DEMON HUNT

Chapter 57: The aftermath.

      It's been barely four hours since Omero became the high chief of the Hōlē. It's still morning, midday some hours away.

The city gates, swiftly reconstructed after their earlier destruction, open up once again. This time, it's for an exit. Omero, Mark, Klaus, Krager, Skylar, and Dlamini, ride out of the city, on horseback. The cool breeze makes their blue robes wave behind them, their horses headed to the nearby hills.

     After riding for half an hour, they reach their destination. They all alight from their horses, setting their sights on some pretty steep hills ahead. They likely intend to head towards them. By popular consent, Krager stays behind to watch the horses as the rest go straight ahead.

      As the five ocean eyes members navigate their way up the slope, a conversation ensues.

Skylar: Are you absolutely sure it's fine to have the human tag along?

Mark: It's 'Mark'. My name is Mark.

Omero: Mark is an important part of this group, and a more valuable member of Ocean eyes.

Skylar laughs.

Skylar: I know. I just like getting under his skin.

Klaus and Dlamini both remain silent throughout the strenuous walk.
As they achieve their goal, getting to the top of the hill, Skylar exhales sharply.

Skylar: We're here.

They all stand beside each other, viewing the landscape from the high ground, seemingly taking in the moment. Skylar interrupts the moment by slamming her palms against each other, as if to remove dust.

Skylar: Welp, time to get to work. Mark, your move.

Mark: Sure.

Mark disappears from view, reappearing in mere seconds, holding the occupied familiar body bag with both hands.

Mark: Done.

Skylar smiles warmly.

Skylar: Thank you. Now to the serious part.

Skylar's countenance changes, becoming more serious.

Skylar: Gentlemen, I know you must have already figured out why you're here by now.

Omero takes over.

Omero: I didn't ask for your arrival to help me handle my father. That bit was long sorted out.

Skylar: I'm about to begin the extraction. I can, with great strain on my body, gain access into the void. That hypothetical space of nothingness, where I intend to send his essence to...or whatever it is that's inside that kid's body. I intend to set up a barrier. If something goes wrong, you have to make absolute sure no part of him leaves this place. If we can't do this, I don't know who can. We have a great task at hand, but I'm absolutely confident we can achieve our goal...

Dlamini interrupts Skylar's speech, his frowning face highly expressive.

Dlamini: Enough talking. Let's get rid of that abomination.

Skylar nods in affirmation. She turns to Omero, who gives a nod of approval. Skylar sets up a barrier, enclosing everyone of them within. Omero zips the body bag open, taking out Mari's corpse. The body is in impeccable condition, bringing a sense of certainty to the group.

Mark: Yup, he's in there.

Omero places Mari on the ground, instantly elevating the area around him and forming an altar-like structure, Mari on top of it. The structure is as high as Omero's lower torso.

Skylar: Let's begin.

The others stand on guard as Skylar stretches her hand towards the elevated corpse, her blue eyes glowing noticeably brighter than usual. She focuses on the assignment at hand.