Demon Hunters

Conclusions, Part IV

Suddenly, Jonah tensed up and his eyes narrowed.

"You don't intend to attack me, do you?"

"What? Why would I do that?" Gabriel asked, confused by the sudden shift in mood.

Jonah let his piercing eyes bore through Gabriel, but after a brief moment where Gabriel wondered whether he needed to get ready to fight back, the demon hunter closed his eyes and sighed.

"Well, I'll believe you. After all, your horns aren't out... However, this means that we have something of a problem."

"What do you mean?" Gabriel asked, still not completely sure if his companion hadn't just lost his mind.

"This," Jonah said, sticking his tongue out.

Though initially perplexed, Gabriel soon understood the situation. The mark that had been branded onto Jonah's tongue was bleeding – which meant that a demon was nearby.

"Should we search for it? Or just try to hide?" he asked.

Though he felt revitalized, Gabriel wasn't entirely certain if he was capable of fighting a demon in his current state. He had defeated a demon in one-on-one combat before, as the final part of his training, but back then he had been in full strength. Now, though, after suffering from malnutrition for weeks on end? The end result wasn't quite so certain.

"As much as I'd like to say that we should just hide... I don't think that's possible. Demons don't usually move too quickly but judging by how rapidly the intensity of the pain is growing, it must be running – meaning that it is chasing someone."

"I see," Gabriel said, grabbing his crutch.

"Of course, you needn't accompany me, since you're not a demon hunter," Jonah huffed, throwing his backpack on. "Though I could really use a hand."

"Well, then. Consider this payback for the meal," Gabriel grunted, getting up.

"Figured as much," Jonah replied, grinning. "Let's head out... And remember to watch out for the trap."

Soon the two were trampling through the forest, guided by Jonah's brand. Gabriel was having a hard time keeping up, what with his mangled leg, but he was determined not to hold up the demon hunter.

This blasted leg of mine!

Though Gabriel possessed regenerative powers almost on par with a demon, they were sometimes as much of a curse as much as they were a boon. After his capture, his leg had indeed healed – but the bones hadn't been set properly, and now the appendage was little more than a hindrance. He had considered breaking it himself only to set it properly and then to let it heal, but Gabriel had realized that he didn't possess the medical knowledge to pull this off. Worst case scenario, he would only make the situation worse, and that wasn't something he was eager to risk.

Thankfully for Gabriel, it didn't take too long for the two to reach the demon. Jonah put his finger over his lips and motioned for Gabriel to crouch. It soon became apparent that being silent wasn't all too necessary, however: the demon, a hulking creature the horned head of which vaguely resembled that of a warthog, was fully immersed in consuming the remains of a horse. Gabriel pried his eyes away from the revolting creature and surveyed the area. The unfortunate horse had been drawing a small carriage, which was now laying on the edge of the road, tipped over. Much to Gabriel's surprise, the cart's owners – an older couple – were still standing some ways away from the demon, wearing shocked expressions.

Have they lost their minds? Why haven't they escaped? Must be something awfully valuable in that cart of theirs... he thought

Just then, a disturbing notion entered his mind. Gabriel took a closer look at the cart and, indeed, he had been correct. Trapped under the wagon and only barely visible was a young man, clearly in pain and unable to move. Jonah crawled next to Gabriel and shook his head.