Night had arrived.
Akuru could only stare at the moon in wonder. The sight of it framed between the dark, rain-filled clouds was like a painting. The silver glow that it fed his path held a flicker of mysticism. His mother had always reminded him that his eyes reflected the moon. Akuru remembered his father's stories on the moon, being an eye that saw what people hid away under the blanket of the night. Both his parents had never run short of compliments for his eyes.
Akuru was never the shameless type to compliment his own looks, but even he could admit his eyes always had been his most striking part.
Plus, as Akuru had grown up practicing the blade, he started to believe his father's stories about what the moon could see. Akuru could finally see why his mother had always told him his eyes reflected the moon. Both their stories started to paint what Akuru could see when he let himself breathe with the world.
Before Akuru could get too lost in his thoughts, a shuffle in the long grass to his left sounded out in the quiet night in the till now empty grass lands. The movement of the grass was obvious, it moved opposite to the way the wind blew. It was far enough from the path Akuru was walking on, that it would be bothersome to get to. Akuru paused; the sound of rocks mixed in with the dirt being displaced arose under the quiet ambient night.
The shuffle of grass started to move away from him. Most likely an animal that got scared off by the sudden noise he made. Demons were unlikely to be hidden in these relatively short grasslands, with not enough cover or shade. Maybe a strong demon might now that Akuru thought, they wouldn't really worry about being seen, arrogance practically oozed from them. Akuru didn't think any demon would run away from sounds, especially a stronger demon.
So he could just stay on the path right?
Who was he lying to? Akuru was basically forced to investigate it. His own self-morals and the duty of a demon slayer basically captivated him into action.
Akuru placed his hand on the blade that rested on his waist, the wood cool under his touch. He jumped right into the grass. The tips of the grass brushed his neck, uncomfortable as they prickled while he ran through the overgrown environment. Under the bright moonlight and the slight breeze that blew over, the fields looked like an ocean of green. It moved and crashed like the waves. The contrast between the bright green of the grass clashed with the dark night horizon. The border between two worlds.
Akuru finally neared the creature that seemed to never tire. It had to be small enough that even when he was a few meters away, he couldn't see it through the grass.
He took a deep breath as his right hand went to his blade. The world seemed to shrink around him as the night collapsed, ready to strike.
Akuru lunged.
He finally set his eye on the creature. His blade was out already, reflecting the silver ethereal glow from the moon, ready to purify the darkness.
A tanuki was what looked up at him.
Terrified beyond measure, it paused for a second before it realized he didn't move forward. The tanuki instantly ran away, running as the wind itself carried it away from him.
Akuru could only sigh as he put his blade away. He could only blame his extra agitation on what he had heard today. Akuru started his walk back to the path. Slowly, using his hands and shoulders to weave through the grass. It was more annoying this time as the wind kept blowing the grass right into his face.
At least he made sure to double-check.
By the time he got back on the dirt path, his annoyance had burned off any drowsiness he had built up. Akuru could only continue his walk patrolling the area.
The night his company, as Huginn had decided the night was his own frontier. Akuru walked down the path, which had started to slowly darken. The moon was slowly creeping behind the clouds. It seems this night would be spent in only faint strands of moonlight for Akuru.
The clouds thickened until the sky was a restless sea of shifting gray, swallowing the moon's gentle glow. Akuru continued onward; each step was supported by the damp earth beneath his sandals. The wind carried the murmur of distant hills, a whisper rising and falling like an old story trying to be remembered.
The night passed as it started. Quietly.
* * *
The day broke.
For Akuru, the night had passed relatively peacefully. He didn't encounter a single demon. Akuru found it odd, considering the rumors and the instructions he had from headquarters. Though demons weren't so common that something like this would set off alarm bells, something he would keep in the back of his head.
Huginn had found him halfway into the night, ready to rest after his adventure. He had told him that there was a town nearby. That was where Akuru was now heading today. He was starving, needing some nutrients before another night of patrolling the area tonight. Something he had been asked to do as Huginn relayed to him as he was about to sleep.
Hopefully, this town has some nice food.
Before him, the morning sun uncurled slowly over the rooftops, warm and gold, stretching its light across the dirt road as Akuru approached the town. The morning warmth has a way of softening the edges of worry. His footsteps settled into an easy rhythm. With each one, the town drew closer, its shape becoming clearer.
Low wooden houses clustered together as it opened up to the town centre, which welcomed new entries into the town. The faint chatter of early risers starting their day.
Akuru took a deep breath. The air was thick with the smells of river water, damp soil, and his personal favorite. Grilled breakfast. His stomach clenched in anticipation. A proper meal, for sure. Akuru would take it as fate.
The gate wasn't guarded, just two old wooden posts marking the town's entrance. A painted sign hung from one; the letters were a little faded.
"Yukinohara Village, May Travelers Find Peace."
Akuru smiled. Peace was a luxury lately, but he appreciated the wish.
As he entered, the town slowly woke up around him. A woman sweeping her porch paused when she saw him. A group of children running down the street slowed, wide-eyed. A vendor raising his shutters gave Akuru a curious once-over. Akuru lifted a hand in a friendly little wave to the woman who was closest to him.
"Good morning" he spoke calmly.
The woman blinked, then returned a small smile.
"Good morning… you're certainly up early."
"It's because my stomach wakes up before I do," Akuru said, patting it lightly, "It's rather demanding."
The woman chuckled and shook her head.
"Well, you're polite for such a young fellow."
Akuru bowed slightly and continued on, though he could still feel curious eyes following him. He didn't mind. It was better than the fearful ones. They probably thought he was odd, sixteen, maybe seventeen, alone, dressed up like some wandering samurai. Better than them guessing he was really thirteen, a blessing he'd been stretched out like an overgrown sapling. Or was it his sword that made him look older than he was?
He wandered deeper into the town, his nose leading the way. The main street opened before him. Bustling, even in these early hours. Stalls being set up. Akuru moved through it all quietly, taking in the gentle hum of daily life. It soothed him in ways he never quite understood.
Then it hit him. The smell.
A savory wave of miso, roasted fish, and warm rice wafted from a building nestled between two shops. A humble diner, with its wooden paneling, had its entrance half-open. Akuru's feet moved before his mind did.
He reached the doorway; a middle-aged cook was adjusting a bucket of water at the entrance. The man looked up, then did a double-take when he saw Akuru. His gaze slid from Akuru's youthful face down to the swords at his side, then up again.
"Well now," the cook said gruffly. "I wasn't expecting a… Whatever you are… this early."
Akuru smiled.
"I wasn't expecting such a heavenly smell this early either. It seems fate has brought us together."
The cook snorted.
"Fate had better pay for breakfast."
"My pouch does that," Akuru replied, holding it up.
Something in his tone made the cook's eyes soften, "Alright, alright. Get in. You look like you haven't eaten in forever. You're still growing, need to put some more muscle on your bones."
"I promise I eat regularly," Akuru said, stepping inside, "It's just my body that refuses to show it."
"Hmph. Sit."
The interior was modest, with wooden tables, a lantern hanging from the ceiling with cracked panes of glass, and bamboo blinds rolled halfway up to let in sunlight. There was something warm about it. Something cozy. Akuru chose a low table near the window. Quickly asking for whatever he recommended.
The cook tramped back to the kitchen area, muttering under his breath. Akuru could hear pots clattering, fish sizzling, broth stirring; every sound made his stomach twist in anticipation.
After a while, the cook appeared carrying a tray. He placed a bowl of miso soup, a plate with grilled salted trout, a neat mound of rice topped with sesame seeds, and a side dish of pickled daikon. The sight nearly made Akuru tear up.
"You didn't have to go all out…" Akuru whispered reverently.
"That's the standard breakfast, " the cook said flatly.
"You run a divine establishment."
The cook snorted.
"Stop flattering me and eat."
Akuru wasted no time. He took a bite of the fish. Perfectly salted, crisp skin, tender flesh. The flavors melted on his tongue. He let out a soft, involuntary noise of satisfaction. The cook, pretending not to care, raised an eyebrow.
"Good?"
"No," Akuru said gravely around his mouthfuls, "Transcendent."
The cook's lips twitched into the smallest smile.
"Kid, where are you coming from?"
"Here and there," Akuru said, "Mostly here. Sometimes there."
"Mysterious."
"I like to think it adds charm."
The cook leaned against a counter, arms crossed. "You've got the charm part down. But what I'm trying to figure out is why someone your age is walking around with a sword."
Akuru paused mid-bite. He swallowed slowly. Waving lightly.
"Sword, no, this is a blanket. I get cold easily."
"Uh-huh."
The man squinted.
"Seriously though. Someone sixteen if that shouldn't be wandering around alone doing whatever it is you're doing. You some kind of young samurai?"
Akuru looked up from munching on his rice. With a small grin.
"You some detective, how'd you get it so quick? Are you sure you're just some-"
"Troublemaker, that's what you are," he interrupted dryly.
"I prefer to call it 'Cheerful'."
"Uh-huh."
The cook studied him for a long moment. Akuru didn't break eye contact. He held it gently, calmly, with the same softness he used on the scared villagers, lost children, uneasy travelers. The cook eventually sighed.
"You kids grow up strange and far too quickly nowadays. Still… you look like a good kid."
"I try," Akuru said, smiling.
"Eat up. The more I look at you the more it looks like a breeze could knock you over."
Akuru chuckled but continued enjoying breakfast, occasionally engaging in chit-chat with the cook.
"Town seems peaceful," Akuru said after sipping soup.
"Usually is," the cook replied with a pause.
Akuru smiled. At least this town didn't seem have any demon problems. Though the pause was odd.
Akuru finished his meal with a contented sigh.
"That was… truly incredible. Thank you."
"Glad you liked it, kid."
Akuru stood, placing coins gently on the counter.
"I'll probably be staying around the area for a bit. Maybe I'll swing by again if your face doesn't scare me off."
"Says the boy who nearly cried eating fish. My cooking can't just be had once."
Akuru laughed softly.
"That's for sure."
The cook gave him a shooing gesture.
"Get out of here before I make you wash dishes."
"I'll cherish the threat!" Akuru shouted as he left.
Stepping back outside, Akuru took a moment to absorb the town in full daylight. The streets were busier now. Merchants haggling, dogs barking, children chasing each other, while adults yelled half-hearted reprimands. It was vibrant, messy, human. The kind of place that made all the danger worthwhile. Reminded him of home. He walked slowly, greeting people as he went.
A little boy pointed at him and whispered loudly to his sister, "He looks like a warrior." Akuru pretended not to hear, but his smile widened.
A woman asked if he needed directions.
A man carrying baskets of vegetables warned him not to slip on wet stones near the river.
Every interaction warmed him more than the sun ever could. Akuru let himself enjoy the peace. He let the morning fill him. He let the sounds of life settle in the quiet corners of his heart. There might be danger tonight. But now? Now he had warmth in his stomach, kindness in his memory, and sunlight on his shoulders. And that was enough.
The lively mid-morning bustle of the riverside town continued to churn. The sunlight had grown brighter, turning the misty haze of earlier hours into a shimmering veil along the rooftops.
He stretched in the street, letting out a soft yawn that made two passing children mimic him dramatically while giggling. He smiled in reply.
He continued to walk in no particular direction.
The town was bigger than he expected. Narrow stone lanes wedged between wooden storefronts, with quieter homes tucked behind small gardens. The constant presence of the wide river running along the town's eastern edge kept the entire town cool.
Akuru walked slowly, hands behind his head, taking everything in with the relaxed wonder of someone who genuinely enjoyed simply being alive. Every few steps, he paused to admire something, offer a small greeting, or get distracted by the scent of something delicious coming from a nearby cart.
A group of three older women sat gossiping on a bench and waved him over as he passed.
"Young traveler!" one of them called, her voice surprisingly strong.
"You don't look too busy. Come keep us old souls some company," another chipped in with a grin.
Akuru bowed politely.
"I wouldn't miss talking to someone as charming and young as you all."
The three laughed at this, clearly pleased.
"Where are you headed?" the first asked.
He shrugged.
"I guess wherever the wind takes me next."
"Ah," the second sighed, "to be young enough to say that again…"
They chatted briefly, mostly the women teasing him about his messy hair, his ridiculously polite speech, and whether he was secretly engaged already. Akuru had to vehemently deny it before they pawned him off to their granddaughters. They took great amusement in his fumbling denial.
He moved on. Letting the town take him wherever it led.
The sound of the river gradually grew louder. He followed the sound instinctively. Towns near water always had a calmer energy near the shore. Akuru's social battery was about to die, perfect timing for a calmer scenery.
Akuru could charm and be funny only for a while, then, before he knows it, he becomes this dull monk who speaks in proverbs. At least that was what Akuru was told he acts like anyway.
At last, he came upon the riverbank.
The view sent him into a temporary trance.
The sky stretched wide above, clear except for thin wisps of white cloud drifting lazily. The river glimmered deep-blue, sunlight catching on ripples as if someone had scattered coins across its surface. Long grasses swayed gently at the edges, and clusters of stones near the bank formed natural little platforms where people sat to rest or fish.
A few small boats were tied to wooden posts lining the pier, bobbing softly with the water.
Akuru felt his shoulders relax.
He saw a fisherman sitting on one of the rock ledges, a straw hat pulled low, a line cast out into the slow current. The man seemed relaxed, though his bucket beside him looked emptier than it should for mid-morning.
Akuru approached quietly, making sure he watched out for any slippery rocks, hands in his sleeves.
The fisherman raised his head as he got close.
"Morning," he said, voice rough but friendly.
Akuru replied calmly with a smile.
"Beautiful spot you have here."
"That it is. Been fishin' this spot since I was younger than you."
Akuru smiled and sat a respectful distance away, boots just at the edge of the stone, legs dangling.
"Mind if I join you?"
The fisherman gave him a slow, assessing glance, then nodded.
"Got an extra rod if you want to try your luck. Or you can just keep me company."
Akuru grinned slightly, his eyes lighting up.
"I'll try not to embarrass myself."
"That's what they all say," the man chuckled and handed him a rod.
Akuru took it carefully; it was older, well-used, the wood slightly polished where hands had gripped it. He cast the line out with a soft whistle, feeling a spark of excitement when the bobber settled.
They sat in silence for several moments, at ease.
Birds skimmed across the riverside, their wings creating little splashes. A dragonfly hovered near Akuru's knee, its wings reflected colours not found in the rainbow. Children farther down the riverbank tried skipping stones, each failure punctuated by dramatic groans.
The fisherman spoke finally.
"You're not from around here."
Akuru replied, "Just passing through."
"You sound cheerful."
"Is that rare?"
The old man scratched his chin.
"People have been nervous recently. Nature's been acting strange."
Akuru kept his expression mild, though his attention sharpened immediately.
"Strange how?"
"Mm," the fisherman hummed thoughtfully.
"Hard to say. But the river's quieter. Fish used to gather thick this time of year. But lately?" he tapped his mostly empty bucket, "Barely half a morning's catch."
Akuru made a sympathetic sound.
"Could it just be the season? Or maybe migration?"
"Thought that too," the man tugged his line gently, testing it, "But I've lived here all my life. Forty years on this river."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"The fish vanished. Like they're hiding from something. First time I've ever seen it."
Akuru's eyes didn't leave the water.
"How long has it been?"
"A few weeks. Maybe a month." The fisherman shook his head, "Started around the time when strange noises came from the forest path. Deep ones. Like something heavy dragging itself…"
He trailed off.
Akuru nodded slowly, pretending to focus on the bobbing float.
"That must be unsettling."
"Mm."
Akuru breathed out through his nose, soft and controlled. Three different rumors now. Different ways of saying the exact same thing.
A demon rests near here. Not in the town but outside.
He kept his tone light.
"If I lived here, I'd probably be nervous. You seem pretty calm."
The old man grunted, "Worrying won't fill my bucket."
"Fair enough."
The fisherman glanced at him, "And what about you, boy? You look like someone who knows a thing or two about trouble, despite what your smile says."
Akuru laughed softly, deciding not to answer.
The fisherman didn't seem to mind his non-answer.
He reeled in a little, checking his line, then cast it again with an easy motion. He wasn't a master fisherman, but he had practice from when he was younger.
The old man smirked.
"You cast better than most of the kids here."
"That's because I speak river."
The fisher man looked intrigued, with humor in his tone.
"Oh? And what does the river say?"
"It likes my looks. You sure the river ain't hiding from your face?"
The fisherman let out a hearty laugh.
The laughter carried over the water, mingling with the far-off sound of the town.
They continued fishing side by side. The fortune of the river didn't improve much.
Akuru caught one small fish after about twenty minutes, holding it gently in his hands before sliding it into the bucket. The fisherman caught two more.
"Usually I'd have twenty by now," the man grumbled.
Akuru tilted his head, feigning curiosity, "Anyone gone out farther? Maybe the fish are swimming deeper into the river?"
"A couple of men tried," the fisherman tapped his rod against his knee. Rowed farther down by the mangrove bend. Didn't stay long. Said the water felt… wrong."
"Wrong?"
"Like it was too still," he frowned, "And no frogs. That's never a good sign."
Akuru didn't exactly know the importance of frogs in fishing, but he trusted the man's opinion. The demon must have somethin to do with the water. Akuru kept the thought in the back of his mind.
They fished until the sun climbed higher, warming the stones under their feet and glittering on the rippling surface. Akuru savored the moment.
Eventually, the fisherman pulled in his line one last time and stood with a grunt.
"Enough for today. Wife'll scold me if I come back any later."
Akuru hopped to his feet as well.
"I'd say that sounds like a good idea, especially if you want to keep your rod"
The man laughed, gathering his things and slinging the bucket over his arm.
Akuru bowed deeply.
"Thanks for making space for me."
The man placed a firm hand on his shoulder.
"You've got a good soul, boy. Don't let life wear it down."
Akuru's eyes softened.
"I won't. And take care. If anything strange happens, maybe stick close to town for a while."
The fisherman gave him a puzzled look, "Why?"
Akuru only smiled, "Just a feeling."
He waved until he was far down the path, disappearing back toward the town.
Akuru slowly knelt again by the stone edge, touching his fingertips to the surface of the river.
The water felt calm.
Cool.
Three witnesses' testimonies, three different clues.
Akuru stood and dusted off his clothes.
He looked toward the distant line of trees across the river.
"You're nearby, aren't you?" he whispered.
The wind carried his soft words away, leaving the river bright, beautiful, and deceptively peaceful.
Akuru left the town as the first hints of evening brushed across the sky, soft streaks of gold deepening to rose. The river town behind him still buzzed with life-children chasing each other between stalls, lanterns flickering to life one by one, smoke drifting lazily from cooking fires.
Akuru stepped beyond it with the same gentle calm he had carried all day.
A rustle of wings swept down from above.
Huginn settled onto his shoulder without a sound, his feathers gleaming like polished obsidian in the warm light. He ruffled once, as if to shake the day's dust from his plumage, and nudged Akuru's cheek with his beak.
"There you are," Akuru said with a small grin. "I bet you found a place to feed yourself while I was gone?"
Huginn let out a low croak, sounding for all the world like a smug yes.
"I should have known. You eat more than me. What kind of partner is that?"
Another croak. Unapologetic.
Akuru chuckled, scratching the bird's head. They continued on up the dirt path that led them away from the river, the glow of the town slowly fading behind them as nature's nocturnal chorus replaced the chatter of people.
Cool air swept in quickly. Crickets started their steady beat. Fireflies winked into existence tonight around the tall grasses, like drifting stars.
Akuru stopped when he reached a small clearing beside the road.
Akuru sat back on his hands and watched the sky darken. The first true stars blinked above, scattered across the deepening violet. Huginn settled beside him, feathers puffed against the chill.
"Something's stirring near this town."
Huginn cocked his head, emitting a short, firm noise, a warning.
"The river and the path that surrounds the village. Two different places to worry about."
Huginn hopped closer, pressing against his side.
Akuru chuckled, "We'll be fine."
The night was settling peacefully around them, soft and cool, boy and raven resting beneath the rising stars, ready but unhurried for whatever night would bring.
The moon hadn't risen yet; they would have to wait until the moonlight lit up their patrol area. Scouting in the darkness was counterproductive.
Akuru felt he was forgetting something.
It couldn't be too important if he forgot, right? It could probably wait till tomorrow.
The moon was to rise soon.