AN UNPLEASANT SURPRISE

Chapter 9: An Unpleasant Surprise

By the time the moon hits the sky, Mario and Mari are already on the road. They both look cool in their uniforms, but the sleeves make it obvious that Mario has lost an arm. They stand on the walkway, apparently waiting for a taxi, as Mari breaks the silence.

Mari: Oh my, O! I don't know how you did it, but that meal was delicious.

Mario: Of course it was. Not everyone's father is okay with them being unable to take care of themselves.

Mari: Hold it right there. The only reason you were taught how to cook is because you're the lesser twin. You had to cook for the almighty Lukas.

Mario: Don't talk about my brother like that.

Mari: Or what? You're going to challenge me to another duel?

Mario takes a deep breath, calming himself, and changing the topic.

Mario: Why are we out here anyway? I don't know about you, but don't two teenagers dressed like criminals, trying to get a taxi in the middle of the night to an off-limits town, sound a little suspicious?

Mari: It does, and that's why we're not going to get a taxi.

Mario: Pardon?

Mari: I hid a car somewhere around here.

Mario: Then tell me why we're standing here and not in the car.

Mari: Don't be so serious. I was enjoying the conversation.

Mario: Neither of us is legally cleared to drive. Do you even have a driver's license?

Mari: Sure. All hunters above the junior hunter rank are given licenses and fake IDs.

Mario: Ouch. Is there anything else I should know?

Mari: A lot, actually. Like how only Captains and CITs are given memory wipers, and how no one else can use them. You'll learn more as the days go by.

Mari walks toward the bushes, hitting random objects until he strikes metal.

Mari: Found her.

He removes the materials he used to camouflage the car, gets in, drives it onto the road, and stops for Mario to get in.

Mario: A black car? Seriously? For someone who keeps blue hair, you sure love black stuff.

Mari: Are you going to continue being my mum, or are you going to get in?

Mario enters the front passenger seat, and Mari drives down the lonely road, headed for Iceberg Town. Near the outskirts, He pulls over by the forest. Mario glances at him, suspicious.

Mario: I know we're definitely not going to drive into the town, but why stop here?

Mari: Surveillance is most likely off the charts, and I'm guessing there are motion detection systems in place. While those wouldn't be an issue for me, they would be for a junior hunter.

Mario clicks his tongue in annoyance, cutting him off.

Mario: Get to the point.

Mari: There's an old tunnel system leading into the town. Since Iceberg Town was frequently threatened by floods, an emergency evacuation tunnel was built. Over the years, it became unpopular, and when an actual emergency arose, it didn't help much. I doubt even the military knows about it.

Mario: Huh. That was actually smart.

Mari: How dare you?! I always say smart stuff.

Mario: Well, that wasn't too smart.

Mari: Are you going to be my mum, or are we going to go?

Mario: I hate it when you do that.

Mari walks around searching for the tunnel's entrance.

Mari: It should be around here... somewhere. Ahhh, it's right here.

Mari removes the tunnel entrance's lid, as he climbs down. He reaches the floor and calls out to Mario.

Mari: What are you waiting for, O? Aren't you coming?

Mario: Just wanted to check if it was safe. You just happened to be a good test subject.

Mari: You've had your laugh. Now get over here.

Mario attempts to climb down but loses his balance due to the fact that he is physically handicapped. He slips, and Mari attempts to catch him but becomes overwhelmed by Mario's weight, causing both of them to fall on the ground.

Mario: I'm sorry.

Mari manages to speak.

Mari: It's okay. You know, it's okay to ask for help. You're not less human, you know?

Mario: I'm okay. I just miscalculated. Still getting used to the left-hand stuff.

Mario states arrogantly.

They both rise from the floor as they venture into the dark tunnel. Mario whispers to Mari.

Mario: We know where HQ is. Why doesn't everyone just go there?

Mari: First of all, they can't hear us. This tunnel is soundproof. Secondly, you won't be allowed into the building unless the higher-ups summon you. Only Captains can go at any time.

Mario: Isn't it really insecure? It's a location that can be pinpointed by pretty much anyone.

Mari: Like I said before, DDI is a corporate organization to regular people and government agencies. We are basically just individuals on their payroll. I don't know how they cover up the numerous casualties over the years, but this place is too messed up for that to bug anyone. Just imagine, we can't even comprehend the leadership system we practice. We don't really have a king per se. The whole stuff about being a kingdom is crap. I've never told anyone this before, but the royal house is in a state of anarchy. They just hide it to maintain control and stability. Everything about this place seems off, and no one seems to be concerned.

Mario goes cold for a while and then asks a serious question.

Mario: What happened to my brother and father?

Mari exhales sharply.

Mari: I already told you not to ask me that. I know I'm a major member of the house, but like I said before, they don't let me in on the big secrets. All I heard is that they were killed on the spot.

Mari begins to stare at Mario as they continue walking.

Mari: You know, I haven't been able to completely figure you out. Why do you even care about them after what they've made you go through?

Mario: Lu isn't to blame for any of this. He was just a victim, as was I...

Mari: We're almost at the town.

Mario suddenly stops walking.

Mari: What's wrong?

Mario: I smell blood.

Mari: It's to be expected. There was a massacre here. I doubt the place has been completely cleaned up. Not sure anyone wants to enter the town on foot anymore.

Mario: No... I mean... it's fresh. Fresh scent of blood. It's coming from over there.

Mario points along the tunnel with his index finger. Afterwards, he draws out his blade. Mari goes quiet for a while, then suddenly becomes alert.

Mari: I sense a rarity. Stay behind me.

Mario: I can handle myself, thank you.

Mari: I hope so.

Mari zooms off following the aura he sensed but stops when he sees a young adult male, presumably human, moving a fresh corpse. He looks at Mari in surprise and shows his displeasure with his facial expression.

Mark: Never thought I'd run into a hunter here. Tch! This is going to be a pain.