DEMON HUNT

Chapter 70: The man and the beast IX

The first plague had begun. Multiple abnormalities were occuring at the same time. Explosions, unnatural floodings, vaporization of flesh. People just started doing things they normally would not be able to do. Unable to control the overwhelming abilities, they became tools of mass destruction.

Feeling dejected and downcast, John Kado takes a deep breath, levitating just high enough to see the scale of destruction being done. He stretches out both his hands, struggling as he cries out, straining. His white strip of hair glows. A ray of light disseminating across the entire area, like a shockwave, visible to all.

That day, John Kado saved Malvay. He put a limiter in every Malv citizen, stopping the mayhem. However, from time to time, some people were able to break the limiter, allowing them make use of the abilities. In all the land, only the north was relatively safe from the unpredictable outbursts, because no Oragonian had ever exhibited the curse. It came at a cost, though. John Kado's hair became entirely white and two irremovable metallic bracelets appeared on his wrists.

A year after what was tagged 'Kardama's defeat', Gregor's children voted to have Théo inherit the throne. It was becoming increasingly difficult for John to lead, and so, he decided to have Théo crowned in a fortnight.

Gaius pays John Kado a visit, finding the regent reading a book. John welcomes him warmly, his white hair still proving impossible to darken. His chin is free of hair.

Gaius: Has there been word from your wife, John?

John Kado flips his book to the next page.

John Kado: Of course. Sahara wrote me months ago. I did not feel the need to speak about it, I am sorry. She made a request. She asked that I let her stay in Zenshima for eight more months. Due to the decision and everything, I thought I owed it to her.

Gaius wipes his brows with his hand.

Gaius: You really do not intend to have a child...Have you considered the possibility of adopting one? I hear it is a practice becoming increasingly popular among us Malvs. The child could still bear your name and continue your legacy.

John Kado: I do not want to take any chances. His prophecy...this is the price I must pay, Gaius, and it does not frighten me.

Gaius drops to one knee, surpirsing John and speaking melancholically.

Gaius: I want to pass an order to the men, lord regent.

John replies dismissively.

John Kado: You are the lord of boots and a trusted friend. You need not ask me for permission.

Gaius: Not for permission, John. For forgiveness for something I must do.

John Kado: What might that be?

Gaius rises to his feet.

Gaius: Théo cannot become king. These are the most desperate and dire times Malvay has ever faced. That was just one of three plagues. Surely, you understand this.

John Kado: The boy does not have the qualities of a king, but he has the support of his siblings. I will do my best to advise him.

Gaius: Advise? Surely, you do not believe that. Théo has confided in me, his intended fate for me. I will be hanged for my role in your government. How much more you? I do not fear death, but I fear for the fate of my country, as I am sure you do. I intend to take Théo out...he and all his brothers.

John's book falls from his hands.

John Kado: Do you know what you are suggesting?

Gaius: I do. And even if you forbid me from doing it, my mind is set. If Théo alone meets death, his brothers will rise up for revenge. There will be no end to it. Malvay needs to be united. This is why I will do it and surrender myself to the king's justice, which you will execute. I stand before you after sixty long years on this Earth and I tell you, John, there is no other way. I know of your love for the young John Real, but...

Gaius looks away.

Gaius: Just turn a blind eye. Please, John. It has to be done.

John Kado slowly rises to his feet, placing his hand on Gaius' shoulder, smiling warmly.

John Kado: I understand, Gaius, I understand. I thank you for your service, but I am afraid I cannot do that.

John walks over to his window, staring outside, like Gregor used to do years back.

John Kado: If it must be done, then, I will be the one to do it, and I will let the people know I did it, and submit myself to their justice. When I am no more, Gaius...

John turns to Gaius, staring keenly into his eyes.

John Kado: I want Sasa to rule this country. I trust her.

Gaius gives a weak nod.

And so, John Kado swept across the land in one night, staining dark nemesis with the blood of thirteen bastard princes, including the young prince John Real.

Away from these shores, however, John was about to become a father, unbeknownst to him. Sahara went on vacation to see the so-called land of sweetness, Zenshima; the product of years of historic excellence, even from the times before the changing of the name from 'Zenxhimer'.

The regent's wife jubilated when she found out she was pregnant; then only just reaching Zenshima. She was more than eager to share the good news with John, in a letter, but the eagerness died swiftly, when she received John's letter first. The Oragonians had agreed to make peace, on the condition that the titole autonome would be permanently expelled. The precondition was a safety measure, as they feared Kardama would slaughter them for what he would perceive to be betrayal. And so, they all collectively took care of him, albeit in an unhonourable fashion. Kardama has sworn to punish them for this deed, and if Malvay must be saved, John Kado must never have a child.

Sahara placed her hand on her belly as she read through the letter. She had gone from wanting him dead, to loving this man dearly. She understood his decision. She knew the sacrifice he was making..., the pain he must have felt. She wrote back immediately, sending encouragement, and showing her resolve to stand by him in the darkest hours of his life. She, however, did not tell him about her pregnancy, afraid of what he might do if he knew. She decided to put the baby's life in the hands of fate. She wanted to let the universe decide.

Eight months and some weeks after her departure, the universe decided to let her have a son. With the additional amount of time granted by her husband, Sahara had enough time to take care of her son. After weaning him, she decided it was time to return home. She hired a maiden to help her with the child, ultimately acting as the child's mother.

Sahara returned to Malvay with her handmaiden, Koura, and her son, still yet to be named. She helped Koura become a Malv citizen and relieved her of her duties. It was not easy keeping secrets from the man she loved, but she knew what was at stake, all the while wondering if he would ever forgive her. Sahara occasionally visited Koura discreetly.

Three whole years passed, without John Kado ever setting his eyes on his son. The baby grew up to become a toddler. He had his father's eyes and lips, but his mother's features were more pronounced. To prevent the child from being a public spectacle, Sahara decided to have the child homeschooled. She was grooming the boy to become a great ruler, just like his father.

Things were going fairly smoothly. The northmen were given equal seats on the king's table, and the majority of Malvay had decided to allow John remain regent and ruler, for as long as he deemed fit. Such was their love for their war hero. They all waited warily for the second plague to come, cherishing everyday spent without it.

On the eight year of Koura's ward's life, something worse than a hundred plagues befell Malvay. On the day Sahara decided to name her son, the war hero died.