DEMON HUNT

Chapter 41: Destiny

Mario stares at Mari, surprised, but unable to utter a word. Mari's eyes scan Mario's shaken face, searching for answers. Drops of water drip down his face, leaving visible trails, but he's not bothered by this. He speaks in a high tone.

Mari: She's the reason you're leaving, isn't it? The girl you saved on your way back from Marcella. The reason you've been giving more thought to how you look, how you talk, what impression you give. You didn't care about your pay. You'd just wave to donate it all to an orphanage, a camp for the disabled, internally displaced people, and all that. But in the last few months, that's changed!

Mari's breathing becomes fast paced. He's visibly annoyed. Mario calmly mutters his name to cool his temper.

Mario: Mari...

Mari continues his emotion filled comments, ignoring Mario's mutters, possibly not even hearing them. Mari's high pitched statements have completely transitioned into full blown vociferations.

Mari: It's her, isn't it?! She's the reason! Humberto desired to have you deliver a belonging to his sister, but what would his reaction be to see you kissing his younger sister?!

Mario rises to his feet instantly, firmly looking Mari in the eye, his fist clenched. He loses his composure completely, speaking on the same pitch as Mari.

Mario: I did no such thing! I never told you about her...

Mario's eyeballs roll from left to right as he begins to think hard. His eyeballs soon settle as he comes to a realization. He fixes them on Mari's face, softly asking a question, but stuttering in the process.

Mario: You...you followed me?

Mari's voice subconsciously drops to the level of Mario's. Changing the tone of the conversation.

Mari: It was the only way to ensure your safety.

Mario roars an instant response in Mari's face, his facial expression showing his burning anger.

Mario: I don't need your protection! I can take care of myself. I don't need you to be my babysitter...no...you're acting like you're my father. I don't need you to monitor everything I do!

Mari doesn't back down. He maintains eye contact, but gives a calm reply.

Mari: Well, you didn't notice my presence. So, I guess you do need my protection.

Mario screams in frustration as he paces about to blow off some steam. He walks around aimlessly, clenching and opening his fist repeatedly.

Mario: I really do not want to do this right now. You do not understand.

Mari's anger returns. He begins to yell again. This time, even louder. He voices his anger.

Mari: No, you're right. I don't understand! I do not understand you. How could you? You told her? It's hunter one-O-one. You never reveal anything about the organization! How could you do something so stupid?!

Mario: I didn't tell her about DDI. My mask came off while I was fighting. She saw my face. She recognized me. It wasn't my fault!

Mari exhales sharply as he tries to calm himself down. He calmly asks Mario a question, intending to fix things.

Mari: What does she know?

Mario: She knows there are things going on. Dark things that she shouldn't get involved in. She knows Humberto sacrificed his life to do good. She knows I have...abilities. But she doesn't know about DDI, hunters, ocean eyes or any of that.

Mari shakes his head in dismay as he exclaims to show his frustration.

Mari: Oh, Mario, what have you done?! What were you thinking?! I'm going to fix this mess.