A Pretty Face (KNY x Reader Fanfic)

Chapter 8

Y/N walked alone for the next few months, abandoning her role as a demon slayer but still holding herself to the same principles. They had already turned their backs on her anyway. She couldn't live up to her mother's name.

She was branded as an outcast and traitor. No one in the corps really viewed her a person anyway, only after her inhuman abilities. That night, after making her decision to stay alone forever, the Hashiras tried to subdue Y/N just before the sun was to rise. She wasn't strong enough to take on all of them, so she quickly retreated while avoiding their attacks.

The top of her shoulders and arms had been singed with sunlight, producing rugged patches of skin that wouldn't heal. Her only resort was to hide in caves during the day and continue her journey at night.

Those damned crows kept circling overhead, signaling her presence to the Hashiras. She would have already killed them if it didn't go against her moral principles. Sighing, she forced her feet to keep carrying herself forward. Her own crow had been slaughtered after refusing to disobey Y/N. She still kept one of his feathers in her pocket as a reminder.

Soon, Y/N would reach a nearby village. She heard that they were notorious for allowing outsiders to buy property in their settlement, which was just what she needed. It was a privilege that other people didn't offer so easily. While she didn't have the money for a home, Y/N could offer a service no other person could.

A bridge had been built to allow easy passage into the village, and below it was a wide river that had a calm flow. Before crossing over, she took a seat by the river's edge and relaxed.

Her reflection stared back at her through the water. Y/N could see multiple fish surround her image, looking up at her expectingly.

Their scales looked murky in color, and their eyes were a sickly yellow around the pupil. They were sick from pollution. Further down the stream, and closer to the village, Y/N angrily sighed seeing all of the trash that had caused a blockade. It was disgusting how inconsiderate some people were.

"Don't tell anyone about our little secret," she unsheathed a small knife from her boot, placing the tip of her finger against its blade. "live your life to its fullest potential, and stay away from the village." It didn't hurt as she cut into her finger. The fish excitedly swarmed around her, each taking a turn to suckle at the rich blood that slid down their throats so easily.

Not a moment later she could see the color return to their scales, and their eyes shine with happiness. They quickly swam away like she had ordered, disappearing downstream.

The cut healed quickly too. A slight throb was left in its place. Crossing the bridge, she observed how merchants would come and go after advertising their wares. One particular man carried a large backpack, his identity hidden by a wide straw hat.

She stiffened, smelling a familiar scent branch out from his figure. That same sickly sweet smell that originated from every one of his kind. His head tilted the slightest bit. Y/N could see his lips twitch.

"You're not like me, yet I recognize that scent from my kind. What are you?" Curiosity made him step forward, but Y/N wouldn't back down.

"None of your business. I dare you to prey on any innocent folk here. Leave, and don't come back." Her hand rested lightly against her blade's handle. Sensing the danger she could enforce, the demon quickly backed off.

"Ah...I see. I'll make sure I let my friends know we need to find some new hunting grounds. Good day, madam."

Y/N watched as he walked away towards the forest. Before he completely disappeared into the darkness, he took off his hat and bowed. Even from such a vast distance, she could make out the contrasting red glow of his eyes.