𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕤 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕟𝕚𝕘𝕙𝕥 // Akaza x reader (+18)

Chapter 24 | Past 🍈

The day passes in a blur of training and routine, but your thoughts keep drifting back to Akaza.
As night falls, you prepare yourself for another encounter with him.

The forest is dark and quiet as you make your way to the usual meeting spot. When Akaza appears next to the dōjō, his presence is as imposing and unsettling as ever.

"Ready for tonight's training?", he asks, his voice cutting through the stillness.

You nod, steeling yourself.
"Yes."

As you begin the familiar routines, Mitsuri's words echo in your mind.
The world isn't always black and white. Sometimes, there are shades of gray.
You glance at Akaza, his movements fluid and precise, a deadly dance that reminds you of his true nature.

You try your best with your own movements and figures although they are not remotely close to Akaza's.

As if to mock your thoughts he pauses.
"Your form is improving", he comments, his eyes never leaving you.
"But your mind is elsewhere."

You hesitate, unsure if you should voice your thoughts. But something in Mitsuri's advice gives you the courage to speak.
"I've been thinking about what it means to be strong," you say, keeping your voice steady. "And about the nature of demons."

Akaza's gaze sharpens, interest flickering in his eyes. "Oh? And what conclusions have you come to?"

You take a deep breath, choosing your words carefully. "Strength isn't just about power. It's about the choices we make, the reasons we fight. I've been wondering if demons, with all their power, can ever choose a different path."

Akaza's expression remains unreadable, but he doesn't interrupt, allowing you to continue.

"Do you ever think about it?" you ask, meeting his gaze. "About whether demons could change, could be something more than just monsters?"

A flicker of something - maybe curiosity, maybe amusement - crosses his face. "Demons are bound by their nature, their hunger. Change is not something we easily achieve. But why does it matter to you?"

You hesitate, the weight of your secret pressing down on you. "Because I want to believe that there's more to this world than just fighting and killing. That even in the darkest places, there's a chance for something different."

Akaza's eyes narrow slightly, as if considering your words. "Humans always seek hope, even in the most hopeless situations. It's both your greatest strength and your greatest weakness."

You notice how he tries to switch the attention from him to you.

"But what about you?" you press, feeling a surge of boldness. "Do you ever want something more than just fighting? Is there anything you care about beyond strength?"

For a moment, Akaza's expression softens, a fleeting glimpse of something vulnerable. "Strength is the only thing that matters to me. It's what defines me, what drives me. Anything else is a distraction."

"But there must have been a time when you were different", you insist. "Before you became a demon."

Akaza's eyes darken, and a chill runs down your spine. "The past is irrelevant. What matters is the present, and the strength I have now."

You swallow hard, realizing you might have pushed too far. "I just... I want to understand."

"Understand what?" Akaza's voice is sharp, but there's an undercurrent of something else ... a hint of curiosity. "Why a human would care about a demon's past?"

You take a deep breath, steadying yourself. "Because I believe that understanding is a form of strength too. And maybe, just maybe, it can lead to something more."