Death.
To me, it was familiar. I caused it all the time. I could feel the demonic bones pulverized by my flail, hear the whistle of my axe cutting through tough flesh, smell the rancid iron blood spilling across the ground.
But death wasn't just about that. It wasn't just about the demon in front of me. I could feel the presence of the human who was once there, hear the cries of sadness from what they had lost, smell the blood, not the putrid blood of the demon they were forced to become, but the blood of their beloved family taken away from them.
Death was salvation for these poor souls.
And what was death for me?
For me, death was a reward, the greatest reward possible. It represented an opportunity to finally be free from my duty as a demon slayer.
In my new life, I wouldn't have to fight. I wouldn't have to feel the sickening crunch of my flail striking a body, wouldn't have to hear cries of men wishing for their mother's embrace, wouldn't have to smell the blood that polluted the air.
A happy life, with no demons to fight.
Almighty Buddha, if you are listening, this lowly one only asks that you grant this wish.
Send me to a world with no demons, where I can truly live a life of happiness.
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Drifting in and out of consciousness, I am vaguely aware of wet sand sticking to my back, as well as cool waves lapping at my feet.
"Am I...alive?" My thoughts are erratic, but as this question rumbles through my mind, I slowly force open my heavy eyelids.
Blue skies and white clouds greet me with a cacophony of sight. The sun shines brightly in the sky, illuminating the endless sea that goes on and on and on...
I can see.
"I CAN SEE!!!!" I shout joyfully, my voice drenched in pure happiness.
Turning around, my emotions peak when I see the trees. They are a wonderful shade of...
I struggle a little to think of the color. What did Kyojuro-kun describe the trees to me as? Brown bark with... Ah, yes.
Red leaves. I remember this because it was his favorite color. On a mission together in Autumn, he remarked to me that the trees were the colors of flames, a gorgeous and blazing red. Something feels slightly off, though. Would Kyojuro's fiery personality love such a... tame color?
I chuckle to myself as I realize.
"Ahh, of course! Kyojuro-kun loved this color because he needed something to balance out his fiery heart!!" Tears begin springing from my eyes.
"I never knew my junior was so mature and responsible! I was so wrong for ever doubting him!" I exclaim sorrowfully.
After that fateful realization and two quick muttered apologies towards my old friend, I began making my way towards a village nearby that I noticed with my vibrations. My body seems to be malnourished and thirsty, but my incredible sense of touch has not diminished in the slightest.
"Doumo arigatou gozaimasu..." I chant a heartfelt thanks to the almighty Buddha. After all, he is the sole reason I have acquired my sight and am living in this perfect, bountiful world filled with life.
As I clamber my way through the dense undergrowth, I see a small rural village situated between two high mountains. Lush red grass fills the plains between us, with a clear river winding its way through. Fish jump up occasionally, and occasional flowers dot the beautiful area. It is perfect for a home.
"Perhaps I will be able to live here for the rest of my life!" An excited thought made its way through my mind. Such a paradise would indeed be amazing to reside in. No war or demons would find their way here, and I would make sure of that.
Walking through the plains, the first person I see is a young girl picking flowers, knees knobbly and brown hair twisted into long braids. Her childish face is dotted with freckles, and as she turns to face me, I notice her beautiful red eyes.
"Hello!" Her cheerful voice rings through the air, like a fresh breeze in spring, and I am stunned by how innocent she is. My sense of touch is never wrong, and the vibrations show me her body: her strong bones proving a good upbringing, her fair skin showing a peaceful life, and her soft hands demonstrating a sheltered upbringing.
Deciding to introduce myself, I give a low bow. "Hello! My name is Gyomei Himejima!" My body is surprisingly flexible, and I accidentally brush my head against my feet.
"Would you be all too kind and give me some food and water?"