DEMON HUNT

Chapter 44: The path to Seider

Sinister begins to walk away, making his way to the door. Nicole just stands there, her lips moving, but her words falling short of reaching his ears. She just mutters inaudibly. Sinister's hand reaches the door's handle-the door had shut after Nicole entered. Seconds before he'd pull, Nicole makes an audible remark.

Nicole: Are you alright?

Sinister pauses. He withdraws his hand, standing still. Nicole is unsure of a follow-up. She just stares from where she's standing. Sinister turns around and begins to walk towards her, stopping just in front of her. His manly stature is intimidating enough, but the expression he's wearing on his face takes it to another level. He stares her in the eyes without uttering a word. Nicole also remains silent. After staring for about a dozen seconds, Sinister turns to leave again. Nicole pinches her thigh, prompting herself to speak up.

Nicole: We're not conniving to hide stuff from you!

Nicole herself seems surprised. She clearly didn't mean to exclaim. Sinister turns around again, this time more swiftly. Nicole's thigh begin to hurt badly as she maintains her hold.

Nicole: It was a one-off. There's nothing else you should know that you don't know.

Sinister: Thank you for the update.

Nicole's words begin to flow.

Nicole: We can't do any of this without you. You're very important. We need your experience, your exposure...if we're going to have success at Seider, we're going to have to work together and put our differences aside. You and Mr.Omero can work things out. I'm sure it's just a healthy rivalry that can be nurtured to yield a positive outcome.

Sinister stares at her, his facial expression changing, the wall he built around his emotions falling. Her words have been able to make him see...see nothing actually. Sinister remains well...Sinister.

Sinister: Behold the golden generation of hunters. What do we have here? Let's see, shall we? Toro, the unforgiving, a guy who dresses like he's in a kids show, Omero...

Sinister takes a deep breath to calm himself down.

Sinister: Having lots of records between you doesn't make you the best. This council will be the death of this corp. Your dad was my absolute hero, back in the day. Go ask the red dragon how council matters fared under him.

Nicole: But we could...

Sinister notices Nicole's pinching action. She stops the moment she realizes he's noticed. Sinister gives a puzzled expression.

Sinister: Is there really no trace of the red dragon in you?

Nicole just looks on, unable to reply. Sinister exhales and then turns to leave. Nicole doesn't try to stop him. On getting to the door, Sinister stops and speaks calmly.

Sinister: Nice try, kiddo.

Sinister opens the door and leaves. Nicole just stands there, like a statue. After minutes of inactivity, she adjusts her headband and exhales sharply, shuddering in the process. She arguably dons the most stylish hunt suit of all the captains, her elastic black headband going around and underneath her hair. Her black leather jacket gives off the impression of a bold and outspoken person, but this doesn't seem to be the case at all. Nicole takes a slow walk to the door, placing her hand on the knob and making her exit.

Nicole enters the council room, seeing Toro and Omero seated just like they were before she left. It doesn't feel like they even uttered a word to each other in her absence. She takes her seat, her mood saying it all.

Charleston soon enters, catching everyone's attention, as they all look at him expectantly. He wastes no time in satisfying their curiosity.

Charleston: He's in the building...safe.