Life of a Demon Slayer

Chapter 2: Chance Encounter - Part 2

‼️TRIGGER WARNING: this chapter contains depictions of severe anxiety, blood, and PTSD—viewer discretion is advised‼️

She can see it?

"A Ghoul. It must have been attracted to your aura," Mark answered.

"That thing—"

"We'll explain once we're somewhere safe."

The girl didn't seem entirely convinced, but she fell silent.

After what felt like forever in the dark forest, the two of them finally emerged from the trees at a shrine. Mark ushered the girl inside.

"We'll be safe here," Mark explained, closing the door as the girl slid to the floor.

"Are you sure?" The girl still looked skeptical.

Mark nodded and turned to the girl," are you alright?"

"Y-yes. I think so." The girl nodded, pushing a strand of purple hair from her face as she tried to catch her breath." What was that thing just now and why did it attack me?"

Mark sat down next to the girl.

"That 'thing' was a Ghoul; a common type of Rouge Spirit."

"You mean like a ghost?"

"Could a ghost cause structural damage?" Mark raised an eyebrow.

Xis quip didn't seem to help her nerves.

"Kidding. They probably came after you because of your strong aura."

The girl looked down at her trembling hands.

"That's the first time one's attacked me." Her voice quivered as she spoke—a familiar strain was present in her words, which told xim she was near tears.

I'm surprised it took this long for something to attack her considering how big her aura is, Mark thought to ximself.

"How long have you been able to see apparitions?"

"I think for about as long as I can remember," she answered, though she didn't seem confident in herself. She shuffled uncomfortably.

Mark opened xis mouth to say something, but before xe could get the words out, the door to the shrine flew open with a loud bang. There was a cracking of wood as the sliding door slammed into the wall.

"You're not funny." Mark frowned and lowered xis sword from Shizu's throat." So?"

"I got three stones," Shizu grinned smugly, moving to sit next to Mark." So who's our little friend here?"

"She's—" Mark trailed off, realizing xe hadn't asked for pronouns, or even a name yet.

Xe glanced at the girl. She seemed familiar somehow but xe couldn't quite place why.

Thankfully the blonde took it upon herself to break the awkward silence.

"My name is Lily Alborne," she said, extending a hand to Shizu." I go by she/they pronouns."

"Nice to meet you!" Shizu beamed, shaking her hand." I'm Shizu Hasegawa, but just Shizu is fine!"

Lily nodded and turned back to Mark.

Nudging him slightly, she said," I'm a little hurt you don't remember my name considering we've been in the same class all year."

"Yeah, well I'm sure you've noticed I've been gone," Mark huffed, feeling slightly annoyed though xe couldn't place why.

"I'm just teasing."

"Right . . ." Mark shifted closer to Shizu. There was something about Lily that made xim uneasy.