DEMON HUNT

Chapter 22: A wealth of information

       Cassandra continues to stare at Lisandro's face, as Lisandro attempts to anticipate her next move. To his surprise, Cassandra chuckles again.

Cassandra: You shouldn't hide such a face. Your eyes are pretty.

    Lisandro retains his composure, hiding how surprised he is.

Lisandro: Well, thank you. I'm still shy and so, I'll keep it covered.

    Lisandro covers his face with the hood.

Cassandra: I understand.

Lisandro: I feel like I should know, but I don't and so, I'll ask anyway. What are we here for?

        They both hear the sound of a ringing bell.

Cassandra: You're about to find out. Let's head back.

    Cassandra leads Lisandro back to the tunnel, they walk past the queue. She leads him out the other end of the tunnel, into a big hall on the surface.

Cassandra: Welcome to the unification ceremony.

    Cassandra smiles as they walk past multiple well dressed demons. Lisandro keeps his composure as usual, but he is at high alert with his senses razor sharp. They soon reach the biggest chamber in the hall. It is well lit and decorated. There's an elevated section with seven luxurious chairs situated there. A rather well dressed demon walks swiftly towards Cassandra and Lisandro. He bows slightly to Cassandra while staring at Lisandro, full of suspicion.

Drakov: Where have you been? Your father has been looking for you. Who is he?

Cassandra: He's with me.

Drakov: (sighs) Never mind. Just hurry up and go up there. It's about to start.

Cassandra: All right, all right. You can go now.

    Drakov shakes his head in frustration.

Drakov: As you wish.

    Drakov walks away, and climbs the podium, standing behind one of the chairs. Six other demons soon follow.

Cassandra: (To Lisandro) I have to go now.

Lisandro: Okay.

    Cassandra waves as she goes on to climb the podium, amid cheers from the constantly growing crowd. Shortly after, four more of the seven chairs are occupied and only two are left vacant.

Lisandro: (thought) Who would have thought that such a structure existed here. This gathering proves beyond reasonable doubt that Mari's theory is indeed correct. There are a certain number of territories...a minimum of six including this one, if I'm going by what Cassandra said. She must be the daughter of the head of this territory. I'm gaining a lot of useful information right now but I have to leave soon. Suspicion about my identity is beginning to grow. I can feel it.

       
      A male demon rises from his seat on the podium, takes some steps forward and begins to address the crowd audibly.

Kelechi: It is with great joy that I welcome each and everyone of you here today. An initiative sprang forth months back and has since revolutionized our world as we know it. Four of the seven territories signed an agreement that laid the foundation for what we now have today. After a gruesome confrontation which led to the Iceberg massacre, a fifth territory signed that same agreement, and Ocean eyes was officially birthed that night. A referendum was held here a while back and an overwhelming majority expressed their desire to join the alliance.

Lisandro: (thought) Ocean eyes, huh.

Kelechi: Tonight, we celebrate!

    The crowd cheers and quietens down, albeit gradually.