Unexpected Demon Encounters

Chapter 14

This chapter will get gory, you've been told.

Nakime summons the Lower Kizuki members, appearing in random areas of the Infinity Castle. They look confused. They're suddenly gathered in front of Muzan.

Muzan stands in place. The lower Kizuki stares at Muzan with fear and dread.

"Lower your heads and crouch down." He demands. "Prostrate yourselves."

The Lower Kizuki quickly obey, bowing to their Master. Akaza doesn't say anything. Just stands behind me, quietly watching.

"What's going on, Master?" Mukago asks, looking up from his bowing position.

Muzan's head snaps to Mukago, his eyes glowing with unsaid anger and malice. "Who gave you permission to speak?" His voice threatening. His eyes narrow.

Mukago clamps his mouth quickly shut. He lowers his head, afraid to speak another word.

"Don't presume to voice your worthless thoughts. Answer my questions. Nothing else." Muzan demands. "Someone or a couple of someones have tried to kidnap Lyla from right under my nose. Why is it that you demons in the Lower Ranks are so utterly weak?"

Muzan looks at each Lower Rank demon. Nobody speaks up. I shouldn't go out there. He's trying to help me find the real culprit behind my almost kidnapping.

"Why is it so difficult to tell me who was behind this?"

Muzan looks at Kamanue. "That's easy for you to say, but we..." Muzan raises an eyebrow "What? Go ahead and say it."

Muzan sounds likes he's reading his mind.

"Screwed how? Go ahead and say it." Muzan continues. Suddenly Muzan's right arm doesn't look human anymore. It's a long demonic arm. It reaches out and grabs Kamanue.

He starts begging for his life. "Please, forgive me, Master Kibutsuji! Please! Please show me mercy! I'm truly sorry! I'm truly sorry! I'm truly-" But his words are cut off as Muzan's arm begins eating at Kamanue. Blood squirting everywhere as he's devoured.

Akaza quickly covers my eyes, blocking my sight from the gory scene. I should be sickened by the scene before me. But I don't feel disgusted. Muzan is getting rid of the Lower Kizuki because they tried to take me from him.

That makes me happy. Muzan cares about me, and my well-being. I push Akaza's hand away. Will he leave Wataruba last?

Muzan chuckles darkly. "Lyla was able to tell me who it was that kidnapped her. I know which one of you has done wrong. Yet, I'm still going to kill you all. I believe that the Twelve Kizuki are better off consisting of just the Upper Ranks. I am now dismantling the Lower Ranks."

His arm stretches out, devouring one demon after the other. They beg and scream for their Master's forgiveness. Blood starts running off of the platform they're on. The bodies devoured, nothing left but blood everywhere.

Akaza whispers into my ear. "You shouldn't watch this any longer, Mouse. Come on." He grabs my hand, wanting to pull me back but let's me continue standing in place.

I continue watching through the crack. Only Enmu and Wataruba are left. Wataruba gets the stupid idea to start running away. Making quick jumps, and turns, most likely looking for an exit. He won't be able to escape without Nakime's help.

Suddenly Muzan is holding Wataruba's head, nothing below his neck. His body gone, blood drips onto the floor. He tosses his head onto the platform, then looks at Enmu.

Enmu is the only one currently left alive. He's sitting on his knees, patiently waiting. Does he want to die like the others? He doesn't seem the least but fazed by what just occured.

"Do you have any last words?" Muzan asks him, wondering how Enmu will respond.

"Well, let’s see… Ahh…This is like a dream for me. To die by your hand in person, and I so enjoyed hearing the other demons’ last gasps!
I feel so blessed… Because I love to see others in despair and agony. Because it’s like a
dream come true for me! I thank you for leaving me for last!" Enmu exclaims happily and I feel a shudder run through me.

I know he gave me a dream of my brother but he's still creepy. I definitely don't want to be left alone with him. I trust Akaza more than I do Enmu. Akaza surprises me by caring about my well-being and offering to help get my revenge on the Flame Hashira.

I look down, realizing Akaza and I are still holding hands. I smile inwardly. I look up, watching the scene between Muzan and Enmu.

Muzan suddenly stabs Enmu in the neck with his demon arm. He's being injected. My eyes widen when Enmu cries out in pain. He begins rolling back and forth along the floor. Enmu writhes in pain.

"That’s what I like to hear. I’m going to give you an ample share of my blood. Although you
might not be able to withstand the volume of blood and die." Muzan says.

Enmu slowly stops gasping, looking up at Muzan with a grin.

Muzan continues. "Still, if you do manage to acclimate, you’re sure to acquire even greater strength. Make yourself useful to me, then. Kill the Demon Slayer Hashira. If you can kill the Demon Slayer wearing hanafuda-like earrings, I’ll give you even more of my blood.

My eyes widen. Muzan is after Tanjiro.

Nakime plays her biwa, sending Enmu back to the real world. Gone just like that.

I push the door closed, and spin on my heels. I shove at Akaza, mouthing words. 'You have to go. Hurry.'

He cups my cheek, leaning in closer to whisper into my ear. "Get some rest, Mouse." Once he leans back, he disappears.

I rush over to the bed where I destroyed the pillow. I lay down, as if I had been resting this entire time. A few moments later, the door opens, revealing a normal looking Muzan.

Looking over at him, I give him a soft smile. He returns it, sitting beside me. He sees the feathers laying on the bed behind my back and chuckles.

"What happened to my pillow?" Muzan asks, sliding the feather across my cheek.

'We got into an argument.' I tell him and he nods, holding back a smile.

"I see. I made a reservation and I got you a new outfit. Get changed and Nakime will transport us there. No sight seeing this time." He drops the feather, standing up.

Someone knocks on the door. Muzan opens the door, but I'm unable to tell who it is this time. Muzan has clothes in his hands.

He sets them on the bed. "For you." Then leaves the room, closing the door behind him.

~~~

Authors Note: What do you think so far?

Who is working behind the kidnapping?

Will the wedding happen soon?

Does Akaza have feelings for her?