Life of a Demon Slayer

Prologue

As Xe ran along the familiar path through the forested park, the cool autumn air filled xis lungs--surrounding him as xis feet slapped rhythmically against the pavement. The trees flew past as blurs of green as xe rushed by. Xe was going to be late if xe didn't hurry.

Why didn't mom wake me up? Xe wondered, frustrated xe'd slept through xis alarms. It didn't take long to remember why. She wasn't going to be around to wake xim up anymore.

Mark pushed the thought away as xe neared xis destination. As xe rounded the bend in the path xe arrived along the road that led to the school. Xe took a moment to check for cars before xe crossed and dashed up the large stone steps of Brookwood Highschool. Xe sprinted through the crowded hallways, pushing through the clusters of students scattered around until xe made it to xis first-period classroom. Xe lunged into xis seat as the first bell gonged, just in time for the start of the day.

The school day seemed to limp by slower than usual. By the time his final class was over, xe could hardly sit still anymore. As soon as the bell sounded, Mark lept from xis seat and hurried to collect xis things. As xe was packing xis bag, xis science teacher, Mr. Hayes, walked over.

"Good afternoon, Mark." The elderly man spoke with a smile," How are you doing today?"

"Hey, Mr. Hayes. I'm doing alright. Was there something you needed?" Mark shoved xis pencil case into xis bag.

"Yes. I was wondering if you needed help on any of those worksheets I gave you on Monday?" Mr. Hayes asked, leaning back on a nearby desk.

"Oh, I finished those already. They're on your desk." Mark threw xis bag over xis shoulder.

Mr. Hayes looked surprised by Marks' answer.

"Really? Well, there was no need to rush them--I know you only just got back and I'm sure you have plenty of other work for the rest of your classes as well."

"It's fine. I had some spare time. Was there anything else?"

"One more thing--" Mr. Hayes set a piece of paper on Mark's desk--" The music club is looking for new members. They meet today and I'd like you to go."

"Sure. I'll check it out."

"Good. They're meeting in the clubroom behind the track field." Mr. Hayes gave Mark a gentle pat on the back." Let me know if I can help out with anything, alright?"

Mark nodded," Thanks."

Mark grabbed the paper and waved to Mr. Hayes as xe hurried out of the classroom.

Exiting the school building, Mark was hit with a blast of frigid autumn air. Xe adjusted xis scarf around xis neck and started toward the clubroom at the far side of the track field. As xe made xis way along the edge of the field, a smudge of movement caught xis eye. There was something behind the small building at the edge of the school grounds. Mark slipped a hand into xis pocket and tightened xis fingers around the handle inside as xe neared the building.

When xe got closer, xe could see the shadow of something lurking behind the building half-hidden by the tall fir trees.

Suddenly, the door to the building slammed open with a loud screech of metal from the rusted hinges. The sound made xim jump.

"--For the last time, Chris: you can't take your naps in the strings baskets--"

The red-haired boy who'd been yelling looked surprised to see Mark standing in front of him. With a light cough, the boy adjusted his blue glasses and set down the small wire basket he'd been wielding. He smoothed out the purple sweatshirt he was wearing to reveal that it had golden letters that read 'Science Rules!' emblazoned on it in a thick font.

"Ahem. Sorry about that. Can I help you?" The boy asked, running a hand through his messy hair.

"Um. . . I was told the music club meets here," Mark replied, glancing back at where xe'd seen the shadow. From what xe could tell, it was already gone. Dang.

The red-haired boys' eyes lit up.

"Oh! For music club? Then you're Mark, I assume?" The boy extended his hand to Mark." I'm Lucas! Mr. Hayes let me know you were coming!"

"Guess so," Mark shook the boy's hand.

Lucas smiled," Great! We're excited to have you!"

"Thanks."

Mark let out a small sigh as xe was ushered inside.

Looks like it's going to be a long day . . .