The sun had reached its peak.
It was noon, and it was also the time that Akuru finally woke up. He was far more exhausted than he had realised. The birds had been singing around him for a while. Sunlight breaking through the leaves above him was the final straw that finally got him moving.
His ribs still hurt from last night as he began to stretch. He knew it would bruise over bad. Huginn had already pecked him three to four times before he had even left the forest, reminding him about going to a Wisteria House to heal.
Akuru knew that it was the right choice; if he decided to continue fighting demons in this state, then it would most likely invigorate his already injured body. He couldn't risk a permanent injury. Even breathing steadily was a struggle, each step sending a jolt of pain through his body. The demon was already strong, and under the blood moon, it had been almost supercharged.
Now that Akuru had some peace as he slowly hobbled over to the town, why in the world was the moon blood red?
The only reason he hadn't thought he had fell under some demon's illusions and started doubting reality was that he had been told it was coming. Even if the information came in such a mysterious manner, it had been the only form of knowledge that kept him grounded. Akuru wasn't religious; his father had told him straight to his face that any god that let demons exist on Earth was no god. But an event such as the moon changing colour had made him doubt if there really was a higher being.
Akuru could only hope that the townsfolk had some reason for the moon that made sense. He may have killed the demon, but his mind wouldn't rest until he understood everything that happened yesterday.
As he left the forest that surrounded the river, Akuru could see a large group of people gathered around the pier. The damage from when he had crashed into it stood out like a sore thumb. The townsfolk clearly didn't know what had happened last night; all they must have heard was the sound of roaring waves and a huge crash. And to be fair, that must have been far more confusing than Akuru had given it credit, a calm river that was regularly used for fishing suddenly making sounds that would suggest huge waves on the same night as the moon changes colour.
Clearly, Akuru had made the right choice to stay hidden. Explaining what happened last night would have been a struggle.
Akuru looked over the gathering of people and didn't notice the fisherman that he had talked to yesterday. He decided that he didn't really need to mingle with the people surrounding the river. He could do with some food, though. Maybe visit that amazing food stall once again. It was rather fun messing with the cook yesterday.
He entered the town from one of the side entrances. Akuru didn't wish to explain why he was coming from the forest during noon while everyone stood around the lake entrance.
The sun beat down on Akuru rather harshly. Adding to his annoyance. The cobblestones beneath his feet kicked at his ribs with every step; he had to constantly readjust his stance. Akuru clenched his teeth as a vivid flash of pain lanced its way through his side.
He'd get food and then instantly wrap up his chest. If he kept delaying any further, then he genuinely might fall flat onto the ground before sunset.
A wafting aroma burst forth, almost overwhelming his senses, extinguishing the cloud of exhaustion and pain that was overcoming him. The scent of oil, bread, and meat filled with an almost palpable sense of warmth. Akuru's stomach growled without encouragement. The food stall he had discovered yesterday was close at hand, nestled within a shaded area sheltered from the sun.
He walked towards it slowly, taking in the familiar sight of the cook. The man was mopping his hands with a well-worn apron, and as soon as he noticed Akuru, he raised an eyebrow.
"Well, I'll be. You look like you've been chewed up and spat out by the countryside," said the cook with a crooked grin, "Rough night?"
Akuru released a measured breath.
"Something like that."
He carefully lowered himself onto the bench, suppressing a flicker of discomfort. Huginn settled himself on the bench beside Akuru, eyes narrowing.
"Yeah, that storm really did a number against everyone," said the cook. "The wind was screaming all night, plus the river sounded like it would sink the entire town. Adding all that to the moon I barely got a wink of sleep. I doubt anyone did."
Akuru blinked.
Storm?
A sense of relief washed over him. He didn't think the wind was that strong yesterday, but he was busy fighting a demon. Akuru was just happy the townsfolk found an explanation for all the noise yesterday. He wanted to instantly ask about the moon but he had to come up with an excuse about his appearance first.
"Yeah," he answered softly, "I… was near the river when it got bad."
The cook's face twisted into a comical grimace.
"You were near the river? Ha! You're lucky you didn't get washed clean off the road. You'd be the only person I'd say that risked being near that damn river last night."
Akuru maintained a neutral expression.
"It did get pretty bad, lost my footing a few times, but I did make it out."
Akuru and the cook continued their conversation about last night. Most of the conversation revolved around the cook making fun of his decision making while he cooked up food. Akuru couldn't really tell him the real reason so he simply smiled and took the complaints.
Two young women who were sitting together eating near Akuru had been very obviously trying to listen to their conversation, though they were making an effort to make it seem like they weren't. They were badly failing to hide their interest.
"That explains your clothes," one of them whispered, eyes opening wide as she took in the dried mud that had crusted over under the noon sun.
Akuru looked over at them. She looked startled that she had spoken out loud. Clearly that thought had been for her head and head only. She blushed all over but Akuru just chuckled and nodded. He didn't really mind. To be honest Akuru had fallen asleep before he had realised how wet his clothes truly were; his injuries had invited him to sleep before he could do anything about them. And by the time he had woken up they had dried over under the sun. At least they didn't stick to his tired body, that would have been far more frustrating then what it was now.
Seeing Akuru didn't seem to be mad she continued on with what she had been about to stumble out before he had looked over.
"We thought there might have been an accident by the river. We heard people shouting."
"Yeah, probably the wind echoing," her friend hastened to reassure her, though she still glanced at Akuru again, "But still… were you alone out there?"
"Yes-" Akuru began to reply softly.
Huginn interrupted him quickly, and he fluffed his feathers in annoyed silence, as if he were personally affronted.
Akuru looked over, surprised, and began to laugh. Doing his best job to hide the wince that shot through him as his shoulders shook.
"Sorry, just me and my crow, Huginn."
All of them inside the stall looked over the small crow that tried to make himself look bigger then he truly was. They all had a small chuckle over the adorable creatures behavior.
The cook smiled at the crow as he put a piping hot bowl before Akuru.
"Eat. You really do look like you fought the river and lost."
Akuru maintained a small, trained smile.
"Thank you."
He took a bite and let the warmth diffuse through him. Pain coursed through his ribs, but at least the taste relaxed his suffering.
"The moon changing colour. Did you see it?" one of the women asked as he swallowed the food in his mouth.
Akuru hesitated. He wondered if he could finally get an answer to what really caused the moon to turn red.
"I did see that. I was rather confused when it did fully turn red. Especially since the weather really picked up after that," Akuru decided he would follow the storm lie. It was far easier to explain then what really happened.
"Oh! The elders said it was a lunar eclipse," she said fervently. "Apparently, they already knew about it, but nobody bothered informing the rest of us."
"Honestly. Would've saved everyone a lot of panic," huffed the other woman.
Akuru nodded slowly. Not truly understanding what a lunar eclipse was, but it was clear that the other three inside the stall did. That lowered his worry; it seems he had just been ignorant, it wasn't some greater event that some demon had caused. Also, if the elders knew in the town, then the women he had met must have heard it from someone else as well. All of this really did answer all of his worries.
He would keep the name lunar eclipse in his mind and ask someone else, he felt a little awkward being the only one in the stall that didn't know. He wasn't sure if it was common knowledge or not and he was too embarrassed to find out. At least he could let last night rest, after all of his questions had received answers.
"I see. Thank you."
The cook threw up his hands in exasperation.
"You would think they'd give a warning about that, but no, let the poor man wake up in the middle of the night to it all as a fun surprise. I woke up to a red moon and a river that sounded as if it were crawling into town."
Akuru smiled at his rant, suppressing a wince with a sip of broth, the two women giggled at the cooks reaction.
One woman leaned forward slightly.
"So why were you outside the walls all night?"
Akuru smiled a genuine smile at this. His answer to this was mostly honest.
"I like quiet spots under the stars. Falling asleep under them is always a delight. I didn't know the night was going to turn out so... unsettling."
"Oh, that makes sense. Gosh, sleeping under the stars must be so nice. I wish I could wander the world," She looked at him with almost admiring eyes.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that!" the other women quickly replied, looking at her friend in quiet admonishment. She realised what she had said and looked abashed, letting out a quiet sorry.
"It's alright. Sleeping under the stars normally is really nice," he murmured after a quick chuckle. Huginn nodded with a click.
The cook snorted.
"Well, next time the world starts falling, at least let someone know where you're going to bunker down. You had me worried about a tree landing on you all night. I got extra scared the way you were limping in."
Akuru smiled faintly. The cook had a keen eye, he couldn't hide his injuries completely. He was thankful that he didn't decide to bring it up out in the open.
"So your grumpy heart does beat for others."
Everyone inside the stall laughed lightly in reply to his jab.
Slowly, he finished lunch, appreciating the energy he obtained from food. The conversations trailed off, and they spoke softly about the bizarre night. Demons had never once invaded their imagination. Thankfully it seemed no one had seen them. Or at least no one had spread seeing them. That was the best he could hope for.
When he finally stood, gingerly, holding his breath against the sting of pain, he nodded at the cook.
"Do you know where I could restock? I need some medical supplies."
"West gate," he said as he stared deeply at him, pointing towards the south of the town, "Little apothecary just before the hill trail. Not impressive, but it's reliable."
Akuru bowed slightly to the cook. He smiled and waved to the two young women he had a conversation with, they smiled brightly in return.
"Thank you. Truly."
Huginn jumped up on his shoulder as he walked away from the food stall, whispering a low croak.
He stood up cautiously, and made his way towards the apothecary. The people of the town were carrying out their daily business ignorant of what truly happened last night.
That made him happy.
He had finally arived at his location after a few more people here and there.
It was a small apothecary, with shelves upon shelves of containers filled with dried herbs and powders. A middle-aged man with a pleasant smile looked up as Akuru entered.
Akuru carefully made his purchases, choosing herbs for inflammation, bandages for his ribs, and lotion for bruising. All these actions were deliberate, aware that he could not risk aggravating his injuries.
"I have some trips ahead. I need some restocking," he casually explained, choosing carefully so as not to draw unnecessary attention.
The apothecary nodded as he understood without having to delve into the extent of his injuries.
By the time he emerged again into town, the sun had moved lower within the sky, staining it orange and gold.
Akuru recognised once again the ache of fatigue within his very bones. All of his muscles were crying out for rest, and he knew very well that he still needed more sleep before he could leave the town.
He chose an alternative Ryokan on the outskirts of town. It was very small and offered seclusion. Within a tiny room, he carefully unwrapped his belongings. The herbs steeped in warm water, bandages wrapped around ribs and shoulders with gentle but firm pressure, and salves smoothed on with a skill born from practice. All were done with deliberate and precision.
Huginn stood on nearby branches outside the window, watching every move with interest.
He took a quick bathe in the tub of water the room had. Drying himself as he extinguished the candles in his room. At last, he lowered himself down on the futon, feeling the ache of exhaustion weigh against him.
The room was small and still and undisturbed, and it was the first time he'd been able to draw a full breath since the river. His chest rose and fell with deliberate intervals, each intake a victory against the ache and the adrenaline.
"Tomorrow," he whispered to himself, his voice hoarse but determined, "I will go to Wisteria House. Real healing. No tricks."
Outside, life went on as it should in the town, ignorant of the young demon slayer lying at its edge. Huginn shifted ever so slightly on the windowsill, ever vigilant but waiting patiently as Akuru let the simple pleasure of sleep and rest envelop him. Akuru reminded himself quietly that it would be necessary that he leave with the dawn, fully refreshed and equipped for whatever lay beyond.
But for the moment, he permitted himself to let his eyes drift him into the land of dreams.
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Author Note:
The Butterfly Mansion doesn't exist as of now in the story. So before that in my eyes the place that demon slayers went to heal themselves were the homes of families that had been saved by demon slayers. For this story I've named those homes as Wisteria House.
I hope that makes sense!
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