DEMON HUNT

Chapter 42: Someone to live for

A week has flown by. The negotiation process may have made Ocean eyes resolve to keep things fairly quiet. Neither Mari nor Mario have had an official assignment since their fight. However, the hunters have been notified of a great push to end the demons once and for all. The message wasn't exactly the most detailed, but they understood the need to be prepared before further instructions would come.

It's not only been a quiet week for the duo as regards hunter duties, but also in the area of their interaction with each other. Mari hasn't altered a word to Mario, since walking out of that room. Not even Mario's culinary skills could remedy the situation. It's as though he's living like Mario isn't around anymore, mostly cooped up in his room, alone. He's probably shattered by the prospect of wiping out the demons. A world of peaceful coexistence between humans and demons must feel more distant than ever. Coupled with Mario's decision to leave the corp, that would be enough to send him drowning in an ocean of despair.

Mario is in the living room, staring at his mask. He moves his fingers across the surface, as if to feel what it's made of. Memories seem to come with each touch. Memories of his father, of his brother, Lukas, of Kelly and her last words to him. Mario's life and journey from the naïve little boy who knocked on Toro's door, asking to become a hunter, to the young man bent on quitting. In a matter of months, Mario's life had taken more turns than it ever did in the years before.

''In every Daline, there's a roaring lion. An independent force that will change the world''. Mario's father's words echo in his mind. Mario smiles as he continues to reflect. He's startled by a voice from behind him.

Mari: Does it really mean that much to you...being a Daline?

Mario adjusts from his seat, moving his neck just enough to catch Mari's face. He doesn't give a response, taking the question as a rhetorical one. Mari walks over, sitting beside Mario, on the same couch. The closest they've been in a week. They both stare into space, looking at the wall in front of them. Their countenance is cold, almost as if they're mourning someone. Mari breaks the silence, still staring into space. He speaks in a calm and composed manner.

Mari: Is she really that special...to you?
You're willing to give everything up for her, right? That must make her special.

Mario doesn't respond, he just stares at the wall, silent. Mari continues speaking anyway.

Mari: I have come to accept that I never truly understood how you felt all this time. I will not try to stop you from leaving. But I have a request...

Mario looks in Mari's direction. Mari turns in response, making them both look at each other eye to eye. Mari's eyes depict the mixture of emotions building up in him as he goes on.

Mari: Will you at least stay for the great push against the demons? It's only a few days away...according to the message.

Mario finally replies. He matches Mari's soft approach.

Mario: How do you feel? You always wanted to find a way to peace without bloodshed. That doesn't seem like a possibility now. It must hurt.

Mari fakes a smile.

Mari: I wanted a way to peace. Sometimes, war is the only way to peace. That's something I've overlooked all this time. But now I know.

Mario knows Mari is only putting up a front. He'd never be happy with war as the ultimate option, but for some reason, he's ready to go with it anyway.

Mario: You have no reason to stay. After the so-called great push, what need would there be for hunters? It would be over. You should come with me.

Mari sighs on hearing Mario's offer.