DEMON HUNT

Chapter 29: Visions?

At the end of the funeral, Mario walks up to Omero, leaving Mari and Sung, who're chatting with each other. Mario bows slightly, as a sign of respect before speaking.

Mario: Captain, can I have a word with you?

Omero: Oh. If it isn't young Mario. I must say, you did pretty well to survive operation north sweep. You're free to speak to me. What is it?

Mario: Before his death, Humberto asked something of me. He asked me to give this pendant to his sister.

Mario shows Omero Humberto's pendant.

Omero: You need not worry. I'll have it sent to her in no time.

Mario: Actually, I'd like to deliver it to her myself. He entrusted this to me...and it's the least I could do. If that's okay, that is.

Omero smiles.

Omero: of course. I'll have the necessary info sent to you before the end of the day.

Mario: Thank you, Captain.

Omero gives a warm smile.

Omero: There you go. You're learning.

Omero suddenly begins to stare at the sky, as he asks Mario a somewhat random question.

Omero: Do you hate the demons?

Mario becomes unsure of what to answer.

Mario: Hate them?

Omero: Yes. Did you become a hunter to avenge someone or something? Why are you a hunter?

Mario: Actually...I've never actually thought it mattered. Hating or not hating them doesn't seem to affect my goal.

Omero: Goal? What would that be?

Mario: I'm a demon hunter because I want to die tragically. It's a stupid reason, but even so. As a demon hunter, my death would have a little more meaning...or so I think. But then again, I think it doesn't have to make sense. Not everything has to be logical. But that's just my opinion.

Omero smiles at Mario.

Omero: Of course. Good luck with fulfilling Humberto's wish. I have to leave now. Take care.

Omero walks away. Mari walks up to Mario. Apparently, Sung had left. The area had become less dense. Mari places his hand on Mario's shoulder, from behind him.

Mari: How'd it go, O?

Mari smiles as Mario turns towards him.

Mario: It went pretty well. The funeral's over. What do we do now?

Mario's last sentence begins to ring repeatedly in Mari's head. Mari suddenly loses consciousness of his surrounding. Mario stares at his face. He is so shocked he doesn't move. He just stares, unable to move so much as an inch.

The sun smiles down on Malvay as the birds sing to the hearing of all who cared to listen. A group of armoured men, supposedly military officials, walk down the streets in patrol. A man dressed in a majestic robe, a depiction of high social status, hurries through the corridor of the most glamorous structure in all of Malvay, the royal palace. John Kado barges into the king's chambers without knocking. He opens his mouth to speak immediately after.

John Kado: My lord, there's trouble! We are in danger, my lord!

John exclaims with his eyes bulging out in fear. King Gregor, who is standing by his window doesn't respond. He just stares through the window in silence.

John Kado:Your Majesty, it's urgent. The last badge of occupying Novalian soldiers were set to leave Seagard this morning. They began to make jest of Malvay, as has been the practice in recent weeks. A young lad, offended by their remarks opted to throw stones at them. The soldiers intended to retaliate by punishing the boy as they saw fit, but the community wouldn't have it. At the end of the clash, twelve Novalian soldiers winded up dead, with three escaping for dear life with injuries. The news seems to have reached Novali at light speed. A fleet of Novalian ships, too large to be an envoy of peace was spotted leaving port Hestia. What do we do, my lord? The ships will be here in three day's time...less than that! My lord, we must act now. What do we do?