DEMON HUNT

Chapter 54: Broken, Shattered.

The atmosphere becomes pensive, the rain drops now only just trickling down. Toro stands a reasonable number of paces away from the Ocean eyes duo, Mari now hoisted up on Omero's shoulder, after a quick swap before Toro's arrival. Droplets of water drip off Toro's clothing, giving off a rhythmic sound. Omero makes the earthen structure he had created disintegrate. He's so focused on Toro, every form of voluntary blinking of his eyes has ceased. Toro is the one to break the silence; his voice as cool as ever, probably shrouding the conclusion he's drawn from the sensory data he's gathered. He surveys the area with a simple look around. The sickening state of the corpses around him; once vibrant hunters, now cold and dead...just dead. He utters Omero's name, his facial expression hidden behind a mask.

Toro: Omero.

Omero responds equally coolly.

Omero: Toro.

Toro turns to a pool of blood, now mixed with the flowing water from the downpour, but its varying levels of concentration makes it easy to tell its origin point. Toro turns his attention to Omero once more.

Toro: Whose blood is it?

Omero: It's Mario's.

Toro doesn't display a drift in composure or general state of mind. The conversation begins to flow.

Toro: I see. Where is he now?

Omero: He's no longer with us.

Toro: Hmmm. Did he have any regrets?

Omero: It's hard to say.

At this point, Toro takes a couple of steps to his left, wading through water with his already soaked boots.

Toro: Hand Mari over and I'll give you a swift end.

There's no mistaking Toro's words and how serious he is. He was never known as one to give empty threats. Omero exhales deeply, before giving a reply.

Omero: Toro...

Toro raises his voice for the first time since his arrival.

Toro: Now!

Mark just listens attentively without uttering a word. He may very well be closer to death than he's ever been, depending on the outcome of the ongoing exchange. Omero maintains his cool, speaking with a straight face.

Omero: Toro,...listen.

Omero's words give rise to a pensive moment. Toro channels his focus into listening. The deer quietly grazing in the forest, the plash and gurgling of moving rainwater, the chirping birds up on the tree branches, the howls of a wounded wolf, the gentle whisper of the wind. Toro hears it all, but none of that is his main concern. Palpitation takes over his mind. He hears his heart throb, as well as Mark's. In sharp contrast, Omero's heart rate is steady, as though he were sleeping peacefully. The main goal, however, is accomplished. Toro exhales sharply as he switches off his hypersensitivity. He couldn't hear Mari's heartbeat. Not as a result of his inefficiency, no, no. Toro couldn't hear it because there is, in fact, no heartbeat. Omero touches Mark's hand to capture his attention, speaking softly to him.

Omero: Get ready.

Toro takes a moment to take everything in, before muttering softly.

Toro: I see.

Toro's gloves suddenly begin to disintegrate, alongside his black sleeves. His snow-hued white hair stands on end, giving off a massive degree of ominous intent. Omero turns to Mark.

Omero: Do it now.

Mark brushes off Omero's instruction with a smile.

Mark: No need to be so hasty. I'd like to see where this is going.