16. Unexpected Encounter

Lead by several men Leo reached a house, it wasn't overly big and luxurious but from the size of it the people living here were well off.

"This way sir."

Leo was led to a man in his middle ages. Stepping into the room he could feel a gloomy aura reeking with sorrow from his spirit, sighing to himself Leo sat down and asked.

"My condolences sir."

The man squeezed out a smile that seemed much more miserable than crying and asked.

"What do you need to know?"

"The villagers already filled me in on the details, if it's not too much trouble could you take me to the room where your child disappeared."

A pained expression clouded the man's face, he got up and asked Leo to follow him. Under his guide they reached a room that was illuminated by an oil lamp. Sliding the door open Leo saw lady sitting infront of a bed like a puppet.

"That's my wife. She has been like that, ever since... ever since she went missing."

Leo felt sad for the couple, to lose their child so abruptly... that kind of pain is indescribable for a parent.

Dispersing distracting thoughts Leo sensed the room carefully and found a strand of spirit reeking of bloody stench from the corner of the room.

He followed the strand and walked out. Under the confused gaze of other villagers he walked around the house and left the premise. He followed the spirit strand and walked around the village, the villagers were confused as to why Leo was acting like a retard.

By nightfall Leo reached a small house with smoke rising out of it's small chimney, he saw people moving around the kitchen and smelled warm food. The place was small but it was filled with happiness.

When the last light vanished over the horizon Leo disappeared along with it. Slowly the village was going to sleep. The small house also descended into slumber.

After an unknown time the village descended into an eerie silence. Rhythmic breathing could be heard from every house, a small boy about 3 years of age was sleeping soundly beside his mother.

Suddenly a slight breeze swept through the small house, a strange fluctuation invisible to the naked eye extended from every direction and silently wrapped around the young boy and disappeared along with the boy.

After a while the woman sensed something and opened her eyes groggily. However what greeted her wasn't her baby but an empty bed.

...

Inside the village stood an unknown house, moonlight quietlt descended into a room on the first floor through an open window. Under the light of the moon a small boy wrapped in clothes appeared out of nowhere.

Tendrils of hair gradually became visible as they came lose from the boy's body and retreated into the darkness of the room.

A woman with pale skin, red eyes, sharp fangs and hair flowing like a river sat infront of the boy. Small white bones littered around her creating a disgusting sight.

Her eyes gleamed with desire looking at the young boy. Stretching out her hand she was about to grab the boy's head when a chill ran down her spine. Sweat started to trickle down her face as she stiffly moved her head towards the window.

A young man with black hair and blue eyes like a ruby stood on the edge of the window. He wore a black kimono stood that seems to merge with the darkness.

He had a mature aura about him and looked beautiful under the moon. However she wasn't able to appreciate such beauty because horror gripped her heart.

The eyes of that young man was cold and contained madness that seemed to swallow her spirit. He stepped ever so slowly towards the boy and checked his condition. A cute smile was on that innocent face as he slept soundly.

Turning back to the demon his eyes swept through the room. Seeing what laid behind her made his eyes even colder.

"Your soul reeks of blood."

"Wha-What are y-you...

Before the demon could understand what was happening her vision shifted unnaturally, a burning sensation filled her nerves. When she realised what happened she saw her own body turn to ashes and disappear.

Leo took the boy in his arms and left the place. By the time he reached the boy's home the place was filled with people. A woman was wailing in sorrow as others tried to comfort her. Her husband has tears streaming down his face as he tried to settle her.

Walking through the crowd Leo stepped infront of the couple and smiled.

"It's alright."

The couple looked up and saw a young man stand before them, hugging a baby boy.

"Souta!"

The woman screamed. She carefully took her baby and cried while smiling. The other villagers were also happy and yelled. Since the baby was returned it meant the demon was gone, they were about to express their gratitude but found no one.

...

Leo walked through the mountain opposite to the village and lamented. If someone had come earlier that many kids wouldn't have died. He hated himself for being late, however this only strengthened his conviction to eradicate demons.

Just as he was about to find a place for the night his body jolted. He turned around as shock filled his eyes, he pushed off on his feet and quickly went in a particular direction.

Soon a small wooden house came to view. The house wasn't anything special, several blocks of wood were placed to the side with a large basket as company.

Just as he stepped forward someone opened the door and walked out. It was a man who looked weak, his cheeks were sunk in, he had dark red eyes and hair, there was a scar on his forehead.

He wore hanafuda earrings. His presence was calm like an ancient tree, without an ounce of intent. However Leo felt pressure just by him standing there.

"How can I help you young man?"

The man smiled and asked. His smile was like a gentle breeze as it calmed his nerves.

"Who are you?"

The man smiled and asked back.

"Always introduce yourself before asking about someone else."

Leo felt as if he was being lectured right now, still he answered.

"Leo Heart, I am a Demon Slayer."

The man smiled and replied.

"Nice to meet you Leo, my name is Kamado Tanjuro."