Hiroshi, the demon.

Chapter 2:Bound by shadows

The Halloween event passed by in a blur. Between the decorations, the loud music, and the masquerade of costumes, I almost forgot what had happened that day. Almost. Every so often, the memory of Hiroshi's demon form would flash across my mind-a vision of claws, sharp teeth, eyes filled with something ancient and fierce, and Xavier's severed head.

As the night wore on, I found myself glancing at the clock more and more frequently. Midnight was approaching. Soon, I left the event, feeling the chill of the October night as I made my way to the library down the street Hiroshi had mentioned. The building was dark and silent, towering over the quiet street like an ancient shadow. I hesitated, staring up at its windows. Was I really ready to step into this world?

The answer, I realized, didn't matter. I was already in too deep, might as well just go with the flow am I right, haha? (VINCE IS NOT FUNNY DO NOT LAUGH AT HIS GOOFY JOKES ‼️)

I stepped inside, my footsteps echoing in the silent halls as I made my way through the stacks of old, forgotten books. At the end of an aisle, under the pale glow of a single, flickering light, as Hiroshi sat on the pile of books. She was in her human form, though something about her seemed more... ethereal, almost like she was hovering between worlds.

"You're here," she said, her voice soft but carrying a strange weight to it. She held out her hand. "Ready?"

I nodded, stepping closer, feeling my heartbeat quicken. As soon as I placed my hand in hers, a warmth surged through me, powerful yet controlled. It felt as if her energy was seeping into my veins, spreading through every fibre of my being.

"Don't worry," she reassured me. "I'm just lending you a fraction of my power-a sort of... guardian's bond. " " You won't turn into a demon, but you'll have enough strength to defend yourself. And maybe, if you focus hard enough, you can unlock a few other tricks."

"Tricks?" I raised an eyebrow, but she didn't elaborate. Instead, she just gave me that nasty cryptic smile again.

"You'll see," she said mysteriously. "For now, let's test it out."

Without warning, she pulled me to the centre of the library's open space, where rows of tables sat empty. In an instant, her human form melted away, revealing her demon self-the same dark, menacing figure I'd seen before. Her claws glinted under the dim light, and her eyes burned like embers.

My first instinct was to step back, but something held me in place-a new strength, a steadying force that seemed to come from within. I clenched my fists, feeling power surge through my arms. It wasn't like anything I'd felt before, like a current waiting to be unleashed.

"Good," Hiroshi said, her demonic voice lingered as she spoke, eyeing me with approval. "Now, try to block this."

She lunged forward, faster than I could see, her claws slashing through the air. But somehow, I reacted on instinct. My hand shot up, blocking her strike. A shock of pain ran through me, but I held my ground.

"Not bad," she said, pulling back with a satisfied smirk. "Looks like my power suits you."

I flexed my hands, amazed. "So... I'm really stronger now?"

"More than just stronger," she said, her eyes gleaming. "If you focus, you can sense things too-things that humans can't normally feel. Like the energy of others, intentions, emotions... but that takes practice."

Her words left me buzzing with excitement. This was more than just strength; it was an entirely new way of seeing the world.

"But remember, Vince," she said, her voice growing serious. "This power might lure demons who ain't got no morals like me HAH!... Your new strength is able to draw attention by other demons, so you gotta be cautious."

"Other demons?" I swallowed, feeling a chill creep down my spine. "You mean the more feral ones, right? "

"Yes," she replied, her gaze darkening. "Like I said,some are like me, protective and disciplined. But others... they're wild, untethered. If they sense you have even a trace of demonic power, they might see you as a threat-or maybe an imposter or something."

I felt a shiver run through me. "So what do I do?"

She smiled softly, her gaze steady. "Oh, I'mgonna help you with those powers, no way you're gonna make it learning the use of them without support." She murmured before turning human again

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words settle over me. There was no turning back now. I was on a path into a world I could hardly imagine, a world where danger lurked behind shadows and power came at a price.

But with Hiroshi at my side, I knew one thing for certain: whatever came next, I'd be ready.

Hiroshi x Vince you say?..why not ‼️