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Demons are loathed by all.
They kill humans, they tear families apart, and they corrupt humanity.
Their repulsive existence is meant to be diminished.
It doesn’t matter if you used to be human, it doesn’t matter if you are good or bad, it doesn’t matter you never chose to become a demon in the first place. You are nothing but a detested, repulsed being that is meant to be decapitated. That is what you have believed ever since a demon stepped into your door and morphed you into one of the unsightly creatures. Even though you refused to eat any human being, even though you refused to inflict harm upon anyone, you are still a demon, and you must rot in hell. Humans despise your kind, so you’d never expect a tinge of mercy or forgiveness from them.
That is what you had always believed until one day.
It was yet another demon slayer that encountered your direction, and instinctively you ran away, afraid to die by their hands. You ran, ran, and ran until your weak body gave out, like an unfair karma for avoiding eating humans. This was the only time where you wished you had eaten a human; your body would've been strong and fast enough to avoid any local demon hunter. By the profound heaviness and exhaustion of your body, you collapsed to the ground. As fast as breeze, the demon slayer arrived ahead of you in a blink of an eye. Fear and adrenaline spiraled within you as you dragged your body backward with your arms, still determined to survive until your back made contact with a mountainous wall. Tears trickled down your eyes as the demon slayer stepped in front of you with their sword unsheathed.
“Please,” you whispered. “I beg you, don’t decapitate me...I mean no harm,”
Your words managed to stop the demon hunter’s movements.
A hiccup broke out of your lips. “I swear, I have never eaten a human in my life. So, please, spare me, leave me in peace. I wouldn't show my face ever again if you leave me alive...”
The demon slayer was taken aback; judging by how they lowered their sword and took an unconfident step backward. The night was too dark for you to make out their facial features, but you could feel how shocked and hesitant they have gotten. You heard a sniffing sound coming from them—were they sniffing? Why would they sniff at a situation like that? Confusion arose on your brows, but then, a wave of panic washed over your body when the human neared and crouched down to your level. You immediately clutched your eyes shut as you braced yourself for any action they would commit upon you.
“It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you, I promise you that,”
Such voice...it was so gentle and weaved in kindness.
Opening your eyes, the first thing that ensued in your vision was the kindest expression you had ever received in your entire demon lifetime. Warm red hues locked at your glossy [e. color] ones, a soft smile gracing the face of a young man that radiates amiable warmth. The moonlight caressed his frame, adorning his gentle features even more.
You couldn’t remember the last time someone gave you this look.
“I didn’t pick out any scent of human blood, nor any lie from you. Every word you said is sincere,” he put down his sword and pushed it a comfortable distance away from you. “So, I believe you, and I’ll spare you.”
Astonishment crossed over your tear-streaked features, “Do you...do you really mean it? You wouldn’t decapitate me...?”
He shook his head. “No, I wouldn’t. After all, you don’t eat humans—and you mean no harm, as you said. I could tell from your scent,” he gave you a toothy grin, “So, no need to worry.”
He was a demon slayer, you were a demon, and he decided not to decapitate you. It was against the rules, yet he is doing it anyway. The kindness and mercy he is displaying to you was the last thing you had ever expected to experience since the day you became a demon. He could’ve not cared if you eat humans or not, beheading you in the spot without a second thought, yet he didn’t and viewed you in a positive light.
It moved you to tears.
“Thank you...” you bent down to the ground as the intense emotions swirled like a hurricane within you, “Thank you, thank you, thank you...!”
You felt two arms wrap around you. He embraced you, comforted you, and soothed your intense feelings. What was with this man? Being so understanding and compassionate towards a complete stranger like you? Even, to a demon?
He’s too good for this world, you swore.
And while you thought it was the kindest act he has done, he decided to take his time to stay by your side, asking about your name, and if he could learn about your life and how you turned into a demon. After you had introduced yourself, you began to reveal your story.
“They invaded my house when I and my family were having dinner. My siblings were easily massacred, my father tried to resist them, but they outnumbered him and devoured him. My mother and I tried to run away, yet they caught up to us,” you spoke with such a voice that barely held any emotion, your vacant eyes staring into nothing. He could only stare at the ground thoughtfully, letting the info sink deep into his head. You continue, “My mother was killed, and I was severely injured. It was quite a miracle I stayed alive, but unfortunately, I got infected by the demon’s blood, thus, I turned into one.”
He furrowed his eyebrows in sorrow and sympathy. “I’m truly sorry for such an incident, it must’ve been painful,” he clenched his jaw, his head hung low, “If only I caught wind and had arrived to save you and your family...”
You brought your eyes to the starry night as you thought about how your family must be walking blissfully around paradise. “Even though it’s painful, even though I miss them so much, at least they’re in a better world.”
Tanjirō smiled at you at that. If he’s being honest, he found you to be quite admirable. The fact that you had such a mature mindset for someone his age, the fact that you had such strong willpower to resist your bloodlust and hunger and avoided eating humans—without even needing a bamboo muzzle similar to his sister’s—and still have the heart too kind to harm anyone. Regardless of your fragile build, you’re in fact pretty strong.
He wanted to know more about you.
As he focused his gaze upon your frame, he noticed how slim and almost bony your body is, how tattered and dusty your kimono is. From what he has registered from your story, he assumed you had no home and nowhere to go. You must be having a hard time surviving your demon life without shelter.
So, he has decided to...
“Hey, [name]-san, tell you what,” he tenderly held your hands into his, making you feel warm both in your hands and on your cheeks. “I’d be happy if you’d accept to come and live with me.”
“...eh?”
“You heard me,” he chuckled at your expression. “I’m sure you’d love my sister and my friends! If anyone would try to confront you for you’re a demon, I’ll step in and defend you. And if you accept my offer,”
He gave you a light, reassuring squeeze on your hands, his red hues had a determined glint, “I promise, I’ll make sure to bring back your humanity.”
At that moment, a lively light has danced within your hues for the first time.
Was it possible to turn back into a human? If it was an impossible goal, will he make it possible for you? Will he really...end your suffering? Go to the lengths of hard work and risks just for you? At that moment, your face had been graced by a smile soo genuine and beautiful that it took his breath away.
“I accept your offer, Tanjirō-san.”
He swore, he wanted to see such smile again. So, he mentally vowed to make you keep that adorning smile all the time. Content by your answer, he stood up and offered his hand. You accepted it, allowing him to help you on your feet. Walking hand in hand, the both of you continued to share your life stories and got to know each other on your way to his shelter. That was how your perspective was changed; even within this cruel world, there will always be a portion of kind people in it. Not every human soul is tainted by endlessly sickening hatred and vengeance; there are some people with a heart of gold who can forgive a demon, and Tanjirō is one of them. As payback for his kindness towards you, you vowed to help him, protect him, and stay loyal to him.
Forever.
⸻ the story can also be found on quotev