My Shinobi

Chapter 35 - Part Demon

Chapter 35 - Part Demon

I took hold of Akurosuke's hand and let him take me back to wherever he had come from. I have no idea what in the world had come over me for me to let myself be lead by him. I didn't want to--honestly, I didn't--but there was no such things as warning bells going off in my head, nothing to make me think that what I was doing was wrong. Quite the contrary, I felt like this was the correct thing to do, as if I should have done this from the beginning.

I shook my head to bring myself back to reality. What the heck am I doing? I don't even know anymore. I looked down at my hand which was still in his, then trailed it up all the way to his face. I couldn't find anything wrong with this, even though I knew that if it was me from before I would try to do whatever I could to get out of his grasps.

Why was I so calm now?

"What plans do you have for what comes next?" I asked

He looked at me, "You, my precious, will help me in attaining what I have been waiting to accomplish all these years prior."

"And what would that be?"

"To let everyone live in peace."

At that, I looked at him in confusion, not at all expecting that kind of response, "I don't understand what you are trying to say."

"That makes sense, I did not clarify after all. what I meant by that was not exactly peace as in for all humans, but rather... peace for all, including those that are not human."

I nodded my head. That sounded more like him. But why would he want to do something like that, why would it matter to him either way? He must have read something in my expression, for he answered my unspoken question.

"I think we have been forced to hide for far too long, and it is about time we are let alone to live and interact with others without having to worry about being slaughtered as soon as they put their eyes on us."

"We? May I ask what exactly you mean by that?"

"Us demons, of course."

I stop walking and wonder in my head, is he saying he's a demon? How is he a demon? I haven't seen anything in his features that would give away him being a demon. I don't get it. aren't they suppose to have some kind of physical feature that looks like a demon? And even if he is, by his appearance, does that mean he is some kind of higher ranking. Or possibly--

"I have managed to hide the way my eyes look with a spell casted from a witch. That was the only thing that would have given me away that I could not risk. I did not have to worry about anything else, considering I am only part demon, and luckily, I did not gain any other physical traits they have. I do, however, have the same kind of strength and a few other heightened senses, just like the demons." he explained.

My mouth formed an 'o' shape as I took in what he was saying. But, how was that possible? "So you mean to say that you are half human and half demon?" he nodded. "How?"

"My mother was a demon that fell in love with a human. Amazingly, my father accepted her, knowing what she was and all even though she was disguised as a human at first when they met. She explained to him her feelings, and how she had to give up her family and home in order to gain her human appearance. She left everything behind, just to be with him. My father understood her, despite being deceived, and ultimately ended up marrying her. I was born a couple years after, and we lived a good life."

He moved his eyes from my face and looked into the distance. "It was all my fault. I never knew that the reason they did not allow me to go play with the other kids was for my own safety. When I was but a child, I decided that it would not hurt and went out to play anyways, as soon as the other kids got a glimpse of my eyes, they all began to scream 'demon'. I was confused, but tried to play with them anyway. A crowd of parents began to form, taking their kids away, and throwing rocks at me. That is when my mother came to my aid, I do not know what she showed the others, but by the look of their faces, it was beyond their nightmares. That night, everything changed. My mother was killed by the group of villagers who came, but my father managed to get me out before they got to me."

"That's...horrible." was all I could think of to say.

He continued, "That was the last time I saw my father. To this day, I still do not know if he is alive. I was found by a demon when I was wondering, almost dying from hunger. He brought me to his home, and offered me a place to live. Demons are just like normal people--living in villages, forming families, working. I was happy, for most of my life. One time, when I was out hunting alone--a ritual all sixteen-year-olds have to do, and bring back the biggest beast they can find--after I finished, I went back, only to find the village completely burned to ashes. No one seemed to be alive, and I do not know if anyone managed to escape either. That was the day I promised I would accomplish a world where demons would no longer have to hide."

"I want to help," I spoke without thinking. But what is there to think about anyways? All he has told me is that all the demons he has known have died unfairly, starting with his mother. It only makes sense to want to help.

He smiled, "I was hoping you would agree. And now, I do not think it would be hard to accomplish it. All we need to do is speak to the king of demons, get him on our side, and from there move to coming out and showing ourselves to the humans."

"That sounds like a good idea, but where are we going to find the king?"

"That should not be too hard. I do not understand myself, but I have always had this kind of pull to a certain direction, and for some reason, I have reason to believe that if we follow it we will find what we are looking for."

"Seriously? I find that quite strange, but it's interesting. I guess it wouldn't hurt to go ahead and try. I mean, what's the worst that could possibly happen?"

"Okay, then all we have to do is make a plan. I have no idea how long it could take for us to get there nor what may lay ahead, so we need to be ready for anything. Meanwhile, I will introduce you to the ones I have on my side so far."

He began to walk again before stopping abruptly, "And I am honestly sorry for treating you the way I did in the beginning. It was just...I am not too fond of humans."

"Huh? Oh... yeah, that. I guess we're okay now." I smile.

I didn't think I would ever be on his side. But seeing him like this, I can't help but think of how wrong I was of him. It's understandable that I would have thought otherwise when I first met him, he did treat me badly. But because of this revelation, I am now seeing him in a new light, and I truly want to help him accomplish his promise.

I only wish I could have said something to Natsume before leaving.

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Oh my gosh, I never thought school would make it so hard for me to find time to update. But luckily, we're finally on winter break. ^^

I have always wondered, how exactly do you imagine Akurosuke? I know I gave a few details, but everyone's imagination is different, and that's what I'm curious about.

Again, sorry if it's short, but I just find it so much easier to write short chapters. XP

Also, Merry Christmas!

Until next time~