Demon Slayer : Heir to the Moon

I woke up to sunlight trickling through the paper window.

My body didn't scream at me today. That was new.

I stretched my arms, rolled my shoulders. It still hurt, but it felt more like old bruises now. The deep aches were gone.

Good.

Today was the day.

I stood up slowly and began packing. Not much—just the essentials. My sword. A small pouch of money. And a cloth-wrapped bundle of rice balls Aoi had made for me.

As I tied the last knot on my pack, I whispered, "Time to see her…"

My heart squeezed. I was nervous.

Terrified, actually.

Outside, I caught a glimpse of the two maniacs and Tanjiro preparing to leave.

Tanjiro adjusted his haori and strapped a wooden box to his back. Inosuke jumped down from a tree for no reason at all and started punching the air. Zenitsu was pacing in circles, mumbling something about trains, girls, and dying.

I stood in the shade, watching them. Didn't want to interrupt.

But Tanjiro noticed me.

He waved with that smile of his. "Ryo! Feeling better?"

"Somewhat," I said, walking up. "You three heading out?"

Tanjiro nodded. "Yeah. A new mission. We're meeting the Flame Hashira."

"Rengoku?"

"Mhm!"

I gave a quiet smile. "Good. You'll be safe."

Inosuke popped his head over Tanjiro's shoulder. "DON'T DIE BEFORE OUR NEXT MATCH, GABU!!"

"…It's Ryo."

Zenitsu shot me a glare. Said nothing.

And just like that, they were gone, disappearing down the forest path, full of noise and energy.

I stood there for a moment, listening to the silence that followed.

Then I picked up my bag and left.

The first day on the road was calm. Warm air, long trees swaying gently, birds chirping. I even saw a deer.

I walked slowly, still careful with my joints. Yuki's hometown was far. Five days if I didn't get distracted.

So of course, something had to happen.

The familiar caw of a crow sliced through the quiet sky.

"EMERGENCY MISSION! DEMON SIGHTED IN NORTHERN FOREST VILLAGE! URGENT ASSISTANCE REQUIRED!"

I closed my eyes. Took a breath.

Then turned off the road.

It was nearly midnight when I arrived.

I found four Demon Slayers huddled by a collapsed fence near an old house. Their uniforms were intact, swords drawn—but their hands were shaking. All four of them were young. Older than me maybe, but not by much.

And not prepared.

The first thing I noticed was the blood.

The second was the half-eaten body lying nearby—head gone, uniform shredded.

"Who was he?" I asked.

One of them answered. "T-The patrol unit. We found him like this... and heard a scream from the house."

"A demon?" I asked.

They nodded. "It took a family. A little girl and her parents. Up to the second floor."

I stared at them.

"…How long ago?"

"Thirty… maybe forty minutes."

That was it.

"Forty minutes," I repeated. "And you just stood here?"

Silence.

I could feel the anger rise.

"You're Demon Slayers," I snapped. "What are you even doing here if you freeze at the first real mission? A child is going to die because you're afraid."

"We—we were waiting for backup—"

"Forget it."

I turned away and sprinted toward the house.

Inside, the air was musty and thick with rot. Dust floated through narrow beams of moonlight.

I crept up the stairs, slow and silent.

Top floor.

That's where I heard it.

The sound of metal scraping stone. Rhythmic. Precise.

I opened the door.

There, sitting cross-legged, was a demon. Slim. Tall. Dressed in fine robes, stained dark. He hummed to himself while running a whetstone down his blade.

Lined behind him… were heads.

Human heads.

Dozens of them. Clean-cut, unbloodied. Arranged in rows like dolls on a shelf.

To the right, the family. Unconscious. Bound, but breathing.

The demon looked up at me slowly.

"You're early," he said.

"Your collection's over."

He smiled. "Not yet. I need three more."

I charged.

His blade came fast, But he was clumsy—showy.

I blocked, slid under him, and kicked him toward the wall.

He recovered quickly. "Your head looks clean," he said, lunging forward.

I answered with a precise slash—Veiled Fang.

Our blades clashed midair. Sparks lit the room.

He grinned, spinning to avoid my next strike. "You're strong."

"You're annoying."

He lunged again. I ducked.

He spun. I parried.

Then, with one step, I slipped behind him—Eclipse Fang.

My blade passed through his neck like light through mist.

Silence.

Then—thump.

I dragged the demon's body away from the family. Checked their pulse. Still alive.

The father stirred. "W-What… happened?"

"You're safe," I said. "Stay here until I say otherwise."

I looked out the window and whistled.

The four Slayers stood outside like statues.

I shouted down, "Come help them!"

They scrambled inside immediately.

I helped carry the girl downstairs. She was maybe six. Still asleep.

The mother woke up next. Her voice cracked, "Thank you… thank you… we just went for a walk. She wanted to see fireflies…"

Fireflies.

"…Next time," I said, "bring a lantern. And don't go out after dark."

They nodded tearfully.

I turned to the other Slayers.

"I'm reporting you all to the Corps," I said flatly. "Cowards don't get to wear the uniform."

None of them argued.

I left them standing in silence.

Back on the road again, I unwrapped one of the rice balls Aoi had given me.

Took a bite.

Thinking of the fight, I killed the demon very easily. I have become really strong,

But I knew, that wasn't enough. I need to more strong. Strong like Rengoku-san.

Maybe some day but surely.

To Be Continued…