DEMON HUNT

Chapter 17: Option three

     The two CITs are still caught up in fighting. Mari's clothes are a bit rippled, while Renard's are quite the opposite. They both pause for a while and Mari begins to breath heavily.

Mari: Why are you doing this? What's this really about?

Renard: You still don't know? Well, that's very unfortunate.

   Mari then gets an idea and this prompts him to begin to talk to himself.

Mari: You want a fight, right? I'll feed your ego just this once.

Renard: Caught in a trance, Mari? Unfortunately for you, I'm not gonna give you room to finish daydreaming!

   
Renard creates a hurricane and sends it towards Mari. Mari smiles underneath his mask and patiently waits for the hurricane to hit him, intending to fake a fall. A few seconds before the potential impact, the raging hurricane suddenly disappears. Mari is dumbfounded as Renard begins to laugh once more.

Renard: You didn't actually think I'd be stupid enough to fall for that trick, did you? Trying to feint a fall just so this fight can end. I'd advise you to get serious and fight me like lives depend on it...because they pretty much do.

     Mario is still caught up in the dilemma of rescuing the others. Mundo stares at him keenly, awaiting his decision.

Mario: What's my guarantee that you'll keep your word?

Mundo: You don't have one. However, in good faith, I must let you know that to get out of this maze, you must let the pine tress guide you. Each and every awkwardly bent pine tree is a pointer to the way out. That said, don't tell me you're too weak to make the choice.

Mario: Of course I'm not!

   Mario begins to think hard.

Mario: This should be easy. I'll just choose the Mari fanboy. He does have a sister to return to, after all. That's the right cho-

    A memory flashes into Mario's mind. "I'm Humberto, aged 19, junior hunter. I'll rather not share my attribute and I'm super scared of dying". This memory makes Mario engage in a battle within himself as his pondering continues.

Mario: Why? Why did I remember that, now? Who knows how many friends and loved ones are waiting for his return?...do I really have the right to choose their fate?

      Mundo soon begins to lose his patience.

Mundo: I thought so. Apparently, you don't have the guts to do it. However, I'm ready to compromise and give you a third option. I mean, I am benevolent after all.

       Mundo smiles as Mario's face displays his interest.

Mundo: Option three: fight me and defeat me within the space of thirty minutes or they both die. Plus, you'll follow shortly after or even before they die. It all depends on you.

Mario: I see. What's option two then?

Mundo: Isn't that obvious? Option two: Walk away and save yourself from all of this.

Mario: That so?

Mundo: Don't try to play hero. You only have one arm. I can already see from where I stand that you're neither strong nor quick, and I doubt that you're extremely smart.

Mario: You're right. I am one thing, however.

Mundo: And what might that be?

Mario: I'm extremely stupid.

   Mario points his sword at Mundo.

Mundo: I had high hopes for you, but oh well.

    The ropes drag Humberto and Yash off the ground, suspending them in the air, making Mario concerned.