Odd Demon

Blooming bonds

Akira awoke swiftly in a jolt, frantically looking around as she realized she's surrounded by the unfamiliar smells of an inn. She sat up and looked around, trying to remember how she got there.

Suddenly, the door opened and the innkeeper entered, carrying a tray of food.

"You're finally awake," he said, setting the tray down on a nearby table. "How are you feeling?"

Akira Pov

I took a moment to fully comprehend that the man was speaking to me before stuttering out a 'ok'. My hazy sight now becomes clear as I glimpse at my arms, filled with bandages. "Uh... may I ask how... How did I get here" 'The last thing I recall was fighting a demon... and then another appeared-' "Here, eat and drink first then I'll answer your questions. You've been out for two days, I'm sure you're starving and dehydrated" He placed a tray of food on my lap, gesturing to the soup and bread. "As for how you got here, well a man brought you, said he found you in the forest nearby; he seemed very odd, especially his clothes. Don't worry about that though, eat and regain your strength and call if you need anything else." I thanked him for the meal as he left.

I sigh as I take in my surroundings a little better, my sword leaning beside the bed, I was covered in bandages and smelled of ointments and my clothes were somewhat shredded but not too bad. I was fighting a demon, lower moon five, and... died? Well almost. Another demon had shown up and killed the lower moon; with a nichirin, I'm sure of it. A demon killing other demons with nichirin swords? Unheard of, and where did he even get it???

I turn swiftly to the sound of something landing on the balcony of my room. A shadow is casted of a tall being, adored with something large that seems to rest on its shoulder. I flinch as I pick up on its aura; menacing and cold, radiating nothing but darkness. I grasped my sword at the side of the bed. I was in no condition to fight, my lungs felt like they were on fire the moment I readied myself for battle, my arms and legs screamed for rest, a slight headache already developing at the thought of going at it again. I waited for a moment, watching as its hand went to the hand of the shoji door, pulling it back. Perfect the timing, i stood in position,

"Light breathing, first form, Radiant Flash"

I dash forward at blinding speed, delivering a single, swift slash that reflects light, though my attack was stopped when it came into contact with another sword.

"You would be wise to abandon your pretense, human."

Its voice deep yet sharp, caused a chill to go up my spine as I finally looked up to see him. His silver hair fluttered in the light breeze, piercing yellow eyes and a slight scowl present on his lips. The way he looked at me was as if I was some lesser being. I grit my teeth before pushing back and going again. I haven't perfected this yet but-

"Light breathing, third form Shimmering Mirage"

I move in a fluid, almost dance-like manner, creating multiple light-based afterimages of myself. These mirages are to distract and disorient the enemy, making it difficult for them to determine the real target. Though my eyes widened when I realized he was no longer in front me but beside me, his movements were so fast and precise. His hand shoved my blade aside, now throwing off my technique.

"I said to cease your futile advances at once. Persisting in this course will bring you nothing but ruin." His tone had me completely frozen. I snapped out of it, ready to turn but my feet gave out and I stumbled to my knees, blood spewing from my lips as I hacked and wheezed; my entire insides felt like they were on fire.

"You were warned, yet you chose to ignore my counsel. Now, behold the consequences of your folly."

Huh?I look at him warily. His form stood over mine as if mocking me, he made no moves as we locked eyes, raising a brow and sheathed his sword. Before I can react, a fluffy sensation is felt as I realize the 'Thing' that was on his shoulder was... swaddling me??!