DEMON HUNT

Chapter 47: Shocks and journeys

The sun sets over Malvay as the birds sing their songs. The sky is far from being clear; the chilly air blowing persistently. It's signaling the start of a long overdue winter season.

Mari is in a moving carriage, each window blinded, making it near impossible to see what's outside. He's wearing a puffy brown jacket, an attempt to keep himself warm. He's entirely focused on a letter he's reading. It's from Toro. He reads the letter silently.

Toro: Dear Mari. Crap, I have no clue what comes next. It was my earnest desire to see you before leaving to you-know-where. Turns out you were sleeping, couldn't muster the willpower to wake you up. Every hunter in the corp is aware of the task at hand now. They've all been assigned missions aimed at making this task a success. I believe you're being taken to the Inazuma fortress now. Don't worry, you'll be safe there. Even I do not know where it is. Frankly, no one does. Does Father know though? Oof, I'm getting distracted now. My point is, you'll be safe. So, just hang on and take care, this will all be over before you know it.

Mari chuckles as he completes the letter. The carriage stops. Mari could feel it's movement coming to a halt. The door opens, giving way for chilly air to fill the area. A masked personality, presumably the carriage's coachman, addresses Mari politely.

Coachman: This is as far as I go.

He hands over a blindfold to Mari, expecting him to use it. Mari takes the blindfold and puts it to use, as he asks a question.

Mari: So, where do I go from here?

The coachman helps him out of the carriage, before giving a reply.

Coachman: This is as far as I can go. However, your journey continues, young one.

The coachman points to a stationary carriage, apparently waiting for Mari. Mari clicks his tongue.

Mari: It's not like I can see what you're trying to show me. But oh well, sure.

The coachman leads Mari into the next carriage, before turning to leave. Mari is allowed to take his blindfold off, once inside. The carriage begins to move. Mari finds himself seating besides a female hunter. He recognizes her, since her face is uncovered, but he doesn't have much of a personal relationship with her. He wastes no time in talking to her.

Mari: I guess we're headed in the same direction.

The hunter smiles as she gives a response.

Mikhayla: Definitely. I've been assigned to protect you.

Mari gives a surprised look.

Mari: Protect me? Your mission is protecting me?

Mikhayla smiles warmly.

Mikhayla: I'm one of the twelve hunters on this mission. I guess the others have already gotten there. I find it strange though. I've heard the stories, you'll be more than safe once we get there. Their best shot would be attacking us before we get there.

Mari: Precisely. I'll use my lightning sensor technique to scout the area.

Mikhayla: No, don't. I have this under control. You need to trust your comrades a little more. We were instructed to not put you in a position that'd make you use your abilities. They may be tracking your aura somehow. Actively using kado would amplify that exponentially. Captain Omero drafted us for this mission. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

Mari takes a deep breath as he banishes his initial thought.

Mari: I suppose you're right. Thank you.

Mikhayla smiles warmly again.

Mikhayla: My pleasure. My name is Mikhayla, by the way. Mikhayla Trask. My friends call me Mika.

Mikhayla stretches her hand towards Mari, hoping for a handshake. Mari accepts the offer.

Mari: I'm Mari. Class three hunter, Mikhayla Trask. I'm in safe hands. Well, it doesn't seem like we'll be getting off anytime soon, so, fancy some storytelling?

Mikhayla jumps on the offer.

The journey continues steadily, the routine repeating itself. There are definitely faster means of transportation than the one being used, but it'd seem this one is preferable for some reason. Could it be the terrain that would be encountered? Or the potential trackability of modern means of movement? Or is it just an integral traditional part of the journey to the Inazuma fortress? Whatever the reason, it has proven effective so far.

It is often argued that no single one person alive can provide the location of the Inazuma fortress. Just like the secretary, Malcolm, was in the corp and outside the corp at the same time, les cochers d'honneur, as they are called, make up the unit in charge of protecting the integrity and the secrecy of the Inazuma fortress. It is possible that not even Father has knowledge of the deeper parts of their identity or is it? The Father is touted as the root, life source and pillar of the corp. Is there anything such a personality would not know about the institute? It remains to be seen.

Back at DDI headquarters, Charleston is about to depart for his mission. He's completely dressed in his hunt suit, his domini mask worn on his face, and his cape left to move about randomly.

Charleston walks through a hallway, intending to take a quick exit. The place is noticeably less busy than it would normally be; a situation created by the massive manpower required to execute Omero's plan. Charleston is obviously in a good mood, as depicted by his melodic humming. As he continues his steady motion, he senses something shocking, bringing him to a sudden stop. Charleston slowing turns his head to the left, directly facing a room simply labeled as 'store room'. It happens to be the same room Nicole followed Sinister into, the day Ocean eyes made their interest in Mari known. Charleston has a grim look on his face; his eyes opened to the widest possible limit. He mutters to himself as he approaches the door, the corridor showing no sign that anyone else is present in the area.

Charleston: It can't be.

Charleston opens the door, heading slowly towards a bag situated at the other end of the room. It's a traveling bag, designed to be carried with one hand or over the shoulder. Charleston continues his muttering, obviously confused.

Charleston: This aura...it's not possible. It can't be...

Charleston hastily unzips the bag, dipping his right hand inside and bringing out a handful of its contents. His right palm is covered in ice crystals. Charleston becomes even more confused. His confusion slowly begins to translate into visible rage.

Charleston: This is Sinister's bag, but these crystals...these small crystalline balls that should be melting...why do they have Lisandro's aura?

Charleston stares at the ice crystal balls keenly, trying to gain some understanding.
As his concentration increases, he finally comes to a sudden realization.

Charleston: These used to be a part of Lisandro's body...?

Charleston returns the balls to their initial position. He begins to ponder, trying to control his anger.

Charleston: It makes no sense. Sinister wouldn't do something this reckless. It'd be naïve of me to be suspicious of him over th...

Charleston's eyes suddenly fall on a paper attached to the bag. The paper carries a short message, conveyed in Sinister's handwriting. He reads it in a hush tone.

Charleston: (reading) Congratulations to whoever finds this first.

Charleston zips the bag, turning around in a jiffy. He walks to the door and exits the room.

Charleston: He was actually info hunting. Just not info hunting for us. Oh, Sinister. What in the world have you become.

Charleston closes his eyes, taking a deep breath. The quietness of the hallway making his breath hearable. Charleston disappears out of sight, the exact moment he exhales. He is presumably going after Sinister; hoping deep down that he's being mind controlled. Anything to explain he's not acting according to his own will.

Time continues to tick, thirty hours to the predicted time of the gathering.

Thirty hours...