside Muzan, he begins talking again. "Your father and I have known each other since he was a young man. Just coming of age. I also knew his father and grandfather and his father." I blink.

"You've been around...a really long time. You knew my ancestors." I look up at him as he nods.

"Yes, actually. You're the first female to be born in your family for about five hundred years. It's always been male offspring. That's why you're special. You probably don't even remember me as a child. You were still young. I came by every so often to watch you play." He smiles at the memory.

"Wow. You've...waited a long time. But why?" I stop walking and look at him. He cups my cheek with his free hand.

"You can bare demon offspring. I do love you. I've loved you ever since you were eight years old. The way you treated me. You saw me use my demonic power. You didn't become afraid. You treated me like a normal person when no one else ever did. I don't want it to sound weird that I liked you at a young age." He scans the area. "So, I stayed away until you became of age. You've grown into a kind and beautiful young woman."

I smile brightly. My eyes sparkling. My heart beats faster. Those butterflies in my stomach fluttering. He's a sweet and gentle man under the demon mask. I can understand wanting to be treated normal even when you're not.

"Thank you for telling me. I feel like I understand you a little bit better. I just don't remember. But I know I've never once been afraid of you. Maybe that's why. Because we met before. I feel safe with you. I feel cared for."

We continue walking again. We get on the path leading to my house. After a few minutes of walking I noticed something. It's too quiet. Not even the sounds of birds or insects.

Something doesn't feel quite right. "Muzan. I have a bad feeling." I release his arm and rush up to the front door. I take a few steps back and trip over my feet, landing on my butt. My parents have both been killed. Blood everywhere. Muzan stands in front of me and sniffs the air.

"It wasn't a demon." Muzan says, seeming very sure of himself. I believe him. If it was a demon, he'd be able to tell. Akaza comes and kneels next to me. Wrapping his arm around my shoulders. His other hand covers my eyes.

"Akaza. I can't see." I grab his wrist but he doesn't lower his hand. He whispers. "You shouldn't have to see this." He sighs. "Nobody should find their parents like this."

"If it wasn't a demon, was it a demon slayer?" Akaza asks the question I was going to ask. Who would kill my parents? Did they think they were demons? Was it a trap? Are they after me? Am I still in danger?

Too many unanswered questions.

Akaza lowers his hand.

"I'm scared, Akaza." I watch as Doma appears next to me, he remains standing.

"We should leave, Lord Muzan. Lyla may be in danger. We don't know who her enemy may be." Doma walks over to Muzan. Muzan looks around. His body tenses up.

"They're here." Muzan says and I quickly stand back up, looking around. Not seeing anyone. I get behind Muzan. "Who?" I ask. The hair on the back of my neck standing up.

"Demon slayers." Doma says.

As soon as he said that, Giyu and Rengoku land on the path in front of us. Muzan grabs my hand, blocking me partially from view.

Rengoku takes the lead in talking. "Did you kill Lyla's parents, demon?" His tone was hateful.

"No. But I doubt you would believe that. How do we know you didn't kill them?" Muzan looks between them.

Doma suddenly vanished. That must be Nakime's blood demon art again. Akaza gets into a fighting stance. I look up at Muzan and he's angry. If it comes to a fight, they'll be ready.

"No, Akaza. Don't do this." I complain. Akaza chuckles darkly. "I won't let anyone hurt you again. I will kill the Flame Hashira for you." He says proudly.

Muzan's grip tightens on my hand. Giyu looks at me and looks at something. I gasp. Behind us. I pull Muzan as hard as possible and throw my free arm up, putting myself in the middle. "Don't touch my fiancé, Tanjiro!" I scream and keep myself between them.