The evening was peaceful and the moon was shining as they walked through the abandoned streets of the red light district. Neither of them knew how they had ended up walking together but neither felt the bothered by the company of the other.

As they walked in a comfortable silence, Kokushibo glanced at the woman walking besides him. She was so at ease that you would think she wasn't walking next to the second most powerful demon in existence.

He couldn't deny the fact that it was refreshing meeting someone who was so unintimidated by him - who wasn't appalled by his odd features. He found himself smiling slightly at the thought and wanting to know more about her.

They eventually came to Akira's boarding place, a separate place she had rented so that she wouldn't have to deal with rowdy men thinking she was a courtesan.

"You are very gracious, for a human." He said, his voice softer than before. "May I ask what made you choose to become a travelling musician, rather than a demon slayer? After all your family has deep root ties with the head of the demon slayer corp."

"How do you know my family?" She asked, her shoulders tensing as she narrowed her eyes at him in suspicion.

"I make it my business to know as much as I can about the humans I come into contact with." Kokushibo replied, his golden eyes studying her closely. "But to answer your question, your sister is married to the head of Ubuyashiki family. Together they lead the demon slayers." He said, with a hint of annoyance.

"I see," she replied pensively as she unconsciously took up a defensive stance. "So what will you do now seeing as I'm related to the family you are at war with?"

"I do not see you as an enemy, Akira." Kokushibo said, his voice was surprisingly gentle.

"Though your family and mine are at odds, I do not hold you responsible for their actions. I only wish to know more about you, and why you chose a different path from your sister." He continued, his expression unreadable.

She eyed him suspiciously as she contemplated whether or not to trust him.

"Seems to me like you've learned quite enough about me on your own. Kokushibo was it?"

"That is correct." Kokushibo said, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment. "I do not mean to pry into your personal life, but I am curious about what led you to become a traveling musician, rather than following in your sister's footsteps. I do not mean to offend, but it is unusual for a human to choose such a path."

"There's nothing odd about doing what I love." She replied before she could stop herself.

"That is a surprisingly wise response." Kokushibo said, a hint of admiration in his voice. "It is rare to find someone who is so in tune with their own desires, and unafraid to follow them, even when they go against tradition. Your sister must be quite proud of you."

"Yes she is, but I would prefer not to talk about my sister. Especially to someone who is still technically an enemy." She replied with a sad smile.

"I understand." Kokushibo said, his expression softening. "Your past is your own, and you have no obligation to share it with me. I apologize if I have made you uncomfortable."

He bowed his head slightly in apology. "Perhaps we can speak of other things, if you would be amenable?"

"Well I suppose I owe you one for stopping me from killing your somewhat rude comrade." Akira said with a smile.

"Ha! I would say that is an understatement." Kokushibo chuckled, a rare smile playing on his lips. "But I am grateful for your restraint. I do not wish to make an enemy of you, Akira."

"Really? I am grateful for that." She said as her cheeks turned a slight pink color. "Forgive me but I have never really been one to have lengthy discussions."

"No forgiveness necessary. I find your honesty refreshing, and I do not mind leading the conversation if you do not wish to." Kokushibo said, his tone surprisingly warm. "Tell me, what is your favorite place you have visited while traveling?"

"Well there is a sweet shop just outside of the red light district. They make the best dango." She replied enthusiastically.

"Dango? Ah, the sweet rice flour dumplings. You have quite the sweet tooth." Kokushibo observed, a hint of humor in his voice. "But what makes this particular shop's dango so special?"

"I don't know, it just reminds me of home. Our mother used to make dango for me as well."

Akira suddenly had a faraway expression as she recalled the bitter sweet memories of her past.

She never really liked talking about her past , they were always sad but then again her sister had told her that opening up would sometimes help her health faster.

Kokushibo could sense the melancholy note in her voice, and he could tell that this was a sensitive topic.

"I am sorry if I have brought up any sad memories for you." He said, his tone more gentle than before. "Perhaps we should change the subject."

"Of course." She replied. "So, do you want to go see it?"

"See the dango shop? I would not mind, but I am uncertain if I could enter such a place." Kokushibo said, a rueful look on his face. "After all, I am not exactly the most welcome sight in human establishments."

She looked up at him thoughtfully before an idea struck her.

"Aha! Wait just a moment, I may have a solution."

"A solution? I am intrigued." Kokushibo said, his curiosity piqued.

"What could you possibly have in mind? A disguise perhaps?" He asked, one eyebrow raised.

"You took the words right out of my mouth, Kokushibo-san." Akira replied as she took out an intricately designed tengu mask.

"A tengu mask, how - interesting. I wonder what gave you that idea." He said, his amusement evident in his voice.

"Come on, you must have thought about it too." Akira replied with a smile.

"I cannot deny that the thought had crossed my mind on occasion." Kokushibo admitted, his golden eyes glinting mischievously. "Though I was always concerned that I might accidentally rip the disguise with my claws." He added, flexing his fingers to illustrate his point.

"I'll put it on for you." Akira said as she smiled at him. "But you'll need to crouch a little. You are incredibly tall."

Kokushibo couldn't help but laugh at her comment.

"I must admit, I am not accustomed to being told that I am too tall." He said, his amusement was obvious. "Though I am more than willing to oblige your request." He added, lowering himself to her eye level.

Akira carefully fastened the mask on his face, although his intense stare did fluster her a little.

"Will you be alright?" She asked once she was done. "This thing only has two eye holes."

"I am more than used to seeing the world through only two eyes." Kokushibo replied, his voice muffled by the mask. "Though I must say, I am impressed by your dexterity." He added, his tone warm with admiration.

"This mask is a work of art, and you handled it like a master craftsman."

"There's nothing to it. It's just a mask." She replied as she took a step back. "Shall we get going?"

"Indeed we shall." Kokushibo said, straightening up to his full height.

"Lead the way, my mysterious companion." He added, giving a theatrical bow. "And I will follow, like a shadow in the night."

"You know, you don't have to be a shadow." She said as she held out her hand. "You can walk in the light with me."

Kokushibo looked at her outstretched hand, and felt a strange fluttering in his chest. He hesitated for a moment, before gently taking her hand in his.

"Perhaps I will." He said softly, feeling more at ease than he had in centuries. "Lead on, my bold and fearless friend."

She gave him a toothy grin before she led them out into the busy streets of the red light district. As she had thought no one paid them any attention and they got to her favorite dango shop without any incident.