Chapter Text
Rumor has it that deep in the forest, a powerful demon lay. A demon, who has claimed the spot as his own, protecting the village from his own kin. A human has rarely gone far enough into the forest to meet eyes with him, but those who do always recall the flames that dwell in his pupils.
You find yourself in your wedding gown deep in the grove. You had tossed the ring aside into the river, quickly running as fast as your legs could carry you through the abyss. Twilight was upon the horizon, and one would be ridiculous as to hunt you down after dusk had reared its head above the clouds. The night began its procession, you found yourself slowing to a crawl. It was difficult to proceed further in your kimono, and the lack of food would catch up to you finally. You gazed into the sky and let out a sigh, knowing that you would be no longer able to travel for the evening. The forest became eerily silent as the time passed, sending shivers down your spine.
That is when you saw him.
The demon, you assumed. A large man with a towering frame, gently resting his back against a large tree. His eyelashes looked soft, perfectly accentuating his finely crafted eyebrows and narrow cheekbones. His hair was blonde with red highlights that draped over his shoulder. He had yet to open his eyes…
You had forgotten to breathe, getting lost in the scene you had no right to encounter. He looked like he did not belong in reality, for he was lost in a time which was no more… You shifted your feet, and his eyes fluttered open. “Are you lost?” His voice was strong yet gentle. You once more forgot how to function. “Maiden?”
“I-I’m sorry to disturb you.”
“Are you lost?” He repeated, as he completely ignored your last statement.
“No. Well, not necessarily. Entering the forest was intentional.” A small smile crept onto his lips as he tilted his head in order to appear as though he were listening more intently.
“Maiden, it is not safe to go any further.”
“I understand. But I do not have a choice.”
“You do understand that monsters dwell in this forest, correct? Are you dense or do you have a longing to end your mortal life? You do not have a weapon.”
“May I tell you my story?” His ears pricked up as he nodded.
“It has been a while since I’ve had company. I suppose I’ll listen to you.”
“Today I am to be wed.” You spoke, smoothing out your kimono to sit down in front of the demon.
“And for what reason do I have to be in your presence instead of your husband?” He mused, bending his face closer to yours and giving you a mischievous grin. “What makes me so lucky, maiden?”
“I do not love my husband. He was picked out by my family as the one to take my hand and have me as his own. I cannot tolerate him, nor can I imagine a life with him. I decided to lend myself into the hands of fate and enter the forest, I had hoped I would run into you.” Upon this testament, he slowly rose to his feet. “Please, Rengoku-san. End my life.”
“Rise when you make such a bold statement, maiden.” He offered his hand to you, beckoning you to follow him. “Maiden, why can’t you take your life with your own hands? If you were serious about this endeavor, a fall would end it quickly. For what reason do you have to find a demon, who may simply be a folktale, to end your life?” He pulled you closer to him to get a better look into your eyes. “Pray, tell me your name.”
“[Y/N].” You answered, feeling your breath getting caught in your throat. “I suppose… I assumed that if I met you, I would know that my life would end. I was hoping it wouldn’t have occurred, but I set up some arbitrary rule for myself. Perhaps it would be for the best.”
“Is death your only path, [Y/N]? An escape from a loveless marriage to a man that makes you sad enough to find a demon in the forest and offer yourself to his whims.” He chuckled, “May I be so lucky…”
“Hmm?”
“Maiden… You have asked me to take your life. And thus, I am doing so.” He tilted your head up to stare deep into his intense eyes. “Instead of the man, the one who you loathe, will you take me?”
“A-Are you asking me to marry you?” Your voice trembled, meeting his gaze.
“Yes. I am asking you to marry me. With your answer, I will take your life.” Rengoku bent down on a single knee, “You are already dressed for such an occasion, aren’t you?” You felt your body freeze. You did not know him, but he offered his hand so willingly to you in order to ‘take’ you away from your fate. For what reason did you have to refuse his offer?
“Yes. If you’ll have me.”
“Then, for now on, you belong to me.” He spoke, rising to his feet and kissing the back of your hand. “We have all the time in the world, just the two of us.” Rengoku guided you to through the forest, pulling you by the hand. “It is like someone had finally answered my call. For once, I may have someone to love once more. How lucky am I?” You felt his pain in this simple call. Perhaps taking your life was more for him, instead of for you?
He led you to a cottage in the forest, hidden amongst the trees. It was nothing complex, but the smell of smoldering wood met your nostrils, giving you a sense of home. He paused in front of it, allowing you to proceed forward.
“Rengoku-san…” You uttered, glancing at him quietly before speaking again. “I-Is that what I would call you?”
“I am your husband. I believe you should call me whatever you feel best.” He mused, a small smile rose to his lips, “Of course, you may call me Kyojuro.”
“Kyojuro…” You weighed the name on your lips before laughing, “Silly I should ask you, since you are now my… husband. Granted, I wasn’t expecting you to take my life in this manner.”
“Life is full of surprises, [Y/N]. I took your life because I am selfish. As my wife, you are obligated to stay with me until I pass. That is a promise, is it not?” He approached slowly, “For, if you choose to leave, I will not stop you. It is my own demonic nature that allows me to do such selfish things.”
“You may be selfish, but perhaps I am worse for asking you to do such a thing for me.” You pondered aloud.
“May you find a reason to love me one day, maiden.” He bowed his head once more before leading you into his house. “Please find a place that meets your needs. Now that I have you, I have every desire to keep this place safe. Will you be alright for a few hours?”
“I will. I can find somewhere to sleep.” He guided you to the room with a simple futon.
“This is my bedroom. I had not planned for company. You may rest in here until we have a chance to make a room more suitable for you. I will give you the space you need, but please do not leave this cottage in the evening without me.”
“I can sleep on the floor, I do not want to burden you anymore, Kyojuro.” The man simply laughed once more before tilting your head upward to meet his gaze.
“As my wife, you may burden me forever more.” Your breathing became stifled, trying to keep your heart from racing out of your chest.
“Be it only in name. You hardly know me.” You choked back your words, “You do not even know if you’ll truly love me the way you think you do.”
“I knew I had found the one to love as soon as we met eyes.” He smoothed your hair with his free hand. “For we have all the time in the world, remember?”
“I hope I can be what you need.”
“Just the mere utterance of your answer was enough for me.”
“I-I need a moment.” Kyojuro nodded before turning his heel and exiting the room.
“Remember what I told you. Do not leave this cottage, at least until dawn.” The only time he seemed to give you a strict order, and even still, it was to keep you from harm. “You are not my prisoner, but you will fare better in the sun.”
He left before you had a chance to object. Once you had laid your head upon the futon, you knew you were too exhausted to do anything immediately. Kyojuro Rengoku had taken your life. He had taken everything, and more. For this, you were grateful.
Perhaps being /dead/ wasn’t terrible.